Travel guide for backpackers and individuals in Uganda
This comprehensive travel guide is for backpackers and individuals travelling in Uganda with Kisoro Tours Uganda. In this article, we are going to break it down into sections covering various aspects of your journey to East Africa, including logistics, accommodations, safari activities, and nature and cultural tips. This backpacker travel guide will focus on practical advice, notable attractions, and essential information that can help all travelers planning to visit Uganda and East Africa, specifically those who wish to book with Kisoro Tours Uganda.
Introduction to Uganda with Kisoro Tours
As it’s known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is a backpacker’s travel paradise from the lush, green rainforests to the dramatic savannahs which offer stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural experiences. This country called Uganda provides a thrilling mix of adventure and relaxation, for those who love nature, Uganda is also home to over 60% of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas which makes Uganda one of East Africa’s must-visit destinations for wildlife enthusiasts.
Check out some of our popular budget Tanzania Safaris combined with the Uganda gorilla trek
9 Days Uganda Gorilla & Tanzania Safari
12 Days Uganda Wildlife & Tanzania safari
16 Days Tanzania & Uganda gorilla tour
Kisoro Tours Uganda we are a locally-operated tour company specializing in tailor-made gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and some parts of DR-Congo. We cater to both budget travellers, mid-range travellers and more luxurious options, however, this article’s main focuses are on the Uganda budget-friendly aspects of travelling with Kisoro Tours Uganda, tourists and other travellers can expect authentic Ugandan experiences, responsible tourism practices, and well-organized customized itineraries.
Some of the Essential Travel Information for backpackers and individuals in Uganda
East African Tourist Visa Requirements: in this article of Travel guide for backpackers and individuals in Uganda, for those visiting Uganda, Uganda offers a range of different types of visa options which includes the East African Tourist Visa which grants you multiple entries to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for 100 USD, this type of visa is highly recommended tourist and it can be applied for online via the Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit System, whoever you can as well obtain this East African Tourist Visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport and at any other entry point to Uganda, but it’s always advisable to get it in advance to avoid delays at the airport.
The Vaccinations Required and Health Precautions
All travelling coming to Uganda must know this information to ensure you’re up to date with your routine vaccines that are mandatory to have upon arrival which include the Yellow Fever vaccine certificate, consider vaccines for Hepatitis A, B, Typhoid, and Rabies among others, it’s recommended while in Uganda to take anti-malarial medication and also make good use of mosquito repellents.
Check out some of our most popular budget Uganda safaris starting from Kigali
1 day Uganda gorilla tracking safari from Kigali
2 days Uganda gorilla trekking tour from Kigali
3 days gorilla tracking Uganda from Kigali
6 days gorilla chimpanzees and hiking safari from Kigali
7 days Uganda gorillas and chimpanzee trekking safari from Kigali
7 days Uganda primate’s chimpanzees and wildlife safari from Kigali
14 days gorillas, chimpanzees and wildlife safaris from Kigali
Packing list for backpackers and individuals travelling to Uganda
When planning your trip to Uganda, whether you’re travelling as backpacking, midrange, luxury or simply exploring, in this article we are going to give you efficient and thoughtfully key things to pack and add to your travel guide for backpackers and individuals in Uganda, please see comprehensive checklist when packing to ensure you’re prepared for both the adventure and the practical needs of travelling in Africa.
Clothing that you need to add to your packing list for the Uganda budget safari.
- It’s always recommended to carry lightweight, breathable clothing because Uganda has a warm climate so packing light, quick-drying clothes for hot weather is helpful and it will also reduce your weight.
- It is recommended to bring a long-sleeved shirt and pants to protect you during the mornings and evenings against mosquitoes and other insects.
- If you hope to do gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, a rain jacket or poncho is a must on your packing list because Bwindi Forest and Kibale Forest can experience unexpected showers, most especially during the rainy season.
- If intend to add gorilla trekking to your Uganda tour it is recommended to carry a light warm sweater or jacket because during mornings and evenings places with high altitudes like Bwindi Forest and in Rwenzori mountains can get cold.
- Proper hiking shoes are a must especially if you intend to do gorilla trekking and other nature walks for comfort and sturdy for any trekking.
- It is also good to bring some sandals or flip-flops to wear while at the lodge or in the car driving from one place to another.
- It is also recommended to have a hat and sunglasses on your packing list for the Uganda safari to protect you from the strong sun of Africa.
