Uganda is a diverse destination famed for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. We've broken down average costs from past travelers, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Uganda?
You should plan to spend around $123 (USh453,875) per day on your vacation in Uganda. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $46 (USh168,656) on meals
- $20 (USh75,325) on local transportation
- $93 (USh342,944) on hotels
A one week trip to Uganda for two people costs, on average, $1,728 (USh6,354,250). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$864
USh3,177,125
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,728
USh6,354,250
-
One Month
Per person
$3,704
USh13,616,250
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,728
USh6,354,250
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,457
USh12,708,500
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,407
USh27,232,500
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Uganda cost?
A one week trip to Uganda usually costs around $864 (USh3,177,125) for one person and $1,728 (USh6,354,250) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Uganda on average costs around $1,728 (USh6,354,250) for one person and $3,457 (USh12,708,500) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Uganda will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Uganda on average costs around $3,704 (USh13,616,250) for one person and $7,407 (USh27,232,500) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Uganda expensive to visit?
Uganda is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within Africa, Uganda is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to South Africa or Kenya.
Whether you're looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Uganda has an array of accommodation and activities to suit your needs. For those on a budget, hostels in Kampala, Entebbe, and Jinja are available, but there are also luxury hotels for affluent visitors, and plenty of mid-range hotels for families and couples.
If you're worried about costs in Uganda, there are ways to cut back, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $52 (USh191,022) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $124 (USh453,875) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $267 (USh977,446) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Uganda.
For more details, see Is Uganda Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Uganda?
The average Uganda trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Uganda travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Uganda cost?
Uganda on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$20
(USh73,724)
|
$47
(USh171,472)
|
$94
(USh346,509)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8.98
(USh33,002)
|
$20
(USh75,325)
|
$39
(USh143,235)
|
|
Food 2
|
$19
(USh68,530)
|
$46
(USh168,656)
|
$108
(USh398,853)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$14
(USh50,131)
|
$32
(USh117,539)
|
$66
(USh243,416)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-9
(USh11,220-33,660)
|
$7-21
(USh25,607-76,821)
|
$13-40
(USh48,678-146,033)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Uganda for around $52 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, Uganda has an abundance of hostels, particularly in Kampala, Entebbe, and Jinja.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for fun, it's common to stay in mid-range hotels, dine at well-known restaurants, and visit the big museums and attractions that charge entry fees. You won't want to miss all of the major sights and attractions. As most activities are not free, you'll be spending at least some money on your trip. Given this, a more realistic daily budget would be around $124 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're seeking a deluxe vacation that includes premium service and amenities, expect to pay around $267. This budget will cover luxurious hotels, award-winning dining, extravagant tours, and private transportation, landing you in the "luxury" travel range. You might even find yourself vacationing in high-end spots like Jinja and Entebbe. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as 13- Day Uganda Expedition: Experience Moments with Gorillas, Wildlife and Cultural Experiences - offered by Mukisa Safaris Uganda.
Accommodation Budget in Uganda
The range of hotel prices in Uganda can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Uganda for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $93 (USh342,944). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $47 (USh171,472) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Uganda? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Uganda
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $20 (USh75,325) per person, per day, on local transportation in Uganda. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Uganda is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$20
USh75,325
Typical prices for transit in Uganda are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Uganda. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
-
Taxi around town
USh15,000
Food Budget in Uganda
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Uganda can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Uganda is $46 (USh168,656) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$46
USh168,656
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Uganda is around $46 (USh168656) per person, with previous travelers spending from $19 to $109. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Uganda are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $23
- Dinner: $16 to $37
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
Ugandan cuisine has been influenced by English, Arab and Indian cooking. There are regional specialties and many tribes have their own unique dish. In general, dishes include some type of vegetable, potatoes, yams, bananas or another tropical fruit. Common meats are chicken, fish, beef, goat, and mutton, although in rural areas meat is less common.
Luwombo: This staple in Uganda is a meat or groundnut sauce that is steamed in banana leaves. It has a strong aroma and is usually served with some form of a carbohydrate.
Posho: This is usually made with maize but may be found with other starches. It is cooked with water until it makes a porridge or dough. It is often served with some sort of meat or sauce and is a staple in the country.
Whole Fried Fish : This is a delicious meal option that is usually available near the beach. It is typically served with some form of french fries (chips).
If you're on a trip with children, keep an eye out for restaurants that have a childrens' menu. This can be a great money saver since those dishes are usually priced lower. Some restaurants may not include kids' options on their menus, so it's best to ask the waiter beforehand.
Most hotels include breakfast in their rates, though some add it as an additional cost. The price and quality can differ widely depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you determine if the hotel buffet is worth it or if a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or café is more suitable.
Take a water bottle with you rather than buying drinks everywhere you go. It's also great for the planet.
