Uganda is one of the affordable and finest travel destinations in the east African region, not only that the country is graced with a quite number of touristic features ranging, from primates, mammal species, ice capped mountains, rivers and lakes, islands and above all good favorable climate. costs are determined by a combination of factors as discussed below;
Packages
The packages will determine the cost of the safari, usually the package includes safari activities to do while in Uganda, these are game drives, gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking among others. The mentioned activities are the major highlights on the Ugandan safari. These activities are costed differently and the price is determined by Uganda wild life authority managing all the reserved and conservation areas in Uganda, For example gorilla tracking has been currently increased from 600$ to 700$ starting with the year 2020, chimpanzee tracking at 200$, park entry fees to the Savannah parks and other related activities. All the money paid goes back to community as well as strengthening the conserving techniques for the future generations. The package may be standard or high end depending on the individual preference. The package can either be budget or high end depending on one’s preference.
Accommodation
The choice of accommodation facilities will determine the cost of a Ugandan safari, accommodation is classified as budget, standard and high-end, all these have different offers and costing which definitely will determine the cost of a safari. Most of the tourist destinations have a team of experienced and hospitable staff at these lodge that offer service to meet value for money. Examples of luxury lodges in Uganda include Apoka game Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Bwindi Forest Lodge; Mahogany springs Lodge, Mihingo Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Gahinga Lodge, Acacia Lodge, wild waters lodge among others. It is also important to check time flights so that the tour starts the same day of arrival or shortly the next day so costs are minimized, the same should be applied while on last day of tour and departing.
Mark up
The mark up is determined by the tour operator, usually the mark up is a small percentage of the total cost let’s say 10% of the total cost. The helps to run the company operational work as well as wages and salaries and usually giving back to community.
Trip length
The few numbers of days, the less costs however more days on trip will attract increase in the safari cost, hiring car, accommodation and transfers increase the cost. The days you spend on the trip have a direct impact on the cost, also the longer days you spend on a safari, with the same company the lesser the cost because changing another company will attract another costing.
Single or group tours
A group of people will share costs including accommodation and transportation thus minimal cost however a single traveler will incur all costs alone. Activities like game drive and viewing, one can join in the park vehicles are cost effective and affordable because you are sharing vehicle costs with other guests. Also depending on the group size it is cheaper to hire your own vehicle with a driver guide and drive through all places of interest to visit. Your driver, vehicle and fuel costs remain consistent and can be divided by the number of people in your group.
Transport
This include transfers by road or air, of course local charter flight transfers are expensive compared to road use where you even get a chance spot scenic view. There are two ways in which one can transfer from place to place, Private means include hiring a car and its driver where as public means are communal which again comes at a cost being uncomfortable. Transport also includes the type of car as different cars have different fares, for example an extended Land cruiser cannot be the same cost with a safari van.it is advisable to book with a tour operator and arrange the transport means as it will be cheaper than direct contact with the owners of the car who will hike the price.
