Visit Uganda: Visiting Uganda – Visit to Uganda

Visiting Uganda or a visit to Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure worth undertaking on your African safari trip. If you visit Uganda (travel to Uganda) on Uganda tours, you will discover incredible wildlife tourist destinations to see, beautiful scenery, and communities, as well as explore a rich history.

Although famously known for gorilla trekking tours in Africa, this country the Pearl of Africa in East Africa has a lot to offer for every traveler. While on your visit to Uganda, you’ll enjoy notable wildlife tours, chimpanzee trekking, unique amazing cultural tours, world-class mountain hiking adventures, etc.

Regardless of the above remarkable safari activities in Uganda, some people consider traveling to Uganda unsafe.

However, you shouldn’t worry! In this article, we have brought you travel advice or anything you need to know before you visit Uganda.

Please note that no country is perfect and surely not here in Africa! But our travel advice in this blog will make your Uganda safari a lifetime trip to remember!

If you are planning a visit to Uganda, there are various amazing safari packages for you ranging from short to long trips.  You can check out our 5 Days Uganda Trip, 7 Days Uganda Safari Tour, or 10 Days Uganda Safari Tour.

Planning a Uganda tour shouldn’t puzzle you, email us now for any inquiries.

The best time to travel to Uganda is during the dry season!

HERE IS THE VITAL INFORMATION TO KNOW AS YOU PLAN A SAFARI IN UGANDA

Top Reasons Why Visit Uganda

There are numerous reasons why travelers all over the globe are interested in visiting Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.

Below is what is unique about Uganda:

1. Uganda Is the Best Area to Spot Gorillas in Africa

Holding almost 50% of the 1,063 Mountain gorillas on Earth in its Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga, Uganda is the best destination for gorilla trekking safaris in Africa.

Other countries to spot gorillas in Africa include Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Virunga National Park.

2. Offers the Bests Chimpanzee Trekking Tours in Africa

Although Chimpanzee trekking is possible in Rwanda as well as in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda are more incredible.

Usually, Uganda chimpanzee trekking safaris take place in Kibale National Park, the Primate Capital in the world. This park holds the highest density and diversity of primates in the world.

3. Ideal Area for Game Viewing in Africa

Among African destinations, the Pearl of Africa Uganda is among the few areas to enjoy game-viewing safaris. While on your Uganda tour, you’ll get a golden chance to spot thousands of game animals in Africa.

Among these include Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Rhinos, Leopards, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, Crocs, and numerous Antelopes, etc. Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park are the key sites for Uganda wildlife tours.

4. Uganda Is a Birding Paradise in Africa

While looking for an area to go bird watching in Africa, Uganda should be given priority! This country boasts numerous birds that birders in Africa are interested in. For example, the rare Shoebill, Grauers Broadbill, Neumann’s Warbler, Green Breasted Pitta, etc.

Most Uganda birding tours are done in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Kibale National Park as well as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

5. Best Area in Africa to Spot the Tree Climbing Lions

Uganda is the best area to spot the tree-climbing Lions in Africa. Tree-climbing lions in Uganda can only be spotted in Queen Elizabeth National Park, within the Ishasha sector.

Though rare, you can have a chance to spot tree-climbing Lions in Lake Manyara in Tanzania.

6. Holds the Friendliest People in the World

Uganda is among the few countries in the world holding the friendliest people. This is according to the BBC travel report of 2017.  Therefore, on your safari Uganda holiday, expect to have a lovely stay with locals.

The people in Uganda are so lovely and genuine!

Other key reasons why tourist travel to Uganda:

7. Uganda offers the most memorable hiking experience in Africa.
8. Uganda holds the source of the Nile River- the world’s longest river.
9. It’s the best area for golden monkey trekking in Africa.
10. Uganda offers the most memorable white rafting experience in Africa.

Packing List for Uganda Safari – What to Pack While Visiting Uganda?

As you plan visiting Uganda for a trip, there’re some necessities you must have for a notable experience. This list applies while visiting other countries in Africa.

