10 Tricks to an Affordable Price for a Safari/Tour in Uganda
Uganda and African continent at particular may not be too developed, but its accommodations are among the most costly in the world.
With our ideas, you can do a safari/tour of your budget price. But it’s possible to do a safari/tour in your budget price. This is done by finding deals and doing bargains.
The best way to cut costs/prices is to travel off-season, Uganda and East Africa in particular Lodge/Hotel rates drop by up to 30 percent.
Also another advice is staying in small, owner-operated lodges. Such lodges/guest houses don’t have the high overheads of the big chains and can be more flexible.
Another way of adventure is drive yourself. Self-drives save on air transfers and are easy in Uganda and East Africa in general
Great Deal: The April-May is a low season is a great time for East African deals. Some of the best deals are at lodges in the National parks.
The Cost/Price of a Ugandan and East Africa Safari/Tour
There are a number of factors that contribute to the final price/cost tag that gets attached to your safari:
- Duration
- Standard of accommodation
- National parks
- Optional activities
- Transfers
- Domestic flights
- Number of travelers
- Time of year
All of the above come into the equation when Alpha Adventure Safaris your African travel expert is calculating the cost of your Ugandan tour/safari adventure.
A four day camping safari with four people is going to be cheaper in cost per person than a five day luxury safari for two people.
Example Pricing
Kindly find a table with some sample Uganda tour/safari prices. These are based on estimates, and should not be taken as real.
Alpha Adventure Safaris expert will calculate your pricing based on all of the below factors, so these are just a rough guideline.
4 DAYS GORILLA AND WILDLIFE
- Duration
Obviously, a safari’s price is influenced by its length.
For those on a tight budget, you might want to consider a shorter itinerary such as our 3 days safari/tour, which includes three parks into four days of exhilarating game drives.
A Longer Safari for Less Costs/Prices
If you wanting to spend longer on safari/tour, some trips to fit a longer trip to your budget would be lowering your standard of accommodation, bringing along additional people, or choosing to visit Uganda during low season.
- Uganda -accommodation-safari/tour
Standard of accommodation
Accommodation is a huge part of the final cost of your Ugandan safari/tour.
Thankfully, Uganda offers something for all budgets. From camping out under the stars to affordable lodges to tented camps to luxury properties, there is something to suit any taste.
When planning your safari/tour to Uganda, it is possible to strike a balance between comfort, cost, and staying in fantastic properties.
It might be worth including a camping safari component for a couple of nights so that you can splash out on that unforgettable luxury lodge on your last night.
Your Alpha Adventure Safari expert can prepare a quote using budget, medium, or luxury accommodations. They can also provide you with a mix of different styles to tailor the experience to your tastes and budget.
- National Parks
Not all national parks are created equal.
Kibale National Park charges 150$ per person for chimpanzee trek and Bwindi NP charges 600$ per person for gorilla trek, yet all other National Parks charge the same 40$ per person per night.
- Optional Activities
While unlimited game drives between 7:00 am and 6:30 pm are included in all of our safaris, there are a number of optional activities that can be added to your safari.
These range from relatively affordable adventures such as guided walking safaris to pricier options such as night game drives and gorilla trekking.
- Transfers
Airport transfers from and to Entebbe Airport are usually included in your quote. These are the same price you would get with a local taxi, and come without the hassle of having to explain where your hotel is.
For those landing in Kigali, we can also arrange shuttle transfers or private transfers at additional cost.
- Extra Cars
Lastly, for those flying between parks or combining countries, it is important to note that on some days you will be paying for two cars.
This can be the biggest additional cost in many cross-country or flying safaris.
- Domestic Flights
Alpha Adventure Safaris can arrange both domestic and local international flights for your itinerary.
We never charge a commission on flights, so you’ll be getting the same price from us as you would be able to find online or else where.
- Number of Travelers Visiting Uganda
The number of people sharing a vehicle is a huge factor in deciding the per person cost/price of a safari/tour.
One person on their own is not only paying for their park entry fees and accommodation, but also bears the full cost of the car, driver, and all associated fees.
On the flip side, six people sharing a 4WD Land Cruiser are splitting the cost six ways and enjoy a much lower per person cost/price.
A solo safari in East Africa can be an expensive prospect, so consider bringing along a friend or loved one to make it more affordable. You’ll also have somebody to snap photos of you!
- Time of Year
The last major factor in the cost/price of your safari/tour in Uganda is going to be the time of year you are visiting.
Prices are highest during the peak seasons of December – February and June – August, when lodges are getting plenty of business.
If you’re looking to save some money on your Ugandan safari, consider visiting in April or May when the rainy season sees many luxury lodges lower their rates to a fraction of 30 percent what they would usually be.
It’s entirely possible to enjoy a Green Season Safari while staying in lodges that would normally be out of your price range.
When Should I Visit Uganda?
Uganda offers a different experience dependent on what time of year you visit.
With the Gorilla trek safari being the main attraction, it’s worth looking at our Facebook page @AlphaAdventure to know the best time to plan your trip.
Safaris/Tours over the Holidays
It’s important to note that many Ugandan properties charge a non-negotiable Christmas and New Year’s surcharge that often applies to all nights from the 24th of December until January 1st.
Extra Costs/Prices on a Ugandan Safari/Tour
While our safari quotes cover the essentials such as meals, accommodation, private game drives, park entry fees, transfers, and included activities, there are a few things you’ll need to budget for in addition.
- International Flights
While Alpha Adventure Safaris can assist you in booking your international flights, these are generally not included in your total price.
We do, however, include any local international flights we book for you in your price.
- Travel Insurance
Although Alpha Adventure Safaris enjoy complimentary Flying Doctors Insurance to cover emergency evacuation, but you’ll want a comprehensive travel insurance policy for the duration of your safari.
You’re perfectly safe while on safari with us, but it doesn’t hurt to have some extra coverage in case you are sick or injured while you’re traveling.
A good travel insurance policy will also cover things such as flight cancellations, theft, and the like.
- Laundry
Many safari lodges in Uganda can offer laundry service, but this usually attracts an additional fee that varies from lodge to lodge.
If you think you’re going to need to do laundry during your safari, it is a good idea to arrange at least two consecutive nights at a property so that it has time to dry!
- Souvenirs & Snacks
Alpha Adventure safaris include full board accommodation, drinking water while on safari, and tea & coffee while on safari.
If you’re looking to enjoy an ice cold beer, a refreshing sundowner, or a late night snack at your lodge, this cost will be in addition to what you have already paid.
Some lodges on your safari might be Fully Inclusive and include selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, particularly if you’re staying in a five star.
- Tips
It is customary in Uganda to tip the staff who make your safari so unforgettable.
As a general rule of thumb, the below should be used as a guideline:
Safari Driver Price range: $15 – $20 USD per day (per group);
Safari Chef (when camping or climbing) Price range: $10 – $15 USD per day (per group);
Climbing Guide Price range: $15 – $20 USD per day (per group)
Porters Price range: $10 – $15 USD per day (per person)
These are all just a guideline, so feel free to tip more if you’re especially happy with your service.
The Grand Total
When you factor in international flights and the cost of your safari, it can seem like a sizeable investment.
The cost of a Ugandan safari is certainly not cheap, but it’s one of those once in a lifetime adventures that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Just be careful not to fall in love with Uganda Safaris/Tours, or you might make it a yearly thing…
