9 Days Uganda Budget Safari: Gorillas, Chimps, Big Five & Jinja Adventures

9 Days Uganda Budget Safari: Plan an affordable 9 Days Uganda Budget Safari featuring gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Budongo, Big Five viewing in Murchison Falls, rhino tracking in Ziwa, birding in Mabamba Swamp, cultural encounters, and exciting Jinja adventures. From only $1,650 pp.

Welcome to the ultimate best 9 days Uganda budget safari itinerary designed and operated by Gorilla Nests Safaris – a local Ugandan tour company that believes incredible wildlife experiences shouldn’t break the bank.

This carefully crafted 9 Days Uganda Budget Safari combines the very best of Uganda’s primates, the Big Five, rare birds, community culture, and adrenaline-pumping Nile adventures – all at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in Kenya or Tanzania.

Uganda is Africa’s most affordable safari destination yet delivers world-class experiences. Gorilla permits are only $800 (compared to $1,500–$2,500 in Rwanda), park fees are low, and local budget lodges offer excellent value.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, this affordable Uganda safari gives you gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzees in Budongo, the Big Five in Murchison Falls, rhinos on foot at Ziwa, the iconic Shoebill in Mabamba, and white-water rafting in Jinja – all in just 9 unforgettable days.

Tour Highlights – Why This is the Best 9 Days Uganda Budget Safari Package

• Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest (part of Murchison Falls conservation area)
• Big Five game drives & boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park
• On-foot white rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Shoebill & wetland birding in Mabamba Swamp
• Bigodi Swamp Walk & community cultural experiences
• Adrenaline activities in Jinja – Source of the Nile (rafting, bungee, tubing, quad biking)
• Scenic drives through tea plantations and rural Uganda
• Staying in authentic, clean, budget-friendly lodges & camps
• All park fees, permits, transport & English-speaking guide included

This is the most complete Uganda budget safari package you will find!

Brief Itinerary: 9 Days Uganda Budget Safari

Day 1: Arrival Entebbe → Transfer to Kampala

Day 2: Mabamba Swamp (Shoebill birding) → Murchison Falls NP

Day 3: Morning game drive + Afternoon boat cruise to Murchison Falls (Big Five)

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest → Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Day 5: Rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa → Transfer to Kibale/Fort Portal area

Day 6: Bigodi Swamp Walk + cultural community visit → Transfer to Bwindi

Day 7: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 8: Transfer to Jinja → Relax by the Nile

Day 9: Jinja adventure (white-water rafting or bungee or tubing) → Transfer to Entebbe & departure

Highlights: Gorillas, Chimps, Big Five, Rhinos, Shoebill, Nile adventures

Price: $1,650 – $2,300 per person sharing (final price depends on group size, season, and lodge choices)

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary – 9 Days Uganda Budget Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Transfer to Kampala

Your 9 Days Uganda Budget Safari begins! You will be warmly welcomed by a Gorilla Nests Safaris driver/guide at Entebbe International Airport. After a short briefing, transfer to your budget accommodation in Kampala (30–45 minutes). If you arrive early, we can arrange an optional visit to Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or Kasubi Tombs at a small extra fee.

Overnight: Red Chilli Hideout or Forest Cottages (budget room)

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Mabamba Swamp Birding (Shoebill Quest) – Transfer to Murchison Falls NP

After early breakfast, drive 1 hour to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria – one of the most reliable places on earth to see the prehistoric-looking Shoebill stork. Glide through papyrus channels in a motorized canoe with expert local guides (90%+ success rate). Expect 40–60 bird species including African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and Blue-breasted Bee-eater.

After lunch, embark on the scenic 5–6 hour drive northwest to Murchison Falls National Park, passing rural villages and lush countryside.

