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Backpacking Uganda: The Perfect 2-Week Uganda Travel Itinerary

Posted by Lara | May 22, 2020 | Uganda | 0

Hi there, I'm Lara! Your classic Dutchie, who just as any other girl-next-door loves traveling, meeting people, and food. I am best described as an extremely clumsy, sarcastic solo female traveler with zero photography skills. Yet I decided to use these "skills" to give practical, budget, and sustainable travel tips for other solo (female) travelers.

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• The Ultimate Backpacking Guide To...

The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Uganda

Culture Trip Writer

Uganda lends itself perfectly to being an interesting yet budget-friendly country to explore. There is so much to keep a restless budget traveller busy, making it one of the world’s top backpacking destinations. Here’s our guide on how to make the most of it.

The backpacker scene.

There are a number of backpackers’ hostels and low-budget accommodation facilities with travel resources in Kampala, and even more so in the outskirts. It’s a good idea to stay in the city to enjoy Kampala’s nightlife, and use the guided city tours to kickstart your expedition; most backpackers and hostels offer shuttle services for those taking their activities out of town, as that’s where the real action happens. Generally, it’s very easy to get around using public transport such as buses, shared taxis (minibuses) and of course, the boda bodas (bicycle and motorcycle taxis) – but don’t forget to use a helmet. Have your tent on you, so you can determine where your day ends.

Making the most of it

As with all successful projects, a little research goes a long way. The internet is turning the world into a global village, and it’s very inspiring to read a recommendation from a visitor to go and see or do something in your own country. Read from the locals as well: there are tons of shoestring travel blogs and rich experiences to learn from. Get in touch with the places you intend to stay and inquire about their rates, activities, meals and anything you may need to know – this way, you have an idea of what to expect.

Travel local

Most folks aren’t keen on using public transport, with all the chaos it entails, but it’s a sure way of making your shillings last. Use the matatu (privately owned minibuses), buses or boda boda to go places. Keep away from the fancy and fast-food restaurants , as the real soul food at incredibly low prices is found in the bufunda – dingy restaurants. Granted, they can be a little noisy and crowded, but the food is served steaming hot, so you know it’s safe to eat. You save money, eat healthy food and appreciate the local cuisine all in one sitting.

Be flexible

While backpacking through Uganda, plans are bound to change from time to time. Allow room for such instances in your schedule by being flexible. So when an activity is cancelled because of the rain, replace it with the one that’s rain-friendly, and carry your waterproof essentials.

Except for the petty pickpockets and a few phone snatchers in the city, the country is pretty safe. Still, it doesn’t hurt to exercise some vigilance —you’re visiting somewhere for the first time, after all. If you plan to explore the city for a few days, use SafeBoda and UberBoda ; these can move you around Kampala safely and securely as they offer their passengers helmets and they use maps, thereby reducing the chances of getting lost.

If you plan to experience true Kampala nightlife without much worry, use Uber. However, it doesn’t work far out of the city. Hiking through national parks and game reserves, Uganda Wildlife Authority offers trained armed guides in case you cross paths with a wounded or hysterical animal.

Food and accommodation

Depending on how tight your budget is, eating like a local is one way to stretch your shillings. Try a rolex (an omelette, tomatoes and a choice of vegetables rolled into a chapati), or order a steaming plate of katogo – a mix of meat or peanut paste boiled together with bananas – for a breakfast that costs less than a dollar from one of the bufunda; return for a food-coma -inducing lunch if the service was good, otherwise try somewhere new. For dinner, take a trip to the trading centre for some grilled chicken – get it while the fire is still burning on the grill, so you know it’s safe.

As for where to rest your body, the city and the outskirts are dotted with backpackers and hostels from as low as $15 a night for shared dorms. In some places, you can pitch your tent for as little as $7 a night. The good thing is, most of these are strategically located within walking distance of the trading centre, the mall and the places where activities such rafting and quad biking take place.

Making friends

It’s easy to make friends here, as Ugandans are generally warm people. Grab a beer or your choice of drink in the backpackers’ hostel’s lounge area or by the campsite’s bonfire and by the time it’s finished, you’ll have picked up friends for life. There are a handful of budget travel groups such as Mountain Slayers Uganda , Mountain Club of Uganda , Koi Koi UG , Kayak the Nile and others with activity calendars. If solo travel doesn’t appeal to you, join one of these on one of their trips and escape the hassle of planning a trip. These trips are quite affordable because group travel saves a lot on the money you would otherwise spend on activities.

Pick up a few phrases to express yourself and you will be speaking to their hearts; watch how warm and wide their smiles get.

Money, money, money

The cost of living is relatively low in Uganda compared to its neighbours. But don’t make the mistake of underestimating the Ugandan shilling; with so much to do and so much to spend it on, the rate at which it slips through the fingers can be dizzying.

$1 = 3,864.55 Ugandan shillings (as of June 2018)

Whereas Kampala city is starting to embrace the cashless economy (depending on where you go), the majority of the country deals with cash. Mobile Money services are giving the mainstream banking industry a run for its money, so once you get your local SIM card, which you will have to register with your national ID if you’re Ugandan and a passport if you’re a foreigner, and your number will be activated to transact mobile money. Save some of your shillings on your mobile account to avoid traveling with too much cash, and withdraw it in any town.

1 meal: $2–$4 1 beer: $0.70 in a supermarket, $1 in a local pub and $2.6–$3 in an upscale bar 1 night at a backpacker hostel: $15–$50 1 cheap mode of transport for inner-city travel: $2–$5 1 hygiene or medical essential at a local shop: $2–$5 1 affordable experience or a Kampala City field trip: $7

Where to go

Murchison Falls

Known for its furious rapids, Murchison Falls shouldn’t be missed by any self-respecting backpacker. It’s found on the White Nile, between Lake George and Lake Albert. In the national park, trekking and safari drives are quite affordable.

The adrenaline capital in the east offers activities that get your heart racing, like bungee jumping, kayaking, horse riding, quad biking and water rafting.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This is the only place you will find tree-climbing lions. Besides the lions, you will find the big animal species such as hippos, giraffes, elephants, other mammals and a diverse and unique vegetation.

Go off the beaten track by the exploring this relatively virgin territory in the northeast. Experience an authentic African village setting by spending a night in a kraal with the local herders and their cows as you watch the stars dance in the sky.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

This is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild. It’s a conservation project that started with six rhinos, four bought from Kenya and two donated by Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Today, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has 15 rhinos.

Bucket-list experiences

Track the chimpanzees in Kibale National Park

Kibale is a diverse rainforest with over 351 types of tree, some are over 200 years old. This is also home to 13 primate species; the stars are the chimpanzees.

Raft the Nile

Try this thrilling once-in-a-lifetime experience before the rapids on the River Nile disappear with the construction of a dam.

Hike a mountain

Challenge your will and summit Mount Elgon at 4,321 metres (14,177 feet) high, or Mount Sabinyo in the southwest with its three peaks and hellish ladders, and marvel at the country’s beauty from higher ground.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Guides & Tips

A guide to seeing chimpanzees in kibale national park, uganda.

Architecture

How africa's only bahá’í temple arrived in uganda.

See & Do

Top things to experience in kampala.

10 Top Guided Tours to Take in Kampala

Top Markets in Uganda

How to Spend 24 Hours in Kampala

When's the Best Time of Year to Visit Uganda?

A Guide to Seeing Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Unmissable Attractions in Uganda

Restaurants

10 top restaurants in uganda.

Amazing Places You Didn’t Know You Could Ski

Top Organisations to Volunteer for in Uganda

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Backpacking Uganda

Uganda Travel Guide

The ultimate budget travel guide to Uganda

Backpacking Uganda is the ultimate guide to backpack travel in Uganda! Get all the information, tips and advice you need to travel around Uganda. This online guide will definitely help you to save money and travel Uganda with ease.

Budget traveling around Uganda is very possible especially if you are running on a tight budget. There are several accommodation options where you can still get all the fun to make a perfect holiday – and yet spend less! We highlight the best safari lodges, hotels and campsites where you can spend a night while exploring Uganda.

Looking for a packaged tour? We bring timely offers to travelers looking to cheap Uganda Safaris and holidays.

From this resource, get all the tips and advice from other backpackers. This is the first travel guide written by Backpackers for those looking to backpacking Uganda! Plan your trip to Uganda with this free travel guide answering all your questions about living, working and traveling in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.

About Uganda

Known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is an excellent destination for road trippers in East Africa. Best known for excellent gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing and nature attractions, Uganda offers excellent holidays to tourists looking for an adventure fun-filled drive around the country.

Exploring the country by car is fun especially for both city attractions and remote areas thus the reason for many backpacking tours each day.

Top Things to See & Do

Are you dreaming of visiting one of the perfect attractions and national parks of Uganda with old world charm, incredible scenic beauty?. Perhaps begin your search for the best destinations from the wonderful wildlife under the sun, Uganda is everything.

Bwindi forest National Park is one of the famed parks filled with green vegetation and rare primates “mountain gorillas”. The colorful animals stay inside the impenetrable forest together with other wildlife, birds and primates. The charming tree climbing lions are famous for its unusual behaviours up close in trees and tourists make must stops at Ishasha sector for this adventure.

For those looking for a game viewing safari, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison falls National park are the most visited wildlife parks in Uganda with lots of wildlife and adventure for guests. The afternoon boat cruise in each park are exceptional. Since then it has been referred to as Uganda best wildlife viewing parks due to abundant wildlife together with lakes and falls. Both parks still have chimpanzee tracking grounds so guests enjoy both wildlife and primate viewing trips while around.

You will find other Uganda wildlife in Lake Mburo national park and other chimpanzees in Kibale forest national park.

Away from the parks, Kampala Uganda’s capital has the real active social life and tourists find what to do during day and night. There are many bars and night clubs open 24 hours a day. Some of the attractions to check during day in Kampala include Namugongo shrine, Uganda Museum, Bahai Temple, Owino market, business streets, Nakasero Market, the Kabaka’s Palace,etc.

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Backpacking Uganda: The ULTIMATE budget Uganda travel guide

Backpacking Uganda: Top Experiences

• Come face-to-face with a silverback mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Get your adrenaline pumping with a wild raft ride down the Nile River’s Class V whitewater in Jinja
• Spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and crocs on a game drive and boat trip in Murchison Falls National Park
• Hike through impossibly green hills and friendly villages in the Toro Crater Lakes region
• Paddle a dugout canoe to Uganda’s best backpacker hangout — Byoona Amagara — on Lake Bunyonyi

Jump to the list of posts from Uganda , or read on for my comprehensive Uganda travel guide.

Uganda itinerary ideas

Uganda is a tiny country that packs a huge punch. Unusually for Africa , you can get between just about any two cities within five hours. But at the same time, every single destination looks and feels wildly different.

The southwest is the focus for most Uganda itineraries. The typical route heads west from Kampala to track chimpanzees in Kibale National Forest. Then, spend a couple days in Queen Elizabeth National Park , where you can do game drives and boat trips through an incredible diversity of landscapes. Finally, continue to the far south near the Rwandan border to track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — potentially basing yourself at Lake Bunyonyi for some post-trek relaxation. This Uganda itinerary can be covered in as little as ten days.

With more time, there are plenty of diversions along the way. Instead of rushing through Kibale Forest just to track chimps, spend a few days trekking through the nearby Toro Crater Lakes region. Or explore the monkey and bird life at Bigodi , just 5 km from the chimp trailhead. A number of excellent budget camps and lodges in the area, plus a very low volume of tourists, make this a great region for backpackers to explore. Serious trekkers should check out the Rwenzori range — where you could have a 7-day peak-bagging expedition all to yourself.

Another increasingly popular pit stop is Lake Mburo. The national park may not have much in the way of Big 5 wildlife, but it’s the only place in southern Uganda where you can see zebras. The savanna landscape is gorgeous (and unusual for Uganda), and you can mix it up with walking, biking or horseback safaris.

If you have two weeks in Uganda or more, you could consider adding Murchison Falls National Park to your itinerary. Out on a limb in the north-central region, this park has far superior game viewing compared to Queen Elizabeth, and it’s less crowded. Budget travelers backpacking Uganda usually visit on a three-day safari organized by Red Chilli Tours in Kampala .

With three or more weeks for your Uganda itinerary, branch out to the east with a day of whitewater rafting in Jinja . Then, make your way north to Sipi Falls in the stunning Mount Elgon region. From here you can easily hop across the border to Kenya , or branch further north to Kidepo Valley National Park and the Karamoja Region — but consider hiring a driver for this very remote area.

Uganda weather and when to visit Uganda

Uganda’s equatorial location means temperatures are consistent year-round, so rainfall is the biggest factor to consider when deciding when to go. Overall rainfall is far higher than its neighbors, and even in dry season, you’ll get rain a few times a week.

The best time to visit Uganda is in December-January, or in June-August. Mornings are usually dry, as are some afternoons. Animals are more likely to venture out of the bush and be visible. It also makes for more pleasant gorilla and chimp tracking when you don’t have to wade through ankle-deep mud. If you plan to trek in the Rwenzori or Mount Elgon, visiting in dry season is essential, but you should still plan for tons of rain and mud.

The downside of visiting in dry season is tourist numbers are at their peak. Uganda isn’t a touristy country, so you won’t feel constantly surrounded by safari vehicles like you might in Kenya or Tanzania. But you’ll need to book gorilla and even chimp permits many months in advance — ideally 6 months or more.

In rainy season, tourist numbers drop dramatically and the possibility opens up of getting last-minute permits for chimps. It’s still quite difficult to get last-minute gorilla permits , but a month or two advance booking is fine. The downside is, well, it’s really wet and muddy. Some roads wash out. Hiking and camping becomes a miserable prospect, especially in the Rwenzori. That said, you’ll have the country largely to yourself and the landscape will be incredibly green.

One other important thing to keep in mind when backpacking Uganda is most of the country is above 1,000 meters in elevation. This means temperatures range from warm and pleasant to quite chilly (below 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night is not unusual). The areas around Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are cold enough to make camping unpleasant without a four-season sleeping bag. If you trek in the Rwenzori or Mount Elgon, you should pack snow gear.

Language in Uganda

The primary local language spoken in Uganda is Luganda . It’s a Bantu language with origins in the Buganda kingdom in the eastern part of the country. It’s pronounced exactly as written.

However, there are a total of 41 recognized languages spoken in the country. Many of these are Bantu-derived, and mutually intelligible with Luganda, but others are totally different and not mutually intelligible.

As a result, nearly everyone in Uganda speaks English. You’ll often hear Ugandans speaking English with each other. As a tourist, you can default to English most of the time. But Ugandans are accustomed to hearing English spoken with the Ugandan accent (which is closer to a British accent and has a whole host of its own dialectical quirks), so you may need to speak extra clearly if you have a strong American accent.

In very rare cases, you’ll encounter someone who doesn’t speak English or Luganda. In these cases it’s okay to try Swahili. But most Ugandans don’t use Swahili on a daily basis, and it can even come off as culturally insensitive (like you’re lumping Uganda in with other East African countries rather than recognizing its own unique cultural heritage). Whatever you do, don’t greet people in Uganda with a hearty “Jambo!” or you’ll get some pretty nasty stares.

Whichever language you use, make sure to properly greet people before diving into a conversation. Whether it’s a guard at a national park, a waiter at a restaurant, or someone you need to ask for directions on the street,  always  start with, “hello, how are you?” and genuinely listen to the answer. If someone else initiates the conversation, the proper answer to “how are you?” is “I am fine”.

The one word everyone backpacking Uganda will become quite familiar with is “mzungu.” This marks you as a person from North America, Europe or Australia (regardless of your skin color — your mannerisms and dress give you away). It’s not an offensive term, just a statement of fact. Sometimes you’ll hear Ugandans using this word when talking about you (as in “that bag is the mzungu’s,”), and other times they’ll use it to get your attention (as in “Mzungu, this is your bus stop!”)

Budget for backpacking Uganda

Backpacking Uganda can be extremely cheap — until you want to do any activities. Day-to-day travel costs are quite low. But nearly every wildlife encounter or adventure tour is pricey. As a result, the most useful way to organize your Uganda budget is separate day-to-day costs and big-ticket activities.

A daily budget for food, accommodation, and travel while backpacking Uganda could be as low as $30/day if you’re camping — but $40 per day would be more comfortable. This would include cheap activities like village walks, hiking and even some wildlife experiences where you don’t have to pay park fees. A healthy mid-range budget would be $80-100 a day, for which you can stay in some very nice lodges and eat at excellent restaurants.

Then, you’ll want a big-ticket activity budget of at least $1,000 — enough for a gorilla permit, chimp permit, and one day of game drives and boat trips in Queen Elizabeth National Park. If you can up it to $1,500 you can also do a Murchison Falls safari and go whitewater rafting in Jinja.

The cheapest hang-out spots for backpackers are Lake Bunyonyi and Jinja. You could camp for days in gorgeous surrounds for a total budget (food and activities — but not rafting — included) of around $20 per day. The Ssese Islands used to be a popular budget getaway, but dodgy ferries and higher malaria risk have made them less appealing as Bunyonyi has developed more for tourism.

ATM’s abound in urban Uganda. They mostly play nicely with foreign Visa cards, but not Mastercard. They dispense shillings, which you need to pay for food, bus tickets, small day tours, curios, etc. If you’re going to be in the bush for a few days, such as on the Bwindi-Queen Elizabeth-Kibale Forest safari circuit , plan your ATM visits in advance — villages and small towns generally don’t have ATM’s.

Most guesthouses and tour agencies quote prices in U.S. dollars, but you can pay in either dollars or shillings. Tips for guides are expected and should always be in local currency. A stash of $100+ in hard currency — dollars are best — is useful for when ATM’s don’t work or the power is out. Euros and pounds are useless except at Forex bureaus.

Cash is king, but mobile money is also popular. It’s kind of like PayPal, but with a cell network instead of web-based. MTN is the most popular provider, and you’ll need a local SIM card to use it. You can only pay with credit card at high-end lodges.

Sample costs (quoted in USD, but usually paid in shillings)

Camping with your own tent at a lodge in or near a national park: $5-10

Rolex (street food): $0.30

Meal at a mid-range restaurant: $3.50

Large French press coffee with local single-origin beans: $2

Half-day village walk or cultural tour: $8-10

Bus from Kampala to Fort Portal: $5.50

Boda (motorcycle taxi) from Lake Bunyonyi to Kabale: $1.30

Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park: $70 for the vehicle (up to 4 people) plus $40 park entry fee per person

Gorilla permit: $600, must be paid in dollars

Uganda visa requirements

Nearly everyone backpacking Uganda needs a visa. Unfortunately, the country is shifting rather chaotically to an e-visa system. Reports of whether you can get your visa on arrival are muddled and confusing. Immigration officials don’t know the rules on a day-in, day-out basis, or have different interpretations of the rules. So if you can, you should arrange your Uganda visa in advance.

For citizens of the U.S., Canada, most European countries, and Australia, the visa for Uganda costs $50. You can apply online here at least five days before you arrive. You need a copy of your Yellow Fever certificate and evidence of onward transport out of Uganda. You’ll get a form to bring to immigration when you enter the country, which is when you’ll actually receive the document for your passport (and possibly when you’ll make the payment, although the online system seems to intermittently require you to pay when you submit).

If you’re visiting Kenya and Rwanda on the same trip, it’s cheaper to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa. This costs $100 and grants you multiple-entry, unlimited travel within all three countries for 90 days. It does not cover Tanzania.

You must apply for the EAT visa from the country that you will visit first. Theoretically you can get it on arrival, but it’s better to organize in advance, as there are conflicting reports about its availability at both Entebbe airport and at land borders. Just make sure you still get a Ugandan entry stamp — you’ll need it to buy a SIM card.

Accommodation in Uganda

When backpacking Uganda, you can choose from a range of accommodation at any budget level. Value for money is outstanding.

Uganda has few traditional backpacker hostels. You can find them in Kampala and, to a lesser extent, Jinja. Elsewhere, some camps and lodges have dorms to suit budget travelers. Prices run about $12 a night for a dorm bed.

Every decent-sized city in Uganda — such as Fort Portal, Kabale, Mbale, or Katunguru — has budget hotels catering to local travelers. $5-10 a night will buy you a clean room with a shared cold-water shower. For more like $15 a night, you can upgrade to a hot-shower en-suite room. The biggest downside is you won’t be immersed in the nature that makes Uganda so special. But if you don’t want to carry camping gear and want your own space, these hotels can be useful staging points from where you can pick up a boda (motorbike taxi) to natural attractions.

If you want to save money, have total flexibility, and avoid dorms, camping in Uganda is the way to go. You can pitch your tent in the yard of virtually any lodge in the country for $5-10 a night. You get to use the lodge’s facilities, including fantastic restaurants and swimming pools. And you usually get a good hot shower and clean restrooms.

You never have to book in advance (you don’t get a campsite, you just pitch your tent in any open space on the property). You can rent camping gear at many popular camps — called “lazy camping” — for more like $20 a night.

There are a couple downsides to camping while backpacking Uganda. First, charging your electronics is a constant struggle. Camps usually only have charge points in their restaurants, which the entire camp competes for during the few hours a day when the electricity is on. Second, because you’ll be way out in the bush, food options are limited. Camps generally don’t have self-catering facilities, and they’re often far (like 30 minutes by motorbike) from even small villages. So you may be stuck eating a three-course dinner at the $15-per-person restaurant rather than grabbing something more local. Finally, while camping in Uganda is very safe, always remember to check with the staff about wildlife — in Murchison Falls a hippo came within a meter of my tent!

If you have a bit more money to spare, Uganda has some world-class budget lodges. These are ideal for exploring the national parks. For $80-$100 a night (including all meals), you can stay in lodges that would cost three times that in Kenya or Tanzania. Most have fewer than 20 rooms and highly personalized service. Sometimes the “rooms” are permanent tents (under a thatched-roof shelter). But don’t worry, you’ll still get a proper bed, electricity, and a bathroom and hot shower inside.

Food in Uganda

Nobody goes backpacking in Uganda for the food. But if you don’t mind a little repetition, you can eat healthily on a budget.

