Uganda Camping Safari - Best Budget Wildlife & Nature Tours
A Uganda camping safari is all about trading hotel walls for canvas under the African stars. So, wake up to the sound of lions roaring or hippos grunting just beyond your tent flap in Uganda. So a camping safari is the most authentic, heart racing way to experience Uganda’s wild side.
Tucked into a cozy dome tent that moves with you each day or settled into a permanent tented camp with proper beds and en-suite bathrooms? A Uganda camping safari puts you right in the middle of the action. Imagine falling asleep to the crackle of your private campfire in Murchison Falls, sipping sundowners as elephants wander past in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Or enjoying a bush breakfast after an early morning game drive in Kidepo Valley while giraffes silhouette against the sunrise.
A camping safari holiday in Uganda isn’t just about seeing it’s incredible wildlife and jaw-dropping landscapes, it’s about feeling them. The thrill of being out in the open and the smell of the savannah after rain. Also, the laughter around the campfire with your guide sharing stories is the real magic of camping in Uganda. Perfect for adventurers who want to switch off, slow down and truly connect with the Pearl of Africa.
In this article, we shall look at the popular campsites in Uganda, best/worst times to go camping in Uganda. Also, we shall look at the factors and why you would choose a camping safari in Uganda
Why choose a Camping Safari in Uganda?
- Camps in Uganda usually offer a more exclusive view of nature than hotels and lodges. So, this is because one experiences Uganda’s wilderness, as they are situated amidst it, like the Gorilla Forest Lodge in Bwindi.
- Camps like the Karungi Camp are usually more affordable compared to Uganda lodges at large.
- Some mobile camps like the Murchison Bush Camp, are easily movable from one place to another in the park. So, this offers a variety of new experiences to the visitors because of its flexibility.
- Uganda camps like the Ishasha wilderness camp in Queen Elizabeth, offer close wildlife encounters like spotting elephant herds wandering through the grasslands in the morning.
- Also, a camping safari allows visitors in Uganda to enjoy thrilling and unique adventures like the up-close view of the predator-prey relations in Kidepo Valley National Park at sites such as the Apoka rest camp.
- Uganda National Parks, such as the Bwindi Impenetrable Park offer unique extra activities of culture immersion and exploration during the camping safari. Additionally, camps like Buhoma community rest camp offers unique experiences like campfire stories and entertainment from the Batwa people.
7 Key Factors to Consider When Planning Your Uganda Camping Safari
1. Budget of the Camping Experience in Uganda
There are different kinds of camps in Uganda to consider before your safari and these include luxury and budget camps.
- Budget camping: These ones come with basic facilities, such as a king-size bed and a toilet that is usually shared. Prices for the budget camps in Uganda start as low as $150–250 per person per day, all-inclusive.
- Semi-Luxury / Mobile Tented Camps: These come at a cost but with high-end services and amenities. However, it is worth it because they offer more privacy compared to the budget-friendly camps in Uganda. Additionally, these luxury camps have their own private bathroom and balcony that gives an extraordinary view of the wilderness. Unique activities to do in these luxury camps in Uganda include wilderness meals and so on.
2. The location for the camping Safari in Uganda
Take your time and choose a camping Safari location in Uganda that is in line with what you would like to experience. For example, if you want mountain gorilla tours in Uganda, camp in Bwindi Impenetrable Park. On the other hand, if one wants game viewing safaris, go for a camping safari to Murchison Falls National Park.
3. Guided vs Self-Drive Camping Safari in Uganda
There are two types of camping Safaris in Uganda: a guided and a self-guided Safari. A self-guided Safari in Uganda is where one or a group of people independently come with their own tents. Also, they carry their own gear, obtain their permits, and navigate to the park by themselves through a self drive in Uganda. On the other hand, during the guided camping in Uganda, everything is catered for by the tour operator. So, you are given a tour guide, whereby the activities to be followed are usually drafted on the itinerary.
4. Cost of Camping in Uganda (2026 prices)
Before choosing a camping tour in Uganda, look at the different safari costs involved. Also, consider what packages come with the cost before making the decision.
- Budget guided camping tour in Uganda: $180–280 pp/day
- Mid-range mobile tented safari in Uganda: $300–450 pp/day
- Uganda Gorilla permit (mandatory for Bwindi/Mgahinga): $800 pp (2026 rate)
- Chimp trekking permit (Kibale): $250 pp
5. Health & Fitness Requirements
Camping in Uganda can involve experiences such as gorillas and chimpanzee trekking, which involve 2–8 hours of hiking on steep, muddy trails. Hence, moderate to good fitness is required for such activities during your Uganda camping tours. So, travellers with health conditions like pneumonia should consider taking less physically demanding expeditions such as the Batwa community visit at Bwindi. Other activities they can engage in include: boat safaris, game drives and nature walks at Lake Mburo.
6. The season for the camping trip to Uganda.
During the dry months from June to August most of the safari parks in Uganda are overcrowded by visitors carrying out camping activities. So, this is because it’s the ideal time since the weather is good for the camping Safari. However, there is no exclusivity this time compared to the month of January to February, where the weather is good but only a few visitors in the parks.
And if one plans to camp in March to May, they might face challenges of bad weather and climate conditions that could lead to postponement of the camping safari.
