Going for a wildlife safari in Uganda is an experience that will fascinate you leaving you with lasting memories.
It’s really a great experience to enjoy a high-class safari holiday, but such mainly cater for tourists who are on a bigger budget, spending less time on their Safari in Uganda before returning to their well-paying jobs. Having said all that, this article is here to help a tourist who is on a limited budget but would love to also enjoy a Uganda safari. We have highlighted some of the points that will help you spend less on your safari yet still enjoy Uganda’s wide range of wildlife and tourist sites.
If you have your own car, or with a friend with one and is prepared to drive you, this can also cut your safari costs greatly. However in case you don’t have a car or have no friend in Uganda to drive you around, this article will still be of great help to you.
1. Join a Safari Group
When going on Safari, you will pay for an entire vehicle (normally a land cruiser or van, with a seat capacity of 6 – 8 people). So help cut on the cost paid by each, when organizing your safari, it better you join a travel group such that you share the transport cost among yourselves. Always join a group that is going to visit the same tourist sites or National park as yours.
2. Travel during the Low Tourism Season
The Uganda tourism industry has the peak season (when the number of tourists in the country is very high), and the low season (when there are fewer tourists due to the rains – April, May and November). During the peak season, the average cost of a safari is generally high while in the low season it is lower. so for some on a tight budgeting seeking to save money, we recommend that you travel during the low season when prices are cheaper, however you should stand warmed that chances of seeing the wild animals are a bit minimal since the animals are hidden deeper within the forests. So we recommend that you take your safari towards the end of the low season when the rains are reducing.
3. Opt to Visit National Parks that are nearer
When on a Safari in Uganda, think of visiting national parks that are closer such as Lake Mburo National Park compared to the distant Kidepo Valley National Park in the far north. In this park you will have the opportunity to enjoy a game drive, boat ride and even bird watching.
4. Park Entrance Charges are paid for each particular Day
Since the entrance fees to the parks are paid on a daily basis, try to make best use of the day you will visit. ensure that Drive around the national park for as many hour as you can, as the animals are mainly seen in the early morning and in the late evenings. Where possible endeavor that you do all your adventure activities such as game drives and boat rides all in one day to avoid multiple entrances on different days
5. Opt for Accommodation outside the Park
Try to find accommodation outside but close to the national park. In most cases the cost of accommodation within the park boundaries is higher compared to that of facilities on the outskirts of the park. Besides that, you will be required to pay park entrance fees for no less than 2 days. So instead get affordable accommodation outside the park boundaries to cut on all these costs.
6. Choose to go Camping
Try to find accommodation outside but close to the national park. In most cases the cost of accommodation within the park boundaries is higher compared to that of facilities on the outskirts of the park. Besides that, you will be required to pay park entrance fees for no less than 2 days. So instead get affordable accommodation outside the park boundaries to cut on all these costs.
7. Eat at the Driver’s Canteen
Safari drivers and hotel staff usually eat local, western food and snack offered at cheaper prices at their canteen. So when on a limited budget on your safari in Uganda, simply move around the premises of the hotel and you will definitely find the staff canteen normally close to the staff quarters.
8. Bring Your Own Drinks and foods
Because Food along with drinks are generally too expensive, we recommend that travelers on a tight budget should opt to pack their own. Despite that most safari packages may include meals packing your own will certainly save you some money.