Uganda’s classic street food is the Rolex. It’s not a high-end watch — it’s a freshly-made omelette, with tomatoes, onions and herbs, wrapped in a chapati (Indian-style flatbread) and rolled up. Delicious, healthy, and cheap at about $0.30 per egg. You can find Rolex in even the smallest villages. Rolex stands also sell plain chapati — a useful bus snack — for 500 shillings per piece.

In the markets, you can find veggies ranging from dark leafy greens to 3 kinds of sweet potatoes to broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, several varieties of eggplant, and more. Huge, sweet, creamy avocados are another standout.

The most typical starch in Uganda is a type of boiled plantain called matoke. Other options include ugali (a polenta-like cornmeal dish), potatoes, and rice. These starches are served with meats like goat and chicken, freshwater fish from Lake Victoria, or beans, and a boiled veggie or two. It’s flavorless but it’ll fill you up and cost you about $2.

You’ll also find a huge variety of tropical fruit throughout Uganda. The biggest treat is fresh passion fruit. Watermelon, pineapple, sweet lime, and mango are also popular. Bananas are big business in Uganda — there are 16 different words for “banana”! If you want to buy them from the market, ask for “ kabaragala ” (the yellow sweet ones that you can eat raw). Most other varieties are meant to be cooked or grilled.

At some point when you travel in Uganda, you won’t be able to look at matoke or chapati one more time. But don’t worry — you can get a variety of Indian, Western and fusion (think “Ugandan burrito”; it’s delicious) cuisine for $5-8 at tourist-oriented restaurants. You’ll find them in cities and larger towns.

If you’re traveling in the bush, often your only option is to eat at your lodge or camp. Breakfast is usually a full breakfast with eggs, toast, baked beans or bacon, and a plate of fruit. Lunch is normally smaller, with a vegetarian or meat sandwich served with chips or a salad. Dinner is a three-course affair, with a vegetarian soup, veggie or meat main, and simple dessert.

Lodge meals are more interesting than what you’ll find at restaurants, but considerably more expensive. Budget-oriented camps are a little cheaper and you can sometimes order off a menu, but the menu tends to amount to “veggie burger or tomato and avocado sandwich,” which gets real old after a few days.

Lodges need to know who is eating, what they’re eating, and what time in advance. So call ahead if you plan to eat there on the day you arrive and tell the staff at breakfast what time you want your dinner.

Drinks in Uganda

Uganda is a major coffee and tea producer. The best tea comes from the Toro region, while coffee production centers around Mount Elgon. Most of the best coffee and tea is exported. But when you visit these regions, you can find the good stuff in any local shop or cafe. Unfortunately, outside of these regions, you’ll mostly find sludgy instant coffee and mass-produced cheap tea. If you order “African” tea or coffee, it’ll be 80% milk.

Fresh fruit juices are another Uganda backpacking highlight. Watermelon juice is particularly delicious. Order it from any restaurant or fruit vendor. It’s safe — if they use water or ice, it’ll be boiled. You can also buy all the usual soft drinks, plus some local brands. Try Honey ginger beer and the pineapple soda.

Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage when backpacking Uganda. You can buy it at local shops and any tourist lodge or camp. It won’t always be cold. Nile Special is the most popular brand. If you’re up for an adventure, try the local banana beer from the Fort Portal area. Wine is generally imported and only available at nicer restaurants and tourist lodges. When it comes to spirits, gin rules. Usually it’s made from millet or banana.

Ugandan tap water is questionably safe to drink. Water pumps and wells are  probably  okay. If locals offer you tap water, it’s almost certainly been boiled. But most travelers err on the safe side by buying bottled water, which you can buy everywhere. Consider bringing a Steri Pen so you can fill a reusable bottle from the tap without worrying about getting sick.

Activities you can do while backpacking Uganda

Backpacking Uganda is all about the wildlife. The country offers the single most diverse safari circuit in all of Africa.

Most people come to Uganda to track critically endangered mountain gorillas. This is perhaps the most moving wildlife experience on the planet. After tramping through the forest for anywhere from one to eight hours, you’ll spend one magical hour in the company of a gorilla family — often coming within 3 meters of a 350-pound silverback! The sense of recognition and mutual understanding is extraordinary.

You can track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park. The permit costs $600 — there is no way around this expense. Only eight visitors can meet each gorilla group each day, and in high season, permits sell out up to 6 months early. Success rates are close to 100%.

If you can’t afford the steep gorilla tracking fee, tracking chimpanzees is almost as good. (Although it’s no substitute.) This costs just $150 for an hour with the chimps. The trekking is easier than with the gorillas when the chimps are on the ground, but you may have to run through the forest to follow them when they’re in trees.

Chimp tracking is available in Kibale National Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and near Murchison Falls. Kibale has the highest success rate by far (upwards of 90%) and usually less than an hour of walking before you find them. Permits are easy to come by in wet season, and you can get them just a few weeks before in dry season.

In addition to gorillas and chimps, Uganda has all the typical African wildlife. The three main safari parks are Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley. Lake Mburo is growing in popularity due to its location as an easy overnight stop between Kampala and Bwindi. You can reach Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo on public transport , but you’re better off taking a tour or hiring a driver for Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley.

Uganda also offers the unique experience of tracking white rhinos on foot. Unfortunately rhinos have been wiped out of all the national parks, but the excellent Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary operates a breeding program, with eventual plans to reintroduce them to the wild. It’s an unforgettable stop between Kampala and Murchison Falls.

Besides the wildlife, the most popular activity in Uganda is whitewater rafting on the Nile River. The long-feared Isamba Dam project is now complete, but most of the rapids survived, and it’s still an intense and fun day on the river.

Rafting companies Nalubale and Nile River Explorers have exceptional safety records. Still, you should be water-confident to take on this trip. Three of the rapids have a 70-80% chance of flipping. Even if you’re prepared, it’s terrifying — you’ll be trapped underwater for 30 seconds or so, battered by the whirlpools and waves, before you can find one of the air pockets under the raft. Rafting costs $140, including transport from Kampala, all food and drinks, and up to two nights at the rafting companies’ camps in Bujagali.

Finally, Uganda is a hiker’s paradise. The big trekking region is the Rwenzori Mountains.  Rwenzori Trekking Services   in Kilembe offers 5-7 day treks (and is far more reputable than Rwenzori Mountain Services, which can’t really be recommended for safety reasons). Mount Elgon is another popular trek, and it’s relatively affordable.

If you don’t want to take on the rain and altitude of the biggest mountains, consider day-hiking on their lower slopes. Near Fort Portal, you have a range of possibilities in the lower Rwenzoris — from the Rwenzori Day Hike to self-guided trails around the Toro Crater Lakes. Sipi Falls, on the lower slopes of Mount Elgon, offers plenty of day-hiking possibilities for nominal guide fees ($5-10).

Transportation in Uganda

Traveling independently in Uganda is still a pretty novel concept. When you’re in the research phase of your backpacking Uganda trip, the most important thing to remember is that there is  always  a way to get where you want to go. The Internet just doesn’t always know it. So you could Google until your eyes bleed and still not find a single article describing the bus route you want. But if you show up and ask locals, you’ll never have a problem getting around.

Private transport and tours

The top rung of the transportation ladder is to hire your own driver. If you’re traveling in a group, this is very affordable — prices start around $100 per day plus fuel, split among passengers. 4-wheel drive is a good idea anytime, but absolutely essential in rainy season or if you’re visiting Bwindi. A private driver is by far the most common way travelers explore Uganda, and it’s the only realistic option if you’re here for less than two weeks.

Even if you don’t hire a driver for the whole trip, you’ll occasionally need to hire one for a day or two. This is especially common in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can get to the park gates on your own, but you can’t actually get to the wildlife without private transport. The good news is, it’s even more affordable — $50 a day is pretty typical. Email me   if you want contact info of a couple of great drivers who charge very fair rates.

Another easy option is to take a budget group tour. Some people backpacking Uganda travel on overland trucks with companies like Intrepid or G Adventures. These tours offer good value for money, but they’re very rushed and miss most of the highlights of Uganda. Instead, consider booking with a local tour agency like Red Chilli.

Coach buses in Uganda

If you’re not limited for time, on a shoestring budget, and want more of an adventure, consider traveling by public transport. You’ll almost always be the only mzungu on your vehicle and you’ll get much more exposure to local life.

The best choices for getting around Uganda on public transportation are coach buses. Preferred companies include Jaguar Executive Coaches, Link Bus, and Elgon Flyer, or take the government-run Post Bus. International companies Trinity Coaches, Mash Bus, and Modern Coast are useful for longer routes connecting to Kigali or Nairobi. Normally each bus company has its own ticket office and departure point, but some smaller cities have a central bus park.

Buses leave at set departure times until about 2 pm. You can buy tickets the day you travel. Most short-haul buses have six seats across instead of the four seats more typical in the U.S. or Europe. Drivers stop every 4 hours or so for a “comfort break.”

Matatus and shared taxis

Unfortunately, not all routes are covered by coach buses. If you’re heading to a smaller destination or along a shorter route, you’ll have no choice but to use minibuses, known as “matatus” or, more commonly, “taxis.” (What we’d call a “taxi” in the U.S. is called a “special hire” in Uganda — confusing, I know.) You can identify taxis by their blue bands painted around the middle.

Taxis are pretty much the worst. They’re more expensive than buses. Conductors routinely try to overcharge passengers. They only leave when full, which can take 2+ hours, and then they stop everywhere . The drivers are extremely reckless — you may notice speeds of 140 km/hr on narrow two-lane roads (when the speedometer works at all). Your head will slam into the ceiling every time the driver hits a pothole. And “full” to a taxi conductor doesn’t mean “each of the 14 seats is filled” — it means “there are at least 22 people in this vehicle but potentially as many as 30, sitting on each other’s laps and in every spare inch of space, plus at least three chickens and probably a basket of dead fish.”

That being said, taxis can get you to parts of Uganda that buses can’t, and they’re fast once you know how to use them. The key is to find an alternative “taxi stage” — or bus stop — that isn’t the central taxi park. This way, you can pick up a nearly-full taxi as it’s passing rather than waiting for one to fill. The only way to find taxi stages is by asking locals.

In some cases, your only option will be to pick up a taxi from the central taxi park. The second you arrive, hordes of people will come at you shouting “where are you going?” as they steer you into vehicles (and then demand tips for their “assistance”). It’s chaotic and confusing, especially since routes aren’t posted.

Just stay calm and remember that the people telling you which bus to get on are taxi conductors who have a financial stake in you choosing their vehicle. If you walk around on your own for 5-10 minutes, appearing disinterested whenever someone approaches you, a window will eventually open to ask calm questions about which vehicle to use. Always verify the destination with locals in the vehicle, ask for a formal receipt for your ticket, and negotiate if the price seems high.

Safety is all relative when it comes to taxis, but a few words of advice: The driver may offer you a seat in the very front of the vehicle. This is a polite offer, but one you should never accept — you’ll be the first one to die in a head-on collision at high speed. Instead, choose a seat smack dab in the middle of the vehicle. You’ll be better protected in a crash and you won’t fly out of your seat at every speed bump or pothole.

On very local or low-traffic routes, sometimes shared taxis replace matatus. While backpacking Uganda you’ll most likely find these on the way to Sipi Falls or between Kabale and Kisoro. They operate the same way — leave when full, cram 12 people into a 5-seat sedan, and drive like maniacs. Shared taxis have the blue stripe around them just like taxis to indicate that they’re a public vehicle.

Bodas, special hires, hitching and informal transport

Uganda’s public transportation network is pretty good. But it will only get you into major towns and mid-sized trading centers. If you want to reach smaller villages, wildlife destinations, or pretty much anywhere down a dirt road, you will have to use motorcycle taxis, called “bodas.”

It’s not hard to find a boda driver anywhere in Uganda. Just look for guys (they’re always guys) hanging out on street corners with motorbikes. Simply say where you’d like to go and start bargaining on price. Prices are fairly standard, and you rarely need to bargain hard. 5,000 shillings per 8-10 km is fair. You can use bodas for distances as long as 20-30 km — drivers will be happy to take you.

Boda drivers don’t carry helmets for their passengers. This makes them theoretically quite dangerous. You’re totally unprotected in an accident, which is not, like, out of the realm of possibility on Uganda’s insane roads.

However, if you ask drivers to go slowly, they respect this request. Usually they’ll even check on you a few times during the trip to make sure you feel comfortable. I never once felt unsafe on a boda in Uganda, and I used them a lot. 

The only downside is you’ll be covered in dust when you use bodas on dirt roads. And this should go without saying, but because you will see people doing it: never use a boda in a national park where predators or buffalo may be present.

If you’re not up for taking bodas, the alternative to reaching remote destinations is a special hire taxi. This is where you commission a private driver for a short trip (like a taxi in the U.S.). Special hires aren’t cheap — think $10 for a ride that costs 5,000 shillings on a boda. Technically special hires are supposed to have a yellow band around them, but in practice, you’re more likely to find drivers with unlicensed vehicles.

Finally, in remote areas (but not national parks), many private vehicles double as public transportation. These range from trucks carrying agricultural workers to farms, to park ranger and military vehicles, to U.N. convoys, to newspaper delivery vans. You can hitch a lift for the comparable public transport fare. Confirm a price with the driver before getting in.

Use common-sense precautions when hitching. If a driver offers a free ride or you’d be the only passenger, that should be a warning sign that something’s up. Where informal transport is common, your lodge staff can call ahead or go with you to the departure point to arrange a safe ride.

Some people backpacking Uganda choose to hitch lifts with other travelers. This can be convenient — like getting a ride back to town from others in your chimp tracking group. But never, ever depend on hitching when you have somewhere to be at a set time. There are horror stories of backpackers losing $600 gorilla permits because the lift they were hoping for from their lodge to the trailhead just a few kilometers away never materialized. Uganda simply doesn’t have enough tourists at this point for hitching in the parks to be a reliable transport option.

Safety when backpacking Uganda

Uganda is an extremely safe country to travel in. Of course you could get unlucky and something totally unpredictable could happen, but in terms of day-to-day travel, it’s one of the safest places along the Cape Town to Cairo route. I never once felt unsafe in nearly a month of solo travel in Uganda.

Crime and violence

Street crime is almost unheard of when backpacking Uganda. Even Kampala — which is a big, busy, extremely crowded city — has little in the way of petty theft or muggings. Use common sense: keep an eye on your valuables anywhere near the Qualicell Bus Park due to the crowds, and don’t hop on the back of an unknown boda driver’s bike at 1 am coming out of a nightclub. But you can safely walk around after dark just about everywhere.

Uganda has managed to stay insulated from the violence in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, just on the other side of the border. Problems aren’t totally unheard of — like the American and her guide who were kidnapped from Queen Elizabeth — but it’s pretty rare and not a cause for concern.

The one place where you should use extra caution is in Karamoja, on the way to Kidepo Valley National Park. For years, this region struggled with armed cattle rustling battles across the Kenyan border. Things have calmed down considerably, but you should check with Uganda Wildlife Authority officials before heading this way overland.

Road safety and traffic accidents

Road safety is a really serious issue in Uganda. You can’t open a newspaper or turn on a television without seeing grisly footage of boda and taxi accidents. In fact, you’re pretty likely to witness or drive past a recent head-on collision or two when traveling on Uganda’s roads.

Your main defense against being in a road accident is avoiding taxis. Use coach buses whenever you can. When you have to use taxis, sit toward the back of the vehicle. Unfortunately there’s no convincing a taxi driver to slow down or stop blind-overtaking once you’re in the vehicle.

Bodas and private drivers are also a potential road risk. But you can protect yourself by asking them to drive slowly, or insisting that they slow down if you feel unsafe. They’ll respect your request.

If Uganda’s roads are a nightmare during the day, they’re a death sentence at night. Drivers don’t use headlights. Wildlife, livestock and pedestrians wander aimlessly across the road. Potholes become invisible. Don’t risk it — make sure you leave early enough to arrive at your destination before 7 pm.

Dangerous animal encounters

Besides road safety, the other potential risk to life and limb when backpacking Uganda is wildlife. Baboons and hippos are the main concerns — but it’s pretty easy to avoid a genuinely dangerous encounter.

If you’re camping, never store food in your tent, even if you think it’s well-sealed. Lodges will store it at reception for you. Baboons can open zippers and have been known to tear down tents with people inside if they smell food.

Additionally, never, ever feed baboons or other monkeys. Baboons aren’t aggressive by nature — but if they’re trained to associate humans with food, they become aggressive. If you encounter them on foot, give them a wide berth. If they growl and show their teeth, slowly back away and be prepared to drop your backpack (which is what they really want). Never try to take food back from a baboon.

Hippos are the deadliest large mammal in Africa. That’s not because they’re aggressive — they’re actually very chill animals. But they feel quite vulnerable when they come out of the water to graze, and they’re spooked easily. So if you surprise them they can easily trample you in a panic as they rush back to the safety of the water.

Never walk between a hippo and a water source (or a hippo and her baby). If you see a path through the reeds, avoid it — it was probably created by hippos, and you don’t know if any are on land or not. Anytime you camp or stay in a lodge near water, check with the staff about the presence of hippos, and always carry a torch (flashlight) when walking between the restaurant and your room/tent. If you do encounter a hippo at close range, give it a wide berth and don’t shine a torch at it or use the flash on your camera. (On the other hand, having a hippo come graze inches away from your tent is one of the coolest experiences you can have in Africa, so don’t be too freaked out!)

Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter a lot of large wildlife on foot when backpacking Uganda — from gorillas to chimps to rhinos to warthogs. These activities are safe in the company of a trained guide. But you absolutely must adhere to the guide’s instructions at all times. This includes not using flash on your camera and staying the required distance back from the animals. One idiot tourist can put the whole group in danger.

Health: Ebola and malaria in Uganda

Most travelers to Africa worry about Ebola. That’s understandable, considering what a horrific disease it is . But unless you’re going to be working/volunteering in the medical field in Uganda, you’re extremely unlikely to be exposed to it.

Ebola is actually quite hard to transmit — you probably won’t get it from a cough or a sneeze. Those most at risk are those handling the bodies of people who have died of the disease.

Uganda has exceptional protections in place to contain Ebola outbreaks. However, I’m mentioning it here because there is currently (September 2019) an outbreak in a highly politically unstable region of the DRC that borders Uganda. In June 2019, a Congolese-Ugandan family slipped across the border and died in Uganda of the disease.

The government reacted quickly to tighten border security and distribute experimental vaccines in the Kasese area, and the average traveler has little to worry about. But the situation in the DRC is unlikely to resolve anytime soon, so it’s worth doing some Googling before your trip.

Ebola may be the most headline-generating, but the most serious health risk that all travelers to Uganda should take precautions against is malaria. Malaria is transmitted by a type of mosquito that bites during dusk and at night.

While many people backpacking Uganda are under the impression that malaria is a minor and easily treatable disease, this is not true at all. If you get sick, at a minimum, you’re looking at a few weeks of feeling like death. But the most common type of malaria in Uganda is “ cerebral malaria ” — which is also the most deadly. Even when people have access to world-class health facilities (which, in Uganda, you won’t), the death rate could be as high as 10%.

Luckily malaria is highly preventable. Simply taking anti-malarial medication — doxycyclene, larium, or malerone — reduces your chance of getting the disease by as much as 90%. Combined with common-sense bite prevention (like wearing mosquito repellent with a high amount of DEET, sleeping under a net, and wearing long sleeves and long pants starting an hour before dusk), taking anti-malarials virtually eliminates the risk to typical travelers.

Maddeningly, many backpackers decide to forgo taking anti-malarials due to the cost or concern about side effects. This is a really dumb way to put yourself at risk. Most people experience minimal side effects from the pills, and even if your health insurance doesn’t cover them, you can get doxycyclene for pennies per pill. Most medical experts agree that no homeopathic prevention methods out there serve as an adequate substitute (so leave that dodgy tea at home and just take the pills!).

However, no malaria prevention is 100% effective. If you find yourself with a sudden high fever at any point during your trip or up to a year afterwards, you must assume you have malaria and seek medical attention immediately. Even the smallest clinic in the smallest village in Uganda has malaria tests. The faster you seek treatment, the less likely the disease is to progress to the dangerous cerebral stage. If you’ll be in very remote areas in Uganda for long periods of time, you should pack a small extra stash of malerone — which can be used as a treatment in an emergency — to hold you over until you can get to a proper medical clinic.

But really, if you take antimalarials as directed and do your best to prevent mosquito bites, you’d have to be quite unlucky to get sick.

Uganda travel advice for women alone

Uganda is perhaps the easiest country I’ve ever been to as a solo woman.

Yes, seriously.

Ugandans are overwhelmingly friendly. Even if you’re walking around a major city, people will stop to say “hello, how are you” everywhere you go. Every time you go to a restaurant, go on a solo hike, or hire a guide for a community walk, you’ll meet new friends. Plus, everyone speaks English — so you can make connections with local people that are impossible in many countries due to the language barrier.

At the same time, Ugandan men are incredibly respectful of women. I never once experienced cat-calling, inappropriate physical contact, or any other form of threatening behavior. And I could count on one hand the number of times a guy got even mildly flirty with me.

That’s not to say sexual assault never happens. Of course it does. But if you’re backpacking Uganda, it’s a much smaller concern than getting into a car accident.

Sometimes guys will ask where you’re staying or where you’re going — questions that could seem invasive. I always found it harmless, since it seemed like it was innocent curiosity. But it would be understandable to lie or give a vague answer if you’re getting a creepy vibe. New friends will also ask for your phone number. I usually say I don’t have a SIM card yet, but ask for their contact info, so that I’m in control if I want to text them later.

Really, though, it’s incredibly refreshing to travel somewhere where you can hang out with local guys at a cafe, text them later to keep the connection, and all the while never worry that you’re leading them on.

Ready to get started? Check out the posts from Uganda !

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Carrie is the founder of Trains, Planes and Tuk Tuks. For more than seven years, she's been solo-backpacking around the world to places few other tourists dare to explore -- from Ethiopia to Nicaragua to Jordan and beyond. When she's not on the road, you can find her hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and eating the world's best barbecue in her home city of Asheville, NC.