Overnight: Red Chilli Rest Camp or Hornbill Bush Lodge (budget banda)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Nile Boat Cruise – Murchison Falls

Rise early for a sunrise game drive on the northern bank. This is prime Big Five viewing in Murchison Falls territory – lions, elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, and giraffes are commonly seen. Leopard sightings are possible!

In the afternoon, enjoy the classic 3-hour boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls. Watch hippos, crocodiles, elephants bathing, and hundreds of birds. Optional short hike to the “Top of the Falls” for dramatic views (highly recommended).

Overnight: Same lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest – Transfer to Ziwa

After breakfast, drive to Budongo Forest for chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest – home to Uganda’s largest habituated chimp community (over 700 individuals).

The 2–4 hour trek offers excellent photography opportunities and chances to see black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons. Budongo is also a birding paradise with species like African Crowned Eagle and Chocolate-backed Kingfisher.

After lunch, transfer south (4–5 hrs) to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Overnight: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Guesthouse (budget room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Rhino Tracking on Foot at Ziwa – Transfer to Kibale/Fort Portal Area

Start the day with the unforgettable experience of rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos. Walk with experienced rangers and get within 10–20 meters of these magnificent creatures. Currently 36 rhinos roam the 7,000-hectare sanctuary.

After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful Fort Portal area with views of tea plantations and crater lakes.

Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse or Kibale Forest Camp (budget tent/room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk – Cultural Encounters – Transfer to Bwindi

Morning Bigodi Swamp Walk – a community-run project offering fantastic birding (over 138 species) and monkey sightings (black-and-white colobus, red colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey). This is authentic Uganda community tourism at its best.

Visit a local homestead to learn about banana gin making, basket weaving, and traditional coffee preparation. Interact with the friendly Batooro people.

After lunch, begin the scenic 6–7 hour journey southwest to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through Ishasha sector (optional tree-climbing lions stop if time allows).

Overnight: Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse or Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The highlight of your budget gorilla trekking Uganda adventure! After early breakfast and briefing at park headquarters, you will be allocated a gorilla family.

Trekking time varies from 2–7 hours depending on gorilla movements. Once found, spend a magical hour with these gentle giants – watching them feed, play, and rest. Receive your gorilla trekking certificate!

In the afternoon, optional visit to the Batwa pygmies for cultural dances and forest knowledge (small extra fee supports the community).

Overnight: Same lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Transfer to Jinja – Relax by the Source of the Nile

After a relaxed breakfast, begin the long but beautiful drive (8–9 hrs) to Jinja, passing through Kampala. Stop for photos at the equator crossing. Arrive in Jinja in the late afternoon and check into your riverside budget lodge. Evening at leisure – watch sunset over the Nile.

Overnight: Nile River Camp or Source of the Smile Guesthouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Jinja Adventure Day – Departure

Today is all about adrenaline! Choose your Jinja adventure activities (one main activity included in budget package):

• Grade 5 white-water rafting (half or full day)
• Bungee jumping over the Nile (72 m drop!)
• Nile tubing or kayaking
• Quad biking through villages
• Horseback riding along the river
  After your chosen activity and lunch, transfer back to Entebbe (2–3 hrs) for your departure flight or optional post-tour accommodation.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

End of the 9 Day Budget Uganda Safari

Distance to be covered

Day	Route & Key Activities	Approx. Driving Distance	Driving Time
1	Arrival Entebbe → Kampala	40 km	45 min
2	Kampala → Mabamba Swamp (birding/Shoebill) → Murchison Falls	350 km	6–7 hrs
3	Full day Murchison Falls (game drive + Nile boat cruise)	Inside park	Minimal
4	Murchison → Budongo Forest (chimp tracking) → Ziwa Sanctuary	180 km	4–5 hrs
5	Ziwa (rhino tracking) → Fort Portal / Kibale area	290 km	5–6 hrs
6	Bigodi Swamp Walk + cultural visit → Bwindi NP	320 km	7–8 hrs
7	Gorilla trekking in Bwindi (full day)	Inside park	Minimal
8	Bwindi → Jinja (Source of the Nile)	520 km	9–10 hrs
9	Jinja adventures (rafting/bungee/etc.) → Entebbe/Kampala	120 km	2.5–3 hrs

Total Distance Covered Over 9 Days: ≈ 1,820 km

(All distances are approximate and use the fastest safe routes on mostly tarmac roads with some good murram sections.)