Here is the packing list for Uganda:

1. Safari gadgets counting a cell phone, extra batteries, a 3-pin UK-style adapter, binoculars, as well as a camera. But you should avoid taking photos of buildings of security forces as well as government buildings.
2. Comfortable hiking shoes and sandals
3. Rain jacket in case rain finds you on a nature walk in Uganda’s national parks like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
4. Insect repellent: Protects you from biting insects as you visit most of Uganda’s national parks. It’s also an important disease control for insect-related illnesses.
5. Sun protection gear (sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreens)
6. Comfortable pants – long trousers, and long-sleeved shirts. Knee-covering clothes are ideal for cultural tours.
7. Hardy cloves: Ideal on a gorilla trek or mountain hike.
8. Gaiters
9. A day pack bag
10. Personal toiletries such as wet wipes, toothpaste, toothbrush plus tampons.
11. Travel Documents- Passport, Yellow Fever Vaccination Card, tickets, and travel insurance. Travel insurance helps in case of any misfortune happening during your travel.

When to Visit Uganda- What Is the Best Month to Visit Uganda?

Travelers planning a visit to Uganda can make it all year round. But, dry season, June to late September, and January to February is recommended. In these months, there’s always little rainfall inconvenience! Game viewing, gorilla trekking, bird watching, and mountain hiking tours are best done here.

However, note that this is the peak season of tourism in Uganda. National parks and lodges get fairly crowded.

March-May and late September-November are wet months in Uganda. Some tracks in national parks can get flooded and muddy. In this period, tourism products counting accommodation are relatively cheaper.

Traveling to Uganda- How to Travel to Uganda?

Entebbe International Airport, (EBB) is the main entry point for flights into Uganda. It’s situated just near the town of Entebbe, about 46km from Kampala-capital city center.

Since Uganda is a relatively small country, further transportation within the is done in a vehicle. However, there’re domestic flights to upcountry safari destinations.

Usually, local registered tour operators will pick you up from Entebbe International Airport to your hotel rooms as well as arrange further transportation. This is usually included in the cost of your safari package.

Uganda Travel Requirements- What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Uganda? | What Should I Know Before Traveling to Uganda?

What documents are needed to travel to Uganda? While planning to safari Uganda, there’re some essential documents you must have to enter this lovely country. These act as entry restrictions to Uganda set by the Ugandan government.

Below are the travel requirements to Uganda:

• A visa– The Ugandan government doesn’t issue visas on arrival.
• A passport- should be valid for 6 months from your arrival date.
• Your passport should have 1 free page for entry stamp.
• Valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
• A return-trip ticket

Do US Citizens Need Visa for Uganda?

Nationals from the USA require a visa while visiting Uganda. Getting a Uganda visa online is very simple. Please, check this link https://immigration.go.ug/ and follow the few steps.

Also, you can check here https://immigration.go.ug/services/visa-exempt-countries to see visa-free countries to Uganda.

Is It Cheap to Visit Uganda?

When compared to other safari destinations in East Africa like Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda is relatively cheap to visit. Please note that the cost of a trip in Uganda depends on your travel style.

For example, a Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs $700 while that of Rwanda $1500.

How Much Does It Cost to Go on Safari in Uganda? | How Much Does a Safari in Uganda Cost?

Though this is a common inquiry among travelers planning to travel to Uganda, you should note that there is no fixed price for a trip in Uganda! This is because it’s much influenced by numerous factors.

Here are the determinants of Uganda safari price:

1. Duration of your trip in Uganda
2. Activities you’ll undertake.
3. The number of people you’re traveling with
4. Accommodation class you wish to use.
5. The type of vehicle you wish to use, etc.

Note that per day:

An average budget safari in Uganda costs about $200 per person, and the mid-range is $500. A luxury Uganda trip costs over $1,000.

Is Uganda Tourist Friendly? | Is It Safe to Go to Uganda Now? | Is Uganda Safe to Visit for A Safari?