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I’d love to visit Uganda. I’m all about the animal encounters and it looks like there would be plenty here. Although I haven’t had the chance to visit Africa yet, I’m already planning the places I’d want to go and this is so far up the list I have to make it a reality soon

Africa is the best! And Uganda is the best of Africa. I hope you get the chance to visit soon :).

This is such an informative post, thank you! Gorilla trekking is a bucket list item for me so saving for when I finally get there.

Thanks Rachel! Gorilla trekking is unbelievable, absolutely deserving of a place on your bucket list.

I want to go to Africa but I don’t know how to choose! How did you select Uganda over other African nations?

Two reasons: I posted in the backpacking Africa FB group “I have a month, where should I go” and pretty much everyone said Uganda because of the friendliness; and I really wanted to see the gorillas. Plus it’s safer than Kenya, cheaper than Tanzania, lower malaria risk than Malawi, radically cheaper than Zim/Zam/SA/Botswana, more diverse than Moz, and the small size means you don’t spend a lot of time in transit. This was actually my fifth trip (and eighth country) in Africa though — I might have been more nervous to choose Uganda if I didn’t have a general sense …  Read more »

Wow what a wonder guide to all the activities in Uganda! This really is the ultimate guide that is so informative and helpful. I have always wanted to do the gorilla trekking but had no idea you could also trek the chimps. I really want to go now after reading this! 🙂

It’s so amazing, you should totally do it! The chimps were really cool. My group got super lucky and saw them on the ground for ~20 minutes before they became more active (and harder to photograph).

Thank you so much for this! I just started planning my solo trip to Uganda and your blog has been by far the most useful thing I’ve read so far. Based on your info, I’ve figured out how I want to do QENP without a tour, so thanks for saving me some money! I did have one question, though – what are your reasons for suggesting a tour/driver to Kidepo NP? My plan was to go by public transport, but I was wondering if there was info you picked up while traveling in country that made this inadvisable?

Aww yay, I’m so glad to hear that — thank you! Re: Kidepo, I didn’t do it, so I can’t 100% vouch for this, but all the volunteers I met in Uganda who had done it said it’s a three-day overland journey from Kampala each way with the worst bus company in Uganda (Gateway), and car hire in order to see wildlife is expensive if you rent from near the park. You’ll pay around $200 for a car with a driver for a single game drive, not even a full day, from Apoka Rest Camp. It’s not really ‘on the …  Read more »

That’s super helpful. Thanks!

Thanks alot Carrie for the Ultimate Uganda Guide. We’re so grateful for our country’s nature honestly and the love you’re spreading. I’m really falling for the love and research you have. I wish I could meet you someday and just hug you. Keep it up and God bless you. Love from Uganda 😍

WAW !! Thank you for your incredible guide about Uganda! I’ve always wanted to visit this country. However, I didn’t know that it was possible to do it “the backpackers way” as it Central Africa with very remote places and not a lot of information about how to travel from one place to another without a tour. Now I know it’s doable! 😀 Ps: If you wanna share your private drivers contact (for Bwindi, Kibale or QE National Park), I would be more than happy, because it’s decided now thanks to your blog… My partner and I are going to …  Read more »

Woohoo, you can totally backpack it! Shoot me an email ( [email protected] ) and I’ll share my guides’ info.

• Destinations

Backpacking  Uganda

Uganda is located more or less at the centre of Africa and, as such, close to the equator. Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda and Tanzania, the country isn’t necessarily among the first you’d have in mind as a backpacking destination. But don’t let this hold you back from going on an adventure in Uganda! The country’s consistently warm, pleasant climate and gorgeous landscapes are sure to convince you of its appeal. Uganda’s proximity to Lake Victoria and the equator allows for a high vegetation density and is the reason why the country is home to verdant rainforests. When in Uganda, you definitely shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the country’s rainforests. Uganda’s beautiful, lively cities offer a great contrast to the time you spend surrounded by peaceful nature. Particularly Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, is one of the most beautiful cities in the whole of Africa. Enjoy exploring our ideal backpacking route for Uganda.

Important Basics

English, Swahili

Presidential republic

Uganda Shilling

ø Highest daily temperature: 25 to 27°C ø Highest temperature at night: 16 to 18°C

Due to the county’s location near the equator, there are only marginal differences in temperature and no standard seasons.

In Uganda, a normal church service lasts between 4 and 6 hours.

Kampala, Uganda’s capital, is a lively and thriving city. Surrounded by bustling crowds, thousands of boda bodas, street vendors and maybe some curious gazes, you can stroll through the, at times confusing, streets and gain your first proper impression of life in Uganda. Kampala is a large city and has plenty of restaurants offering food from all around the globe. In some of the city’s coffee houses, you can try Ugandan coffee. While the country is known for the coffee it grows, almost all of the beans are exported out of the country. The locals tend to drink instant coffee instead. Kampala is the cultural centre of the country. While there, you can visit various museums and admire the governmental buildings. But watch out, you aren’t allowed to take pictures! In the nearby Entebbe, you’ll find large shopping centres selling international brands. In Kampala, you can stay in a hostel dormitory for just €6 per night. The hostel is near the main road, allowing you to quickly get from point A to point B.

Leaving the capital in a Matatu, you are now headed to Jinja. The city is located in eastern Uganda and, among backpackers, is particularly well-known as a place to go white water rafting on the Nile River. In some parts, the river’s current is so rapid it reaches a class 5 rafting classification. The cosy town has a population of around 100,000 and provides you with some nice cafés and restaurants to sit and relax in. A word of warning: It’s worth heading to a restaurant before you start getting hungry. Service can be somewhat slow and long waits are pretty standard. True adrenaline junkies also have the opportunity to go bungee jumping over the river. After a day packed full of exciting experiences, take the chance to get comfy on the banks of the Nile and watch the sunset with a local beer in hand.

The source of the Nile River, Lake Victoria, is also near the city and can be reached by taking part in a boat tour.

For €12 per night, you can stay in a hostel dormitory.

Murchison Falls

Your trip continues into the untouched northwest of the country and to Murchison Falls National Park. This impressive national park is 3877 km² in size and is crossed by the Nile River. Murchison Falls counts among the most biodiverse national parks in Uganda. With a bit of luck, you might even be able to spot a rare animal like, for example, a jaguar during your visit. To increase your chances of seeing unique animals, consider hiring a ranger at the entrance to the national park. Generally speaking, the rangers will ask to be paid around €20, plus an additional €3-4 tip. Inexpensive accommodation can be found at one of the hostels and will cost you around €15 per night.

In contrast to Kampala, Masaka is a much smaller and more manageable city. Despite its smaller size, the city provides you with several international restaurants and cafés to pick and choose from. While, in terms of culture, Masaka has less to offer than Uganda’s capital city, it makes for a great home base when you are planning to go on day trips and want to explore the surrounding area. You can, for example, head out to another national park: Lake Mburo National Park. Lake Victoria is also not too far away from Masaka and can be reached easily via minibus. If you’ve already made it to the shores of Lake Victoria, consider visiting the Kalangala island group and spending a day just relaxing on the beach. Spending the night in the dormitory of one of Masaka’s hostels will cost you €6.

Uganda  Route Map

Du möchtest 

Deine  eigene, reise erstellen , du möchtest deine, eigene  reise erstellen , dos and don ’ ts , food & drinks, costs..

Rice and plantains: A typical Ugandan breakfast consists of rice and bread. This gives you plenty of energy for the day. The plantains add some more flavour to the dish. By the way, plantains are a real classic in Uganda and are served with almost everything.

Peanut stew: This soup is popular all throughout Africa. Peanut stew is also a well-known meal option in Uganda and is often served for lunch.

Main courses

Potatoes: These are usually fried and served with pan-cooked vegetables. You also have the option to order meat with it, usually beef.

Chapati: This is a small flatbread that is either eaten on the side or, when served with rice, enjoyed as a main course.

Tilapia: A type of bass found in the Nile. It’s a speciality in Uganda and, for the locals, is only enjoyed occasionally.

Grilled meat on a skewer: These inexpensive treats can be purchased at street food stalls. Simply delicious!

Dumplings:  They are usually filled with mashed potato and a bit of meat. Another popular variety has a banana filling – these are great for anyone with a bit of a sweet tooth!

Drinks and snacks

Tea: In Uganda, tea is cultivated in many different regions. A really tasty type of traditional tea is often served alongside breakfast.

Beer: You wouldn’t necessarily expect it, but Uganda has some great beer for you to try. You should definitely give the Nile Special beer a go!

Cost of living

• Lunch at a restaurant in the business district: 35,000 UGX = 8.32 EUR
• Meal at a fast-food restaurant: 25,000 UGX = 5.94 EUR
• Average dinner for two at a local restaurant: 18,000 UGX = 4.28 EUR
• Cappuccino in a tourist area: 7,837 UGX = 1.86 EUR
• Two movie tickets: 44,000 UGX = 10.46 EUR
• 0.5 litre of local beer at the supermarket: 3,570 UGX = 0.85 EUR
• Marlboro cigarettes (20 pack): 7,031 UGX = 1.67 EUR
• 1 glass of beer at a local bar: 3,500 UGX = 0.83 EUR

Personal hygiene

• Normal haircut for men in a tourist area: 27,800 UGX = 6.61 EUR
• Shampoo: 3,150 UGX = 0.75 EUR
• Deodorant: 2,960 UGX = 0.70 EUR

Venture on the road less travelled: The best way of getting to know Uganda is by simply visiting one of the region’s smaller villages and chatting with the locals. Don’t be shy!

Neat clothing: While in Uganda, make sure you’re always dressed properly. Outfits that are too short are seen as inappropriate and you should also generally stick to plain clothing.

Chat with the locals: There’s a striking level of hospitality in Uganda. Stay open and feel free to ask the locals questions. If you do, you’ll get to know them and their country much better.

Act like a tourist: Try to adapt your behaviour to that of the locals as much as possible. Conspicuous behaviour or weird looks are inappropriate!

Support begging children: Even though it might be difficult, try not to give any money to the children who beg you for some. Unfortunately, this is a big problem in Uganda and you should avoid contributing to it.

Mention poverty: Yes, Uganda is a very poor country. Nonetheless, this is a topic that you’d best avoid in conversation, even if you just want to express your sincere sympathy.

Visa , Visa, Passport & Vaccinations

Temporary passport

National id.

Temporary national ID

Child’s pass.

Additional Remarks .

We recommend researching the travel document, visa and entry requirements for your home country before your departure. If you travel to Uganda, consult a health care provider before you leave to discuss vaccination requirements.

The team at Backpacker Trail wishes you lots of fun and an unforgettable trip!

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Uganda Itinerary: 3-week itinerary for backpacking Uganda!

In this blog, you can read everything about different itineraries for Uganda. We have mapped out the ultimate 3-week backpacking itinerary along with all the top sights and highlights of Uganda. We also made a list with almost all destinations and hotspots of Uganda so that you can determine your own itinerary! Ready for your road trip?

Uganda is a wonderful country for a holiday. The landscape is very diverse and varies from rainforests, savannas, mountains and impressive lakes. Uganda’s nickname is “ the pearl of Africa “. The roads are perfect for a road trip along with all the hotspots. Besides, safaris in Uganda are a lot cheaper than in the neighbouring countries of Tanzania and Kenya. In Uganda, you also have the opportunity to spot the endangered mountain gorillas and white rhinos !

Uganda is also the only place in the world where lions climb trees and where you can raft safely on the Nile . Besides, the many different animal species and a variety of landscapes, Uganda is one of the most bird-rich countries in the world! In addition, Uganda is a safe country to backpack through. The locals are very friendly and make your Uganda trip complete!

Curious what it costs to travel through Uganda? Check out our budget Uganda blog!

Uganda Itinerary and trips | Highlights and things to see

Many Dutch people are attracted to Uganda. This country is perfect for a self-drive : discovering the various nature parks and other hotspots by yourself on a road trip. Uganda has many destinations that are worth visiting during a road trip . Depending on which highlights you choose, you can easily plan an itinerary from 2 to 4 weeks. But first, where are the highlights of Uganda located?

Uganda map: Top sights and hotspots for a perfect road trip

On the Uganda map below, you find almost all the highlights and hotspots. This gives you a good idea of where all the top attractions are located. To give you an idea of how big Uganda is: Driving from Kampala to Kidepo Valley National park takes about 11 hours (570 km). The distance from Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi is 475 km and takes about 8 hours. No matter which itinerary you choose for your road trip, you have to deal with the sometimes long distances and therefore travel time.

Uganda Trips | What are the highlights and attractions of Uganda?

How do you know which destinations are interesting for your itinerary through Uganda? To help you, we have listed all the hotspots with a short description. Each destination contains hotel tips . These are nice and good accommodations where we slept ourselves or recommended by fellow friends and backpackers. Looking for the best things to do in Uganda? Below, the best places to visit for an itinerary and trip through Uganda!

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park | Gorilla trekking

There are two national parks where you can go on a gorilla safari . These are Bwindi National Park and Mhahinga Gorilla National Park. Most gorilla families live in Bwindi National Park. Here we also did a gorilla trekking. This was definitely a highlight of our 4-month backpacking trip through East Africa. Mountain gorillas belong to a critically endangered species. About 900 mountain gorillas live in the wild. Half of these live in Uganda. Other destinations where you can spot mountain gorillas are Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Hotel tips : Lodge Karungi (budget option), Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Jinja | Top activity: Rafting on the Nile

Located a 3-hour drive from Kampala, Jinja is a paradise for adrenaline junkies. Here, the Nile starts from Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria . Jinja is known in the world for rafting. Nowhere in the world are the rapids so powerful, and yet you can safely navigate the Nile! The Nile itself is very warm. Rain or not, rafting remains a very cool activity to do! In addition to rafting, you can also kayak, mountain biking, quad biking, horseback riding, bungee jumping and a boat trip with dinner on the Nile.

Hotel tip: B&B Casa Mia Baliidha

Free travel guide: All you need to know about the adventure capital Jinja in Uganda!

Kibale Forest | Chimpanzee Trekking

Kibale Forest is a beautiful rainforest in Uganda where you can spot 13 different primates. The main attraction of this park is a chimpanzee trekking . More than a thousand chimpanzees live here. Do you want to know what awaits you in a chimpanzee trekking? Read here our experience of a chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. Besides a chimpanzee tracking, in Kibale Forest, you can visit Bigodi Swamp and especially beautiful hiking.

Hotel tip: Isunga Lodge (Amazing, book directly!

Lake Bunyonyi | Camping and enjoying nature

Lake Bunyonyi is arguably Uganda’s most idyllic destination . Loosely translated, Lake Bunyonyi means “place of the little birds” and is surrounded by volcanic mountains. The best activity you can do here is to enjoy all the beauty around you. You can also experience here how difficult it is to sail in a traditional tree trunk canoe, a hollowed-out tree trunk, to one of the islands of this lake. Man, this is difficult! Also a nice fact: this lake is almost 900m deep!

Hotel tips: Amasiko Homestay (budget option), Hawk’s Eye Lodge

Next read for your Uganda itinerary: Lake Bunyonyi !

Murchison Falls NP | Game drives and wild camping in the park!

We have never seen so many giraffes and elephants as in the green Murchison Falls National Park . The Nile River splits Uganda’s largest natural park in two and has impressive waterfalls. You can also camp wild in this park. This is a really cool experience! You put up your tent and make a fire. Throughout the night you can hear hyenas and other wildlife. Quite scary, that’s why we also hired a ranger who kept us safe. A jeep safari should not be missed when visiting Murchison Falls. Click here for more information about a game drive in Murchison Falls. From €188 for 6 people.

Hotel tips: Murchison Backpackers Hostel & Campsite (budget option), Mama Washindi lodge , Chobe Safai Lodge

Reading tip: free travel guide on the Murchison Falls National Park!

Sipi Falls | Hiken, cycling, rappelling and admiring waterfalls

The Sipi Falls consists of 3 waterfalls and are located on the border of Mount Elgon National Park at an altitude of 1600 meters. The soil around the Sipi valley is very fertile. You will also find many coffee plantations, chameleons, smaller waterfalls and the native plant called ‘Sep’. This medicinal plant helps against measles and other diseases. This green, wild landscape is perfect for beautiful hikes, mountain biking and rappelling along with one of the large waterfalls.

Hotel tip: Pension Home of Friends

In this blog you will find our favorite hotels in Uganda ! Including campsites & lodges in national parks.

Kidepo Valley National Park | A whole safari park for you alone

Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the least visited parks in Uganda. This has to do with the location of the park, situated in the far north of Uganda. The park is remote from other Uganda highlights. If you want to visit the park by jeep, you need a solid 4WD for the dirt roads in the park. The Kidepo Valley National Park is characterized by the rolling savannas with mountains in the background. Here you can do a game drive, visit the Karamajong tribe or enjoy the hot springs.

Hotel tip: Kidepo Savannah Lodge

Queen Elisabeth National Park | Tree lions, jeep safari’s en boot trips!

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is arguably Uganda’s most famous park. In this stretched park you will find herds of elephants, baboons, the Ugandan Kob, buffalo and giraffes. In the south of the QENP, in the Ishasha sector, you can encounter tree-climbing lions in old fig trees. A boat trip on the Kazinga Canal , which connects the great lakes of Lake Edward and Lake George, is also recommended. Here you will encounter many hippos, crocodiles and many birds such as the kingfisher and osprey. You can easily book a game drive online. Click here for more information about booking a safari. From €150 for 4 people.

Hotel tips: Kasenyi Safari Camp (budget option by camping here), Buffalo Safari Lodge , Marafiki Safari Lodge

Fort portal | Mountain landscapes and coffee and tea plantations

Fort Portal is itself a small cute village where you have a few nice bookstores and a supermarket. Besides tea and coffee estates, Fort Portal also cultivates pineapples. Fort Portal is surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains. Nearby you can visit caves or take one of the scenic routes to explore the mountainous landscape. Fort Portal is a half-hour drive from Kibale National Park.

Hotel tip:   Dutches Hotel and restaurant

Rhino Sanctuary | Walking safari between the white rhinos in Uganda

Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can see the white rhino . About 34 rhinos live here that you can visit with a ranger. These rhinos are 24/7 protected against poachers. When there are more than 40 rhinos, the idea is to slowly reintroduce these beautiful beasts into the natural parks of Uganda.

Hotel Tip : Camping Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Kampala | History, cultural dance and a cooking class by locals

The capital Kampala is the largest city in Uganda with almost 1.6 million inhabitants. Kampala has been the capital of the country since 1962 and was originally built on 7 hills. It is a safe city to visit compared to other cities in Africa. Cool things to do include visiting the National Museum, where you learn a lot about the history of the country, and attending a traditional dance from Ndere Troupe. Kampala is also very suitable for a city walk with a guide. This city walk is already available from €9 per person. Click here for more information. Do you want to try something new? Then go for a cooking class and get to know the local cuisine. Click here for more information.

Hotel tips: Acacia Villa (budget option), Villa Kololo , Le Petit Village Boutique Hotel

Itineraries East Africa: Backpacking through Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya

In this blog, you will find the ultimate 3-week itinerary for backpacking through Uganda. The best tip we can give you is to combine a road trip through Uganda with a visit to Rwanda . If you have more time for your holiday, you can even combine your itinerary with Kenya or Tanzania. We also created a backpack-itinerary through East Africa for inspiration.

Itinerary Uganda: The ultimate road trip for 3 weeks backpacking in Uganda

You start your road trip from Kampala. Here you can choose where to go first: Lake Bunyonyi or Jina. Both options are possible. From Kampala, you travel to Lake Bunyonyi , an idyllic lake with beautiful viewpoints. Next, prepare for a gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest Impenetrable National Park . After this special experience, you will do a game drive through Queen Elisabeth National Park and you may encounter lions, leopards and cheetahs. If you would like to see chimpanzees as well, you can easily include Kibale National Park in your itinerary. This is the place for a chimpanzee trekking. Fort Portal is beautiful due to her mountains and beautiful hiking trails.

The last nature park is Murchison Falls . Here you can do wild camping and go on a jeep safari. Your journey continues to the only place in Uganda where you can see the white rhino, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary . From here you continue to the beautiful Sipi Falls after which you travel on to the adventure town, called Jinja . This is the place for rafting on the Nile. You use your last days to discover Kampala before you fly back home. This travel itinerary looks as follows:

Kampala – Lake Bunyoni – Bwindi Forest – Queen Elisabeth National Park – Fort Portal – Murchison Falls National Park – Rhino Sanctuary – Sipi Falls – Jinja – Kampala

Combi-trip: 3-week itinerary backpacking Uganda & Rwanda

Combine a trip through Uganda with neighbouring Rwanda. You can start your road trip from Kampala or Kigali. The advantage of combining countries is that you can do a gorilla trekking in Uganda, where the activity is a lot cheaper. Besides, have more diversity in safari parks in this way. It is highly recommended to camp a night in Murchison National Park. Of course with a ranger who keeps the wild animals away. This backpacking itinerary may look like this:

Kampala – Lake Bunyonyi – Kigali – Nyungwe Forrest National Park – Lac Kivu (Gisenyi or Kibuye) – Volcanoes National Park of Bwindi impenetrable forest – Queen Elisabeth National Park – Fort Portal – Murchison Falls – Rhino Sanctuary – Jinja – Kampala

Do you want to combine an itinerary through Uganda and Rwanda, but want to travel at a slower pace ? Then consider skipping Jina and/or Murchison Falls National Park. You can skip Jinja if you are not into adrenaline activities such as rafting. You can skip Murchison Falls if you feel you have already visited enough safari parks.

Road trip East Africa: A 4-week itinerary through Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda

Do you want to make the most out of your holiday in East Africa? Consider visiting several countries during your road trip. Backpacking through Uganda is also easy to combine with a visit to Kenya and Rwanda . The East Africa visa makes this possible. With this visa you can easily visit all three countries with just one visa. You save a lot of money on visa costs. A possible itinerary for 4 weeks of backpacking through East Africa is as follows:

Nairobi – Lamu – Masai Mara – Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru – Kisumo – Jinja – Kampala – Lake Bunyonyi – Kigali -Nyungwe Forrest National Park – Gisenyi or Kibuye – Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi National Park – Queen Elisabeth National Park – Fort Portal – Murchison Falls National Park – Rhino Sanctuary – Kampala

Uganda Trips | What is the best time for visiting Uganda?

