The Travel Guide section caters for your visa needs, travel tips, trip information, money, when to go, magazines, country facts and your voyage needs. Simply put, its traveling made easy! Travel in style in Uganda with information from the best destination guides who have hand picked exclusive info on how to get to Uganda, how to travel easily through Uganda, where to stay, eat and visit plus money saving travel tips.
Below is Advice, and Information on travel to Uganda. This information will help all travelers coming here to have useful data that will enable them prepare and enjoy their holiday. According to Lonely Planet, Uganda has the highest concentration of primates on earth, including the majestic mountain gorilla, one of the rarest animals on the planet. The scenery in Uganda is so striking that it looks like an oil painting, the beautiful national parks see far fewer visitors than in neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, so this is a virgin country where Eco-tourism has been thriving in the past few years. Follow the links below for specific advice on visiting Uganda.
Travel notes on Uganda
The following information will help you plan a perfect safari through Uganda’s national parks.
Getting to Uganda
Uganda has become a very accessible destination which can be reached by air or land.
Passports and Visas
- Healthy Advisories
- When to Go on Safari in Uganda
- What to Wear on Safari in Uganda
- Car Hire and Driving in Uganda
- Accommodation and Food
Plan Your Uganda Safari
Looking to plan a Uganda Safari to the National Parks? Are you looking for a guided safari or you are an independent traveler considering to taking a road trip to various parks? Get all the information that will help you plan an amazing safari adventure.
Guide to What to See in Uganda’s Parks
- Mountain Gorillas – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Mgahinga National Park
- Lions – Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo National Park
- Elephants – Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo National Park
- Giraffes – Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo National Park & Lake Mburo National Park
Safari Planner
Best Times
- What is the best time to go game viewing in Uganda
- What is the best time to go gorilla trekking
- What is the best time to hike the mountains in Uganda
Packing
- Uganda Safari Packing List
- Clothing for a safari in Uganda
- Right Gear for a safari
What to pack for a safari in Uganda
How you pack matters a lot when it comes to safari in Uganda. If it is gorilla trekking that you plan to take part then the key items to consider a must in your packing list include good hiking boots/shoes that are water proof and light weight, long sleeved shirt or t-shirts, insect repellent, first aid kit, sunscreen, hat, gardening gloves, camera with no flashlight and others.
When is the Best Time to visit Uganda
Uganda is best known for its ideal weather and climatic conditions all year round. Its climatic conditions are largely influenced by vast forest cover and water bodies. Prior embarking on actual trip, you need to put into consideration the 2 seasons-the wet and dry seasons. The dry season is always experienced from June to September and from December to February and this is considered as more favorable to most visitors on Uganda safari. However, the wet season equally features as the best depending on what you wish to take and for birders, it is the best time for you to sight at most migratory bird species. Uganda’s temperatures vary with 26 degrees Celsius during day and 16 degrees Celsius at night.
Safari Gear
Being comfortable on Uganda Safaris to National Parks, Monuments, etc. can often depend on the proper gear and clothing. Search our store for fleece, hiking boots, shirts, pants, backpacks, water bottles and more.
Inspirational Safaris Ideas
After inspiration? Browse a range of specialist safari types, from self drive to fly in safaris and walking safaris to balloon safaris.
Guide to Choosing a Safari Company or Tour Operator
Research our comprehensive directory of safari tour operators who are rated high on different forums! These agencies are known to offer you the best tour experience – whatever your budget, wildlife wish-list or preferred safari style. Find reviews of the best tour operators or safari companies as well as travel agencies.
Uganda Travel Guide
The Uganda Travel Guide section caters for all the information you need to plan a safari in Uganda. Find travel tips on money, when to go on safari, country facts and your voyage needs. Simply put, its traveling made easy!
Although it was once synonymous with Idi Amin, these days Uganda has a different headline act: the mountain gorillas that roam Uganda’s dense jungle interior. The dark days of dictatorship are long gone and a spell in this mesmerizing country will make your heart beat faster for all the right reasons.
Uganda doesn’t do things by halves and there is a smorgasbord of heavyweight attractions – the source of the Nile, the highest mountain range in Africa, the world’s most powerful waterfall and, of course, opportunities to come face to face with one of the most awesome creatures on earth: the mountain gorilla.
Languages
There are around 70 languages spoken in Uganda. The most spoken local language is Luganda, but English is the official language and is widely spoken. Other languages include Lusoga, Runyankole, Lugishu, Runyarwanda and Swahili, however, Swahili is associated with the military/national park rangers and is often used as an intimidating language. If you are traveling around Uganda, you can request your tour operator for a Spanish, French or Italian speaking guide.
Visa
A Single-Entry Visa is 50USD for most nationalities. It is advised to get in advance from the Uganda eVisa website. You can also get a Multi-Entry Visa and the East Africa Tourist Visa (definitely apply in advance for these).
Main Airport
The main Airport is Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe). However, there are smaller airports in the different regions of Uganda depending on your travel needs. The flights can be booked through a licensed travel agent or online for the domestic flights that are operated
Malaria
There is a high risk of malaria in Uganda so it is very important to check with your doctor before you go, to see whether malarial medication is required for the areas you are visiting. Generally, it is good practice to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeved, light coloured clothes and wearing a mosquito repellent that contains at least 50% DEET.
Internet & Mobile
The two main networks in Uganda are Airtel and MTN. Most of the areas that are far away from the main cities have poor phone network. However, there is WIFI connection at most of the accommodation facilities.
Safety
Uganda is generally a safe and friendly country to visit however I would advise you to take taxis after dark and if you do need to walk at night, keep to busy streets and preferably walk in a group. Unfortunately, being gay is an illegal offence in Uganda. That includes foreigners, so please be careful.