This itinerary maximizes wildlife experiences while keeping driving realistic and comfortable in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof. Long drives (Day 6 & Day 8) are broken with scenic stops, lunch breaks, and equator photo opportunities.

Safari Cost – How Much is a 9 Days Uganda Budget Safari?

Price: $1,650 – $2,300 per person sharing (final price depends on group size, season, and lodge choices)

Price includes:

• Airport transfers
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle + fuel
• English-speaking driver/guide
• All accommodation (8 nights budget lodges/camps)
• All meals as listed
• Gorilla permit ($800)
• Chimpanzee permit ($200)
• Rhino tracking fee
• Boat cruise & game drives in Murchison
• Mabamba & Bigodi activities
• One major Jinja activity
• Bottled water in vehicle
• All government tax
• All park entrance fees

Excludes: International flights, visas, tips, drinks, laundry, optional activities.

How to make it even cheaper: Travel in low season (March–May & October–November) and join a small group departure – prices can drop to $1,450 pp! for like a group of 5 individuals.

Budget-Friendly Lodges Used on This Safari

We hand-pick clean, safe, authentic lodges that support local communities:

• Murchison Falls: Red Chilli Rest Camp, Hornbill Bush Lodge
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Ziwa Guesthouse
• Kibale/Bigodi area: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, Rwenzori View Guesthouse
• Bwindi (Buhoma sector): Ride 4 a Woman, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Backpackers
• Jinja: Nile River Camp, Explorers Camp, Source of the Smile

All rooms have mosquito nets, en-suite or shared clean bathrooms, and friendly staff.

Why Uganda Offers the Best Budget Gorilla Trekking Packages

• Gorilla permits only $800 (vs $1,500–$2,500 in Rwanda)
• Lower national park fees
• Excellent network of community-run lodges
• Possibility to join small group departures to reduce costs
• Year-round trekking (no seasonal closure)

Uganda Safari Packing List – What to Bring

• Strong hiking boots (waterproof)
• Long trousers & long-sleeved shirts (for tsetse flies & gorillas)
• Gardening gloves (for gorilla trekking grip)
• Rain jacket/poncho
• Insect repellent (DEET 30–50%)
• Sunscreen & hat
• Binoculars & camera (with extra batteries)
• Daypack & reusable water bottle
• Headlamp/torch
• Warm layer for evenings

Best Time for This 9 Days Uganda Budget Safari

Peak season (dry): June–September & December–February → best wildlife viewing

Low/budget season (green): March–May & October–November → fewer tourists, lower lodge rates, lush scenery, and permits easier to obtain

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round – rainforests are wet anyway!

FAQs – 9 Days Uganda Budget Safari

How much does a 9-day Uganda budget safari cost?

Between $1,450 and $2,300 per person depending on season and group size.

Is budget gorilla trekking in Uganda possible?

Absolutely! Uganda gorilla permits are only $800 and many community lodges keep costs low.

Can you see the Big Five on a cheap Uganda safari?

Yes! Murchison Falls has lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos are seen at Ziwa Sanctuary (the Big Five completed!).

What is the best month for a budget Uganda safari?

April, May, October, and November offer the lowest prices and fewer crowds.

Is this 9-day itinerary good for solo travelers?

Yes! We can match you with other travelers to keep costs down.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime without spending a fortune?

Contact Gorilla Nests Safaris today for your personalized 9 Days Uganda Budget Safari quote!

WhatsApp: +256 770 738 589

Email: info@gorillanestssafaris.com