The best time for a road trip through Uganda is from December to February and from June to September . These are the two dry seasons of Uganda. The dry period from December to February is an ideal time for safaris and game drives because the relatively dry soil makes the wildlife easy to see. Backpacking is also possible during the rainy season in Uganda. However, expect more rain. Visiting Uganda during the rainy season will also be a lot quieter and cheaper compared to travelling in the high season.

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More blogs about uganda, best hotels & lodges for road tripping and travel in uganda, africa packing list: essential packing tips for east africa and madagascar, lake bunyonyi in uganda: all you need to know + tips on bunyonyi lake, gorilla trekking uganda experience: visiting wild mountain gorillas in bwindi np.

Very useful information. Thanks a lot! Also worthwhile visiting are Rwenzori mountains and Mount Elgon. In case you are coming back here :)

Hi Charlotte, very useful information. Would you recommend to book all safaris in advance? Or can we also book them the day before at the hotels? What was your experience? Thanks a lot!

Hi Raluca, We booked them just a few days in advance. I think that is perfectly fine just as is booking at your hotel. Kind regards, Charlotte

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Uganda Backpacking Safari: The Best Way To Explore The Pearl of Africa

Jan 22 2024.

Are you ready to unleash the adventurer within and embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Uganda? If you’re seeking an exhilarating and immersive travel experience, then a backpacking safari in Uganda is just what you need. With its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and warm-hearted locals, Uganda offers a unique and thrilling destination for backpackers seeking to explore off the beaten path.

With its diverse landscapes, from mist- covered mountains to dense rainforests and vast  savannahs, Uganda is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. In this blog post, we will delve into the enchanting world of Uganda backpacking safaris, guiding you through the planning process, providing essential tips, and highlighting the must-visit destinations and experiences that await you.

Introduction to Uganda and Backpacking Safaris

Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a land brimming with captivating beauty and cultural richness. Located in East Africa, it shares borders with Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Its central location makes it easily accessible for travelers seeking a unique backpacking experience.

The country’s diverse geography offers an extraordinary range of experiences. From the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, Uganda is a visual feast. The country is also blessed with an abundance of wildlife, including the iconic mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, lions, and a myriad of bird species.

Benefits of Choosing a Backpacking Safari in Uganda

While traditional safaris in Africa are often associated with luxurious lodges and guided tours, backpacking safaris offer a different kind of adventure. By immersing yourself in the raw beauty of Uganda’s wilderness, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level and create unforgettable memories.

One of the major advantages of backpacking safaris is the freedom and flexibility they provide. As a backpacker, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace, deviating from the well-trodden tourist paths and discovering hidden gems off the beaten track. This level of independence allows you to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with the communities you encounter along the way.

Backpacking safaris in Uganda are also a more budget-friendly option compared to traditional safaris. With the availability of affordable accommodations, public transportation, and local food options, you can experience the beauty of Uganda without breaking the bank. This makes it an ideal choice for adventurous travelers who want to make the most of their budget while still enjoying an authentic safari experience.

How to Prepare for a Backpacking Safari Adventure

Embarking on a backpacking safari in Uganda requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some essential steps to take before setting off on your adventure:

Research and Itinerary Planning

Start by researching the various destinations and attractions in Uganda. Consider your interests and prioritize the experiences that resonate with you the most. Whether you’re drawn to wildlife encounters, adrenaline-pumping activities, or cultural immersion, Uganda has something for everyone.

Once you have a clear idea of the places you want to visit, create a detailed itinerary that outlines the duration of your stay in each location, the activities you wish to participate in, and the transportation options available. While it’s important to have a plan, be open to flexibility and a llow room for unexpected adventures and detours along the way.

Health and Safety Considerations

Before traveling to Uganda, it’s important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic to ensure you are up to date on all necessary vaccinations. Common vaccinations for Uganda include yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus. Malaria is prevalent in certain areas, so be sure to take the necessary precautions, such as taking anti-malarial medication and using mosquito repellent.

It’s also advisable to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings. Familiarize yourself with the local customs and traditions, and respect the wildlife and natural environments by following the guidelines provided by the park authorities.

Choosing the Right Time to Visit For A Uganda Backpacking Safari

When planning a backpacking safari in Uganda, it’s crucial to consider the timing of your visit. Uganda experiences a tropical climate, which means it can be visited year-round. However, certain months offer more favorable conditions for wildlife sightings and outdoor activities. Here, we will delve into the different seasons and factors to consider when deciding on the best time to embark on your Uganda backpacking adventure.

Uganda has two primary seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season, which runs from June to August and December to February, is considered the peak tourist season. During this time, rainfall is minimal, and the skies are mostly clear, allowing for optimal wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. The dry season is also when gorilla trekking is at its best, as the trails are less muddy and more accessible.

On the other hand, the wet season, from March to May and September to November, brings heavier rainfall and more lush vegetation. While the wet season may deter some travelers, it has its own unique charm. The landscapes are vibrant and alive, with an abundance of greenery and blooming flowers. It’s also the ideal time for birdwatchers, as many migratory bird species can be spotted during this period.

When deciding on the best time to visit, consider the specific activities you want to engage in. If your main goal is to see the elusive mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the dry season is recommended for better trekking conditions. If you’re interested in wildlife safaris and boat cruises, the dry season offers optimal opportunities for spotting animals congregating around water sources.

It’s important to note that Uganda’s climate can vary within different regions of the country. The southwestern part, where Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located, experiences more rainfall throughout the year, while the northern region, including Murchison Falls National Park, has a drier climate.

Apart from weather considerations, it’s also worth keeping in mind the peak tourist seasons. June to August and December to February are the busiest months in terms of tourist influx. While this may result in larger crowds at popular destinations, it also means better availability of accommodations and more organized activities.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Uganda depends on your preferences and priorities. Whether you choose the dry season for optimal wildlife sightings or the wet season for lush landscapes and fewer tourists, Uganda’s natural wonders await you year-round. Just be sure to pack accordingly and plan your itinerary accordingly, taking into account the weather conditions and specific activities you wish to undertake.

In the next section, we will discuss the necessary travel documents you’ll need to ensure a smooth and hassle-free backpacking safari in Uganda.

Obtaining Necessary Travel Documents

Before embarking on your Uganda backpacking safari, it’s essential to ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents in order. This will not only ensure a smooth entry into the country but also provide peace of mind throughout your journey. In this section, we will outline the key travel documents you’ll need and provide guidance on obtaining them.

Passport : A valid passport is the most important travel document you’ll need when visiting Uganda. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country. If your passport is nearing expiration, it’s advisable to renew it before your trip. Check that you have sufficient blank pages for visa stamps and immigration officials.

Visa : Most visitors to Uganda require a visa to enter the country. There are different types of visas available, including single-entry, multiple-entry, and transit visas. It’s recommended to apply for your visa in advance at the nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate in your home country. You may also have the option to obtain a visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport or specific border crossings. However, it’s important to check the current visa requirements and regulations before your departure to ensure a smooth entry into the country.

Travel Insurance : It’s highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings. Ensure that the insurance policy covers activities such as wildlife safaris, trekking, and adventure sports. Read the policy details carefully, including any exclusions or limitations, and carry a copy of the i nsurance documents with you during your trip.

Emergency Contacts : Before your departure, make a note of important emergency contact numbers, including the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country, your country’s emergency hotline, and the contact details of your insurance provider. It’s also a good idea to provide a copy of your itinerary and contact details to a family member or trusted friend.

It’s important to note that travel document requirements may vary depending on your country of citizenship. Therefore, it’s advisable to check with the relevant authorities, such as the Ugandan embassy or consulate in your home country, to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information and requirements.

By ensuring that you have all the necessary travel documents in order, you can embark on your Uganda backpacking safari with confidence and peace of mind. The next section will focus on creating a budget for your backpacking adventure, covering accommodation options, transportation costs, and other expenses to consider.

Creating a Budget for Your Backpacking Safari

One of the key aspects of planning a successful backpacking safari in Uganda is creating a budget that allows you to make the most of your adventure while staying within your financial means. In this section, we will explore the various elements to consider when budgeting for your Uganda backpacking safari, including accommodation options, transportation costs, food and drink expenses, as well as entrance fees and permits for national parks and activities.

Accommodation Options : Uganda offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. For budget-conscious backpackers, camping is a popular and cost-effective choice. Many national parks and designated camping sites provide facilities for tents and cooking. Additionally, there are hostels and budget lodges available in major cities and popular tourist areas, offering affordable accommodation with basic amenities. If you prefer

more comfort and convenience, mid-range and luxury lodges are also available, though they come at a higher cost.

Transportation Costs : Getting around Uganda on a backpacking safari can be an adventure in itself. Public transportation, such as buses, minibusses, and shared taxis, is the most economical option for traveling between cities and towns. However, be prepared for crowded conditions and longer travel times. If you prefer more flexibility and convenience, consider renting a car. Car rentals are available in major cities, and it’s advisable to opt for a 4×4 vehicle for better navigation on rough roads and national parks. Domestic flights are also an option for covering longer distances, but they can be more expensive.

Food and Drink Expenses : When it comes to dining during your backpacking safari, Uganda offers a variety of options to suit different budgets. Local markets are a great place to find fresh produce and ingredients for cooking your own meals if you’re camping or staying in self-catering accommodations. Street food stalls offer affordable and delicious options for those looking to sample local cuisine. Restaurants and cafes can be found in major cities and tourist areas, offering a range of cuisines at different price points. It’s worth noting that prices may vary depending on the location and type of establishment.

Entrance Fees and Permits : Uganda is home to a wealth of national parks and protected areas, each with its own entrance fees and permit requirements. For example, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park requires a gorilla trekking permit, which can be quite expensive. It’s essential to include these costs in your budget and plan accordingly. Additionally, other activities such as chimpanzee tracking, game drives, and boat safaris may also require permits or additional fees. Research the specific activities you wish to partake in and factor in the associated costs.

Miscellaneous Expenses : It’s important to consider other miscellaneous expenses that may arise during your backpacking safari. These may include souvenirs, optional guided tours or activities, internet access, and tips for guides and drivers. It’s advisable to allocate a portion of your budget for unexpected expenses or emergencies.

By carefully planning and budgeting for your Uganda backpacking safari, you can optimize your experience while staying within your financial limits. Remember to research and compare prices, prioritize your activities, and make informed decisions that align with your budget. With the right planning, you can embark on an unforgettable adventure without breaking the bank.

In the next section, we will explore the must-visit destinations in Uganda that will make your backpacking safari truly memorable.

Must-Visit Destinations On Your Uganda Backpacking Safari

Uganda is a country blessed with an abundance of breathtaking destinations that are sure to leave a lasting impression on any backpacking safari adventurer. From lush rainforests to sprawling savannahs, Uganda offers a diverse range of landscapes and wildlife encounters. In this section, we will explore some of the must-visit destinations that should be on every backpacker’s itinerary.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Nestled in the southwestern part of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a  once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing you to come face-to-face with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The park is also teeming with diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park – Located in the western region of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a wildlife lover’s paradise. This expansive park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and over 600 bird species. Take part in a game drive, boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, or explore the Ishasha sector to witness the famous tree-climbing lions. The diverse ecosystems in the park offer stunning landscapes, including crater lakes, savannah plains, and tropical forests.
• Murchison Falls National Park – Situated in the northwestern part of Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is named after the dramatic waterfall where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge. The park is known for its rich wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species. Take a boat cruise along the Nile to witness the powerful cascade of Murchison Falls and enjoy incredible game drives for a chance to spot the Big Five.
• Jinja – For adrenaline seekers and adventure enthusiasts, a visit to Jinja is a must. Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Jinja is known as the adventure capital of East Africa. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Nile River, bungee jump over the Nile, or go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the calm sections of the river. Jinja is also the source of the Nile, where you can take a boat trip to witness the confluence of the Nile and Lake Victoria.
• Lake Bunyonyi – If you’re in need of relaxation and tranquility after your adventurous escapades, make your way to Lake Bunyonyi. Located in southwestern Uganda, this picturesque lake is surrounded by lush terraced hills and is the perfect place to unwind. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, go canoeing or kayaking, or simply enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. Lake Bunyonyi is also a great base for exploring nearby attractions such as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the Virunga Mountains.

These are just a few of the many remarkable destinations that Uganda has to offer. Each one provides a unique and unforgettable experience, allowing you to connect with nature, witness incredible wildlife, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the country. Whether you’re seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, or peaceful relaxation, Uganda’s diverse landscapes and attractions will leave you in awe.

Essential Tips for a Successful Backpacking Safari in Uganda

Embarking on a backpacking safari in Uganda is an exciting and adventurous endeavor. To make the most of your experience and ensure a smooth journey, it’s important to be well-prepared and informed. In this section, we will provide you with essential tips that will contribute to a successful backpacking safari in Uganda, including packing lists, safety considerations, and transportation options.

Packing List for a Backpacking Safari

When it comes to packing for your Uganda backpacking safari, it’s essential to strike a balance between being prepared and traveling light. Here are some key items to include in your packing list:

Clothing : Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for the climate and activities. Consider layering options as temperatures can vary throughout the day. Don’t forget to include comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and a rain jacket.

Camping Gear : If you plan on camping, ensure you have a reliable tent, sleeping bag, and camping stove. Don’t forget to pack a headlamp, a multi-tool, and a water purification system.

Personal Essentials : Include items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, a first aid kit, toiletries, and any necessary prescription medications. It’s also advisable to have a quick-dry towel and a reusable water bottle.

Technology and Communication : Bring a camera or a smartphone with a good quality camera to capture the incredible moments of your safari. A power bank is essential for recharging your devices, and consider purchasing a local SIM card for reliable communication.

Safety and Security Tips for Backpackers

While Uganda is generally a safe destination for travelers, it’s important to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

Traveling in Groups : Whenever possible, travel with a companion or in a group. This not only enhances safety but also provides opportunities for shared experiences and cost-sharing.

Inform Others of Your Itinerary : Share your travel plans with a trusted friend or family member. Provide them with a copy of your itinerary and keep them updated on any changes or deviations from the plan.

Precautions against Theft and Scams : Be vigilant of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your belongings. Avoid displaying valuable items and be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited assistance or deals that seem too good to be true.

Health and Hygiene Practices : Practice good hygiene, especially in remote areas where facilities may be limited. Carry hand sanitizer and use it frequently. Drink bottled or filtered water, and avoid consuming uncooked or undercooked food.

Emergency Contacts and Local Authorities : Familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers, including the local authorities and your country’s embassy or consulate. Keep these numbers easily accessible in case of any emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

Transportation Options within Uganda

Getting around Uganda during your backpacking safari can be an adventure in itself. Here are some transportation options to consider:

Public Transportation : Buses, minibusses, and shared taxis are the most common forms of public transportation in Uganda. While they may be crowded and have longer travel times, they offer an affordable way to get around the country and interact with the local population.

Car Rentals and Self-Driving : If you prefer more flexibility and convenience, consider renting a car. Car rentals are available in major cities, and having your own vehicle allows you to explore at your own pace. However, keep in mind that driving conditions in Uganda can be challenging, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with local road rules and safety precautions.

Domestic Flights : For covering longer distances within the country, domestic flights are an option. Several domestic airlines operate scheduled flights between major cities and tourist destinations. While this is a quicker and more convenient mode of transportation, it is also more expensive compared to other options.

Hiring Local Guides and Drivers : For specific activities such as gorilla trekking or exploring national parks, hiring local guides and drivers can enhance your experience. They are knowledgeable about the area, wildlife, and cultural aspects, and can provide valuable insights and assistance.

By following these essential tips, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on your Uganda backpacking safari adventure. Remember to pack wisely, prioritize your safety, and choose transportation options that suit your preferences and budget. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, your backpacking safari in Uganda is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Experiencing Uganda’s Wildlife and Nature During A Backpacking Safari

Uganda is renowned for its incredible wildlife and stunning natural landscapes, making it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. In this section, we will delve into the remarkable wildlife and nature experiences that await you during your Uganda backpacking safari, including gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and thrilling adventure activities.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a jewel of Uganda’s conservation efforts and offers a unique opportunity to encounter the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking is an awe-inspiring experience that allows you to come face-to-face with these gentle giants, observing their behavior and witnessing their close-knit family dynamics. As you traverse the dense rainforest, guided by experienced trackers, the anticipation builds until you finally spot a gorilla group. The encounter is both humbling and exhilarating, leaving a lasting impact on all who experience it. It’s important to note that gorilla trekking requires a permit, which should be obtained in advance due to limited availability.

Wildlife Safaris in National Parks

Uganda is home to numerous national parks that offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems, is a prime destination for wildlife safaris. Embark on game drives to spot elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, and a wide range of antelope species. Take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel to see hippos,

crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife. Murchison Falls National Park, with its dramatic waterfall and the Nile River, is another remarkable destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Enjoy game drives to spot the Big Five, take a boat cruise to the base of the falls, and witness the power of nature up close.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is a haven for primate lovers, particularly renowned for its chimpanzee populations. Embark on a thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. The park is also home to other primate species, including red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Guided nature walks provide a chance to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including dense forests, swamps, and grasslands, while encountering a variety of bird species and other wildlife.

Adventure Activities in Uganda

Beyond wildlife encounters, Uganda offers a range of thrilling adventure activities for adrenaline junkies. Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa, is the perfect place to get your adrenaline pumping. Take on the exhilarating challenge of white-water rafting on the Nile River, navigating through rapids and cascading waters. For a unique perspective, try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the calm sections of the river, enjoying the tranquility and scenic beauty. If you’re seeking a different kind of adventure, hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Uganda’s natural beauty extends beyond its wildlife and adventure activities. Lake Bunyonyi, with its stunning surroundings, offers a serene retreat where you can relax and take in the picturesque views. Explore the lake by canoe or kayak, or simply unwind on its peaceful shores.

Whether you’re trekking through dense forests to encounter mountain gorillas, embarking on wildlife safaris to spot the Big Five, engaging in thrilling adventure activities, or simply immersing yourself in the tranquility of Uganda’s natural landscapes, the country’s wildlife and nature experiences will leave you in awe of its remarkable biodiversity.

In the next section, we will delve into the cultural immersion and local experiences that Uganda has to offer, including interactions with local communities, exploring traditional cuisine, and engaging in responsible tourism practices.

Cultural Immersion and Local Experiences in Uganda

Immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Uganda is an essential part of any backpacking safari adventure. The country’s rich heritage, diverse ethnic groups, and warm hospitality provide ample opportunities to connect with the local communities and gain a deeper understanding of Ugandan traditions. In this section, we will explore the cultural immersion and local experiences that you can enjoy during your Uganda backpacking safari.

Interacting with Local Communities

One of the most rewarding aspects of traveling through Uganda is the chance to engage with the local communities and learn about their way of life. Visit traditional villages and cultural centers to gain insights into the customs, traditions, and rituals of different ethnic groups. Interact with locals, listen to their stories, and participate in cultural activities such as traditional dances, music performances, and craft demonstrations. By immersing yourself in the local culture, you’ll not only enrich your own experience but also contribute to the preservation of traditional practices.

Community-Based Tourism Initiatives

Uganda has embraced community-based tourism initiatives, which provide opportunities for travelers to directly support local communities. These initiatives aim to empower local people by involving them in tourism activities, creating sustainable livelihoods, and preserving their cultural

heritage. Consider staying in community-run lodges or guesthouses, where you can enjoy authentic hospitality, traditional meals, and cultural performances. Engage in guided tours led by members of the community, such as nature walks, village visits, or handicraft workshops. By participating in these initiatives, you’ll have a deeper connection with the local culture and directly contribute to the well-being of the communities.

Learning about Ugandan Cuisine and Local Markets

Exploring Ugandan cuisine is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Sample traditional dishes such as matooke (steamed green bananas), groundnut stew, and rolex (a popular street food consisting of a chapati filled with eggs and vegetables). Visit local markets to experience the bustling atmosphere, vibrant colors, and tantalizing aromas of fresh produce, spices, and street food. Interact with the friendly vendors, learn about the local ingredients, and try your hand at bargaining for unique souvenirs and crafts. You may even have the opportunity to participate in cooking classes or food tours to learn traditional cooking techniques and recipes.

Responsible Travel and Sustainable Tourism in Uganda

As a responsible traveler, it’s important to engage in sustainable tourism practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment and contribute positively to local communities. Support local businesses and artisans by purchasing their products, such as handmade crafts, artwork, or locally produced goods. Choose eco-friendly accommodations that prioritize sustainable

practices, such as minimizing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local conservation projects. When visiting national parks and protected areas, adhere to the guidelines provided by park authorities to ensure the well-being of the wildlife and ecosystems. Engage in responsible wildlife viewing, such as maintaining a safe distance and following the instructions of trained guides.

By immersing yourself in the local culture, supporting community-based tourism initiatives, exploring traditional cuisine, and practicing responsible travel, you can have a meaningful and enriching experience during your Uganda backpacking safari. Embrace the warmth and friendliness of the Ugandan people, and allow their rich cultural heritage to leave a lasting impression on your journey.

Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit With A Uganda Backpacking Safari

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide to Uganda backpacking safaris. We’ve taken you on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures that Uganda has to offer. From gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park, and from engaging with local communities to exploring traditional cuisine, Uganda provides a wealth of experiences for every adventurous traveler.

As you prepare for your backpacking safari in Uganda, remember to plan your trip well in advance, considering the best time to visit, obtaining the necessary travel documents, and creating a budget that suits your preferences. Pack wisely, embrace the local culture and community-based tourism initiatives, and practice responsible travel to ensure a memorable and sustainable experience.

Throughout your journey, expect to be captivated by the stunning landscapes, awed by the diversity of wildlife, and touched by the warmth and hospitality of the Ugandan people. From the mist-covered mountains to the vast savannahs, Uganda’s natural wonders will leave an indelible mark on your soul. The encounters with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and other wildlife will be etched in your memory forever.

As you venture into the heart of Uganda, immerse yourself fully in the magic of the moment. Listen to the sounds of the wilderness, breathe in the fresh air, and let the beauty of the surroundings ignite your sense of adventure. Connect with the local communities, savor the flavors of Ugandan cuisine, and embrace the spirit of sustainable and responsible travel.

