Below are some of the tips on how you can plan a budget safari in Uganda
Book your safari in advance
Given the competitive demand for wildlife safaris and hiking adventures in Uganda, interested travelers are encouraged to book in advance for their permits especially for the mountain gorilla trekking if you plan to visit the Bwindi National Park as well as other wildlife safari destinations or in case you desire to travel during the high season that starts from June to September and December to February, you need to book your tour with recognized tour operator earlier enough. During this season, even the lodges around the parks can be occupied and there can be minimal space left.
Travel in a group of at least 4 to 6 members
Traveling in a group helps to cut down the cost since the price can be shared for instance vehicle costs and other transport costs to desired destination of your choice. A group of 4 or 6 people or as a family safari is the best and exciting. For accommodation, food and also entrance fees, they do not change but the major challenge always lies around transport cost which can share when you are in a group.
Safari vehicles are always the same whether luxury or budget. Preferably the bus or coaster can be the best for your safari depending on the number of people; you can therefore inform your tour operator in advance that you want to travel on budget to allow them plan appropriately for your tour. It is easier and affordable to make car arrangements via safari companies compared to personal cars.
If you approached a service provider personally the costs can increase and your budget safari will change to luxury instead. Most tour companies have company cars which are used to transport visitors at a cost but usually pocket friendly and mostly within travelers’ budget. You are encouraged to compare the prices of vehicles from one compare to another and get to know the one that fits within your budget.
Plan for budget or moderate facilities
You can cut down the price of accommodation by choosing budget or moderate hotels and lodging accommodations. The costs of lodging in and around the protected areas can range from $450 each day on full board in addition to the $600 for the gorilla trekking permit in Uganda.
Hotels in Kampala or Entebbe
Most lodges and accommodation facilities in Kampala or Entebbe sell a room at $400 or more. Alternatively, you can choose to spend a night in hotel of about $10 to $26 comprising of breakfast. You can spend you night at Entebbe at $100 to 4250 per night of get a lovely hotel around the beach at $50 with restaurant on a sandy beach which comes with palm trees. The most important thing is that you need to make your comparisons on the hotels or lodges within the city center before par taking one.
Getting Ugandan visa
Visas can be accessed from your respective countries of origin with Uganda embassy but the bad thing you will incur additional cost especially when it comes to mailing. In the USA you can incur about $30 for mailings, overnight being required. You can simply travel to Uganda or Entebbe and spend about $50 for your Visa minus the mailing costs.
Restaurants
You can choose to spend time in luxury hotel where food will cost you a lot more or eat out at less cost. You can eat chips and some vegetables at $5 in Kampala or a spinach stuffed chicken with rice in Jinja at the same cost.
Nightlife
It is crawl traveling for nightlife in Kampala, but the perfect way is for you to hire a car and sober driver and you will be delivered safely to your place of choice. The tour operator will advise you on the best places to go to.
Traveling from the USA to Uganda
The fortunate thing is that the dollar has increased against the Uganda shilling which has facilitated travel in the country. Try visiting forex bureaus other than relying the on restaurants or hotels that may give you less compared to outside forex bureaus.
In conclusion, while planning budget safari; make sure that you inform the tour operator that you traveling on budget such they can arrange your safari earlier. Usually the safari covers transportation, accommodation, permits and park entrance. Always make comparisons on accommodation, hotels, vehicles and many others before paying. In most cases the prices are displayed online that you can check out. Planning a Budget Safari In Uganda : Steps To Follow
