Is Uganda expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Day-to-day costs in Uganda are low, but a typical safari trip is expensive because of permits, park fees and private transport. A budget day is about USh 260,000 per person (roughly US$70) and a mid-range day about USh 860,000, before the US$800 gorilla permit and US$250 chimpanzee permit. Uganda's gorilla permit is still much cheaper than Rwanda's (US$1,500).
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | USh80,000 | USh300,000 | USh1,500,000 |
| Food & drink | USh40,000 | USh80,000 | USh150,000 |
| Sights & tickets | USh80,000 | USh180,000 | USh300,000 |
| Local transport | USh60,000 | USh300,000 | USh500,000 |
| Per person, per day | USh260,000 | USh860,000 | USh2,450,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Uganda day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Rolex (chapati egg roll) from a street stall | about USh 2,000–5,000 |
| Local meal of matoke, beans and meat | about USh 8,000–20,000 |
| Nile Special beer | about USh 5,000–8,000 |
| Gorilla trekking permit (foreign visitors) | US$800 |
| Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale | about US$250 |
| Queen Elizabeth National Park entry | about US$40 a day |
| Kazinga Channel boat trip | about US$30–40 |
| Mid-range safari lodge double, full board | roughly US$200–400 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Permits and park fees are the biggest costs: the gorilla permit (US$800), chimpanzee permit (about US$250) and daily park entries (about US$40 in Queen Elizabeth) add up quickly. Transport is next, usually a 4x4 with driver hired for the whole trip, or a domestic flight to Kisoro or Kihihi (about US$300–400 one way). Lodges near parks range from simple bandas to luxury camps. Food and local transport are cheap if you are independent.
When it is cheaper
The wetter months of March–May and October–November bring some lodge discounts, and permit availability is better. June–September and December–February are peak seasons.
How to spend less
- Book gorilla permits directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a licensed operator, months ahead for peak season.
- Share a 4x4 and driver with other travellers to split the biggest transport cost.
- Stay in community-run bandas or campsites near parks.
- Do the Bigodi Wetland walk (about US$20–25) for primates at a fraction of permit prices.
- Travel in the shoulder seasons for lodge discounts.
- Consider the East Africa Tourist Visa (about US$100) if you will also visit Rwanda and Kenya.
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Common questions
Is Uganda expensive?
Daily costs are low, about USh 260,000 on a budget, but permits are expensive: US$800 for gorillas and about US$250 for chimpanzees.
Is Uganda cheaper than Rwanda for gorillas?
Yes. Uganda's permit is US$800, compared with US$1,500 in Rwanda.
How much does a 4x4 with driver cost?
Roughly US$100–200 a day including fuel and driver, shared between your group.