So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to unleash your adventurous spirit in Uganda. Whether you’re embarking on a gorilla trek, spotting wildlife on a game drive, paddling along the Nile, or simply soaking in the tranquility of Lake Bunyonyi, your backpacking safari in Uganda promises to be a journey of a lifetime.

For help planning the perfect itinerary for your Uganda backpacking safari, send the Penny Africa Safaris team a message and we’ll help you get started right away .

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Backpacking in Uganda

With backpacking, you have a great opportunity to discover Uganda’s hidden treasures in depth while on African safari. Incredibly, it is an adventure which blends hiking with backcountry camping thus widening your experience on what this magical destination holds. It gets you off the car and allows you to explore its diverse tourist attractions and a chance for you to get close to nature. To have an exceptional backpacking experience, there are a number of factors you need to put together. They include;

For starters, when you think of backpacking tour, you need to think of which destination to visit. You therefore need to find that one backpacking destination that is suits your physical fitness level. While choosing a destination for backpacking experience, you need to consult with experienced backpackers. There are backpackers that have been to these picturesque sites before and they have experience to share and most importantly, they can advise and guide you appropriately. Equally, there are also hiking guidebooks for you to identify which area is perfect for this experience. Make sure that you choose a destination adjacent to your area of stay-in case you wish to spend more time on footwork than driving; you need that destination close to your place of stay to allow you get to it easily before it gets dark. The notable places to get you the best of backpacking experience include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Jinja, Ziwa rhino sanctuary, Kibale National Park and many more. Ensure that the trail and camp that you choose to hike through is well established; availability of water in the destination is also very key when it comes to backpacking tour, know when it is best to visit that destination for backpacking, its altitude and many others. Depending on your budget, there are several backpackers’ hostels and low budget accommodation options for your overnight stay while on Uganda backpacking tour.

Besides choosing a destination, you have also to be mindful of which clothing or backpacking gear is ideal for your backpacking tour. Like other adventures, how you pack does matter a lot and so it is a case with backpacking experience. For this case, you need to consider essential items first including among others waterproof sleeping bag, pad, tent, hiking boots, backpack, water treatment, kitchen supplies and many more. When making a choice on which clothes to come with, make you sure that you purchase exactly those that suit within your adventure. To be on a safer side, make sure that you go through your fitness wear and get the clothing made of moisture wicking, quick drying fabrics for instance polyester and nylon. Most importantly, you need waterproof jacket, puffy vest/light fleece pullover, hat, gloves, sun hat, t-shirt, nylon pants a mention but a few.

When planning for backpacking tour, food is very key to put on your plan list. If it is an overnight backpacking tour, then you need to plan for dinner, breakfast and lunch. For this case, you freeze dried backpacking food. Canned food may not be that good enough for this kind of adventure.

Preparation for your Uganda backpacking trip is very essential and for this case, you need to ensure that you are physically prepared. While this is not marathon that you need to do extra exercise, equally it demands some physical wellness in you as it takes you through day hikes along the trails and elevation.  And this means that you need to do some exercise to help make a complete hike. Make sure that you have also packed early enough and avoid doing things at the last minute.

Backpackers Uganda

Tour Operators

Find a list of highly recommended Tour operators and Travel Agents in Uganda offering quality sustainable safaris and Tours, gorilla and chimp safaris, birding safaris, cultural experience, fishing safaris, mountain excursions, white water rafting, car hire, hotel reservations, ticketing and all travel related services in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Congo and Rwanda. Country Code: +256

Activenture Safaris Plot 4 Kimath Avenue P. O. Box 22124 Kampala Mob: +256(0) 754 000 923 +256 (0)774 000 923 E-mail: [email protected] Web: https://www.activenturesafrica.com

Africa Tours Adventure Garden City, Tel: +256 772 560 218 Email: [email protected] Website: www.africatoursadventure.com

Africa Adventure Safaris UGANDA OFFICE ADDRESS Kampala – Hoima Road, Suite 500 Plot 64 / 203 P.O. Box 22754, Kampala, Uganda Email: [email protected] Website: www.ugandagorillatour.com

Abacus African Vacations 4, PILKINGTON ROAD Makindye Kizungu Zone, Tel: +256(0)312 261930, Mob: +256(0) 772-331332 Email:[email protected] Website: www.ugandasafari.com

Acacia Safaris Nakulabye, Kampala Tel:+256(0)41 4253597,+256 (0)712800004 Email:[email protected] Web: www.gorillatoursandsafaris.com

Adrift Adventure Company 14 Yolk Terrace, Kololo Tel: 0772ADRIFT(237438),(031)2 ADRIFT E-mail:[email protected] Web: http://www.adrift.ug

African Pearl Safaris 13 Kimathi Avenue , Impala House,Ground floor. Tel: +256 (0)414233566/7. Mob: +256 (0)752975961 E-mail:[email protected] Web: www.apsafariafricaonline.co.ug

Asynut Safaris and Travel 2 Parliament Avenue, Jumbo plaza Tel: +256(0)414 50 30 65, +256(0)414 50 3064 E-mail:[email protected] Web:www.asyanuttours-safaris.com

Adventure Trails Plot 1383 Milk Valley Buildling, P.O BOX 34944, Kampala Uganda 1st Floor, Bwebajja, Entebbe Highway Tel +256 312 261 930 / +256 704 333 358 Email : [email protected] Web:www.gorilla-safari.com

Brovad Tours and Travel Communications House, Grand floor shop 9, Kampala. Tel: +256 (0) 414237477. Mob: +256 (0) 77 288 6642. Email:[email protected], www.brovadtoursandtravel.com

Budget Safari & Car Rental Services Ltd. Lugogo UMA Show Grounds Jinja Road, P. O. Box 36528, Kampala. Tel: +256 (0)414 572 043/(0312) 278 806/(0312) 278 896 Mob: +256 (0)712 426 943/+256 (0)772 426 943/ Email: [email protected] Website: www.budgetsafari.biz

Bunyonyi Safaris Ltd Baumann House Office G205, Kampala. Tel: +256 (0)414)347460/+256(0)312 261001/2 Mob: +256(0)772707311 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www. bunyonyisafaris.com

Church Hill Safaris Plot 928.Block B Sir Albert cook Road/Nateete-Wakaliga road Between ivy’s Hoteland caltex petrol station TEL: (0414)341815,+256(0)7726771  285, Fax: (0414) 253976 Email:  [email protected] [email protected]

Cycads African Safaris Namirembe Hill Road Kampala P.O Box 22460, Kampala Uganda Tel: +256-414-573775 +256-772-507241 (MOBILE) Email:[email protected] Website:www.cycadssafaris.com

Destination Jungle Ltd Pan African House Tel:+256(0)414 232754 Mob: +256(0)712 385 446 E-mail:[email protected] Web: www..safaritoeastafrica.com

Great Lakes Safaris Susie House, Ggaba Road P.O. Box 33024, Kampala Tel. +256 (0) 414 267 153 Mob. +256 (0) 772 426 368 Email: [email protected] Web:www.safari-uganda.com

Gorillaland Safaris Mob: +256 755 398 314 /+256 (0)772 398314 Office: +256 414 258 022, Email: [email protected] Web: www.gorillalandsafaris.com

Gorilla Trek Africa P.O. Box 22754 Kampala Nansana, Kampala Email: [email protected] Mobile: +256-782-186-562 Phone: +256-392 834 606 Website: www.gorillatrekafrica.com

Kazinga Tours LTD Kezironi House, Nawova Close 406 Makamba Rd, Lungujja, Behind Kampala Backpackers P.O. Box 72370 Kampala-Uganda Tel: +256 41 427 4457 Mob: +256 78 244 6048/+256 77 255 2819 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.kazingatours.com

Imani Safaris Uganda Tel: +256753552734 (Uganda) Tel: +447545258394 (UK) Email: [email protected] Website: www.imanisafarisuganda.com

Maleng Travel LTD Kitintale-Kampala P. O. Box 5970 Kampala Mob: +256(0) 77 8278853 Fax:+256(0) 41 4 220 727 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.malengtravel.com Skype:malengtravel

Nature Link Safaris Uganda 3 Parliament Avenue Raja Chambers Suite 25 P. O. Box 26330 Kampala Tel: +256 031278860 Mob: +256 077 239 8314 +256 075 5 398314 E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] Web: www.naturelinksafaris.co.ug

Nature Track Expeditions P.O. Box 729, Entebbe Plot 53 – 55, Circular Rd, Entebbe Tel: +256 041 323 747 +256 (0)774 13 29 67 Email: [email protected] www.naturetrack-expeditions.com

Shoebill Safaris Address: P.O. Box 23007, Kampala, Uganda Zana, Entebbe Road Phone: +256 31 2277002 Email: [email protected] Website: www.shoebillsafaris.com

Travel Hemispheres Ltd Entebbe Road, Tel: +256 772 346517, +256 772 571698 email: [email protected]

Uganda Safaris, Uganda Tours

Walmark Africa Safaris Plot 474, Block 245, Gaba Road, Kampala Uganda Mobile: +256 701 587665 +256 393 515343 +256 414 254495 Email: [email protected] Website: www.safarisinuganda.com

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Traveling to Uganda as a Backpacker

• August 10, 2023
• Posted by: Love Uganda Love Uganda
• Category: Blog

Uganda Safari as a Backpacker 

In the past, traveling to Uganda as a backpacker was not as vibrant as it is nowadays. Uganda has proved to be a reliable destination for backpackers. It has in the past been challenged by organized tours and hence made Kenya and Tanzania a little better destinations for Backpacker travelers. Trends have changed and now Uganda is one of the countries in Africa suitable for Backpackers. If you want to travel as a solo traveler in the forthcoming days, add Uganda on your to-do list.  Located in the Eastern part of Africa, Uganda is a beautiful landlocked country (has no direct access to any big water bodies such as ocean or sea).

Uganda was nicknamed the Pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill in his famous book – My African Journey. When you visit Uganda , you will realize that Churchill was 101% right to name the country the “Pearl of Africa.” Uganda’s Uniqueness is reflected by Mountain gorillas of Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks, tree climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth, the world’s strongest waterfalls of Murchison falls national park, the hospitable and diverse cultures, the Rwenzori mountains which are snow-caped, to mention but a few.  In this article you will know what a Backpacker means, the accommodation facilities for Backpackers in Uganda, how to eat in Uganda as a Backpacker, when is the best time to travel to Uganda, where you should travel to, and so many other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Backpacking

Who is a Backpacker?

Different scholars have defined a Backpacker in many ways but the underlying meaning remains the same. According to Wikipedia, Backpacking is a form of low-cost, independent travel, which often includes staying in inexpensive lodgings and carrying all necessary possessions in a backpack. A backpacker therefore, is the person undertaking Backpacking.

Back in the days Backpacking was known as a travel for the youth or young people who whose tourism curiosity could only be fulfilled by such, however, in the present days, Backpacking is done by even older people.  Little wonder it has gained fame in the past decades especially in the countries like Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. You do not need any experience to become a backpacker. All you need is having relevant and up to date information about Uganda as a destination and you get going.

If not planned carefully, backpacking can be the worst experience but a well-planned backpacking safari to Uganda is always a moment turned into a memory. This is because in Uganda, you will find relatively cheap accommodation facilities, transport means are user-friendly and the people of Uganda are hospitable enough meaning that there will be little or no huddles during your safari. Backpack travel in Uganda is best for researchers, students, solo travelers, explorers and something of that sort. I would wish to mention that it is not the best for honeymooners since it is usually not as luxurious as honey moon safaris which are somewhat more expensive. However, it can be tailor-made in a way that suits honeymooners depending on their needs.

How do I travel to Uganda as a Backpacker?

Traveling to Uganda is not a challenge since the country has an established and international standard airport that is Entebbe International airport. All you need are the necessary requirements such as a valid passport, visa, vaccination cards (sometimes), etc. A number of flights to and from Uganda happen all year round and across different parts of the world. The country also has a number of embassies and Consulates worldwide from where you can get up to date travel information.

From Europe, Emirates or Qatar Airlines can get you from places like London, Amsterdam, and Paris to Entebbe international airport with transits in Dubai and Qatar respectively.

From the United States of America , there is no direct flight from the USA to Entebbe airport, however, airlines like Emirates, KLM, and Qatar airways that will fly from USA’s major cities to Entebbe airport with one transit at their headquarters. The journey from USA to Uganda takes take a minimum of 20 hours including transit time.

From Asia, get connected to Entebbe International airport by Qatar and Emirates Airlines which fly to major cities in Asia like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Bangkok through Doha or Dubai respectively.

   Where do I stay in Uganda as a Backpacker? 

Staying in Uganda as a Backpacker is one of the major points of concern one should look at before embarking on their journey to the Pearl of Africa. Poor accommodation facilities can mess up your entire trip to Uganda. What do you need to do then for a spectacular experience? Uganda has quite a number of accommodation facilities ranging from budget to mid-range to luxury. Unless it has been your dream, but a Backpacker, you may not need a luxury accommodation facility since that money can be used on other things like transport. Get me right, staying budget in Uganda does not mean that you are having poor services, you are rather minimizing on the costs but the services are good. For instance food in a budget hotel ranges from 10,000 Uganda shillings to 30,000 Uganda shillings. We are talking about delicious local Ugandan meal whose taste is lip-smirking.

This is why I suggest that staying in a budget lodge or a Backpackers dormitory is not a bad idea. Remember you are not here to stay but rather, you are looking for a place from where you can spend one or two nights and continue with your safari.

Backpacker Lodges

Quite a number of Backpackers lodges are available in Entebbe town near Lake Victoria – the biggest lake in Africa and the third biggest in the whole world. In the deeper parts of the country like Bwindi Impenetrable national park, Lake Bunyonyi, Murchison falls national park, Mbale, Fort Portal and Jinja city – the source of the Nile (the longest River in the world), there are a number of Backpackers lodges and camping sites.  These areas provide camping sites which can be hired at an affordable price. Their dormitories are always clean with clean toilets (some are outside but depending on your choice and affordability, you can get a self-contained room). They also offer catering services and kitchens from where you can prepare your own meal.

Food in Uganda can be bought from local markets and supermarkets. The fruits are always fresh from the garden. You can hire a chef at your lodge for a meantime at an agreeable and relatively cheap price if at all you need one.

Below are some of the Backpackers accommodation facilities in different parts of the country.

Entebbe town

• Annas Bed and Breakfast
• Entebbe Backpackers
• Sunbird Backpackers

Kampala city

• The fat cat Backpackers
• Bush pig Backpackers Hostel
• Ewaka Backpackers
• Kampala Backpackers

Bwindi Impenetrable national park

• Karungi Camp
• Bwindi Backpackers Lodge
• Wild Olives Lodge

Lake Bunyonyi

• Byoona Amagara at Lake Bunyonyi
• The Kansiime Backpackers
• OM Hostel Bunyonyi

Queen Elizabeth national park

• Mweya Hostel
• Tembo Safari Lodge
• Queen Elizabeth Safari Lodge

Fort Portal city

• Kalitusi Backpackers Hostel and Campsite Fort-Portal
• Masaai Villa Backpackers Home
• BX Guest House

Kibale Forest National Park

• Primate Lodge
• Kimpundu Lodge
• Kibale Forest Lodge

Murchison Falls National Park

• Budongo Eco Lodge
• Murchison Backpackers
• Murchison Safari Lodge / Backpackers Hostel

Kidepo Valley National Park

• Kidepo Savannah Lodge
• Apoka Hostel Bandas
• Zebra Safari Lodge
• Adere Safari Lodges Kidepo

Jinja city – Source of the Nile

• Jinja Backpackers
• Jinja Nile Resort
• Source of the Nile Suites

All these and many more places across the country provide the best accommodation services which can be tailor-made to suit the needs of any Backpacker on a Uganda safari. They have spaces for tents in case you have carried one or you can even hire one at such places. There are also coffee and tea shops within or nearby from where you can always chill in African way as a way of refreshment.

Transport – How do I travel within Uganda as a Backpacker? Getting around Uganda as a Backpacker.

After you have successfully made your way to Uganda – the Pearl of Africa, getting around should not be a challenge. As a backpacker, you may decide on the means of transport you want to use depending on your budget and next destination.

In Uganda, you can travel by water, air rail (though not common) and road means. Road transport is the most commonly used means of transport.  It can be possible on an organized safari vehicle, in a bus / taxi or a boda-boda (motorcycle).

Getting around using an organized tour operator

 Uganda is one of the countries in East Africa and Africa as a whole that offers some of the best organized tour services. A number of tour operators such as Love Uganda Safaris arrange tailor-made services for travelers. However, the tours are usually termed “Expensive” compared to Backpack tours. This is because of their organization that involves early booking and outstanding services as provided by the operators. Much as they look expensive, they are worth the price because they provide an ultimate experience where the travelers is guaranteed safety and security.

For Backpack travelers, you may decide to organize only transport with a tour operator or hire just a tour guide. Remember your main goal is having the best but cheap Uganda safari experience.

Tour operators like Love Uganda Safaris offer self-drive safari vehicles and these might be the best for any Backpacker. You can as well hire a tour guide for one or two days depending on your wishes.

Getting around using a bus or taxi / Matatus

 Buses and taxis are the common means of transport used to connect different cities in Uganda. Their services range on the company offering the service and the distances traveled. I recommend that if you are traveling longer distances for instance from Kampala city to Kabale – Lake Bunyonyi, using a bus would be the better option than the taxis. Buses have advanced services such as a fixed price which is better than the ever fluctuating taxi prices. If you are someone who is time sensitive and price sensitive, you may have to be flexible while in Uganda because buses and taxis set off not when the time has reached but only when they are full with passengers. This is where Travelling with an organized tour operator beats them all. This is of course not to scare you but rather to prepare you mentally.

During the journeys, do not get surprised when passengers start a chat with you or look at you with smiling faces that is just the culture of Ugandans. They are welcoming, however, like the saying goes; never trust a smiling face. Be careful with your property especially in the cities as snatchers may come wearing smiling faces as well.

Getting around using a motorcycle (Boda-boda)

 within the cities and for short distances, using a boda-boda would be the best option as they are fast, flexible and convenient. Much as their prices tend to double those of taxis within the cities, boda-boda dodge traffic holdup and can reach remote places where taxis cannot reach.  Befriending a boda-boda rider in the stage near you is a security tip. Ensure to agree on the prices before setting off because there is no standard price for boda-boda much as you can ask for the price range before stopping a boda-boda rider.

A ctivities and attractions – What to do and see in Uganda?

When it comes to attractions and activities on a Uganda Safari, we cannot say it all. There is a lot that has been discovered and not discovered in Uganda. Starting from the point of entry – Entebbe town to Kampala city, cultural sites, Jinja- Source of the Nile, the Uganda Equator, several national parks, mountains, rivers and lakes, to mention but a few – Uganda is a gem.

To just give you an insight, you can do and see the following during your Uganda Backpack safari;

Start your Journey with a visit to Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC).

After you have gotten out of your plane at Entebbe International airport, tell your driver to stop you at the nearby Uganda Wildlife Education Center. It is here that you will have the first sight of animals such as lions, elephant, mountain gorillas, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes etc. This will be accompanied by views of snakes, reptiles such as the Nile crocodile and multiple bird species. These animals are in cases meaning unlike ones in the national parks that you have to walk or drive to see. This is just an introduction to Uganda.

Visit Buganda Kingdom Palace

As a Backpacker travelers, you ought not to miss the Bulange – Mengo palace tour. You will visit the Lukiiko – Parliament of Buganda Kingdom and learn about how Buganda Kingdom was organized before the coming of colonialists. Walk the Royal Mile walk, visit the Idi Amin’s torture chambers, Kabaka’s Lake, Kasubi tombs, Buganda Kingdom Museum, etc. you can break your day at Sanyuka Coffee shop and have a taste on real African Coffee and Luwombo – a traditional food for the

Do not miss a Kampala city tour

The Kampala city tour is something worth every travelers’ attention, you need not to miss it as a Backpacker. You will visit the Old Kampala Mosque which was built by the former president of Libya Col. Mummar Gadhafi. On this hill, you will have spectacular views of all the ancient 7 hills of Kampala that is Mengo hill, Lubaga hill, Nakasero hill, Kololo hill, Namirembe hill, Makerere hill and Old Kampala hill. You will then proceed and visit Bahai temple in Kyebando. Do not miss the Uganda Museum, Makerere University and Namugongo Martyrs shrine (where faithful martyrs died for their faith during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga)

Visit the Uganda Equator and perform the water balance and weight loss experiments.

On your way to the western circuit national parks that is Lake Mburo national park, Bwindi Impenetrable national park, Mgahinga Gorillas national park and Queen Elizabeth national park, lies the spectacular latitude known as the Equator. It is this line that divides the earth into two hemispheres that is the Northern hemisphere and the Southern hemisphere. The Uganda Equator is located in Kayabwe Mpigi district along Kampala – Masaka highway. Here travelers stop to perform water balance experiment and get an opportunity of stepping in the two hemispheres at the same time. Other than grabbing something from the craft shop, the Uganda equator provides good photography moments.

Pass by Lake Mburo national park – the smallest national park in Uganda

For a lance on zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, Uganda kob, and multiple bird species, Backpack travelers ought not to miss Lake Mburo national park. The lake itself is adventurous and the park offers amazing horseback riding safaris. Click here for more insight on Lake Mburo national park.

Do a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable national park

In East Africa, it is only Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo that are home to the endangered gorillas. Better miss another activity but not a gorilla trekking safari.  It is a walk in the forests which is challenging and exciting at the same time. As a Backpacker traveler, you would not wish to leave Uganda without a glance on these human-like creatures. More insight on gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national park

Visit Lake Bunyonyi

For travelers that seek beautiful green sceneries, calm and fresh water breeze from an area or a lake, Lake Bunyonyi is an ideal place for relaxation. Located in the southwest region of Uganda, near Kabale and Kisoro district, Lake Bunyonyi is a freshwater lake famously known for its dotted islands with a breathtaking view of these islands.