- If you love swimming it is good to bring your swimsuit
Other essential checklists for travel documents
- Remember to if your passport is still valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel
- Remember to check if your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is still valid for about 6 months
- For many travellers travelling to Africa, it is also recommended to have Travel insurance from their home country to cover activities they plan to do and to cover other risks related to travelling to Africa.
- It is important to make photocopies of all travel documents and keep copies just in case you lost them such Passport, visa, and insurance, among others
- It is also important to keep some emergency contact info such as the phone for the local tour operator you booked with and also your embassy/consulate.7. Other Useful Items.
Uganda Budget Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in Bwindi Forest
3 days of gorilla habituation experience
4 days of double gorilla habituation experience
5 days of gorilla and chimpanzee habituation experience
6 days gorilla and chimpanzee habituation tour
Getting to Uganda and Flights and Transport Options for budget trips
Uganda has a well-located airport where most international flights land at Entebbe International Airport, Entebbe airport is located about 45 minutes to an hour from the airport to the capital city, Kampala where all the Airlines offer regular services to Uganda are found.
Traveling within Uganda and public transport options
Backpacking tours around Uganda are more affordable if you use public transport such as buses and minibuses which are the most common ways to travel between cities for long distances, for short distance there is a matatu which is a shared minivans that operate on fixed routes however they are very overcrowded. For quick movement around cities, boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) are widely available in towns and are the quickest way to get around in different cities in Uganda.
Private Car Rental and Self-Drive Options
This is the best way to explore Uganda, for those who prefer more freedom while travelling around the country, hiring a car for a self-drive trip is one of the best options. For those doing self-drive, remember that Uganda drives on the left-hand side, and also when hiring a car please hire a 4×4, this is essential for you to access bad roads and remote areas most especially during the rainy season in the months such as November, March, April and May. Kisoro Tours Uganda can assist in arranging rentals or provide private local drivers who know the roads better for a more comfortable experience.
What is the most effective way of budgeting for your Uganda budget trip?
Backpackers planning their trip to Uganda can expect to spend around $100–$150 per day, including budget accommodation, all meals breakfasts, Lunch and Dinner, and transport. Gorilla trekking permits cost $800 per person which makes it the most expensive part of the trip while chimpanzee trekking permits cost $200, for the park entrance fees vary different parks have different prices which range from $40 to $50. For those who want to try local meals, it’s affordable, if you go to the local restaurant, it often costs between $2–$5, while if you choose to go for western-style meals, it can cost from $10–$15.
Check out some of our most popular budget Kenya safaris combined with the Uganda gorilla trek
7 Days gorilla trekking & Masai Mara
8 Days gorilla chimpanzees & Masai Mara Safari
11 Days Uganda gorilla trekking & Kenya Wildlife Safari
Cheaper Accommodation Options- Hostels, Guesthouses, and Budget Lodges for Uganda Budget Tours
For those who are travelling on a state budget, Uganda offers a range of affordable accommodations options in all destinations, such as backpacker hostels in different cities, Red Chilli Hideaway is a popular budget accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park, budget travellers going for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi forest national park there are several budget-friendly lodges such as Broadbill Forest Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Camp among others where Kisoro Tours Uganda often bases their gorilla trekking tours at most affordable prices.
Camping Safari Options
For those who love camping safari, in Uganda camping is an excellent option for backpackers looking to immerse themselves in nature, all Uganda national parks have campsites within and near national parks, parks include Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga, Queen Elizabeth, lake Mburo, Kibale Forest, Kidepo Valley, and Murchison Falls among others. Kisoro Tours Uganda can arrange camping gear for those who want to sleep under the stars in Uganda’s nature.
Language, Cultural and Practical Tips for Uganda
Uganda’s main language is English, followed by Swahili which is widely spoken in different parts of the country, there are two other 2 local languages which are spoken in most parts of the so learning Luganda or Runyankore will endear you to the local people. While in Uganda always greet people with a handshake, you can also ask about their day as a sign of respect mostly to the elders.
Safety Tips While on Safari in Uganda
Currently, Uganda is generally one of the safest countries in the world, however like any other country, it’s important to be cautious and avoid walking alone at night in all parts of the country, it is always recommended to keep your valuables secure such as passport, money, cameras etc, and it also advisable to follow the advice of your driver/tour guide especially when you reach rural areas.
Responsible Travel and Conservation
At Kisoro Tours Uganda we emphasize eco-friendly tourism, we always engage our clients to be mindful of their environmental footprint by reducing plastic waste, we recommend to our clients to stay in eco-lodges, and support local communities, businesses and conservation efforts in all the destinations we sell.
