Reviews | Backpacking Uganda

Why Budget Travelers Opt for Rooftop Tent Camping

Traveling with a 4×4 rooftop tent car in Uganda is the trailblazer among tourists who visit the various tourist sites.

A roof top tent means sleeping on top of the car, it can as well be called pop up tent or car top tent, this also means that you can sleep anywhere and off the ground away from the many crawlies. The demand of rooftop tent camping makes it so ideal for the people looking for comfort and convenience. These have greatly become budget friendly throughout the years. Whether you are on a very low budget, like the outdoors and just don’t want to book your accommodation ahead of your safari, the roof top tent camping offers you a great sense of flexibility.

Uganda is a very appropriate country for camping and this reduces the cost of accommodation on your safari. There are many camp grounds all over the country that range from basic camps found either inside the parks to the private camp ground that are operated by lodge owners, which enables you to stay at a secured site with very good amenities. The camping opportunities in Uganda are year round due to favorable climate.

There are many reasons as to why travelers opt for rooftop tent camping presently. Some of these reasons include; you are free to set up a camp almost anywhere. There is no need to worry about finding a flat spot on the rugged terrain or staying away from the critters on the ground.

The roof top tents are easy to pitch once installed, and most of them come with a plush foam mattress. These also at some times might fulfill the dream of having a tree house! This is mainly because it’s put on top of the vehicle with the help of the ladder. Pitching can be stress free and one you have placed it coolly on top of the car, you can quickly put some straps, ladder and the poles.

Even though the roof top tents limits your ability to carry bikes on a roof rack, most of the designs allow very multiple set up options, so you can just set up the ladder to the side of the vehicle and still access bikes from the hitch rack. These are great options for cyclists because you can still get around camp by bike when the inclined tent renders your car unusable during your stay.

However, the rooftop tents can be an investment, so you will want to ensure that they are compatible with the vehicle, roof rack and life style before buying. Always check the owner’s manual of your roof rack and vehicle to see if a tent’s weight is under the limit. Many of them weigh more than 100 pounds, so you will need a friend or two to help you install and remove it at the same time.

These tents provide comfort; most of the mattresses come with very superior form quality that provides enough mesh, support and ventilation. You also get to sleep away from the ground free from the creepy crawlies and winter cold.

The roof top tents are more durable. These are heavy and have quality roof top gear which is often durable and makes better weather protection equipment.

The roof top tents are cheaper as compared to the furnished accommodation facilities. These tents are cheaper to purchase and use as well. You spend extremely little money on hiring these tents as well as the rooftop vehicles. There are so many care hire companies that can be used to hire these cars with the camping equipment.

In conclusion, rooftop tent camping is becoming diverse and it’s being adopted by many travelers presently hence saving them a lot of money.

5 Best Low Cost Uganda Safaris for 2020

As many enjoy comfortable safaris in Uganda, others run for low cost on different schedules and programs. Once you step out for a trip that you have always opted for at your convenience, you will definitely look back someday and tell a story about the most incredible experience of your life. Even though Uganda is one of the best budget safari destinations in the world, there is always variety for every one willing to discover new places at cost friendly rates.

As you start to explore the country various great travel destinations, the mind tunes automatically to seeing new amazing creatures, landscape, culture, mountains, birds, primates, lakes etc making your stay one of the most amazing on earth. Just like you yarn to spend less and enjoy more on your vacation, Uganda is simply the best place to be in the world for fun, adventure and relaxation. For those planning to visit Uganda soon, here is a list of the most low cost Uganda safari tours that leave you with life changing memories and take away all your regrets and disappointments.

Gorilla Trekking Tours

Every time spent in Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga national park is nothing but amazing to every visitors to Uganda. I would recommend a 3 day gorilla trek for those starting their trips in Kampala or Entebbe and a 1-2 day gorilla trek for those planning to fly to Kigali international airport and track gorillas in Uganda. However the one day gorilla trek to Mgahinga is a right choice for those graving to see mountain gorillas and other forest creatures in the gorilla protected rain forest.

To cut the story short Uganda is a place for budget gorilla safaris tours in Africa and tourists get a chance to experience the jungle life and nature of mountain gorillas. Tracking gorillas in Uganda will give you a taste of what the effort of conservation and nature has in stock. Giant forests creatures are beautiful are beautiful, outstanding and a direct eye contact with the silverback alone is an experience of a life time. Tourists are allowed to spend a full good hour with gorillas once found but it’s one of the most loved wildlife encounters in the world.

The 7 Day Wildlife Safari Uganda

The experience and memories you get on the low cost trip to Kidepo valley national park and Murchison Falls National Park isn’t just relevant but will stick with you all through. One of the happiest moments to expect is the time spent cherishing the wonderful wildlife creatures, falls on the Nile and the ancient tradition of the Karamajongs. Tourists on this trip have one thing in common, the love a thrill for various wildlife species in the savannah plains including the big five.