Lake Bunyonyi locally means “area of little birds”. The evergreen terraces and landmarks create beautiful sceneries of the lake, worth a view on a Backpackers Uganda tour. This lake covers a surface area of 64km, with a width of 7km and a depth of 40m. Most local guides of the area argue that the lake is much deeper than the “scientific lecturer”. The local guides propose that the lake exceeds the depth of 40m to make 900m. “Place of many birds” translated locally to mean Lake Bunyonyi, is a freshwater body located in the basin of Uganda. Besides it being a lake, Lake Bunyonyi has been a great attraction with numerous fun activities enjoyed by the travelers that visit its premises.

Click here  for more insight on Lake Bunyonyi.

Do not miss tree climbing lions of Ishasha sector – Queen Elizabeth national park.

Uganda is blessed to be home to one of the most elusive species, the tree climbing lions, second to only Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National park in Africa. Undertake an African safari in Uganda to encounter these rare species as they lie flat on fig trees in a chilly afternoon. The tree climbing lions in Uganda can be viewed only in the Ishasha southern sector of popular  Queen Elizabeth National park . This national park in addition to being home to the ‘Big 4’, the Park also boasts of the providing habitat to the rare tree climbing lions in Uganda.

Click here  for more insight on tree climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth national park.

Do Chimpanzee tracking / habituation in Kibale Forest national park

Kibale national park is one of the best places to trek chimpanzees in Uganda. The park could easily be called the primate capital of the world. It is mostly famous for it 13 species of primates including chimpanzees. Tracking chimpanzees in Kibale is definitely an experience all on its own and the best thing you shouldn’t miss while on a safari tour in Uganda. Chimpanzee habituation experience gives you a chance to escort Kibale’s researchers and habituators following chimpanzees throughout their day to day activities. Forest buffaloes, elephants and forest birds can also be spotted thence enhancing your chimpanzee trekking. Kibale forest National Park has consistently remained as the best place in Uganda to trek chimpanzees due to its proximity to Kampala as compared to other chimpanzee trekking sites.

Find more insight on chimpanzee tracking in Uganda.

The Big 4 animals and the world’s strongest water falls of Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls is the world’s greatest falls and is also a national park in Uganda. It is oldest and largest national park covering an area of 3840Kmsq being divided by the Nile into the northern and southern parts. The park was Uganda’s first gazetted area in 1952 by Uganda Game and fisheries department. It is now managed by Uganda wildlife authority. Originally it was gazetted as the Bunyoro and Gulu wildlife reserve in 1926 up to when it was upgraded to a national park. The park sits on the shore of lake Albert in northwest Uganda on Albertine rift valley where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment merges into a vast, palm-dotted savannah. It is well known for Murchison falls, where Victoria Nile squeezes itself through an 6m wide gorge. The gorge plunges 45m into the ‘Devil’s Cauldron the park can be accessed mainly by road and airport transport.

Click here   for more insight on Murchison falls national park.

Visit the Source of River Nile – the longest river in the world.

The source of River Nile, alluded to hazily in the ancient writings of the explorers, stood as one of the great geographical mysteries of the Victorian age. This has greatly attracted many people to come for safaris to Uganda. The desire to uncover this geographic Holy Grail inspired the epic journeys of exploration. They were; Livingstone, Stanley, Burton and Speke. It was this latter, John Hanning Speke, on a pioneering 1862 expedition around Lake Victoria. He first controversially suggested that a small waterfall flowing northward out of the Lake, might be the legendary spring.

Flanked today by the city of Jinja, the waterfall described by Speke now lies submerged beneath the Owen falls Dam. This is Uganda’s main source of Hydro Electric power. A safari visit to the source of the Nile remains a moving and wondrous experience; no less so to those who have seen the same river as it flows past the ancient Egyptians temples of Luxor some 6000 km downstream.

Closer to Home, the Nile downriver from Jinja offers some superb white water rafting and game fishing. Its crowning glory, however, is Murchison falls; where the world’s longest river funnels through a narrow fissure in the rift Escarpments to erupt out of the other side in a crashing 43 meters plume of white water. The river below the falls is no less spectacular in its own way. With its profuse bird-life, thousands of Hippos and outsized, Gape mouthed Crocodiles.

Click here  for more insight on the source of the Nile.

Is Uganda safe for Backpackers?

Uganda is one of the safest countries in Africa and the world as a whole, however, be careful while in Uganda especially at night. This is when night robbers in cities come out of hiding. The people of Uganda have a more relaxed and open vibe than anywhere else.

How to acquire a sim card in Uganda?

At the entrance of Uganda – Entebbe International airport, you will find sales agents of different telecommunication companies. These include; MTN –Uganda, Airtel – Uganda and Lyca Mobile. I recommend that you buy MTN or Airtel. They do not easily lose network even in remote areas. Each Sim Card is approximately 1 USD. If you are to stay with in the cities Lyca Mobile has better internet Bundle offers but do not rely on it so much.

Internet in Uganda

Uganda has good internet connectivity, you can purchase a weekly package at about 30,000 Uganda shillings or even a monthly bundle. Most of the accommodation facilities provide Wi-Fi feel free to ask for the password during your stay.

To be on a safer side, ensure to download virtual Private Network (VPN) before making your way to Uganda. This will help your survive any internet interruptions while in Uganda.

What to pack while on Backpack safari to Uganda

Your bag should contain at least these while embarking on your Uganda Backpack safari.

• Walking/Hiking Shoes
• Breathable Shirts:
• Shorts/Jeans
• Fleece Jacket
• Outer Shell Jacket
• Microfiber Towel
• Water Bottle
• Universal Adapter
• Packing Cubes
• A Large Backpack

Do I need a travel Insurance?

Insurance is always an added security, it is not mandatory but having it puts you on a safer side. In Uganda, there are insurance companies that have branches across the world. These work with domestic hospitals which can be a sure deal of safety while in Uganda.

What is the best time to visit Uganda as a Backpacker?

Uganda is open for travelers all year round. However, the dry months of June to September and December to February are the best for activities like gorilla tracking.

  In a nutshell, traveling to Uganda as a backpacker can only be challenging if you do not have the right information. At this point, you are everywhere you need to be regarding backpacking to Uganda. Book yourself a Uganda Safari Now 

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Backpacking Uganda on Budget

Uganda, the famed Pearl of Africa, is a destination many travellers ought to have on their bucket list. There’s a lot to see in this small yet mysterious country and if you are not careful enough, you will end up spending your blife’s savings just to explore its beauty.

You might think that  traveling Uganda on budget would be easy, given the foreign exchange rate and how literally almost everything seems cheap; accommodation, fruits, food, drinks, transportation and even some tours.

But with everything sounding cheap, it could hurt your bank account in the long run if you don’t find ways to tame your expenses while out here in Uganda. Plus, some of the most famous activities in Uganda can be very pricey, like gorilla trekking, or safari. To help you backpack on a budget in Uganda, follow these insider tips.

When it comes to meals, there are various ways you can stick to your budget when backpacking Uganda. Food is generally cheap in Uganda, but of course it depends on your choice of restaurant. The most popular Ugandan dishes include matooke/ green bananas, cassava, sweet potatoes, potatoes, yams, beans, peas, peanuts, chicken, beef, cabbage, and pumpkin.

Usually, the best place to find affordable prices is to eat at a local restaurant, since they mostly serve local food and cuisines. If you are the kind that loves to integrate variety, there are plenty of midrange restaurants that serve delicious treats. Usually, their prices range on location and cuisines offered.

Cooking for yourself can also help you save some money; it is very much possible in big cities and towns where they have supermarkets that offer a wide range of spices, vegetables and tinned foods. Vegetables are readily available around Uganda, though vegetarians are less catered for in restaurants.

Accommodation

This is one of the areas that most travelers fail to stick to a budget. The accommodation in Uganda comes in all ranges, and you can find options ranging from 1 star to 5 stars depending on where you are. Usually in towns, accommodation rates are quite high, but if you travel a few kilometers outside of the city center, you might find a budget-friendly, comfortable and quiet option.

A budget option for backpackers in Uganda is to stay at a hostel , which is a great budget option for most travellers to Uganda both local and international. There are a wide range of hostels that you can check out like Kyampisi Backpackers Home, Nile River Camp, and Red Chilli among others.

Camping is greatly increasing in popularity in Uganda, there is also an increase in the number of organized campsites. The fees for these tend to differ depending on whether you have your own tent or not.

Another budget accommodation option is to find a home stay, though these are quite hard to arrange in Uganda. Most homestays are arranged through word of mouth, so if you have a friend who has travelled here before, they can recommend places they have been to.

Budget Safaris and Tours in Uganda

Stick to budget tours and safaris in Uganda

It is always good to visit a country and carry back as many memories of it as possible because we never know when we will visit again. Carrying a camera is very important on such trips and knowing how to get the best deals is another way.

When it comes to budget safari options, group tours are the best; you don’t only get to mingle with people from other nations and walks of life, you also get to kick away the boredom of traveling alone, and it even gives you the courage to try out some adventures that you wouldn’t have tried if you were alone.

For solo travelers, the best time to travel in Uganda is during the low season; that is the rainy season and there are pools in the parks, that’s if you are not afraid of getting stuck while there. The most unique thing during this time though, it is the period when the country is most beautiful, the savannah plains and everywhere else is covered in green and photography is at its best. There a different glow too when the sun shines over in the afternoons and evenings.

Another unique and better way is to go off the beaten paths and explore places that most tourists rarely visit and discover these raw and untouched wild places. Among these are rarely visited waterfalls like Kisizi, Itanda, almost deserted islands in the Victoria Lake, dense forests like maramagambo, tea, sugarcanes and coffee plantations that adorn Uganda’s nature. Such places keep you immersed in nature’s own ambiance and make you part of it.

Transportation on a Budget

If your plan is backpack Uganda extensively, then you will most likely use public means or walk. There are private means of transport like hiring a cab or hiring a car to drive yourself but the charges on these make them expensive in the long run especially if you are staying longer in the country. There are a lot of options in regards to the public means for you to choose from as well.

Mini buses/ taxis or matatus are also used to get from city to city. These do not run on a set schedule but rather leave when full; they are the most affordable means when going from town to town or city to city though one has to be certain of their destination/ drop off when considering these.

And the boda-boda (motorcycle taxis) found almost every in Uganda; one of the most popular and exciting way of getting around though they should be approached with caution, and don’t do it unless you feel comfortable.

Hop on a boda-boda to travel in Uganda on a budget

The buses that go across regions and the most comfortable and more organized in regards to payments and staging. There are plenty of bus and coach service providers in Uganda that link nearly all towns and cities. Most tickets provided within Uganda are one way, so you can spend as much or less time in a region as you desire.

Private taxis/special hires are also helpful in some cases. These are comfortable and can be relied on when getting around as they drop/ pick up to/from your specified location. They usually charge per kilometer or route and depending on the deal you give them.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to travel Uganda on a budget

One other way of backpacking Uganda on budget is through volunteering. Volunteering gives you a touch to a country’s culture than anything else; you get to move deep down to the grassroots, get immersed in particular culture, learn and share ideas, something an itinerary limits. There are number of organizations that provide volunteering services to students, professionals and seniors in different communities across the country and some of these have extra activities over the weekends that help you to discover and travel around. Ssamba Foundation provides free volunteering to Uganda.

Affordable Travel Insurance

It is always good to travel with Travel insurance , especially to a country like Uganda where you will have new experiences on almost everything. Insurance will help protect yourself from a lot of would-be hustles, when you run out of money, or when things are not going your way. Travel insurance will get you covered if you face the unexpected, like if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, or when you fall seriously ill and need to fly back. One of the most commonly used travel insurance company is World Nomads and the reviews about it are very good.

There are many other ways a person can travel to Uganda on budget, it could be through consulting a friend who has been here before, or having to stick to a budget to get you going. Everyone traveling on budget has a special way of doing it apart from the basics, like having a local guide friend to help you juggle day to day life or get attached to an organization that offers country coordinators.

About the author

Beatrice Naigaga

Beatrice Naigaga is a volunteer coordinator, travel guide, and consultant working with Ssamba Foundation and Safaris . She has a shrewd understanding of Uganda and the beauty that it holds.

• Beatrice Naigaga #molongui-disabled-link The Best Places for Hiking in Uganda
• Beatrice Naigaga #molongui-disabled-link Tips for Solo Travel in Uganda
• Beatrice Naigaga #molongui-disabled-link 12 Must-See Historical Sites in Uganda

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Gabi Travels

Uganda Travel and Backpacking Guide

Uganda still lies beyond the radar of most travellers. But this luscious, land-locked country is a gold-mine for adventure activities. There are lots of exhilarating experiences bound to get your heart racing in Uganda.

Home of Mountain Gorillas, Lake Victoria, and the Nile, Uganda is often called the “Pearl of Africa”. It is a land where you can experience a truly welcoming culture and natural beauty without equal. Discover the wealth of indigenous and varied cultures, and find out why Uganda is known as one of the friendliest countries in Africa.

Here, you will find the mighty Nile exploding through the rocky gorge of Murchison Falls and the 5,000 m high snow-capped Rwenzoris Mountains, interspersed with friendly locals and exquisite cuisine. Whether you’re exploring Uganda’s equatorial mountain forests, its island-dotted lakes, or its colourful, vibrant cities, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

One of the most ‘traditionally African of the countries on offer, Uganda has a special charm of its own.

Mud hut villages where the local people are cultivating small patches of maize and matoke (plantains) contrast with the relative sophistication of its capital Kampala where diplomats in large cars and overcrowded minibuses mingle with street stall holders selling newspapers or chewing gum, dodging between the traffic.

The countryside varies from dry Savannah to rich lush rainforests and mountains in which live the fabled gorillas. Lake Victoria forms one of its borders and from the Lake the White Nile wends its way to Sudan, Egypt and to the Mediterranean.

Although Uganda is classed as poor, it has a stable economy, a highly regarded President and exports some of the best coffee in the world. It is one of the countries which has done most to combat AIDS and AIDS awareness posters are everywhere.

Uganda Travel Booking Resources

These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.

• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner . • Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com .

Uganda Tours

Taking a tour of Uganda is essential to discover the highlights of the country, trying to do this independently is hard, especially if you are a solo traveller. I recommend small group tours with G Adventures – you can even find combo trips to other countries in the region like Kenya and Tanzania.

Weather and the Best Time to Visit Uganda

Uganda’s equatorial climate provides copious amounts of sunshine, moderated by the varying altitudes across the country. Temperatures range from 16°C in the southwestern highlands to 30°C in the northeast region.

The rainy season is from March-May and October-November, with the wettest month being April. The dry season spans from December-February (the hottest months) and June-August. The average rainfall is approximately 175mm per month and humidity is fairly low outside the wet season.

Best Hostels in Kampala

In Kampala there are two big backpackers. The taxi drivers know them and will greet you with ‘Chili?’ ‘Bushpig Backpackers’? Where you going?’ Most backpackers who’ve passed through Kampala will have stayed at one of these places, many having done a rafting trip to Jinja with one of the affiliated rafting companies.

So how do you decide which one to stay at? You read this! I’ve stayed at both and can offer up some advice if you’re still on the fence. The problem is that both places are decent and there’s no real standout. But each has it’s pluses and minuses that I’ll share with you here.

Red Chili Hideaway This backpacker’s is out in the boonies. It’s set on beautiful grounds with lush trees and even a resident pig, but it really is out of the way. If you’re looking to enjoy hostel life before heading off on a rafting trip then it’s a great choice but if you’re in Kampala to enjoy the lively nightlife then Red Chili, tucked away down many scary, potholed roads (more than usual) might not be the best option.

The hostel bar is lively and a nice place to hang out with some comfy chairs. There are some larger tables which makes it easy to meet other travellers as you’re likely to be sitting with others. The food is pretty good and they even had real maple syrup on their pancakes!

They have free wifi and staff here are pretty friendly and the folks in the kitchen are really nice, too.

The showers are hot… almost too hot although that’s not something I’d ever complain about! The major downfall with this place (besides the location) is the beds. They’re pretty uncomfortable and the mosquito net tried to suffocate me several times.

Bushpig Backpackers This hostel is a lot more central and if you’re arriving by bus it’ll be your best bet as it’s pretty close to the Jaguar bus terminal and to the Old Bus Station as well. If you’re arriving from Rwanda you’ll actually drive right past it so ask your driver if he’ll drop you off.

This place didn’t feel as cozy as Red Chili, but there is still a lot of green space to enjoy. The common bar area isn’t as nice and the many small tables make meeting people a bit tricky. The internet here is free as well with three computers for you to use or wifi if you have your own.

The connection was patchy and when it did work, it was really slow. On first impressions, staff here weren’t as friendly as at Red Chili. The food was good but they didn’t have many of the things on their menu.

The best thing about this place has to be the beds. I stayed in the dorm and it was one of the nicest dorm beds I’ve ever encountered. Made of wood, a pretty good mattress, great pillow and really nice sheets and a blanket.

The mosquito net was also a bit saggy but after a few repairs it was fine. The showers closest too me didn’t have hot water on any of the three days I tried them. I was only actually able to locate one where it worked which was a small trek to the other side of the hostel.

Top Things to Do in Uganda

These are some of the essential things to do in Uganda…

Get Up Close to Wild Mountain Gorillas There can be few wildlife experiences more breathtaking than tracking endangered mountain gorillas through the dense, tropical rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest in south-west Uganda.

The wild mountain gorillas of Uganda roam freely amongst the thick foliage of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and getting to see them peacefully in their home really is a once in a lifetime experience. Around 400 gorillas live in the forest, which makes up for just under half of the world’s population.

Thanks to recent conservation efforts, the WWF has announced the numbers of gorillas in the wild has increased to around 1000. Walking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is part of the adventure itself, with the park housing some 120 species of mammals, over 300 species of birds and around 200 species of butterflies.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled and you never know what fantastic wildlife encounter you’ll come across. The walk to see the gorillas can take another from one to eight hours. Local trackers will pinpoint the last known location of the gorillas and use their unique skills to reach their current location, however due to the movement of the animals this can take quite some time.

It’s hard to describe the sense of awe that rushes through you as you first set your eyes on these magnificent beasts. You might also like to view my advice for how to see chimpanzees in Uganda .

Raft and Bungee Over The Nile Adrift in Jinja offers some of the best white-water rafting in the world, with crashing Grade III­ to V rapids. Prepare to have your boat flipped like a tiddlywink, plunging you under the frothing, roaring Nile waters before you reappear in a calmer patch further downriver.

If one day isn’t enough, you can do the weekend option (US$250), where you’ll camp on a minute river island before battling with another series of thundering torrents the next day. One rapid that only the boldest should tackle is the aptly named ‘Bad Place’, a gaping, churning whirlpool, where you have virtually zero chance of emerging with your boat the right way up.

Finish off your adrenalin-fuelled weekend by throwing yourself from the top of a rickety tower over the Nile, with hungry crocs below and an elastic bungee cord around your ankles (US$95). The only way to calm your frayed nerves post-leap is with a restorative Nile Special beer at the cliff-top bar. Just what the doctor ordered…

Trek Mount Elgin, Abseil Down Sipi Falls Head off the beaten path to Mount Elgon, either to climb to its 4,321-metre summit, or to hike along the scores of scenic trails in the verdant, rolling foothills and visit the Sipi Falls, an exquisite and romantic set of three waterfalls.

For the more intrepid, there are some challenging crags and jutting cliffs that are ideal for rock-climbing, and it’s even possible to abseil down the 100-metre-high precipice beside the bellowing main cascade of the falls.

If you’re saving your pennies, The Crow’s Nest is the ideal hillside hideaway and has spectacular views of the falls. It’s just US$2 to camp or you can make yourself at home in a dorm (about £2.50) or private cabin (about £5). The staff are happy to organise any activities for you, as well as providing picnics for any ventures into the surrounding hills.

Uganda Travel Tips

The practical stuff:

Currency: The Shilling is the currency of Uganda. Religion: Uganda is a predominately a Christian country. Safety: Uganda does feel very safe, especially if you go the organised trip route. People & Culture: Ugandans have a reputation for warmth and friendliness to strangers, and strongly welcome visitors, particularly those from Britain.

Places to Visit Near Uganda

It would be a shame to travel all the way to east Africa and not see more of the region. If you are interested in visiting Uganda, you might also like to my regional destination guides to other popular countries:

• Kenya travel guide • Tanzania travel guide

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Red Chilli Hideaway | Uganda’s Premier Budget Tourism Provider

We’ve been hosting budget travellers and organising great safaris since 1999 and yes.. we still absolutely love it!  We provide lodges & campsites in Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park and we also run a busy tours office, sending people on great safaris all over Uganda. 

If you are looking for somewhere safe, friendly, good value and fun, then look no further!

Red Chilli is situated just outside the hustle and bustle of Kampala city, right by the shores of Lake Victoria, near Port Bell. We have been catering for independent travellers, families, students and volunteers looking for excellent value for money for over 20 years and have now been at our fantastic purpose-built home for over 7 years.

Find out more about Red Chilli Hideaway

We offer the only low to mid budget accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park, providing a choice of furnished safari tents and bandas (small individual houses) with shared or private bathrooms. We also offer camping facilities with modern showers, toilets, cooking area and security lighting.

Find out more about Red Chilli Rest Camp

With over 20 years of safari experience, Red Chilli is able to create your dream tour. For some ready-made ideas, take a look at our Ready Made Safaris . Alternatively complete our Tailor-Made Safari request form letting us know your particular needs or preferences and we can help you build the trip of a lifetime.

If you are on a budget, why not take a look at our Scheduled tours for the most affordable way to safari.

Red Chilli Scheduled Safari Tours

Lake victoria sunset cruise, kampala, murchison falls 3 day falls and game safari tour, uganda, murchison falls 3 day big 5 safari tour, uganda, queen elizabeth national park with chimps, 3 day safari tour, uganda, why book with us, 25,000+ satisfied travellers.

Rated “excellent” by thousands of happy customers

Award Winning

Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence received in multiple years

Extensive Tourism Knowledge

We have extensive knowledge with over 20+ years of operation in the tourism industry

Why not chat with us on WhatsApp or give us a call on our reservations hotline. Alternatively send us an email: [email protected]

Call us on +256393202903

Entebbe Backpackers Hostel & Campsite

The backpackers place – your gateway to uganda.