If you're planning to join a tour, check in advance about which meals are included. You may have to cover some food expenses on your own, which can stretch your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Uganda. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Night-time Boda Boda Street Food Tour for $91 details
- Kampala City Walking Food Tour for $77 details
- Like a local cooking Tours for $26 details
- Kampala cooking tour for $133 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Uganda, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Uganda
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Uganda typically cost an average of $32 (USh117,539) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$32
USh117,539
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Uganda. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Kampala Heart of Walking Adventure for $25 details
- Best Jinja source of the River Nile day experience for $170 details
- Half day Kampala City Motor Bike Tours for $30 details
- 1 Day Jinja tour special with Lunch for $170 details
Nightlife Budget in Uganda
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $14 (USh51,214) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Uganda per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$14
USh51,214
While partying at night is exciting, cutting down on alcohol can really reduce your travel expenses.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Uganda. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Kampala Pub Crawl | Uganda | 4 hours for $65 details
- Entebbe and kampala: club,pub and bar crawl experiences for $35 details
Traveling in Uganda
Uganda
Located in East Africa, Uganda is bordered by Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The country is known for its very diverse plant and animal life and is most famous as home to the endangered mountain gorilla as well as the endangered common chimpanzee.
Foreigners, specifically caucasians, are referred to as muzunga or wazungu in the plural form. This term is commonly called out by children when they see visitors. It is not an insult and a proper response is either to ignore it or respond with a friendly wave.
Uganda is not an expensive country to visit, but the facilities are not what you might expect in neighboring Kenya or Tanzania, as tourism is not as common. Your best approach is to relax and go with the flow. Understand that schedules mean little, roads are in poor condition, and part of the experience is to learn to let things go and stay flexible.
While most visitors come to the country specifically for a gorilla safari, there are many other things to see in Uganda, so don't limit yourself. Other highlights include wildlife such as the chimpanzees, hiking the Rwenzoris and visiting the source of the Nile River.
Uganda's climate is affected by altitude, although the country is equatorial. In general, southern Uganda is wetter throughout the year. On the northern shore of Lake Victoria, most of the rain comes between March and June and November and December. Near the South Sudanese border there is a dry period between November and February. Droughts are not uncommon in the northeastern part of the country and Rwenzori in the southwest is prone to rain year around.
At A Glance
- Most visitors to Uganda book a car through a tour company. These companies provide a guide and a car, bus or truck. The benefit of having a guide is that they know where to take you and how to get around. This is probably your best option if you want to see a lot in just a couple of weeks. Otherwise you'll spend a lot of time waiting for rides and searching for accommodation. Going it alone allows you to experience a different side of Uganda. You'll get to know the public transportation and see a more local, and arguably more authentic side of the country. In general, if you go it alone, you will travel by a combination of boda-boda, local taxi, bus, and private car within the national parks.
- Many people in Uganda speak English, although they may not all be fluent. British English is taught in the schools, but Ugandan English is very common. Many people speak with a thick accent that may take you some time to adjust to. There are also many different regional languages spoken in Uganda. Some of the more common include Luganda, which is common in Kampala and Swahili which is spoken in the north and the east.
- Uganda's national currency is the Ugandan shilling. At bigger hotels and restaurant you may be able to pay in US dollars. It's also possible to pay for bigger activities such as safaris and rafting with US dollars. In fact, most companies require it. Cash is preferred and a 4% fee may be charged if you try to pay with credit card. Also make sure you have enough cash on you, as it is not uncommon for ATMs to close do to a shortage of cash. Plan ahead and assess the situation for each city and town you visit.
- Accommodation provided by UWA in national parks is generally a good option as the standard is high and the facilities are less expensive. Throughout Uganda you may struggle to find moderately priced hotels. Expensive hotels are of a lower quality than those found in Kenya or Tanzania so you may prefer to stay at a budget hotel and spend your money in other ways.
- Internet cafes are common in Kampala and Jinja. In the larger towns it's possible to find at least one internet cafe but the connection is usually frustratingly slow and unreliable. It is best to take advantage of the facilities in the largest cities, and then disconnect for the rest of your trip.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in Marrakesh, Cape Town, Nairobi, or Zanzibar?
Top Tourist Attractions
Gorilla Trekking: To go Gorilla Trekking you'll need to buy a permit well in advance. There is limited availability and only a few tourists are taken to the gorillas each day. This is done in an effort to limit the stress put on the animals. If you have a permit, you will have one hour to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Permits can be purchased through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Prices continue to rise so you should contact the UWA for the most recent price.
Whitewater Rafting on the Nile: Uganda offers adventure travelers world class whitewater rafting on the Nile. You can choose between anything from a half day to 2 day trips. You can also choose your intensity level, from peaceful family trips to grade 5 rapids.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: This is Uganda's most visited national park. It is located in western Uganda and covers almost 2,000 square kilometers. It is famous for its wildlife, which was greatly effected by the Uganda-Tanzania War. Many species have now recovered including the hippopotami, elephants, leopards, lions and chimpanzees.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.