Are Ugandan people friendly? Uganda ranks top among the tourist-friendly safari countries in Africa. Also, according to a 2017 BBC world travel report, this beloved country holds the friendliest people in the world. Furthermore, Uganda is considered a politically stable country holding secure borders.

But note that, opportunistic crimes like petty theft, pickpocketing, credit card fraud, as well as home robbery occur, just like in any other city.

So always be vigilant.

Can US Citizens Travel to Uganda?

Travelers from all over the globe including US citizens can travel to Uganda. The Pearl of Africa welcomes all nationals from all corners of the world. For instance, according to the World Travel Guide, over 1500 British nationals travel to Uganda every year.

More Uganda Travel Advice

In this blog, this section is going to show you a broader picture of what to follow while on your Uganda trip.

A. Border Violence in Uganda

Though it’s safe to travel to Uganda, it’s wise you get to know about this!

1.  BORDER WITH THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Uganda’s border with its neighbor Democratic Republic of Congo (western Uganda) is considered unstable for tourists. This is due to armed groups in this area Allied Democratic Forces.

Sometimes there can be cross border attacks by armed groups from the Democratic Republic of Congo without notice and it’s volatile.

Therefore, while visiting national parks in western Uganda near the Democratic Republic of Congo border like Rwenzori national park, Bwindi national park, and Mgahinga national park as well as Queen Elizabeth National Park, you should be vigilant of your personal security. Don’t be a victim of cross border attacks!

Around November 2021, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo set up a joint military operation against Allied Democratic Forces (A.D.F) in North Kivu and as well as Ituri provinces of DRC, nearby Virunga National Park.

There’re no suggestions that Allied Democratic Forces (armed groups) target foreign nationals, however, remain vigilant of your personal security while visiting any popular tourist destination in Western Uganda. Always try to monitor the local media as you plan to visit western Uganda.

2. BORDER WITH SOUTH SUDAN- NORTHERN UGANDA

As of now, Uganda’s border with South Sudan is porous and banditry as well as criminality is a high concern here. Inter-communal tensions and clashes are rampant on the South Sudan border with Uganda.

Therefore, due to this insecurity situation in South Sudan, we recommend you avoid this area (South Sudan). Or avoid traveling to areas within 50 km of the border.

Always monitor local media for up-to-date information.

Also, it’s suggested that foreign nationals (tourists) are not a target, but you should exercise caution.

3.   KARAMOJA REGION

In this region also in northern Uganda, there’re clashes between tribal groups.

In this region, hot spots include:

1. Kotido
2. Moroto
3. Nakapiripirit and,
4. Katakwi

Due to some inter-tribal violence in this area, some tribal groups in this area can be a risk of banditry. They practice cattle raiding using guns. Therefore, in this area, there’re some armed groups!

There’re no suggestions that these armed groups target foreign nationals but, you should exercise caution. You can follow local media, and local authorities, or inquire some travel advice from your tour operator before traveling in this area. This will help you have up to date travel guidelines.

4. EASTERN UGANDA

On your Uganda trip, traveling to eastern Uganda is considered trouble-free, however, you’re cautioned of landslides in the Bududa district. Mount Elgon is a popular tourist destination in eastern Uganda.

Always inquire for some travel advice from responsible local authorities like UWA or your tour operator before visiting this area.

B. Demonstrations and Protests

Sometimes, political and other demonstrations happen in Uganda usually in major towns counting Kampala. Usually, police use tear gas, rubber bullets as well as live ammunition to disperse demonstrators and this can lead to loss of lives or serious injuries if you become a victim.

Therefore, you should take care and avoid such demonstrations and rallies if possible!

Note that certain colors such as red and yellow are strongly allied with political parties in Uganda. You should be observant while wearing such colors in public.

Here is how to protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• Avoid large congregations, political events as well as demonstrations of some political parties.
• Monitor local media.
• Keep away from affected areas.
• Follow the travel advice of local authorities. This gives you up to date guidelines to follow.