Entebbe Backpackers is located on Plot 33/35 along Church Road in the safest and secure Entebbe neighbourhood with paved (tarmacked) roads and solar night time lighting 5 Kilometers from Entebbe International Airport.

The Entebbe Backpackers is located along Church Road; only 700 metres from the Kampala – Entebbe Airport Road on the left side of the road if driving towards the airport, just after the Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel opposite the Uganda Printing and Publishing Cooperation (UPPC) and just before the Shell Fuel Station.

FACILITIES AT FRANK’S

The campsite has a large clean garden with beautiful flowers, green grass and trees and you are sure to feel very much at home in our great feel-good environment. There is ample camping space for those wishing to pitch tents. The hostel and campsite is very securely fenced with 24 Hour CCTv surveillance and is well lit at night.

The Hostel consists of twelve rooms of various sizes, standards and prices (including 4 self-contained garden cottage style rooms) and two-eight person maximum capacity self-contained dormitories with storage lockers.

ACCOMMODATION RATES 2019 (All inclusive of 18% Value Added Tax)

• Camping costs USD 4 – per person per night (with own tent)
• Camping costs USD 6 – per person per night (with our tent)
• RM 1. Double room with own shower and toilet and private settee ( one big bed) – USD 30
• RM 2. Single room with own shower and toilet (one bed) – USD 15
• RM 3. Triple room with one double size bed and two bunk beds and own shower and toilet ( 3 beds total) – USD 30
• RM 4. Single room with communal/ shared facilities (one bed) – USD 9
• RM 5. Double room with communal/ shared facilities (one bed) – USD 11
• RM 6. Double room with communal/ shared facilities (one bed) – USD 11
• RM 7. Twin room with own shower and toilet (two beds) – USD 30
• RM 9. Single cottage style room with own shower and toilet (one bed) – USD 15
• RMs 10, 11 & 12. Double/Twin cottage style rooms with own showers and toilets ( two beds each room) – USD 30
• RM 13. Double room with own shower and toilet ( one bed) – USD 18
• Dormitories 1 and 2. 8 Bunk beds in each dorm room with own shower and toilet – USD 8 per person per night.
• All beds are fitted with Mosquito nets, we have both a solar and instant hot shower system installed and we operate a solar lighting system as well which ensures full time lighting even when the National grid experiences unexpected power outages.
• All above rates are inclusive of Local Council Hotel Tax levied per room per night.
• Prices DO NOT include Breakfast. We have a restaurant open from 8:00a.m to 8pm from where guests can order various food and drinks whose costs vary depending on what’s ordered for but are very affordable.
• We accept payments in US Dollars, Euros, Ugandan Shillings or Pound Sterling. Advance payments can also be made through bank wire transfer but this is not a necessity.

Download our current price list here

We appreciate and prefer a more personal interaction with you to sort out your accommodation or other requirement and so kindly email us directly on stay@entebbebackpackers.com for advance bookings or call us on our various phone contacts listed at the top of the page for that urgent booking.

From Entebbe Backpackers, it is easy to connect to the Ssese Islands (Kalangala) and the Chimpanzee Sanctuary at Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria. A visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and the Botanical Gardens in Entebbe is also easy as we are in proximity of these places. We also gladly arrange guided tours to the above two places as well as the Mabamba swamp for the Shoe bill stork enthusiasts

GETTING THERE

Public transport to and from Kampala runs on the main Entebbe – Kampala road throughout the day into late evening hours for UGX 3,000 per person.

Transport locally in Entebbe is available using small motor cycles known as boda bodas at rates ranging between UGX 1,000- to UGX 5,000- depending on the distance of the journey.

SHUTTLE SERVICES

Airport Pickup costs USD 8 and Airport Drop-off costs USD 6. This is at any time of the day or night. Transfers to Kampala city centre or within a 5km radius cost USD 30.

OTHER FACILITIES

We have a restaurant open from 8:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m every day.

We offer a variety of well-priced delicious meals prepared on order from our menu.

Our chefs guarantee to cook you a distinctly tasty Backpackers meal.

We also have a bar open to our guests and we will serve you that well priced cold Ugandan or Foreign beer, a variety of soft drinks as well as Wines, Whiskeys and Spirits.

Uganda Adventure tours

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Affordable Uganda backpacking tours, Adventure backpacking tours in Uganda

Uganda is a country that offers breath-taking natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural experiences and we offer Affordable Uganda backpacking tours. For adventurous travellers on a budget, backpacking through Uganda can be an affordable and unforgettable journey. From its stunning national parks to its vibrant cities, here are some tips for planning an affordable Uganda backpacking tour.

Inexpensive backpacking travel options in Uganda.

One of the first things we consider when planning your backpacking tour of Uganda is transportation. Public buses and shared taxis are popular and affordable modes of transportation within the country. These options allow you to travel between cities and national parks without breaking the bank. Additionally, hitchhiking is a common practice in Uganda, providing another low-cost option for getting around bit we have a realisable affordable Tourist vans with drivers to make your travel safe and easy.

Budget-friendly Uganda backpacking accommodation:

When it comes to accommodation, budget-friendly options are plentiful in Uganda. We can book you into Hostels, guesthouses, and camping grounds are available in major cities and near popular tourist destinations. Staying in these budget accommodations not only saves you money but also offers an opportunity to meet fellow travellers and exchange tips and experiences.

Affordable meals for backpacker for groups or individuals in Uganda

To maximize your budget, when with Msafiri Tours, we will consider eating at local eateries and street food stalls. Ugandan cuisine is rich in flavour and offers a variety of dishes to try. Indulge in traditional dishes like matooke (steamed green bananas), chapati (flatbread), and rolex (a popular street food consisting of an omelette wrapped in a chapati). Not only will you get a taste of the local culture, but you’ll also save money compared to dining in restaurants.

Budget-friendly backpackers Uganda safari experiences

When planning your itinerary, we will make sure to include visits to Uganda’s national parks. These parks are home to a wide range of wildlife, including mountain gorillas, elephants, lions, and hippos. While some activities within the parks can be expensive, such as gorilla trekking permits, there are also affordable options available, like game drives and guided nature walks. Researching and pre-booking activities in advance can help you find the best deals.

In addition to wildlife encounters, Uganda offers stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Explore the scenic Sipi Falls, go hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains, or take a boat trip on the Nile River. Many of these activities can be done independently, saving you money on guided tours.

Budget-friendly Uganda backpacking group trips

It’s also worth mentioning that traveling in a group can significantly reduce costs. Consider joining a backpacking Msafiri Tours group or organizing a trip with friends who share your interest in affordable travel. Splitting expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and meals can make your Uganda backpacking tour even more budget-friendly.

Remember this for Uganda backpacking tours

As with any travel experience, it’s essential to be mindful of local customs and practices. Respect the local culture, engage with the communities you visit, and practice responsible tourism. By being an informed and conscientious traveller, you can contribute positively to the local economy and leave a lasting impact.

Budget-friendly Uganda backpacking trips

Affordable Uganda backpacking tours offer a unique and budget-friendly way to explore the country’s natural wonders and cultural treasures. With careful planning, you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure without breaking the bank. Embrace the spirit of adventure, connect with nature and locals, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Let us plan a low cost Uganda backpacking tour for you

Uganda presents an excellent opportunity for backpackers seeking an affordable adventure. With its diverse landscapes, wildlife encounters, and vibrant culture, this East African gem has something to offer every budget traveller. So pack your bags, lets plan your itinerary, and get ready for an unforgettable backpacking experience in Uganda.

The Ultimate Two Week Uganda Itinerary – Including Hotels for Every Budget

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Known as the Pearl of Africa for a reason, Uganda is a beautiful country chock-full of amazing natural and cultural attractions . It’s also surprisingly affordable when compared to its more famous neighbours to the East (i.e. Kenya and Tanzania).

Especially when it comes to safaris, Uganda is the place to go if you’re on a budget but still want to get familiar with the incredible wildlife of East Africa . Apart from that, we were amazed by its magnificent waterfalls , rich cultural history and very warm and welcoming locals , which all added to the appeal.

Don’t be fooled by Uganda’s seemingly small size, though. While it may look tiny on a map, squeezed in between the DR Congo and Kenya as it is, there’s still a lot to see in the country. As a matter of fact, we spent almost five weeks here, but for those who don’t have that amount of time, I’ve condensed the highlights into a well-rounded 14-day itinerary.

This post may contain affiliate links, and I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more info, click here .

How to Get Around in Uganda on Your Own

Uganda’s main cities are connected by regular buses , while smaller towns and villages can be reached by minibuses (locally known as matatus ). The latter are super cheap, but not exactly comfortable, as they tend to fill up waaaay beyond capacity.

Also, they don’t run on schedule but rather start when they’re full, frequently stopping along the way, which makes them slow and unpredictable . While we frequently used them, I would only recommend taking matatus if your money is limited, but you’ve got plenty of time.

For destinations that don’t even have a matatu connection (like National Parks), organized tours are often the only option. While you technically could hitchhike or use one of the ubiquitous motorcycle taxis (known as boda-boda s ) to get to the entrance, you won’t be able to enter most National Parks without a 4×4.

If you’re short on time, renting a car is probably the best solution, as it gives you a lot more flexibility than any of the public transport options ever could.

Organized Uganda Tours

If you prefer to explore Uganda without the hassle of sorting out your own transport, accommodation and wildlife permits, taking an organized tour might be the way to got for you. There are plenty of companies offering longer adventure and safari tours , a lot of them including Mountain Gorilla Tracking.

Have a look below for some possible options.

Two Week Uganda Itinerary

• Day 1: Entebbe

Most visitors will arrive at Uganda’s only international airport in Entebbe. Sitting on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Victoria, the city has a relaxed vibe and serves as a good introduction to the country.

On your first day, you can get familiar with the country’s nature at the splendid Botanical Garden or its Wildlife Education Centre, take a stroll through the small Zika Forest Reserve or just wait for that jet-lag to pass, while watching the hamerkop birds on the shore of pretty Lake Victoria.

See also: 5 Awesome Things to Do in Entebbe, Uganda

• Budget Accommodation Tip: Elementis Entebbe (Dormitory)
• Midrange Accommodation Tip: Precious Guesthouse
• Luxury Accommodation Tip: Protea Hotel Marriott Entebbe

Day 2: Kampala

Uganda’s chaotic capital might not be the most relaxing place in the country, but it has enough historical attractions to warrant a stopover before venturing further afield.

While here, you could check out the UNESCO-listed Kasubi tombs of the Buganda Royal Family or the more recent remains of the country’s darker historical periods at Mengo Palace , erstwhile residence of notorious dictator Idi Amin. The national museum is also worth a peek, as are a number of historical churches and mosques spread out over the city.

See also: 10 Extraordinary Things to Do in Kampala, Uganda’s Vibrant Capital

• Budget Accommodation Tip: Bushpig Backpackers
• Midrange Accommodation Tip: Koki Hotel
• Luxury Accommodation Tip: Kampala Serena Hotel

Day 3 and 4: Jinja and the Nile Source

Spend the morning exploring Kampala, before continuing east to Jinja. The pretty town is not only home to the source of the White Nile (at least where it flows out of Lake Victoria, the actual source is disputed), but also the country’s best centre for adventure sports and outdoor activities.

If you’re into those, you shouldn’t leave here without taking a white water rafting tour on the Nile, including some exciting grade 5 rapids as well as serene stretches of river to relax in between. If you’re not an adrenaline junkie, there are also more laid-back River Cruises available. Have a look at the options below.

See also: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Source of the Nile in Jinja, Uganda

• Budget Accommodation Tip: Jinja Backpackers
• Midrange Accommodation Tip: Buutu Nest
• Luxury Accommodation Tip: Jinja Nile Resort

Day 5 and 6: Sipi Falls

Continue on to Sipi, which to me is one of the prettiest places in Uganda . On the way from Jinja you could stop in Tororo to climb the mountain towering over the small town – the views from the top are amazing.

The main reason to come to Sipi is to visit the series of spectacular waterfalls , but there are plenty of other great trekking opportunities in the area. Sitting in the hilly region at the border to Kenya, the area is full of amazing viewpoints and cute villages.

I suggest spending at least one full day in the area, although there are definitely destinations enough for a longer stay. If you have some more time, you could even tackle Mount Elgon, reputedly one of the best hikes in the country.

See also: The Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Sipi Falls Area in Uganda

• Budget Accommodation Tip: Sipi Guest House
• Midrange Accommodation Tip: Sipi Traveller’s Lodge
• Luxury Accommodation Tip: Rafiki Lodge Sipi

Day 7: Travel to Masindi

Most of this day will be spent traveling to Masindi in the country’s north-west. If you want to break up your trip, you could stop near Kumi to check out the well-preserved Rock Paintings in Nyero . The rest of the trip leads through the pretty marshland north of huge Lake Kyogo dominating the country’s centre.

We used matatus for the trip, but it’s long and potentially uncomfortable. Apparently YY Coaches now has an office in Lira , which lies about halfway between Mbale and and Masindi (thanks to reader Oz for the update!), so you might be able to take bigger coaches to travel to Masindi.

Masindi is a cute small town and a great base for day trips to nearby attractions, like the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary or the picturesque Butiaba Village on the shores of Lake Albert . It’s also the closest town to the magnificent Murchison Falls National Park, with some of the country’s best wildlife spotting opportunities.

• Budget Accommodation Tip: Murchison Backpackers
• Midrange Accommodation Tip: Kabalega Resort

Day 8 and 9: Murchison Falls National Park

Do a day trip from Masindi in the morning (see the suggestions from the previous day), before continuing to nearby Murchison Falls National Park to spend the night. This is one of the most popular National Parks in the country, and for good reason.

It’s home to some of the most diverse wildlife in Uganda, including lions, elephants, hippos and giraffes as well as plenty of buffaloes, antelope, warthogs and over 450 species of birds.

See also: Everything to Know About Visiting Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s Best Safari Destination

A great way to spend a day here is to go for a Game Drive in the morning and take a river cruise along the Nile to the powerful Murchison Falls in the afternoon. If you don’t have your own 4×4 available, there are several companies in Masindi that can sort out a trip into the National Park for you, or you could book one online. You can have a look at a couple of options below.

If you go with an organized tour, they will likely also provide the accommodation. Otherwise, you can check out these recommendations.

• Budget Accommodation Tip: Red Chili Rest Camp
• Midrange Accommodation Tip: Murchison Falls Bamboo Village
• Luxury Accommodation Tip: Twiga Safari Lodge

Day 10: Fort Portal and the Crater Lakes

The capital of the Kabarole District in Uganda’s western part is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of hills and lakes. Originally established as a British military fort in the late 19th century, Fort Portal is a vibrant town that forms a good base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions .

These include the impressive Amabare Caves close to town, as well as the beautiful Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lake Region a bit further afield. The latter is a great area for hiking and deserves at least half a day of your time, but if you can spare it, it’s well worth spending a couple of days here – there are many cute villages and scenic lakes to explore.

• Budget Accommodation Tip: Yes Hostel
• Midrange Accommodation Tip: Silver Oaks Hotel
• Luxury Accommodation Tip: Fort Motel

Day 11 and 12: Bwindi or Mgahinga NP

Move on to small Kisoro in the south-western corner of the country. Close to the borders of Rwanda and the DR Congo, the town has a beautiful location in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains and is a good base to explore two of the most exciting National Parks in Uganda.

If you have the necessary funds available, you could take a trip to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to track the Mountain Gorillas . For us, the permit fee was far above our budget, so we had to skip it (although now we have a reason to return in the future).

If you want to go for it, you could either arrange a permit via the Uganda Wildlife Authority on Kiira Road in Kampala or go with an organized tour, where the company will sort out permits, accommodation, transport and the like. Have a look at a few options below.

If you also have to pinch your pennies, visiting nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a great alternative. Despite its name, chances to spot Gorillas here are pretty slim (although not non-existent), but there are other cool activities available. We loved the Batwa Cultural Trail , which gave us a chance to get acquainted with the history and culture of the local Pygmy Tribes .

• Budget Accommodation Tip: Ntebeko Homestay (Mgahinga NP)
• Midrange Accommodation Tip: Mondi Lodge Kisoro
• Luxury Accommodation Tip: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Bwindi NP) or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Kisoro)

Day 13: Lake Bunyonyi

End your explorations of Uganda at stunning Lake Bunyonyi, a serene freshwater lake surrounded by rolling hills and lush green vegetation. It’s home to several small islands , each with its own unique history and cultural significance, that can be explored by canoe.

Otherwise, you can just relax on the shore of one of Uganda’s few lakes that actually allow for safe swimming (i.e. no crocodiles or Bilharzia). It’s a beautiful setting and a fitting finale for every trip through the Pearl of Africa.

• Budget Accommodation Tip: OM Hostel Bunyonyi
• Midrange Accommodation Tip: Paradise Eco-Hub
• Luxury Accommodation Tip: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort

Day 14: Return to Entebbe

On the way back to Entebbe you can stop at the Monument where the Equator crosses the highway between Masaka and Kampala to take those inevitably cheesy pictures.

Mpanga Forest near Kampala is also worth checking out for its surprising biodiversity (given that it’s a rather small forest). If you have some extra time before your return trip, you could even spend the night here looking for Bush Babies with a ranger, although you need to bring your own powerful flashlight for that.

Two Week Uganda Itinerary Map

All the suggested stops on the two-week Itinerary can be found in this map of Uganda.

If You Have More Time: Three Week Uganda Itinerary

With an extra week in the country, you could spend some more time at the places mentioned in the two-week itinerary and squeeze in a couple of extra stops.

For instance, this three-week itinerary takes a slower approach and also includes Hoima , which is home to some important historic places of the Bunyoro Kingdom and the laid-back Ssesse Islands in Lake Victoria. The other stops are all included in the two-week itinerary detailed above.

• Day 2 and 3: Kampala
• Day 4 and 5: Jinja
• Day 6 and 7: Sipi Falls
• Day 8 and 9: Masindi and surroundings
• Day 10 and 11: Murchison Falls NP
• Day 12: Hoima
• Day 13 and 14: Fort Portal  and  Crater Lakes
• Day 15 and 16: Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks
• Day 17 and 18: Lake Bunyonyi
• Day 19 and 20: Ssesse Islands (Buggala Island or Banda Island)
• Day 21: Back to Entebbe

With even more time and funds, you could also take part in a guided multi-day hike through the Rwenzori Mountains near Fort Portal or to Mount Elgon near Sipi. While these areas look stunningly beautiful, the required permit fees were above our modest backpacking budget, so you’ll have to look elsewhere for detailed advice.

If You Have Less Time: One Week Uganda Itinerary

If you only have one week in Uganda, you’d be well advised to get a rental car, so you’re not reliant on the country’s hit-or-miss public transport system. The following itinerary condenses the absolute highlights of the two-week version into one busy week.

• Day 1: Explore Kampala, then continue to Jinja
• Day 2: Jinja (Visit the source of the Nile and go rafting)
• Day 3: Drive to Murchison Falls NP, stop in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way
• Day 4: Explore Murchison Falls NP
• Day 5: Explore the Crater-Lake Region near Fort Portal, then continue to Bwindi
• Day 6: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi or Mgahinga NP
• Day 7: Spend a few hours at Lake Bunyonyi, then return to Entebbe

10 Extraordinary Things to Do in Kampala, Uganda’s Vibrant Capital

5 Awesome Things to Do in Entebbe, Uganda

10 thoughts on “ The Ultimate Two Week Uganda Itinerary – Including Hotels for Every Budget ”

These itineraries look great! I’ll have to save this for a future trip since I’d love to visit Uganda someday.

• Website - https://pokylittlewanderer.com

Hi Kelly, I’m glad you find the itineraries useful. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions about traveling in Uganda:)

Uganda is so beautiful! Fabulous two-week itinerary to explore.

I agree – it’s a beautiful and super diverse country to explore.

Hi Reinhard,

How did you you travel between the destinations? Did you book a tour from start to finish or only for the trips? Do you have any advise, cause i don’t see tours who offer the two or three weeks.

Hello Ruben,

we did the entire trip independently using public transport. If an adventurous trip appeals to you, you could easily follow my itinerary independently. Getting from A to B by public transport is usually straightforward and doesn’t require you to get tickets [much] in advance. It’s also a lot cheaper than a guided tour, albeit slower and likely less comfortable.

If you prefer a guided tour, there are several companies offering two to three-week trips of Uganda (most with a focus on wildlife), but obviously, none of them will follow the exact itinerary I described (which is a result of personal planning). I saw a few longer tours on Viator, limiting themselves to Uganda.

This one (note: affiliate link) sound pretty good, for instance. It includes most highlights of the country, but obviously it’s a lot pricier than doing it on your own. Still, it’s a lot cheaper than some alternatives listed on the site.

I hope this helps Reinhard

Hello, Could you specify any company for trips Mbale-Masindi? And Masindi-Fort Portal? Or was it just matatus? Regards

Hi, for those two connections, we only used matatus, so I can’t give you any first-hand information on bigger buses, but you should be able to take a Link Bus from Masindi to Fort Portal, as they have offices in both cities.

For the route from Mbale to Masindi we took a matatu to Gulu, spent the night there and took another to Masindi the next day, although you should be able to do it in one day if you start early. It is quite a long ride however, and I don’t believe any bigger buses are available for that connection. It might actually be easier to take a Post Bus from Mbale to Kampala and a Link Bus (or other big bus) from Kampala to Masindi. This would probably be more comfortable, although in my opinion, the scenery north of Lake Kyoga is a bit nicer, and we actually enjoyed the long matatu ride (the matatu wasn’t too full on that route).

In any case, it’s usually easiest to ask for recommendations at the bus stations – in most cases people give you their honest opinion on what’s best instead of getting you to use their company/matatu. Hope this helps!

Hello, Reinhard,

thanks for your answer. All the info helps to understand what to expect in such country 🙂 Noticed that YY Coaches have new office in Lira so as I understand there should be possibility to go with big bus Mbale-Lira-Masindi.

Thanks for help

Ah – that’s amazing. I wasn’t aware of that, that should make the trip a lot easier. Thanks for the update!