7. Permits and park fees required for entrance.
One cannot carry out a camping tour in any of the national parks in Uganda without having a permit. A camping permit is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and it’s part of the total cost we charge you for that tour. Also, the park entrance fees are usually required for one to enter the camping Safari site in Uganda.
Top Uganda Camping Safari Destinations & Campsites
Wondering where can one go for camping safaris Uganda? Well, we recommend the best 7 campsite destinations in Uganda below.
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi is found in the southern parts of Uganda and is known for gorilla tracking Safaris. Because of it’s tall, evergreen rainforest, there are Bwindi camping tour opportunities at this park. Some of the camping sites in Bwindi include:
Ruhondeza lodge & campsite.
- Nshongi camp.
- Rushaga gorilla camp.
- Karungi camp.
2. Visit Kibale National Park for Uganda camping tours
- This park is situated in Kibale District with a view of the Green wilderness and spotting of endemic species such as white and black colobus monkeys. The most popular Safari activity carried out at Kibale National Park during your camping adventures include chimpanzee tracking. So, tourists can enjoy campsites in Kibale such as:
- Kibale Eco Campsite.
- Little monkey camp.
- Eco-lodge campsite.
3. Semuliki National Park – Best Camps in Uganda.
Semliki offers exclusive wildlife adventures with less crowds in Uganda. So, visit the geothermal features including the hot springs, during your tented camp adventures in Uganda. Also, camp travelers to Semliki enjoy birdwatching and game viewing of monkeys and chimpanzees. Some of the Semuliki camping sites in Uganda include:
- Bumaga campsite.
- National Park Bandas and campsite.
- Kirimia campsite.
- UWA public campsite.
4. Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Queen Elizabeth is on the list of the national parks in Uganda which offer a variety of options for luxury and budget camping safaris and expeditions in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth camping safaris include accommodations from low budget camps to high-end luxury camps. Also, these camps in Queen Elizabeth offer magnificent views of the wilderness. Some of the camping sites in Queen Elizabeth National Park include.
- Simba safari camp.
- Ishasha wilderness camp.
- Kasenyi safari camp.
- Forest Hog safari camp.
5. Murchison Falls National Park.
This park is not only known for its magnificent Murchison waterfalls but also a harbor for wild animals, including the big five in Uganda. The Murchison Falls National Park offers a first-hand wild viewing Safari experience fit for a lover of camping tours in Uganda. Here are the recommended camping sites at Murchison Falls National Park.
- Red chilli rest camp.
- Murchison River camps.
- The shoebill campsite.
- Murchison Bush Camp.
6. Kidepo Valley National Park.
Kidepo NP offers a combination of experiences on top of the camping expeditions like the Karamojong’s culture, birding safaris birding and landscape views of the dramatic Hills. Below are some of the camping sites in Kidepo Valley National Park;
- Apoka rest camp.
- Nga’Moru wilderness camp.
- Nagusokopire campsite.
- UWA Bandas& Campsite.
7. Visit Lake Mburo National Park for a camping expedition
Lake Mburo is one of the top camping destinations in Uganda. Additionally, it has great views of places such as Lake Mburo, which is a habitat to over 400 bird species. Lastly, popular camping sites at Lake Mburo National Park include;
- Rwonyo rest camp.
- Leopard rest camp.
- Mantana tented camp.
- Eagles Nest camp.
Camping Gear Rental Prices in Uganda (2026)
| Item | Price per day |
|---|---|
| Dome tent (2–4 person) | $5–10 |
| Rooftop tent + 4×4 rental | $20–45 |
| Full camping kit (tent, mattress, sleeping bag, stove, chairs) | $25–35 pp |
Essential Tips to follow when camping in Uganda
- Read carefully and adhere to the instructions laid down by the different parks in Uganda regarding camping.
- Make sure to pack the right gear and essentials needed for the camping Safari. For example, pack light and warm clothes, a sleeping bag, sturdy hiking shoes, a first aid kit, a charger, a portable charger, etc.
- For those opting for a guided camping tour, choose a legitimate and registered tour operator in Uganda to avoid being a victim of fraudsters.
- During the camping Safari in Uganda, very respectful of the culture and the natural surroundings by keeping a distance from the wild animals and not littering.
- Beware of your surroundings and do not go to the non-designated areas when camping in Uganda.
FAQs about Camping in Uganda
When is the best time for camping Safari in Uganda?
The dry period from June to September is regarded as the best time to visit Uganda for camping. So, camping destinations in Uganda like Queen Elizabeth National Park receive many visitors since it is easier to track down animals in these months.
Also, these animals are concentrated at the water sources in the park like Ishasha waterholes where animals such as the tree, climbing lions and the hippos are same at this water source. Hiking trails from the popular camps in Uganda like the Ruhija trail in Bwindi, are easily accessible during the first hikes. Lastly, this is because the weather is mostly sunny.
What is the worst time to visit Uganda for the camping Safari?
The rainy season months from March to May is the worst time for camping in Uganda. So, the tropical rainforest and the savannas in the different parks of Uganda are thick and more densely populated. Hence, it is hard for visitors who come for camping safari during this time to easily have proper visibility of the wildlife.
Campsites in Kidepo Valley National Park, for example, have their pathways flooded by the Narus River. So, makes camping in Kidepo hard. Alternatively, during this time, one could be forced to seek other accommodation facilities like hotels and lodges for safety.
