The land of wonders; Uganda in East Africa has an option for everyone. Don’t fail to have a memorable vacation because of the cost. We have a selection of 5 destinations you can visit around the country without breaking the bank!

LAKE BUNYONYI.

Lake Bunyonyi is situated in the districts of Kabale and Kisoro in the south-western part of the Republic of Uganda. This lake covers about a 60sqkm area, and 25kms in length, and features in the 2004-2009 5000ugx note entitled “Lake Bunyonyi and terraces”. It is dubbed the “second Switzerland” in Africa because of its tranquillity, large concentration of birds, and eye-catching terraced Hills. There are over 29 unique islands with unique history significance surrounding the lake; notably the Punishment Island where unmarried girls caught committing sexual activities were banished. Safari activities include; a boat ride; canoe ride; bird watching; guided nature walks, Batwa pygmy walks; spot fishing, photography, swimming and horse riding.

SIPI FALLS.

The magical three-series waterfalls are found in the eastern part of Uganda, at the northwestern backdrop of the giant Mountain Elgon. Around the waterfall is a lush concentration of Arabic coffee plantations. The three falls are at different heights. The highest known as Sipi falls at 95mtrs above the ground, the middle one is known as Simba falls at 85mtrs and the lowest is 65mtrs. The three falls offer unrivalled photographic sceneries. Activities at this destination include; photography, rock climbing, coffee tours, site seeing and abseiling. There is no exact amount charged for entrance to Sippi Falls, except a tour guide fee which is dependent on the tour duration.

SSESE ISLANDS.

This is a perfect destination for an escape, from the noise and pollution. It is an archipelago with over eighty-four islands located in the northwestern part of Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in the continent of Africa. The islands are found in the Kalangala district in the southern central part of Uganda. Go to Ssese island for fish, relaxation, squad biking, swimming, Boat cruise, nature walk, Agricultural tours, biking, beach activities, canoe experiences, golf, wildlife viewing, visit to the kalaya caves, chimpanzee viewing at Ngamba island and more. You can get to Ssese Island by air, private boat or a scheduled boat/ferry.

ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY.

This is the only sanctuary breeding about 33 white and black Rhinos found in Uganda. It is a private animal sanctuary, in Nakasongola district, established in 2005 for the conservation of orphaned and endangered rhinos. It is under the management of Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, owners of the land, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority; a body that is charged with the protection of wildlife in Uganda. The activity here is a one-hour rhino trekking, through the guidance of ranger guides who will explain about these members of the Big 5 family in Africa. The entrance fee is 50$ and covers the guide fee and activity.

LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK.

Lake Mburo National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Uganda, located in Kiruhura and Mbarara district, covering about 260sqkms. The park is famous for its variety of wildlife, the large concentration of Impalas, zebras, eland’s Oribis, buffalos and more. It is one place one can do a walking safari without the great fear of the prey as they are hardly seen, though believed to be present at the park.  Activities at the park include among others; game drives, boat cruises at the lake, bird watching, nature walks, photography, and camping. En route to the destination, you can have a stopover at the Equator for a view. As of January 2024, the park administration charges 40$ for adult foreigners, 20$ for foreign children. East African residents are charged 20,000ugx for adults, 5000ugx for children and 3000ugx for students.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE DESTINATIONS.

All the above destinations are open for tourists all year round. Visitors can choose to visit as an independent trip, or as an addition to a safari to the different national parks around the country.  Activities are offered on any day of the week, with gates opening at 07:00 hrs and closing at 19:00 hours. When considering the best months; dry seasons are ideal, with no rain interruptions, muddy slopes and more. These months are December to March and June to September. Budget travellers can choose the low season (April, May, October and November) but be ready for rainfall interruptions.

Packing Guidance.

As you prepare to visit the cheap destinations around Uganda; we understand how choosing what to carry disturbs you.  Depending on your trip duration; here are some of the things to carry; a water bottle for hydration; decent clothing, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, a hut to protect against sunshine; waterproof hiking boots; professional cameras, binoculars to watch distant attractions, and more. Keep your packing simple and to one what is vital to the trip

In conclusion, have a budget safari experience in either all or any of the 5 recommended cheap destinations in Uganda. Book your safari and have the best of your safari experience in Uganda; the pearl of Africa. Contacting a registered tour company to plan your safari makes it cheaper, safer and much more affordable.