5 Wondrous But Cheap Holiday Destinations in East Africa

You don’t have to be rich to travel; all you only need to find are cheap holiday destinations in East Africa to settle your wanderlust spirit. East Africa is a perfect destination to experience that once-in-a-lifetime adventure you need. You explore the culture of the people as you enjoy a wide range of natural scenery and wildlife. Even with a limited budget, you still can have a great time in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda which are big in tourism.

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What is the Cheapest Way to Travel Around East Africa?

Road transport is the cheapest way to move around while in East Africa. Tour firms and travel agents provide comfortable rides to move guests around during their stay. There is also an option of self-drive or better still, using public transport means to visit different places. However, flying is the swiftest way to move from one place to another but it’s not as visually entertaining as driving. You discover a lot of hidden gems along the way, something you don’t see while on air.

Travelling by road is also a great choice for anyone travelling on a tight budget. Regional flights and domestic fights in East African countries aren’t so cheap.

Which are the Cheap Holiday Destinations in East Africa?

Don’t worry if your travel budget is tight. You still can enjoy an African safari by visiting these five cheap holiday destinations in East Africa.

1. Gombe Stream National Park – Tanzania

Chimpanzees at Gombe National Park. Photo/ Explore Tanzania Tours.

Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania is one of those cheap holiday destinations in East Africa that should be on your bucket list. The park, located in the westernmost region of Tanzania, comprises steep valleys, woodlands, grasslands and tropical rainforests. There is a lot to do here, from hiking and swimming in Lake Tanganyika to trekking and seeing a lot of chimpanzees and snorkelling. The wild chimpanzees you’ll come across at Gombe Stream have lived for about fifty years. Apart from chimpanzees, other primates at Gombe Stream include red colobus monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys and blue monkeys.

2. Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Sanctuary – Uganda

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Photo/YouTube

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Nakasongola district, is home to one of the most endangered animals in the world, the rhino. It is the only place in Uganda where tourists can do rhino tracking. The sanctuary, which is one of the cheap holiday destinations in East Africa, is a perfect place for canoe rides, night walks, relaxation and birding.

Rhino Fund Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority established the sanctuary to re-introduce the rhinos which were almost becoming extinct in the wild. Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Sanctuary currently has 32 southern white rhinos.

3. Mount Elgon National Park – Kenya and Uganda

Mount Elgon National Park is a must-visit place if you’re in love with nature and beauty. The park, which is a cheap holiday destination in East Africa, is at the border of Kenya and Uganda. Mount Elgon National Park is home to elephants, buffaloes, monkeys and antelopes. Apart from seeing the wild animals, you can also enjoy biking, hiking and exploring caves such as the famous Kitum Caves. A visit to the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve offers you first-hand experience as to why it is one of the most attractive places in East Africa.

4. Ssese Islands – Uganda

The Ssese Islands in the northwestern corner of Lake Victoria is a perfect treat to unwind, even if you’re on a budget. Ssese is an archipelago of 84 islands comprising tropical rainforests, white sandy beaches and clear waters. Buggala is the largest island which you should ensure your visit during your trip. Some of the activities on the developed island include swimming and bicycle riding. Ngamba Island is a place for animal lovers since it has a chimpanzee sanctuary, which the Jane Goodall Foundation established. If you want to enjoy nature walks and see uncommon birds, visit Bulago Island.

5. Akagera National Park – Rwanda

Akagera National Park. Photo/ Africa Odyssey.

Akagera National Park is in the relatively warm and low-lying plains of Akagera. It is one of the cheap holiday destinations in East Africa you should visit. The national park is ideal for game viewing, as you’ll come across lions, elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, baboons, giraffes and zebras. The park has over 490 bird species and large pods of hippos and Nile crocodiles. After a long day of enjoyment, you can spend the night in one of the hotels in the park.

What is the Best Country to Visit in East Africa?

Kenya
Tanzania
Uganda
Rwanda

How Can I Go to Africa on a Budget?

Find cheap plane tickets
Be flexible with departure and arrival
Avoid high season in Africa
Apply for a visa online or on arrival
Use public transport whenever possible
Buy a local sim card
Avoid ATM’s
Eat street food and buy food at markets
Avoid fancy beaches and resorts
Skip African safaris

What is the Best Time of the Year to Visit East Africa?

July to October is the best time to visit East Africa. Visitors planning to visit the rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda should avoid travelling between April and May.