Terrorism in Uganda

Uganda has registered terrorism cases though very rare! For instance, on November 16th, 2021, there were 2 explosions in the central business district and near the Parliament in Kampala. These injured many! These explosives are among the 3 others since October 2021.

These attacks don’t target tourists or foreigners, but you should be cautious and watch always the security situation of your environment.

Possible target areas for terror attacks:

• Tourist areas, hotels, resorts restaurants, marketplaces, bars, markets and shopping centers, & political events
• Schools as well as places of worship
• Airports plus other public transportation hubs such as government buildings

Further attacks can happen, but this is how to protect yourself from terrorism:

1. Always consider the security situation at places you’re visiting.
2. Be always alert while in crowded places and monitor local media.
3. Pay close attention to your surrounding environment.
4. Report any suspicious object or activities to the police.
5. Go to only shopping centers with maximum security.
6. If found a victim a certain area, leave immediately as further attacks can happen.

Please note that terrorism is an international threat, therefore you should always be watchful of the security situation around you.

• Crimes in Uganda

You should note that pickpocketing, bag snatching, jewelry snatching as well as other petty crimes happen in Uganda, especially on using public transportation. Also, theft can happen while vehicles are stuck in heavy traffic usually in major cities Kampala inclusive.

Armed robbery and carjacking cases have been registered especially outside Kampala city centre.

Here is how to protect yourself:

• Always keep your car windows up and doors locked.
• Lock doors and windows of hotel rooms (accommodation)
• Avoid moving in isolated zones (rural areas) and dark streets at night.
• Don’t carry large sums of money. As carry large sums of money, you can become a target for criminals.

Road Safety in Uganda

As you travel to Uganda, you should be so keen on road safety. Some areas in Uganda lack traffic signs! Also, several drivers have reckless driving habits, don’t follow local traffic laws, and roads are still in poor condition. You can find animals wandering on roads in some areas.

While moving in Uganda, you should be cautious while crossing. It’s better to follow the local traffic laws.

Note that, fatal accidents usually happen in Uganda and alcohol is a contributing factor and usually at night. Kampala-Masaka highway as well as the Kampala-Jinja Road is prone to accidents.

Traveling at night along highways is not safe due to robbery and poor visibility. You should avoid driving outside major cities after dark.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN UGANDA

In Uganda, public transportation is mainly used.  If you use one, always avoid being overloaded, or boarding vehicles in poor conditions.

These include:

1. Buses
2. Taxis– avoid unofficial taxes or else you’ll be robbed.
3. Boda bodas- always wear a helmet.
4. Ferries– on using it, put on a life jacket even though others might not be putting it on.

If interested in a self-drive tour in Uganda, you must have your country’s driving permit or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

F. Local Contacts

As you travel to Uganda, you should get to know some local emergency numbers in Uganda for help in case of any mishap.

Depending on what you need on your trip holiday in Uganda, you can contact your:

1. Travel agent.
2. Insurance provider– Their number should be on 24 hours.
3. Employer
4. Airline as well as
5. Family and friends
6. DPC of the nearest police station, if possible!
7. FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES

Call on 999

• MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Call 999 or go to a hospital for medical services.

• POLICE

Call 999 or go to the nearest police station.

Please, you should get a police report when you report any crime!

• Local Laws in Uganda

As you travel to Uganda for a safari, there’re local laws you must follow. Failure to do so, their local laws and penalties you’ll face that can appear harsher than your country’s standards.

LAWS ON DRUGS

There’re heavy penalties for the use, possession, or trafficking of illegal drugs. If you become convicted of using illegal drugs in Uganda, you’ll face a long jail sentence as well as heavy fines.

Around Entebbe International Airport, there’re Port Health Authorities responsible for inspections. Port Health Authorities inspect food imports in any country.

Other Local laws in Uganda

1. Treason and murder carry a death penalty.
2. Rape and robbery attract corporal punishment.
3. Also on your Uganda travel, it’s illegal to take photos of buildings of security forces, airports, diplomatic sites, or government buildings.  You must always ask permission before photographing individuals.
4. Wearing military-style or camouflaged civilian clothing is illegal.
5. Laws in Uganda prohibit same-sex relationships.  Victims under this law can serve a severe sentence.

