How to save on a birding safari in Uganda

How to save on a birding safari in Uganda: A birding safari in Uganda which is the African ‘Eden of Birding” can be an exciting experience that creates memorable insights as one witnesses the natural beauty of birdlife in Uganda’s famous birding destinations. This thrill of spotting common, rare, endemic, threatened, endangered, and near threatened bird species in their natural setting can leave a great impact on one’s mind. However, it is worth noting that a memorable adventure can come at a considerable cost where Journeys Uganda gives value for money.

Uganda, “the pearl of Africa”  is located in East Africa and is home to over 1031 bird species. These birds include; water, migratory which are both Intra African and palearctic, savannah, forest, common and uncommon species with diverse bird habitats ranging from undulating savannah, wetlands, thickets, woodlands, Montane, and tropical rain forests. Birding activities in Uganda are carried out in different areas among which include National Parks, Game Reserves, Important Birding Areas, swamps, Botanical Gardens, and wetlands among others, but in all birding in Uganda can happen anywhere anytime.

Uganda is one of the best birding destinations in East Africa and perhaps the whole continent given the species diversity one can count on. Many birders have a belief that bird watching safaris are quite expensive however, that mystery is not true. This article looks at the different ways birders can save on a bird watching safari in Uganda. Below are some of the tips that will help birders who think birding is expensive economize on their birding safari.

Different ways on how to save on a birding safari in Uganda

Book using local guides and tour operators

Local tour operators offer subsidized fares that are pocket-friendly, with knowledge of birdlife territories as well as checklists of particular sightings with the secret spots. Local guides are always knowledgeable with empirical information concerning numerous bird species in terms of habitats, behavior, breeding times, appearance, vocalization, feeding, and nesting habits among others.

Make thorough research and make a comparison

When preparing for a bird watching safari, it’s advisable to do thorough research and after make a detailed analysis and compare the prices of different tour operators. Look for price details because some operators may even offer discounts on different packages such as accommodation, transport, and activities. This can effectively be carried out through using social media platforms like websites, and travel forums such as guest posting and listing, among others.

Stay in affordable Lodges

Concerning accommodation, cut your coat according to your clothes where by choosing accommodation facilities that suit your budget such as lodges, guest houses, camping with tents, and other affordable options than opting for high-end or luxurious facilities. Perhaps such a thrilling adventure maybe once in a lifetime therefore, economize and utilize the chance you have that is worth it.

Avoid unnecessary tipping

Tipping is one way of appreciating someone for the service rendered, however, this vote of thanks should always have limits. It’s not necessary that whoever comes your way has to be tipped, this will drain your financial budget before even reaching your destination. It is always advisable to tip where it’s due. Tips are always awarded to guides who offer assistance in terms of physical, contemporary heritage, historical, and cultural information on guided trips such as wildlife safaris, hiking, water rafting, and nature walks to mention but a few.

Participating in a few park activities

For one to save on a birding safari in Uganda, always avoid multiple activities in your customized itinerary.  The more activities the more costly the package becomes and vice versa such activities include launch cruises, gorilla trekking, white water rafting, hiking, and horse riding among others. Since most of these activities are charged differently, therefore, select a package of activities that suits your budget to avoid incurring extra costs.

Use road transport

In Uganda the cheapest means of transport is road transport, and it can lead you to all of Uganda’s leading tourism and birding destinations including the mighty Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Rwenzori National Park, Semuliki National Park among others. Besides being the cheapest means of transport. It gives you the opportunity en route to view a wide range of Uganda’s beautiful heritage of spectacular landscapes from savanna, wetlands, swamps, and riverine woodland to dense forests and the secret bird spots known by you Journeys Uganda guide.  Alternatively, in Uganda’s tourism sector, air transport is the only option that is rarely booked due to high costs. This is always used by high-end clients.

Travel as a group or groups

When planning for a birding activities, birding group tours are always advisable because you may receive discounts and also incur less costs that are more affordable than individual tours. This helps a lot in Sharing costs with fellow travelers and is cost-effective because it helps to reduce the overall expense to ensure a tailored experience.

Opt for off-season travel

Travellers are advised to travel during the off-season where prices are always lowered in order to meet the demand of the scarce clients. There is a reduction in flight fares and tour packages, and also most of the lodges reduce their accommodation rates. This is attributed to low traffic at different park destinations and the availability of space. This can help you save more compared to the peak season when the costs are always fixed for the case of Uganda we have March, April, and May then November.

Bargaining Power is Always Paramount

Traveling involves booking with tour companies, these tour operators customize your tour packages in line with your interests and experience. However, you may find that the package does not suit your budget and it is always advisable to haggle with these tour operators upon certain activities and accommodations in order to tailor make what is suitable for your personal interest.

Early Planning with flexibility

Booking early with these tour operators with flexibility in your travel dates may have a significant impact, many tour operators offer early bird specials or discounts for advance bookings for instance booking in advance can save you up to between 20-25% on the total cost of the package.

Pack essentials

When packing for a birding safari, always make sure that you pack the necessary items such as binoculars, telescope, a camera and enough batteries, extra batteries, hiking shoes, field clothing, waterproof jackets, water bottle, a brimmed hat, among others in order to avoid disappointments and also incurring extra costs

Take advantage of free activities

Most times during safari tours, certain parks, lodges, communities, and reserves tend to offer free birding activities. Some lodges or hotels are strategically located especially adjacent to birdlife habitats with ample territories for birding activities. In case this offer is availed to you, give it a chance or welcome it since it is one of the many ways through which you can save on a birding safari in Uganda.

Budget for extras

Always budget for miscellaneous to avoid distorting your memorable adventurous experience once in a lifetime. This is so because it takes you time to plan for it with a lot of expectations. Therefore, these extras may include tips and souvenirs among others.

For an experience like birding, to save doesn’t mean being inconsiderable.  Always have it in mind that in this world there is change in life that requires us to be flexible and plan accordingly in order to meet our memorable expectations.