Unforgettable Experience in Sipi & Source of Nile

Truly there is nothing better than a short trip to Sipi and source of the Nile over the weekends or on your vacation safari in Uganda especially if you love nature and its beauty. You here and see online that people say this was the best Uganda safari of their lives and actually it is. The best part of the trip is looking at the magical falls of Sipi, origin of the Nile in Jinja and the rewarding hiking experience around Mountain Elgon.We would recommend this trip to those on volunteering programs, vacation, research and leisure.

1 Day Trip to Ngamba Island & UWEC

Exploring Lake Victoria on a day trip is very cheap an affordable for those travelling sole or in groups of 4.6 and 8.You will definitely find a group of others to join for the fantastic chimpanzee viewing experience in Ngamba Island and also an excursion to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre a place where you get a chance to come in close contact with animals on the behind scene program. I think it’s an experience that everyone has to live by oneself.

Day Tours in Kampala

The experience visitors get in Kampala Uganda’s capital is not just rewarding but educative. Would recommend this trip to everyone since it offers the finest introduction of Uganda the most incredible primate world on earth. Kampala has amazing places that you will wake up each day ready to go and if you spend 1- 3 days be sure of new great friends and great experience. Get a chance to experience culture, social life and history of the country.

5 Best Budget Gorilla Safari Lodges

Have you booked your gorilla permits but wondering about where to stay during your safari? There are many budget safari lodges where you can stay on a small budget during your gorilla safari in Uganda. These lodges exist in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, two exceptional national parks not only in Uganda but also the world at large. These are places where gorilla treks to see mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat can be done. Each of these Uganda national parks has the best gorilla lodges for trekkers to spend a night. They include;

Broadbill Forest Camp

Broadbill Forest Camp is the best budget accommodation alternative set for budget travelers on gorilla safari in Bwindi National Park. This camp has 4 tents, self-contained with provision for twin, double and single rooming option. There is also a classic restaurant offering exceptional meals, a well-stocked bar, fire place among other amenities. A stay at this camp is worth it if you have plans to track mountain gorilla families within Ruhija sector; Oruzogo gorilla family, Bitukura, Mukiza and Kyaguriro group. Ruhija sector is found in eastern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Buhoma Community Rest Camp

If your plan is to track mountain gorillas in Buhoma area of Bwindi National Park then Buhoma Community Rest Camp is the best budget accommodation option for you. This camp is managed by local community and comprises of 6 en-suite safari tents, 3 en-suite cottages, 2 non-self-contained twin cottage Bandas and campsites. The Bandas are built using local materials while its camp bedding ranges from single, twin, triple to double. It features mosquito nets, laundry services, parking lot, shower facilities, restaurant, bar to mention but a few.

Wagtail Eco Safari Camp

Wagtail Eco Safari Camp is ideal for visitors who wish to trek gorilla families in Rushaga region or Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The habituated families in Rushaga region include Mishaya, Kutu, Rwingi, Mucunguzi, Bweza, Busingye, Nshongi and Kahungye in Rushaga sector and in Nkuringo area; Nkuringo gorilla family, Christmas and Bushaho.

Kisoro Travelers Rest

If you are looking to gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kisoro Travelers Rest is the place to stay. This historical lodge is popular since Dian Fossey the Iron Lady who worked hard to protect the mountain gorillas in the Virungas used to stay in this same lodge whenever she crossed to Uganda.

There are affordable rooms from US$80 per person staying in a double room. The lodge is continously getting good reviews from the Trip Advisor.

5 Best Budget Safari Lodges in Bwindi

Bwindi is the most popular tourist destination in Uganda. Every year, a good number of tourists travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to meet the mountain gorillas in the wild! There is a wide choice when it comes to budget travel and there are campsites, places that offer lazy camping as well as budget lodges where you can stay! Of course many tourists who are planning to take gorilla safari in Bwindi get stuck when it comes to generating ideas on the where to stay on budget! we have compiled a good number of budget lodges were you can spend less and hold back some cash for other trip essentials.

If am taking to you Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is vast rain forest that many talk about every time they think about unique mountain gorillas that live in the wilderness jungle.Beyond doubt the park famed to the world because of the mountain gorillas that live in the four park sectors, Buhoma, Ruhija,Rushaga and Nkuringo.Though still you can find then in Rwanda –Volcanoes National Park and Congo-Virunga National Park without forgetting Mgahinga that is also found in Uganda.