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An Epic Uganda Itinerary In 2 Weeks

Regular readers of this blog will know that last year I spent four months living and working in Kampala, Uganda.  During that time I took a few weekend trips out of the city , but I didn’t get a chance to explore the rest of the country until the very end of my stay, when a friend came out to visit me, and we embarked on an epic 2-week Uganda itinerary that took in all the top highlights of this amazing country.

Contents (click to view)

I’m not exaggerating when I say this trip was one of the best of my life, with literally a new WOW moment every day , as you’ll see…

For reasons that will become clear as you read this blog post, this is not the exact route around Uganda that we did, but I think this is a great itinerary that will allow you to soak up the very best of Uganda’s culture, scenery and wildlife on the two-week trip of a lifetime.  

Click the links within each summary for more detailed blog posts on the places mentioned as well as tips and accommodation suggestions.

Backpacking Uganda

It is entirely possible – and much cheaper – to get around Uganda by public transport. Plenty of people backpack around Africa . But if you only have two weeks, you won’t be able to squeeze nearly as much in. Public transport in Uganda is still pretty unreliable and slow, and some places are not very well-linked at all. 

So by far the best option, if you can afford it, is to hire a private car and driver.  Without having to schlep to bus stations and wait for buses, you’ll be able to see and do so much more, and if you’re in a group and can split the costs, it really doesn’t work out too horrifyingly expensive.

Our Uganda driver

This is Hassan Isingoma Navid. He was recommended to me by a friend, and I cannot sing his praises highly enough. We paid him USD$100 a day to plan our Uganda itinerary and drive us around, plus fuel and tips. Far, far more than just a driver, Hassan was travel agent, guide, troubleshooter, photography assistant and friend.  He booked our accommodation, park permits, and activities, recommended places to eat, and was an encyclopaedia of useful information. If you’re thinking about booking someone like him for your trip to Uganda, just ping me a message and I’ll gladly pass on his contact details.

Our Two-Week Uganda Itinerary: The Route

Our Uganda itinerary took us north from Kampala and then out to the west in a big loop. You’ll immediately notice that we’ve missed everything to the north and east, but this route takes in all the major highlights including the famous gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, and five national parks.

We also took a short detour into the Democratic Republic of Congo to climb Nyiragongo volcano , which I’ve added on the map but not included in this route, since at the time of writing it was deemed too unsafe to go there. Hopefully by the time you read this that will have changed – and do check, because it was an incredible experience that you should definitely try to do if you possibly can.

Anyway, without further ado, here is my recommended Uganda itinerary for a two-week trip.

Uganda Trip Day One – Kampala

You’ll fly into Entebbe, which is just an hour from Kampala. Get your driver to pick you up and deposit you at your hotel, and after you’ve had a rest, it’s time to explore the city. There isn’t all that much to see in Kampala, so a day is plenty. The best way to get around is on the back of a boda-boda – these motorcycle taxis are not for the faint-hearted, but will help you avoid spending your day stuck in traffic. Boda-boda sightseeing tours are available, or simply flag down a guy on the street and ask him to take you where you want to go.

Visit the stunning Old Kampala National Mosque, learn about the horrors of Idi Amin’s regime at Mengo Palace, or check out Nakasero market. In the evening head to one of Kampala’s excellent restaurants and then get an early night. Your exciting adventure is just about to begin!

I wrote about what to do in Kampala for Lonely Planet.

Today’s WOW: being amazed by the size of the city, sprawling across seven hills, from the top of the minaret at the National Mosque.

Read More: Top Weekend Trips From Kampala

Day Two – Kampala to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Get up early, and head out of town before the morning traffic starts, making sure you stop at Cafe Javas for a freshly-baked almond croissant – trust me, those things are like crack cocaine! Then hit the road for the 3-hour drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary , where you can stretch your legs and get up close and personal with Uganda’s only wild rhinos on a 2-hour walking tour.

From there it should only take you another hour or so to get to Murchison Falls National Park , one of the most popular and the largest National Park in the country and home to the famous Murchison Falls, the most powerful waterfalls in the world.

Drive straight to the top of the falls and enjoy the spectacular view as the sun sets over the River Nile, and then head back to your accommodation for dinner.

Today’s WOW: rhinos and waterfalls!

Uganda Itinerary Day Three – Murchison Falls National Park

It’s another early start as you’ll need to be up before sunrise for your first morning game drive. Bring a packed breakfast and enjoy it as you wait for the ferry, and then it’s time to get your first look at Uganda’s wildlife. Murchison Falls is home to 75 mammal species , including lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos and hyenas, so with a bit of luck there should be plenty to excite you.

After lunch it’s time for a different point of view – from a boat on the Nile.  The three-hour round trip gets you super close to all the animals that frequent the river’s edge, and allows you to get great view of Murchison Falls from the bottom. If you like, you can get out here and walk back up to the top of the Falls, or stay on the boat and take the easy route back to where you started.

Today’s WOW: getting close to wildlife on the banks of the Nile.

Day Four – Drive to Kibale National Park with a stop in Fort Portal

You can have a bit of a lie-in this morning if you like, but don’t sleep too late as you’ve got a fairly long day’s driving ahead of you. The route south-west takes you from the lush green wilderness of the national park into the rolling hills of the Rift Valley, with its ancient volcanic landscape peppered with crater lakes. Stop for lunch near Fort Portal at Kyaninga Lodge, a luxury hotel perched on the edge of a crater lake (if you have time and can afford it, definitely spend the night here!), and then carry on to Kibale .

After your long drive, you might want to stretch your legs by going for a wander round the area. Kibale is very calm and peaceful, with rolling farmland and tiny villages, where children will rush out to say hello to you.  Or just relax in your hotel with a cold Nile or Club beer and make sure your camera batteries are charged for tomorrow’s chimp adventure.

Today’s WOW: a five-star lunch overlooking the stunning Kyaninga crater lake.

Day Five – Chimpanzee Tracking and Swamp or Village Walk

It’s chimpanzee day! Be at the ranger station for 8 am for your briefing, and then head out into the forest with your guide for this incredible chance to see chimpanzees in the wild. If you’re lucky, they’ll come down to the forest floor, and you’ll be able to get within just a few metres of them.  Read about the experience in full in What Happens On A Chimpanzee Trekking Safari In Uganda .

We did the half-day, but you can choose to do a full day if you prefer. If you just do the morning, then in the afternoon you can relax at your hotel, take a walk around the area, or if you’re still hungry for more wildlife, head into the Bigodi Swamp for a nature hike and a chance to see more African birds and monkeys.

Today’s WOW: chimpanzees, of course!

Read More: How To Take Great Photos Of Wildlife

Road Trip Uganda Day Six – Travel to Queen Elizabeth and a crater drive

It’s only three hours driving from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park , so have a lie-in and a leisurely breakfast, and then get on the road again.  When you arrive check in to your hotel and relax for a bit before heading into the park for an afternoon crater drive.  Soak up the stunning landscapes, and there’s an excellent chance you’ll see amazing wildlife including masses of elephants, and possibly, if you’re lucky, a leopard like this one.

Today’s WOW: the stunning crater landscape – and OMG that leopard! I can’t promise you’ll see one, but you never know…

Day Seven – Game drive and boat trip on the Kazinga Channel

Yesterday was pretty chilled, so today it’s another pre-dawn start for a sunrise game drive in the park.  Animals are more active in the morning, so there’s a good chance you’ll see hyenas, hippos, elephants, and maybe even some lions.

Then, in the afternoon, take a two-hour boat ride on the Kazinga Channel .  This short, shallow river attracts a huge array of wildlife, including the highest concentration of hippos anywhere in Uganda.  As a result, you’re pretty much guaranteed some of the best animal spotting you’re likely to experience anywhere in Uganda.

Today’s WOW: elephants and hippos just metres away from the boat on the shores of the Kazinga Channel.

Read More:  The Amazing Animals Of Uganda: A Photo Guide

Day Eight – Tree-climbing lions and on to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Back on the road again for the short drive to the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and a chance to hunt for the famous tree-climbing lions.  Spend a few hours tracking and hopefully watching these beautiful creatures, before leaving the park behind and heading on to the mysterious hills of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Today’s WOW: the tree-climbing lions.

Day Nine – Gorilla Tracking and a visit to the Batwa Pygmy Community

Time for the number one attraction in all of Uganda and what may well turn out to be the highlight of all highlights: gorilla tracking . Put on your sturdy boots and pack a waterproof just in case, and then meet at the ranger station to be allocated your gorilla family.  It can take anything from an hour to the whole day to find them, and then you’re allowed to spend just one hour watching. But I guarantee it’ll be one of the most memorable hours of your life.

Read More:  Gorilla Safaris In Uganda: The Real Inside Story

If you have time, in the afternoon a local guide can take you to visit one of Bwindi’s Batwa pygmy villages . The Batwa pygmies used to live a traditional hunter-gatherer life inside the forest until the national park was created and they were kicked out.  Now they live around the edges of the park, and earn money by welcoming tourists and demonstrating their traditions. A visit is a great way to learn all about them and help support the community.

If you want to know more, here’s the article I wrote about the Batwa for Lonely Planet .

Today’s WOW: I’m pretty sure you can guess this one!

Day Ten – Travel to Lake Bunyonyi

It’s time to leave the impenetrable forest behind and head for some relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi.  It’s only a short hop so you’ll easily be there by lunchtime, and will be able to spend the afternoon relaxing in an idyllic lakeside retreat. Take a boat trip on the lake to learn some of the area’s weird history, do a village walk, go for a swim in the lake, or simply relax in a hammock with a book and a beer after all your exciting adventures so far.

Alternatively, if you have time, this is where you could take a little detour into Rwanda.  Bwindi nudges right up against the border, so it’s only a few hours drive to cross over.  You could use this as a jumping-off point to go and explore Rwanda , or do what we did and travel straight into the Democratic Republic of Congo to climb the volcano Nyiragongo and see the world’s largest lava lake.

This detour will take three days: on Day 1 travel from Bwindi to Gisenyi in Rwanda; on Day 2 cross the border, climb Nyiragongo and sleep at the top; on Day 3 descend and travel back to Lake Bunyonyi and then pick up the rest of this itinerary from there.

Unfortunately, just a few weeks after I was in DR Congo, a couple of British tourists were kidnapped and the area was closed to tourism. Last time I checked it had re-opened again, but the situation may have all changed again by the time you come to read this, so do check. If it’s possible to go, then I cannot urge you strongly enough to go do it. It was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen.

Today’s WOW: the stunning peace of Lake Bunyonyi.

Read more: Trek Nyiragongo: the World’s Largest Lava Lake

Day Eleven – Travel to Lake Mburo

By now you may feel like you’ve seen enough of Uganda’s National Parks, in which case you might want to spend a full day relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi rather than getting on the road again, and then tomorrow just drive all the way to Entebbe. But if not, hop back in the car for the drive to Lake Mburo. There are no lions here, so this is the place where you can get active without fear of being eaten. Go mountain biking or horseback riding, and if your budget can stretch to it, spend the night at one of Uganda’s top places to stay, the stunning Mihingo Lodge.

Today’s WOW: the views out over Mburo National Park.

Read more:  Top 34 African Birds: A Safari Photo Guide

Day Twelve – Travel to Entebbe, stop over at the Equator

Your final drive takes you about five hours from Lake Mburo back to Entebbe where you started. Split the journey with a stop at the equator to take that all-important photo and find out whether water really does go down a plughole in the opposite direction.

When you get to Entebbe, it’s time for a well-deserved sunset drink on the shores of Lake Victoria after all your adventures.

Today’s WOW: a fruity sunset cocktail by the lake.

Day Thirteen – Entebbe

On your last day, a chance to explore all that Entebbe has to offer. Stroll through the botanical gardens, visit the Reptile Village, or do the amazing Behind The Scenes Tour at the Wildlife Education Centre and get acquainted with some very friendly animals.

Today’s WOW: feeding the giraffes at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.

Read More:  Things To Do In Entebbe, Uganda

Day Fourteen – Fly home

You should have enough time before your flight to pick up some souvenirs if you haven’t already, and then that, sadly, is the end of your Uganda itinerary. If you can spare a few extra days, you could head back to Kampala and from there head east to Jinja or Sipi Falls .  Otherwise it’s time to pack up, head home, and start making all your friends jealous with all your incredible photos!

So how much does a Uganda trip like this cost?

I took this trip with one friend back in April 2018. It cost US$2700 for the two of us, which included:

• the car, driver’s time and fuel (but not his tip at the end)
• most of the accommodation, except staying in Kampala and one or two other hotels
• entry fees and most of the excursions (but not the Nile river cruise)
• chimp permits ($150 per person)
• most breakfasts and dinners (but not lunches)

It didn’t include the Nyiragongo climb or the gorilla permits (which cost $450 per person in off peak season, when we went), and it didn’t include flights as I was already in Uganda anyway.

Read more: What To Wear On Safari: My Detailed Safari Packing List With Photos

Read more to help you plan a trip to Uganda

I’ve written loads of posts about Uganda, here are few more:

• 28 Brilliant Things To Do In Uganda
• Uganda Animals: The Amazing Wildlife of Uganda
• Working In A Uganda Orphanage
• The Rewards Of Visiting Uganda’s Batwa Tribe

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Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.

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BACKPACKING IN UGANDA

Uganda is a country for many and it manages to always seduce and fascinate. It is home to some great wildlife experiences one can ever imagine, has diverse culture, and is impressive. The pulsating and colorful composition of lush jungles, savanna areas teeming with wildlife, and other attractions that can be embedded in safaris are experienced in very different options like luxury travel, round trips, volunteering work, but the greatest of all is backpacking in Uganda. 

A round trip in Uganda has several highlights. How to travel, when and where to start is up to the traveler, his or her interests, and temperament. Do you want wildlife safaris, to sit in the forest with a family of mountain gorillas, explore the city , stay with locals, Nightlife, culture , hike to the topmost point in Uganda?, there is a lot to see and a lot to know when planning a backpacking trip to Uganda.

Backpacking experiences are more engaging than any other type of travel and are great for bonding and understanding the destination. Yes, it is an amazing adventure but also a challenging one. Being in a country away from home, where you know no one, where GPS Locating is not effective, navigation to places on your own, what and where to eat, and sketchy internet. Uganda is a primitive destination, not expensive, has many off-the-beaten-track destinations that are worth the backpacking effort.

Backpacking in Uganda has become a mainstream form of travel/tourism after several years of seeing it as a marginal form of travel undertaken through necessity.

There is so much to keep any traveler busy while in Uganda, and here is what one should know about the key thing that makes travel while backpacking in Uganda.

Moving around/Transport

Uganda’s transport sector is not organized as in Europe just like most of Africa, chaos entails the public transport sector, but using it is one way to make your dollars last. Famous means around the capital Kampala are Matatus (white minibuses), Boda Bodas (motorcycle taxis), and public buses to the countryside. They have parks/yards, and stages where they can be found. 

For travelers to countryside attractions like Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Kibale Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable and, Lake Mburo National Parks among others. You will need a bus that will take you to the nearest town where you can devise means to the attraction, for example, Masindi for Murchison Falls , Kasese and Katunguru town for Queen Elizabeth National park , Fort Portal for Kibale forest , among others.

In the city, there are some organized transport providers like private special hire, Uber taxi, and Safe Boda and Uber boda for motorcycle taxis. Some hostels and hotels have some trusted riders and drivers that take their guests around so you can always ask at the receptions if they can get you one. Motorcycle taxis are not for the faint-hearted as they ride at breakneck speed, through the city traffic but they are the quickest way to get through from point A to B and they are an adventure.

Public buses to the upcountry are always between 15-20 USD depending on which region of the country you are going to. Using these can be cheap, however, it is expensive in terms of convenience because they have specific stops, and their routes are on the main road, so this means you have to get other means to get to the accommodation facility or ways on how to do game drives.

You can hire Uganda Wildlife Authority’s open Vehicles at savanna parks to do game drives, get a transport provider for round trips around, or endure the challenges of the public means.

Where to sleep and food

Every touristic part in Uganda (and the non-touristic) has several accommodations at different budget levels from camping grounds, hostels, and budget lodges from as low as 12 USD for a dorm/bed with no breakfast or 20 with breakfast to 100 full board a night at parks. In Entebbe, Kampala, and Jinja there are traditional camping areas and hostels. S

At parks, there are some budget accommodations that offer tents, dorms, hostels, the likes of Via Via Guest House, Entebbe Backpackers, Sunbird Backpackers, Mission Backpackers, in Entebbe, Jinja Base Camp, Nile River Camp, Explorers River Camp, Nile River Explorers Campsite, Jinja Backpackers in Jinja, Bush Pig Backpackers, Ewaka Backpackers, Fat Cat Backpackers, Red Chilli Hideaway, Backpackers Hostel, Banda Inn, etc. in Kampala. At Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National parks there are hostels operated by Uganda Wildlife Authority, camping grounds that are offered together with a ranger, Apoka Bandas at Kidepo Valley National park, Red Chilli Murchison Falls, Park Hostels, and Leopard Rest Camp at Lake Mburo National park, among others.

Towns like Kampala, Jinja, Fort Portal, Kabale, among others have several spots for food and drinks. You can eat local at local restaurants “Bufundas”, try street foods like roasted chicken, goat’s meat on skewers, roasted plantain “Gonja”, omelet rolled in chapatti with raw tomatoes (Rolex), for less than a dollar or two. There are also well-established restaurants that make international cuisines, and local food, cafes, lounges, and bars where you can grab a coffee cup or a beer. 

Safety 

Safety is about crime and violence, road use, animal encounters, and health. Uganda is a safe country to travel in but like any other country anything unpredictable can happen on your stay, like minor insecurity threats, disease breakouts but they are not ever-present. 

There is not much street crime but in crowded places like in the city downtown, there is little petty theft by pickpocketers, so when you are around you need to be vigilant of people around you and protect your property when in public spaces or walking downtown in congestion. 

For transport safety, always use organized travel groups like Safe boda and Uber boda for motorcycle taxis because they provide passenger helmets, or use special hire taxis or Uber taxis or get a taxi or boda boda from a trust source or recommender. Taking local buses is enjoyable, despite some challenges due to long drives with fewer stops to stretch, small leg space, and some reckless drivers that drive at an outrageous speed. They are cheap, take in everyone, and it is an adventure though sometimes it can suck. 

When you take on hiking trips or safaris on self-drive, always make sure you take a ranger guide who is armed and knows animal behavior. Also always respect wildlife. In regards to health issues, always get vaccinated for Hepatitis B, Yellow fever, take antimalarials with you, and always read and research about the state of health in the country before visiting. 

Uganda is also safe for a solo travelers, even if they are women.  

Where to go/what to do

Uganda is famous for safaris and offers diverse safari circuits, but backpacking in Uganda should not be all about the wildlife there is more than wildlife. For a backpacker, I would advise a stay in Kampala before exploring the other parts of the country because this is the beginning of understanding the people, currency, and others if you are to travel the country with no help. 

Kampala has several attractions like the Old Kampala Mosque, Uganda Museum, Buganda Kingdom official palace and parliament, Kasubi Tombs, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, Bahai Temple, Makerere University, Bahai Temple, Local Markets, Temples, and the city center, among others. While here, make some research on local travel groups that always plan travel around the country like Mountain Slayers of Uganda, Mountain Club of Uganda, and others that have calendar activities. You can always join in their escapes around Uganda. 

You can visit 10 of Uganda’s national parks (Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Kibale Forest, and Mgahinga Gorilla national parks) are easily reached by public means, even others can be reached by different connecting means which may be challenging and expensive. It may require you to hire a private driver to go to parks like Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, and Bwindi impenetrable National park . You can also take an organized safari or transportation from us (contact) or travel solo using public means. The top activities to engage in include white water rafting or visiting the source of River Nile on the Nile River in Jinja, tracking the gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga, Visit the Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on foot , Chimpanzees at Kibale, Visit Lake Bunyonyi , Murchison Falls, Sipi Falls and coffee tour experience, Nyero Rock Paintings in Kumi, experience the untamed clans in North Eastern Uganda, carters of Fort Portal and don’t miss on Kampala’s nightlife, cuisines, and rich history in the city. 

To make the most of this, you can get in touch with places where you intend to stay at, arrange with them your travels, or get a contact person to help you during your stay. It can be a company like us to offer transport, and you can cater for your other needs like accommodation and meals. 

What to carry

• Backpack with a rain cover, waterproof compression sacks (waterproof pack).
• Tent, rainfly, poles, stakes, groundsheet for shelter.
• Sleeping bag, sleeping pad (self-inflating).
• Water bottle
• Light clothes (pairs of socks, shorts, long pants, t-shirts, short and long-sleeved, packable jacket, sunhat, sunglasses, gloves, rain pants, and rain jackets.
• Hiking boots, sandals, open/flat shoes.
• Insect repellants, sunscreen, toothbrush, paste, bug repellant, bug repellant, towel, menstrual products, and other hygiene requirements.
• Power bank, charger, headlamps, GPS Locators, Navigation App, and Maps.
• First aid kit, prescription meds, knife, duct tape. 

Traveling in Uganda is cheap for backpackers, lifestyle, and the way of living around the country is easy to adapt to, good weather, not until you add visits to National parks. Backpacking should not be expensive, but the fees to enter parks or do activities make it to be because they last 24 hours and don’t allow multiple entries to different parks. For example, entrance fees to the major park are 40 USD for Foreign Non-Residents, 30 USD for Foreign Residents, activities like gorilla tracking is 700USD, 200 USD for chimpanzee tracking, 30-40 USD for boat cruises, so if you are visiting a single destination it may be cheap compared to visiting multiple destinations. 

Uganda has a variety for everyone, the people are friendly, and traveling to the country can be addictive (influencing repeated visits), some driving distances are long, some days can be cold, busy/peak seasons can be tricky so you need to book camping grounds can be full and you need to book ahead, when using bus services, take a quick pee when the bus stops, sometimes showers don’t have hot water and are shared, the internet may be sketchy away from cities or lodges, you are noticed everywhere, (you stand out), learn few local words (how to greet), and backpacking may not be expensive but activities can be so if you want to do everything you read about, your budget will require a saving before you come. 

This writing might not be enough to give every detail, but I hope it will throw a light on Backpacking in Uganda. Whatever you decide to do, about where to visit, how to get around, am sure Uganda will live up to your expectations.

Now come, Uganda is awaiting.