Uganda offers a wide range of budget-friendly safaris for 2025, allowing travelers to experience its incredible wildlife and landscapes without breaking the bank. For 2025, there are several exciting and affordable safari options that highlight Uganda’s famous national parks, primates, and natural wonders. Here are the best budget safaris in Uganda for 2025:

1. 3-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

• Highlights: Game drives, boat safaris, and chimpanzee tracking.
• What to Expect: Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most popular and affordable safari destinations. On a budget safari, you can enjoy thrilling game drives to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, and more. The boat safari along the Kazinga Channel is a highlight, offering views of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.
• Budget Tip: Opt for basic lodges or public campsites to save on accommodation costs.
• Cost Estimate: $400–$600 per person (for 3 days, excluding permits for chimp tracking).

2. 2-Day Murchison Falls National Park Safari

• Highlights: Wildlife, Murchison Falls, and Nile River boat cruise.
• What to Expect: Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest park and offers excellent budget safari options. You’ll experience game drives to see lions, giraffes, elephants, and Uganda kob. The boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls is a must-do, offering views of one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world.
• Budget Tip: Stay at affordable lodges near the park or campsites. Join group safaris to reduce costs.
• Cost Estimate: $350–$500 per person (for 2 days).

3. 3-Day Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Trekking Safari

• Highlights: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
• What to Expect: Although gorilla trekking is one of the pricier activities in Uganda, budget safari operators offer packages that reduce costs by staying in basic lodges or campsites. Trekking the mountain gorillas in Bwindi is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the primary reason many visit Uganda.
• Budget Tip: Book your permit well in advance, as prices for gorilla permits remain $700 per person. To lower costs, opt for budget accommodation near the park.
• Cost Estimate: $900–$1,200 per person (for 3 days, including gorilla permit).

4. 4-Day Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

• Highlights: Chimpanzee trekking, game drives, and boat safari.
• What to Expect: This affordable 4-day combo safari offers the best of both Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. You can track chimpanzees in Kibale’s lush rainforest, and then head to Queen Elizabeth for game drives and the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
• Budget Tip: Chimp permits in Kibale are less expensive than gorilla permits, costing $200 per person, making this a more budget-friendly option.
• Cost Estimate: $700–$1,000 per person (for 4 days, including chimp tracking).

5. 3-Day Lake Mburo National Park Safari

• Highlights: Wildlife viewing, boat rides, and walking safaris.
• What to Expect: Lake Mburo National Park is a smaller, less crowded park perfect for budget safaris. It’s located close to Kampala, reducing travel costs. The park is known for its zebras, impalas, and the possibility of doing walking safaris—a unique experience in Uganda.
• Budget Tip: You can save even more by self-driving to the park and staying at budget lodges or campsites.
• Cost Estimate: $350–$500 per person (for 3 days).

6. 5-Day Budget Safari to Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and Budongo Forest

• Highlights: Wildlife, rhino tracking, and chimpanzee trekking.
• What to Expect: This 5-day budget safari combines Murchison Falls National Park with a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest. It’s a well-rounded trip offering the chance to see all of the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos).
• Budget Tip: Use budget accommodations in Ziwa and Murchison Falls, and opt for a group safari to reduce costs.
• Cost Estimate: $800–$1,200 per person (for 5 days).

7. 6-Day Gorilla and Wildlife Safari (Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park)

• Highlights: Gorilla trekking, game drives, boat safari, and tree-climbing lions.
• What to Expect: This budget safari gives you the best of Uganda’s primates and savannah wildlife. After trekking gorillas in Bwindi, you’ll travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. You may also spot the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.
• Budget Tip: Join a group tour to split costs, and stay in budget accommodations in both parks.
• Cost Estimate: $1,200–$1,500 per person (for 6 days, including gorilla permit).

8. 4-Day Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls Safari

• Highlights: Hiking Mount Elgon, Sipi Falls, and cultural experiences.
• What to Expect: For budget travelers who love hiking, Mount Elgon National Park and Sipi Falls are fantastic options. You can hike the trails around the Sipi Falls or even trek up Mount Elgon. This area is less frequented by tourists, offering a peaceful experience with incredible views.
• Budget Tip: Stay in budget lodges or campsites around Sipi Falls and opt for shorter hikes to reduce costs.
• Cost Estimate: $500–$700 per person (for 4 days).

9. 10-Day Best of Uganda Budget Safari

• Highlights: Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, and boat safaris.
• What to Expect: This comprehensive budget safari covers Uganda’s top destinations, including Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi. It’s ideal for those who want to experience a wide range of Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes on a budget.
• Budget Tip: Choose budget accommodation throughout the safari and join group tours to reduce costs. This is a great option for budget-conscious travelers who want to see it all.
• Cost Estimate: $1,800–$2,500 per person (for 10 days, including permits).

10. 2-Day Jinja and Source of the Nile Safari

• Highlights: Nile River boat cruise, white-water rafting, and adventure sports.
• What to Expect: Jinja is known as the adventure capital of Uganda, offering budget-friendly activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and boat cruises on the Nile. This is an exciting option for budget travelers who enjoy adventure sports.
• Budget Tip: Stay in low-cost hostels or camps in Jinja, and opt for group activities to share costs.
• Cost Estimate: $250–$400 per person (for 2 days).

Tips for Budget Safaris in Uganda

• Travel in Groups: Group tours are more cost-effective and reduce the overall cost per person.
• Choose Budget Accommodations: Uganda offers a range of budget lodges, guesthouses, and campsites that are affordable and still provide a great experience.
• Self-Drive Options: If you’re comfortable driving in Uganda, a self-drive safari can save on transport costs.
• Book in Advance: Especially for popular activities like gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, booking permits and accommodation early can help you get the best deals.

Conclusion

Uganda’s budget safaris in 2025 offer an incredible range of experiences, from gorilla trekking to classic savannah game drives, chimpanzee tracking, and adventure sports. With careful planning, budget accommodations, and group tours, you can explore Uganda’s stunning wildlife and landscapes at an affordable price.