But there is no where else to track mountain gorillas on budget than in Uganda a country of easy park access and budget accommodation. Here are some of the Budget gorilla safari lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable that will make your trip cheap and affordable.

Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Imagine being to the Gorilla starting point,Monkey and birds around and not far from the camp, the view is nice looking up a mountain and the forest and its experienced when you spend a night at Buhoma Community Rest Camp.Also known as the most comfortable budget gorilla safari lodge inside Bwindi forest close to the park headquarters in Buhoma.Enjoy the magical views of the forest , perfect restaurant services and lounge.While here feel free to talk to any staff about any problem or diet and count it sorted there and then.The lodge is clean, organized and convenient for those tracking gorillas in the Buhoma section of the park.Buhoma sector has three habituated gorilla families, Mubare, Habiyanja and Rushegura.However,if you book a gorilla permit in Buhoma and you need good budget accommodation with wifi, inside or outside shower, delicous food,warm water etc would recommend Buhoma rest camp a lodge with all budgets including backpacking.

Boadbill Campsite

Don’t expect a lot of luxury but it is basic and comfortable. The staff is really nice ,caring the tents and the rooms comfortable enough , relaxing and cool. Expect basic, but then again you aren’t spending much time there. You will love the surounding, food and am sure its aplace you will recommend to a fiend on any gorilla safari tour to Bwindi Impenetrable especially when travelling on budget.No matter when you arrive expect the finest atension from the campsite staff even when you choose to chil and relax around the all the day at the lodge.When going for gorilla tracking in the morning, breakfast is served in time, luch boxes are served and later head out to the park headquaters for breifing. Its found close to the park with options of half board and full baord accommodation.Sleep like a royal while away from home with a night at broadbill campsite.

Rushaga Gorilla Camp

The best budget lodge in Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable national Park for those tracking gorilla families like Busingye, Bweeza, Kahungye, Mishaya, Nshongi and Bikingi.The lodge location is excellent, tasty food, comfortable bedding and room ambience, hot showers and above all the staff is very friendly.Every thing is affordable , the village walk,acess to the gorilla briefing point etc.There rates range from 12 USD -45USD Budget, at least fare for most budget travellers.Would wide up saying Rushaga Gorilla camp is a nice place for all budget gorilla safari tours in Uganda provided you to track gorillas in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Nshongi Gorilla Resort

Another basic gorilla safari accommodation in Rushaga sector of Bwindi National Park.Two nights here are not enough and you will leave wishing to have stayed longer.The camp is built close to the park with a five minute drive distance to the park head quarters.The staff is very and caring, food is good and enjoying your stay is a must at Nshongi Gorilla Resort.There are community excursions organized at the lodge just in case your gorilla trek ends quite early and you have a free afternoon.

Tracking the Gorillas on a Honeymoon Holiday

Gorilla Trekking is one of the memorable adventures in Uganda, Rwanda and D.R.Congo. Majority of honeymooners worldwide travel normally to tourism destinations with less active vacations mainly to the beaches like Mombasa, Seychelles for holiday but the fact that beaches are usually crowded makes them uncomfortable during the honeymoon moments. It is therefore possible to try out something different as you chill and rest after hassling with the wedding preparations.

You can go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as you celebrate your honeymoon adventure! Gorilla Trekking takes you to the serene environment which is cool, cloudy and misty looking for the rare and endangered mountain gorillas within the impenetrable jungles of the tropical rain forest. Just the two of you can explain this romantic feeling of sitting for full hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi National park, Mgahinga National park or Volcanoes National park. It is just an adorable moment.

On the day of gorilla trekking, you rise up for briefing before heading to the forest to begin searching for the gorillas which are quite mobile as they look for food. On the way, the birds keep singing romantic hymns of the jungle as if they know you are on honeymoon. Look at them as they search for what to eat, the other primates like the baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys also keep entertaining you . The time moment you get to see the gorillas, you get excited to the extent of forgetting your past fatigue. Take just there photographs and get back to the lodge carrying only memories of this adventure.

The gorilla trek normally takes a few hours though some times if you are unlucky you can take a whole day looking for the giant mountain gorillas. There are also several possible options that you can take after the trek.

Your guide can take you to the Batwa land and experience their culture. The Batwa were the forest dwellers who were living with the mountain gorillas within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Families of the Batwa pygmies live close to Bwindi and therefore in case you still energy, you can take a walk to the Batwa land to enjoy the typical Africa moment with the local families. You will dance with the Batwa, learn about their norms and traditions, as well as have interesting performances that cover their authentic culture.

After the Batwa Experience, get back to your lodge for your overnight. It is quite a short moment but very memorable to couples. Make it a point to carry some souvenirs with you because there are interesting wall hangings that will remind you of your moments in Africa. Don’t miss this memorable moment.