Your cart is currently empty!
By BRENDA So you happened to travel to the Pearl of Africa …….or…… you are a native and you have plans of exploring her unique diversity.
But as it turns out, you actually didn’t plan to spend all the money it takes to visit some of her awe-inspiring destinations.
Yet….
…..you do want a Ugandan experience that will stay in the books.
Well, in this blog, I put together a list of the 10 TOP spots that will, with no doubt, give you the Ultimate low-budget Ugandan travel experience.
10. Namirembe and Rubaga Cathedral
Located atop of two of the 7 original hills in Kampala, these two cathedrals offer a great insight into the history of Kampala and the work of white missionaries in Uganda – at no cost.
Left: Namirembe Cathedral. Right: Rubaga Cathedral
St. Mary’s Rubaga Cathedral is located on Rubaga hill and is the oldest Church and the principle seat of the Catholic Church in Uganda.
On the other hand, Namirembe Cathedral is located on Namirembe hill and is the oldest and biggest Anglican Church and the principle seat for the Anglican denomination.
Both Churches have unique architectural structures worth exploring in addition to being great view points of Kampala city.
9. Baháʼà Temple
The Baháʼà Temple is a place of worship for the Baháʼà Faith renowned for its unique architectural design, which features a dome-shaped roof.
It is also the ONLY Baháʼà temple in Africa and is located on Kikaya hill in Kampala giving it a visibly OUSTANDING presence in the area.
It is visually appealing in the inside and is surrounded by a lush green space on the outside making it a perfect spot to feed the eyes and the mind.
To make it even better, it is free ENTRANCE.
PS: in case I have sold the idea to you about visiting, do not risk doing it on a Monday as it’s always CLOSED – I learnt this the hard way.
8. Downtown Kampala
Day and night, this place is giving.
From the bustling streets in the day to sleepless night-life – this part of Uganda is worth exploring.
For someone that is well travelled and is looking for something different, this place is it.
I say this because even I, a Kampala born, after being away for about 2 years, this place is still a shocker whenever I go there.
This is because of the chaos as a result of economic dynamism and the freedom to do so, that a foreigner would find as a cultural shock.
The only city outside of Africa that I have found to have such chaos is Naples.
In the night, Kampala’s variety of restaurants, nightclubs, bars, cinemas, and other modern facilities makes it a popular place for all kinds of people to hang out.
7. Ghaddafi Mosque
The Gaddafi Mosque, also known as the Uganda National Mosque, is a stunning architectural marvel located on Old Kampala Hill, another of the 7 original hills.
Originally funded by the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, it is the largest mosque in East Africa.
The mosque features a blend of Islamic and Ugandan architectural styles, with a towering minaret offering breathtaking views of Kampala.
It serves as a cultural hub, promoting Islamic education and interfaith dialogue.
At only 10,000 UGX(~3 USD) for locals, visitors can explore its grand prayer hall, library, conference facilities and the roof top.
6. The Source of the Nile
If by any chance you happen to be in Jinja city, there is lots of things to do depending on the season including the renown Nyege nyege, a four-day electronic music festival held annually.
The one thing I reckon to be worth your time and – at almost no cost – is visiting the source of the River Nile.
A boat ride of about 10,000 UGX ( ~3 USD) is sufficient to get you to the actual SPOT that marks the end of Lake Victoria and the start of the longest river in the world.
Once at the source, there are guides that take you through the formation of the lake and the river plus the European explorers that made the discovery of the exact spot of the source of the river.
5. Uganda Museum
Standing as the OLDEST museum in East Africa, the Uganda National Museum was founded in 1908 and is located in Kampala.
It boasts an extensive collection of artifacts that illustrate Uganda’s rich cultural heritage and history.
Depending on the entry ticket (5000 to 25,000 UGX), one can explore exhibits on traditional music, archaeology, ethnography, and natural history.
The museum’s unique features include traditional musical instruments that visitors can play, giving a hands-on cultural experience.
It’s DEFINITELY a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding the DIVERSE cultural tapestry of Uganda.
