Updated
Uganda is good for budget travellers. Hostels and guesthouses are cheap, buses and minibus taxis go everywhere, and local food is filling and inexpensive. The big costs are fixed: the gorilla permit at US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November, park entry fees and transport to remote parks. Planning around those costs is the key to a budget trip.
Getting around cheaply
Long-distance buses link Kampala with Kabale, Kisoro, Fort Portal, Mbarara and other towns. Minibus taxis, called matatus elsewhere and ‘taxis’ in Uganda, run shorter routes. Boda boda motorbikes are cheap but risky; use helmets or avoid them. For parks, you need private transport, so join shared trips or split a car and driver. See our guide to the bus to Bwindi.
Where to stay and eat
Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, Fort Portal, Kabale and Kisoro have hostels and budget guesthouses, and community campsites exist near some parks. Local food such as rolex, beans, matoke and chapati is cheap and good. Drink bottled or filtered water.
Budget gorilla trekking
You cannot avoid the permit fee, but you can save by trekking in April, May or November, staying at community lodges or campsites near your sector, travelling by bus to Kabale or Kisoro and arranging local transport from there, and sharing a car. Book permits early. See our guides to gorilla trekking on a budget and saving money.
Other budget highlights
Jinja’s Nile adventures, Lake Bunyonyi, the crater lakes around Fort Portal, Sipi Falls and Kampala’s markets all suit tight budgets. Chimp tracking in Kibale costs US$250, rising to US$300 from 1 January 2027. See our guide to Lake Bunyonyi.
Staying safe
Keep valuables hidden, avoid walking alone at night in cities, use app taxis after dark, and watch bags on buses. Carry a copy of your passport. See our guide to safety in Uganda.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, with cheap transport, food and hostels, though park fees are high.
Trek in April, May or November, use buses and share transport, and stay at community lodges.
They are risky; wear a helmet or choose other transport.
Gorilla permits, park fees and private transport to parks.
