Top 6 things to do in Uganda when on budget.

Uganda is known as one of Africa's affordable destinations. However, when it comes to some activities which involve national parks where you have to pay some hefty fees, it becomes a challenge for backpackers and budget travelers. Fear not though, that doesn't mean it’s the end of it all. There is a lot you can do in Uganda without having to go see animals or paying daily entrance fees in a National park.

Here are the top six things you can do in Uganda while on a budget.

1- Take a walking tour in Kampala.

When you arrive in a country, the first thing you need to get well versed with is the history of the country, the city and culture. A walking tour will illuminate the everyday way of life. It will also orient you to the surroundings and enable you to be a savvy tourist with insights that’s not apparent when you’re on a tour bus. You’ll also be on your way to exploring independently. Be sure to enjoy Kampala’s night life, one of the most renowned in all of East Africa.

Tourists on  Walking Tour.

2- Take a trip to Sipi Falls.

This is a three day voyage. Sipi Falls is located in Eastern Uganda about 5 hours from Kampala. On your way to Sipi you get to see the great eastern rift valley. The views in this area are very spectacular with lush emerald scenery. There’s some hiking involved which will take you to the waterfalls. Don’t worry we can shape it according to your fitness level. The highest waterfall in Uganda is located here at a height of 100 meters. If you love java, don’t miss out on a coffee tour as the region is known for it. Get to witness how the beans are cared for right until they reach your cup. How does a fresh roasted cup of coffee sound? Other activities includes a sunset walk which is breathtaking and various cultural tours.

Sipi Falls.

3- Do not miss exploring Fortportal's crater lakes.

This is one pf the coolest places you will visit in Uganda and if you really love nature. Fortportal is located in western Uganda , approximately a 5-6 hour drive depending on your transport means. It is full of a beautiful green landscape and a gorgeous backdrop of Mountain Rwenzori and locally famous crater lakes. Walking tours to the lakes are available according to your fitness. You also have an option to cover a bigger area with a motorbike tour. There are some hidden hot springs in the region which are not crowded by tourists and you can reach them with a good hike. There are various campsites and budget accommodation in the vicinity of the crater Lakes. If your pockets are able to support you, make sure to go Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest because it is way cheaper than Gorilla trekking.

One of the craters in Fortportal.

Views during the hikes.

4- Choose from the various excursions in Jinja.

Jinja is a popular tourist hot spot. There are a number of activities located in this town found in Eastern Uganda, It takes about a two hour drive but again this depends on traffic. Depending on your time and money, Jinja can be doable in one day. You can make several stops along the way at Sezibwa falls, Mabira forest and can wrap it up with a boat ride on the source of the world's longest river, the Nile. However, it would be nice to spend a couple of days in this town. The highlight would be white water rafting in the Nile River with the best recommended companies. This is a serious adrenaline rush! But that is not all, there are other activities in this area like tubing on the Nile, kayaking on the Nile, horseback riding, quad biking, cycling and bird watching for the bird lovers.

Cruising on the River Nile.

5- Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi.

Kabale is a beautiful town known as the Switzerland of Uganda. It shouldn’t  be missed! Although it takes about a 7 to 8 hour drive, don't worry about this, all good things are worth the journey. The sacrifice is worth the effort. The most spectacular lake to see here is Lake Bunyonyi and the very many beautifully terraced hills. Lake Bunyonyi is  the freshest Lake in Uganda to swim and it is bilharzia free. Make sure to get on canoe to visit the various islands on this lake. Take some hikes on the hills to get the best views of the islands on this lake, or you can simply take some guided walking tours in around some of the villages. 

If you have time, you can also visit the Batwa tribe living in the hilly areas of this region.

Some of the many islands in Lake Bunyonyi.

6- Taking it easy in Entebbe.

Entebbe is a chill town located on the shores of Lake Victoria. Most people spend some days here when they are about to take a fight back home or when the city gets too crazy and hectic for them. You can go cycling in Entebbe  which is easier because it is less crowded. Don’t forget to soak up in the sun in picturesque beaches and make sure to enjoy some good deep fried tilapia with chips. If you want to explore the world's second biggest lake, here’s your chance with a boat cruise on Lake Victoria.

We do find Mabamba swamp in Lake Victoria which is known for many bird species and one special one known as the shoebill. If you are a birdwatcher, do not miss this little wonder! 

Fishing on Lake Victoria,

Uganda has so much to offer! Drop us a line for more info!