What vaccinations do I need for Uganda?
You should seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before travelling to Uganda and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Polio, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A & B and Tetanus are strongly recommended. Rabies and Meningitis are also recommended.
Following an outbreak of yellow fever in April 2016, the Ugandan Ministry of Health now requires all travellers provide proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Uganda?
All tap water in Uganda should be treated as if contaminated and avoided at all costs unless it has been purified or boiled before consuming. Bottled mineral water is widely available and cheap so be sure to stock up on this.
What’s the food like in Uganda?
Ugandan food tends to consist of a meat-based stews or sauce dishes accompanied by ugali, a thick doughy paste made from maize, or matoke, cooked and mashed green banana. Aside from meat and vegetables, beans and ground nuts are also added to stews for texture and cassava, yams and sweet potato all make regular appearances on the dinner table. Thanks to its many rivers, Ugandans also eat a lot of fish, particularly tiger fish and tilapia. Uganda is largely considered Africa’s fruit bowl with a variety of fruits available, including the popular Jackfruit.
For something a little different, why not try a handful of deep fried grasshoppers.If you can’t stomach these insects then there are plenty of Indian influenced dishes that are served with chapattis. For dessert, many locals eat mandazi, deep fried dough covered in cinnamon or sugar. To go with your meal, grab yourself a glass of pombe, a fermented beer made with millet or banana.
Safe eating while travelling in Uganda
Be wary when eating outside of high-end lodges as sometimes the quality of the meat and the way in which it has been prepared might not be suitable for a sensitive western stomach. Also be aware that food hygiene in Uganda is much more basic than you will be used to so if something looks unclean, old or badly cooked, it is best to avoid it altogether. It is also a good idea to avoid ice in your drink and eating salad as these might have come into contact with unhygienic water.
Is it standard to tip in Uganda?
There is no minimum wage in Uganda, which means that many workers in the service industry earn very little and have to make it stretch a long way. Safari guides should be tipped the equivalent of 10-15USD per person per day and a few dollars should be put in a communal tip jar for the driver, cook and porters. If you eat in a restaurant then 10% on top of the bill is a suitable amount to leave. When it comes to taxis, rounding up the fare is a nice way to show your appreciation. Wooden masks make great souvenirs when visiting Uganda
What souvenirs can I shop for in Uganda?
Traditional African handicrafts can be found throughout Uganda at very reasonable prices and make great souvenirs. Buying carved wooden masks and sculptures made by local artists is a good way to support the community and make sure you go home with something unique and authentic. There are plenty of other items on offer that will jazz up your home such as bowls, batik paintings and woven baskets.
Those looking to spice up their wardrobe needn’t look far whilst in Uganda. Bright fabrics with stunning African patterns can be easily purchased and either taken home as they are or turned into clothes by one of the local tailors. Once again, you will be providing valuable income for locals by getting your own custom-made clothes and you can be sure no-one will walk around wearing the same thing as you back home. .
Is it safe for solo female travellers in Uganda?
Foreign women, and particularly white women, attract a lot of attention in Uganda so be prepared for people to want to talk to you, touch your skin and invite you to their house. For the vast majority of the time, this attention stems from pure curiosity and is not meant in a threatening or harmful way. Occasionally men might pester you but giving the cold shoulder or a firm ‘no’ will usually do the trick and get them to leave you alone.
In Africa it is very uncommon for women to walk around alone so in some cases it might better simply to say your boyfriend or husband is meeting you somewhere.
How about as a member of the LGBT community?
Currently, homosexuality is illegal in Uganda, and sexual activity with someone of the same gender is punishable with prison. It has been known for Western members of the LGBT community to be attacked and harassed. This is largely because of the strict Christianity of the country, homosexuality is simply not accepted as a part of Ugandan society. Whilst an outdated view, this does not mean that Ugandans are inhospitable or unfriendly people. In fact, Uganda is generally a very welcoming country, homosexuality is just not accepted like it is in other parts of the world today.
Any LGBT traveller wishing to explore Uganda would be best to behave with discretion and not to engage in any flirting or sexual activity with anyone of the same sex whilst visiting the country. As long as travellers act with discretion, there is no reason to expect any problems.
What is the currency in Uganda?
The official currency in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling.Euros, British Pounds, US Dollars, South African Rand and other major currencies can be exchanged locally or in advance of departure. Additionally, exchange facilities are available at various bureaus de change and banks in major towns have ATMs. It’s advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities.
Please note that most of the tourist facilities in Uganda charge in USD.
What sort of plugs do I need for Uganda and what is the voltage?
Standard voltage is 230 – 240 volts. Primary sockets generally require the three square-pin variety, similar to the United Kingdom sockets. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.
Is WiFi widely available in Uganda?
You will be sure to find a WiFi connection in the majority of hotels, restaurants and cafes in Kampala but more rural areas are much less connected. Be aware that frequent power outages can disrupt connectivity and surges may damage electronics.
What time zone is Uganda on?
Uganda is 3 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight savings.
When is the best time to visit Uganda?
The best time to visit Uganda is the dry seasons between June and August and December to February. For gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Mar to May and October to November are the wettest months, making trekking quite difficult. Some of the dirt roads become very difficult to drive on during this time too. Murchison Falls is generally good to visit all year round. Temperatures are generally steady all year round.
Resources
- What To Pack For Safari in Uganda
- What To Wear On Safari in Uganda
- When Is the best Time to Go On Safari in Uganda
- Wildlife Spotting Tips for Uganda Travelers
- The Ugandan Big Five Animals
- Safari Photography Tips & Information
- Recommended Safari Books & Travel Guidebooks
- Planning a Budget Safari in Uganda