🌍 How to Travel East Africa for Under $500 (Yes, Even in Kenya!)

If you’re dreaming of East Africa on a budget and craving unique experiences—like trekking with gorillas, diving with whale sharks, or riding the legendary TAZARA train—you’re in the right place. With about 60 days to explore between September and November, I set out to plan the ultimate East Africa backpacking route with just $500 (excluding flights and big-ticket activities).

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

How to stick to a low daily budget

Pros and cons of each country I considered: Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Malawi

Route options and which one offers the most backpacker-friendly mix

Sample itinerary

Tips from fellow travelers (and my research)

Let’s dive in.

🧭 My Travel Priorities

Before planning, I nailed down what I value in a trip:

Unique experiences (Gorilla trekking, whale shark diving, sunrise balloon rides…)

Scenic variety (villages, big cities, lakes, beaches, jungle, mountains)

Backpacker vibes (hostels, public transport, solo travelers, flexibility)

💸 East Africa on $500: Budget Breakdown

Here’s how to keep your daily costs under $10–15/day:

Expense

Strategy

Est. Cost

Accommodation

Hostels, guesthouses, and church-run stays

$4–8/night

Transport

Local buses, matatus, dala-dalas, boda-bodas

$1–3/day

Food

Local street food, market meals

$2–5/day

Activities

Choose 2–3 major splurges (gorillas, safaris)

Budget separately

Total per day

$8–13/day

~$400 max for 60 days

Pro Tip: Skip domestic flights and move slowly overland—save money and see more.

🌍 Country-by-Country Breakdown

🇺🇬 Uganda: Underrated Adventure Hub

🦍 Cheapest gorilla trekking (Bwindi or Mgahinga)

🏞️ Crater lakes, Rwenzori Mountains, adrenaline sports in Jinja

🛏️ Backpacker hostels in Jinja, Kampala, Kisoro

🌍 Rich culture, friendly locals, low cost

Uganda offers an incredible variety and budget value. My top pick for scenery, adventure, and price. Kampala is hectic, but Lake Bunyonyi is the perfect chill spot afterward.

🇷🇼 Rwanda: Clean, Small, Impactful

🌋 Volcanoes, canopy hikes, golden monkeys

🇷🇼 Exceptionally clean, safe, and organized

🧠 Genocide memorials are powerful and emotional

🛶 Lake Kivu towns like Kibuye offer peaceful escapes

Gorilla trekking is more expensive here, but if you value safety and thoughtful travel, Rwanda is a gem. Some say 1–2 weeks is enough due to its size.

🇹🇿 Tanzania: Classic Backpacker + Safari Paradise

🐘 Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro

🏝️ Zanzibar: chill beaches, history, diving

🛻 Public transport is solid, but distances are vast

🏡 Budget options exist but vary by region

Tanzania offers it all—wildlife, adventure, beach—but with size comes cost and time. Focus on either the mainland or Zanzibar unless you move fast.

🇲🇼 Malawi: The Lake Life Dream

🏖️ Lake Malawi beaches, snorkeling, diving

🏔️ Mount Mulanje for epic hikes

💬 Super friendly locals, chilled pace

🚌 Harder to connect to Uganda/Rwanda overland

Malawi felt like the wildcard. If you’re after downtime and unique interactions, this is it. But logistics can be tricky unless you’re looping south into Zambia.

🗺️ Top Itinerary Options

Option A: 🇺🇬 Uganda + 🇲🇼 Malawi (Adventure + Chill)

Pros: Strong variety, highlights both ends of the backpacker spectrum

Cons: No direct border — likely need a flight or time-consuming transit

Verdict: Great if you want contrast, but requires good logistics

Option B: 🇺🇬 Uganda + 🇷🇼 Rwanda + 🇹🇿 Tanzania (All-in-One)

Pros: Seamless overland flow, variety, well-trodden backpacker loop

Cons: May feel rushed if trying to do all of Tanzania

Verdict: Best blend of culture, adventure, and budget options. Prioritize either Tanzania mainland OR Zanzibar.

Option C: 🇺🇬 Uganda + 🇹🇿 Tanzania (Simple and Scenic)

Pros: Direct connection, lots of variety, minimal border hassle

Cons: Might miss the cultural depth of Rwanda or the relaxed vibes of Malawi

Verdict: Best choice for relaxed pacing. Add Zanzibar at the end!

🏁 My Recommendation

If it were me, I’d go with Option B—Uganda, Rwanda, and part of Tanzania (mainland or Zanzibar, not both). Here’s a sample 60-day breakdown:

🇺🇬 Uganda – 25 days: Gorilla trek, Jinja, Lake Bunyonyi, Fort Portal

🇷🇼 Rwanda – 10 days: Volcanoes NP, Lake Kivu, Kigali

🇹🇿 Tanzania – 25 days: Serengeti OR Zanzibar, then TAZARA train to Zambia (if continuing south)

🎒 Backpacker Tips

Book gorilla permits early—Uganda is cheaper and more flexible than Rwanda

Visit Lake Bunyonyi for downtime after trekking

Use church-run guesthouses for cheap, safe lodging (esp. in Rwanda)

TAZARA train (Dar to Mbeya): Affordable way to cross Tanzania

Join WhatsApp/FB backpacker groups to connect with other travelers

Carry USD for visas, but exchange small amounts to local currency weekly

📌 Final Thoughts

You really can explore East Africa for under $500 if you:

Skip flights

Move slowly

Eat local

Pick 2–3 key countries and stick to them

With 60 days, don’t cram everything in—slow travel here is part of the magic. Whether you’re trekking through misty jungles in Uganda or sipping coffee by Lake Kivu, East Africa is full of rewarding surprises.