4. Kasubi Tombs
The Kasubi Tombs, located on Kasubi Hill in Kampala, are the burial grounds of Buganda kings – Buganda being the main tribe in the central region of Uganda.
This spot is one of the THREE UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uganda and also an important cultural center for the Baganda people.
The tombs are renowned for their unique architecture, including the LARGEST grass-thatched building in the world, the Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga.
At 30,000 UGX(~8 USD), one has the liberty to explore the royal palace, traditional drum house, and beautifully decorated courtyards.
This particular site offers a glimpse into Uganda’s rich history and heritage.
3.Amabere Caves
The Amabere Caves also known as Nyakasura Caves are a true must-visit site in Uganda.
Located in Fort portal town, this spot offers a great deal of history into the culture of the main tribe that hails in that area: The Batooro.
The name of this spot – Amabere (which translates to breasts) – is a gateway to immersing oneself in the tales and myths that are told up to this day by the Batooro.
It comprises of unique boasting stalactites and stalagmites that the locals believe to be the breasts of the legendary Nyinamwiru, a princess that refused to marry a man that her father wanted her to marry.
With an entry fee of 20,000 Ugx (~5 USD) for East African Citizens, a guide takes you through the entirety of the legend plus explaining the geology side of their formation.
Additionally, one has the luxury to visit the giant foot prints of the demi-gods that are believed to be the first inhabitants of that area.
This area also has waterfalls, great crater lakes, lush green forests and the towering Mountains of the Moon that are a wonder to experience.
Left: View of one of the Nyakasura Crater Lakes during sunset Right: Nyakasura Falls
2.Semuliki National Park
At 612m above sea level in Lake Albert, Semuliki National Park stands as the only true low-land tropical rainforest in East Africa.
Located on the western side of the Rwenzori, it is an extension of Congo Basin’s Ituri forest that’s part of the many that collectively come SECOND to AMAZON rainforests in size.
How cool is that?!
Semliki is home to over 120 mammals, 435 species of birds, 300 species of butterflies and 235 moth species.
This biodiversity is one of the reasons tourists from allover the world travel to Uganda.
It is also home to Hot springs which imbues it’s proximity with warmth and wonder.
The one thing I really loved about this place is that at an entrance fee of 15,000 Ugx (~4USD) , I had a tour guide take me through its history according to the locals and the geologic phenomena.
Plus, I had the luxury to explore the forest on my own where I interacted with some of its inhabitants – from baboons to different monkey species rummaging the floors and canopies of the dense tropical forest.
1.Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park also known as Kabalega National Park is home to the world’s MOST Powerful falls: Murchison Falls
This among other tourist attractions in the park is what makes this place one of the most popular places to visit in Uganda.
At an entrance fee of 20,000 Ugx (~5 USD) for locals, one is able to experience the Wildlife spectacles in the park along the Victoria Nile plus indulge in the view of the dramatic Murchison falls.
In conclusion, Uganda has a great deal of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming people make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking affordable yet unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re exploring the stunning wildlife in national parks, immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture, or relaxing by the serene lakes, Uganda offers something for everyone.
By visiting these top 10 affordable places, you’re not only embarking on an adventure of a lifetime but also supporting local communities and sustainable tourism.
If you have any comments about these places or even other affordable spots worth exploring, please let me know in the comments section below.
Otherwise, happy new year🎆
Thanks for the write-up on the cheapest spots to be toured in Uganda. Likewise we have: – ✅Mapeera-Nabulagala Parish the cradle of the Catholic faith in Uganda.
✅ Namugongo Shrine in commemoration of Uganda Martyrs ✅Sipi falls in Kapchorwa
✅ Karuma falls on Karuma dam along Gulu road.
Oh nice! Thank you for adding these to the list! And thank you for passing by.
My friend’s husband from Uganda came to SA for training and one of the cultural he experienced was to realise that we close shops and restaurants at night. Its there where I learnt that Kampala is busy 24/7 per day👌👌👌😊
Beautiful piece
Oh yes! Totally agree. Some sources refer to it as “the city that never sleeps” and there is always a reason natives will have to stay awake 24/7. Thank you for passing by!