An Insider's perspective on African Travel

 While I may run a tourism business, that does not mean that I do not enjoy playing the part of the tourist as well. I very much believe that to provide a quality experience to my customers, the best way for me to do that is by periodically putting myself in their shoes. I personally got bitten by the travel bug long ago and so, like many of my clients, am constantly looking for the next expedition. Unfortunately for Ugandans, visas for countries on other continents can often be expensive and hard to obtain. Given that fact, and also the added expense of traveling further afield, I resolved to see, at the very least, one new African country every year.

The hike was worth it.

African penguins

Drakensberg amphitheater is regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on earth.

Africa is the world’s second largest continent by both land and population and has no shortage of places to see and experience. There are a lot of different things to do when you arrive on the continent like gorilla trekking, mountain climbing, safaris, white water rafting, desert safaris, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and whale sharks, scuba diving, and sky diving. Just like any traveler, I want to experience the diversity of adventures which are available, and take it from an African that not all African countries are the same. Every nation you visit displays its own unique cultures, languages, and ways of life. In my most recent trips, I traveled through East and southern Africa, to the Seychelles, Mozambique, Malawi, Rwanda, Ethiopia and South Africa and felt just as much a foreigner (and just as much excitement) as someone from Europe or the US.. 

Dalol lake in Ethiopia

Salt Flats in Ethiopia.

The volcano is an amazing site.

Despite having given hundreds of tours and interacted with thousands of people from all over the world, I still find it interesting to hear the responses of clients when questioned about their conceptions prior to arriving. I continually hear comments such as “I thought it was like a desert”, “I didn’t know my iPhone would work here”, “People are dressed more modern than I expected”, “It feels safe here and people seem friendly”...etc. It is actually rare to encounter someone who is NOT surprised at what they find upon finally touching down. 

Colonial streets on Mozambique island

Floating on the Indian ocean- Paradise!

Empty quiet beach in Mozambique

  With all of that said, and while I may be somewhat biased, it is not an exaggeration to say that within Africa, Uganda continues to be one of the favorite destinations of travelers from around the globe. The people here are very friendly, and its capital Kampala ranks among the most inexpensive cities in the world. Additionally, our temperature remains relatively the same year-round, providing travel opportunities in all months. The vegetation is always lush and green, and there are always things to do.

Wild life in Tanzania.

Beautiful Usamabara mountains in Tanzania.

Kampala Walking Tours has the privilege to guide you on our customized journeys replete with knowledge and history. We offer a wide variety of activities to suit your interests with some of our offerings including: walking and cycling tours focused on the city, food, and entertainment, respectively; day treks to the equator, rhino sanctuary and the source of the Nile River; safaris in the wild; gorilla and chimpanzee spotting; white water rafting; and hiking trips. While my business is constantly evolving, our passion remains constant - to give you the most unforgettable experience in East Africa.

The mighty Gorilla- Photo by - Nils.

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda- Photo by- Nils.

Fresh fruit and Vegetables on the continent.

This is not to downplay the challenges involved. Like any trip, before travelling, you should do your research for each country. For example, it is easier to move around Uganda because English is the official language and almost everyone speaks it. In Mozambique, on the other hand, you would do well to learn some basic phrases in Portuguese with the same going for Swahili in Tanzania, and Amharic in Ethiopia. While Africa in general is relatively cheap, good research will still save you money as we have tourist traps just like anywhere. For backpackers, there are myriad low-cost options with hostels and tent sites scattered throughout the continent. If you’re a hard-core adventurer, you can even rent or buy a motorbike and ride from South Africa to Kenya, as several of my clients have done. And of course, there are the more well-known group safaris which can be booked as a good way to share costs. Public transport is available in most countries, and you can always find cheap food in every place you go. 

A few things to remember when moving around Africa:

• In most African countries, people don’t wear clothing that exposes the body, especially the legs, so it is usually more appropriate for men to wear long pants and women to wear something that falls below the knees 

• Travelers should avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and try to make use of Visa cards as much as possible, as these are accepted in many towns and cities.

• When taking photos of people, always ask their permission first. 

• Make an effort to learn some basic local phrases as it shows respect and has the added benefit of helping you get better prices. 

Of course, as with many experiences, there is only so much you can learn from reading. At a certain point, you just have to take the plunge. So if you want to know what this wonderful continent is all about, turn off the TV, book your ticket, and come experience it for yourself. I look forward to seeing you!