Affordable Uganda Safaris from Rwanda. If you’re traveling through East Africa and dreaming of a safari adventure without breaking the bank, starting your trip from Rwanda into Uganda might just be the perfect route. Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa,” offers spectacular wildlife experiences—from gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. And with Rwanda’s proximity, it’s possible to enjoy a budget-friendly safari by planning smart. Here’s how to save money while making the most of your Uganda safari, starting from Rwanda.

Why Start Your Safari from Rwanda?

Rwanda and Uganda share a border and similar ecosystems, but the cost of tourism in Uganda is generally more affordable. Gorilla trekking permits, for example, cost $800 in Uganda versus $1,500 in Rwanda. Uganda also offers more diverse and budget-friendly safari experiences, especially for travelers who don’t mind staying in basic lodges or camping.

Starting your safari in Rwanda gives you easy access to southwestern Uganda, home to some of the country’s best parks and reserves. You’ll also benefit from Kigali’s well-connected bus system and relatively easy visa policies, especially if you’re using the East Africa Tourist Visa.

Budget Travel Tips: Getting from Rwanda to Uganda

1. Take a Local Bus or Shared Taxi

To save on transport, skip expensive private transfers. From Kigali, you can take a bus or shared taxi to the Gatuna/Katuna border or the Cyanika border, depending on where in Uganda you’re heading.

• To Kabale or Kisoro (for Bwindi and Mgahinga): Take a bus from Kigali to Cyanika via Musanze.

• To Kampala (Uganda’s capital): Board an international bus like Jaguar, Trinity, or Gateway from Kigali to Kampala.

Bus fares range from $10–$20, and the journey takes about 6–10 hours depending on the route.

2. Use the East Africa Tourist Visa

The East Africa Tourist Visa allows travel between Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for 90 days, costing only $100. It’s cheaper and more convenient than paying separate visa fees for each country. Just make sure you apply through the country where you’ll first enter the region (in this case, Rwanda).

Affordable Safari Options in Uganda

Once in Uganda, budget-conscious travelers have a range of options for affordable safaris:

1. Gorilla Trekking on a Budget

Gorilla trekking is Uganda’s star attraction. A permit costs $800, much less than in Rwanda. To cut costs:

• Travel in low season (March–May, October–November) when some lodges offer discounts.

• Stay in Kisoro or Buhoma, where you can find guesthouses from $15–$30 per night.

• Join a group trek instead of booking a private tour to split transport and guide fees.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Known for tree-climbing lions and its boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a budget-friendly alternative to Kenya’s or Tanzania’s big parks.

• Budget lodges and campsites near the park start at $20/night.

• Self-drive safaris or joining a group tour can significantly reduce costs.

3. Lake Mburo National Park

Smaller and closer to Kampala, Lake Mburo is ideal for short safaris. It’s cheaper to access and offers walking safaris, bike tours, and wildlife viewing without high entrance or guide fees.

• Entrance is $40/day for foreigners.

• It’s easily combined with a return trip to Rwanda.

Saving Money on Accommodation and Food

1. Stay in Budget Lodges or Campsites

Uganda has a growing number of budget lodges, hostels, and community-run guesthouses. Some popular budget stays include:

• Bwindi Backpackers Lodge – near Bwindi National Park.

• Chimpanzee Forest Lodge – near Kibale Forest.

• Kazinga Channel View Resort – near Queen Elizabeth NP.

Many offer dorms or budget tents for $10–$25 per night.

2. Eat Local

Skip the tourist restaurants and eat like a local. Street food and small eateries (called hotels) serve meals like chapati, rolex (rolled eggs in chapati), matoke, or beans for $1–$3. Buy fruits and snacks from local markets for on-the-go meals during transit or hikes.

Tips for Booking a Budget Safari

• Book in a group: The more people you have, the more you can share transport and guide fees.

• Compare tour companies: Look for budget operators like Kenlink Tours, which offer group departures. At Kenlink Tours, we offer both budget, mid-range and luxury tours, and we help you on travelling cheaply. We have Scheduled Group Tours that one can join and spend little money. 

• DIY it: For the more adventurous, use public transport to reach towns near the parks, then hire local guides at the gate or from your lodge.

• Use apps like iOverlander or Booking.com to find budget accommodations with traveler reviews.

Starting your Uganda safari from Rwanda is one of the best-kept secrets for budget travelers in East Africa. With a bit of planning, you can experience breathtaking gorilla treks, wildlife encounters, and stunning landscapes without draining your wallet.

Traveling overland, using local transportation, and staying in budget-friendly lodges not only saves money but also offers a more authentic connection with the region. Whether you’re backpacking through Africa or just traveling on a tight budget, Uganda has all the wild adventure you seek—at a price that makes it accessible.