How To Save on Transport When Backpacking in Uganda
Backpacking in Uganda is the number one option to explore this destination cheaply. With this way of travel, you don’t need to arrange your safari or tour with an operator. What you need is your backpack, travel documents, money, and information about the destination you visit.
You majorly depend on local transport, accommodation, travel guides like the lonely planet, Bradit and more. These books provide details about different countries. Moreover, if you have your phone and internet, Google is a great guide.
If this is the way you desire to go and delve into what Uganda has to offer, here is how you can save on transport and other necessities like accommodation and food.
Before you board a flight to Entebbe Airport, check and see whether you have all the documents needed for entry permission. These include a valid passport, tourist Visa, yellow fever, and covid-19 vaccination card.
When you land at the EBB airstrip, you clear at the customs and proceed with your journey. For cheap transport, this is the best answer.
From Entebbe Airport, get the EBB taxicab to drive you up to a bus station in Kampala. The distance between the capital and the Airport is about 45 kilometers.
For a successful ride, better reserve the cab in advance. If Kampala isn’t in your plans, you can take the bus straight away to other parts of Uganda. Bus agencies offer scheduled trips to various regions. The bus rates are favorable to everyone.
For those who need the best operators, don’t hesitate to travel by Link, YY coaches, Mash Poa, Modern coast, Horizon coaches, Volcanoes, Baby coaches, Trinity bus, and more. The bus is not only cheap but also comfortable and offers a great road trip experience. Know that all transport service providers in Uganda only allow payment in cash.
Places to visit
From Kampala, you can start with a visit to Uganda’s topmost tourist cities. It is Jinja and Fort portal. Of the two, Jinja is more rewarding. It has a lot to keep you excited for all the days you will be there.
Besides a boat cruise to the source of the River Nile, you can enjoy white water rafting, tubing the Nile, bungee jumping, water sliding, kayaking, and quad biking.
If you need a mix of these breathtaking activities, look no further than Nile River explorers. With its affordable accommodation this camp offers all the pursuits except the bungee jumping adventure.
For a wildlife enthusiast, National parks, game reserves, and sanctuaries shouldn’t miss in your travel plans. Heading to the western region you find parks like Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Bwindi, Mgahinga, Semliki, Kibale, and Murchison.
A Bus from Kampala will take to strategic points like Mbarara, Lyantonde, Kisoro, Kabale, Kasese, Fort portal and Katunguru. From one of these points get a local taxi up to your lodge.
In the northeastern region, you can explore hidden natural wonders like Sipi falls, and the notable Kidepo valley National Park. Get a bus from the city to Kapchorwa, stop at Sipi River Lodge and hike the Sipi falls. The lodge has guides to lead you around for a day. From here, continue to Moroto and stay at Karatunga.
Arrange with this camp to take you around, see the culture in the Karamoja sub-region, and a tour in Kidepo. From here, you can choose to enjoy a drive back to Kampala or get a bus and connect to Gulu.
From Gulu, get another local bus to Pakwachi, board off before you cross the Pakwachi Bridge, and stay at Parkside view lodge or any other accommodation facility. Explore Murchison, after proceed to Masindi. From here, get transport back to Kampala or connect to Fort portal and other areas in the western region.
For accommodation, you don’t need to worry. It is available in every town and offered at cheap rates starting from 5 – 10 US dollars. Visit the local eateries to have that experience of sharing the table with locals as you taste Uganda’s local cuisine. A plate of food (rice and meat or chicken) starts from 2 US dollars.