H.  Medical Facilities in Uganda

In general, medical facilities in Uganda are limited outside major cities like Kampala! Rural areas have limited access to medical services.

Therefore, since medical facilities while traveling far away from major cities are not developed, you should travel with a health kit having sufficient prescription drugs.

Note that while on your Uganda tour and you become seriously ill or injured, you’ll need medical evacuation insurance to Nairobi or another place with better medical facilities.

Please note that medical evacuation to Nairobi is expensive. Therefore, it’s better to purchase medical evacuation insurance while traveling to Uganda. Ideal travel insurance should cover medical evacuation as well as hospital stays.

Always inquire from your travel agent about the health insurance plan to undertake.

I.   Health Risks in Uganda

Although very rare, some of the health risks in Uganda include:

1. COVID-19

As of now, Uganda is a COVID-19-free state however, you’re advised to remain vigilant of your health. It’s ideal your check on the Ugandan government Ministry of Health portal or the website of the World Health Organization.

The best way to avoid Covid-19 is to avoid contact with the body fluids of an infected person. Though you can avoid contact with the body fluids of sick people, you should also put on a mask while visiting crowded places. This is the best medical treatment for Covid-19.

Also, follow additional health screening measures as directed by a country.

It’s better also you check on local media or follow the advice of local authorities for up to date guidelines or additional health screening measures.

In case of any symptoms, report immediately to a standard health care facility for treatment.

b. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

On 11 January 2023, the Ugandan Government and the World Health Organization declared Ebola Virus Disease outbreak over in Uganda.

You should follow local media as well as other additional health screening measures issued by the Government of Uganda to ensure that you have the latest information.

For more info about Ebola Virus Disease, you visit can the World Health Organization website.

For any symptoms, you should report to any nearby healthcare facility.

c.   Insect-Borne Disease

As you travel to Uganda, note that, insect-borne diseases are among the deadly illness in Uganda. These include Malaria as well as Yellow Fever in some parts.

All the above fatal diseases are spread by mosquito bites. However, the best medical treatment is vaccination. To prevent Yellow Fever, make sure you get a yellow fever vaccination before you travel and move with your card.

Malaria is common all year round.

Other insect-borne diseases found in Uganda include Plague and Chikungunya.

Insect bite prevention/ disease control measures of insect-born sickness:

1. Always sleep under an insect-proof accommodation
2. Use insect repellent, which helps to minimize mosquito bites. This is an ideal disease control for insect bites.
3. Wear long, loose, light-colored clothes
4. Take medication to prevent malaria
5. Minimize exposure to insects
6. Use mosquito netting while in buildings that are not fully enclosed.

You must visit a nearby standard health care facility in case of fever.

d. Bird Flu (AVIAN INFLUENZA)

In January 2017, local authorities confirmed cases of avian influenza (H5N1, “bird flu” in wild birds as well as domestic poultry found in Lutembe Bay near Entebbe as well as in Masaka District.

Therefore, you should stay away from contact with dead as well as living birds.

e.   HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS remains a health risk in Uganda! Therefore, while visiting Uganda always put it in my mind and exercise caution in your life.

Avoid engaging in activities that expose you to the virus. You should avoid Mosquito girls or get a condom from a nearby health care facility. Abstaining is also possible!

J. Other Health Risks in Uganda

In Uganda waterborne, foodborne as well as other infectious diseases are common however, there’re numerous health care facilities to handle them.

 And among these include:

• Cholera
• Typhoid
• Tuberculosis
• Hepatitis
• Meningitis
• Meningococcal disease
• about Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers

In Uganda, there’re some routine vaccines for some diseases above for example Tuberculosis and Hepatitis.

Here are the health safety measures for the above:

• Drink always boiled water or bottled water which has a sealed lid
• Avoid ice cubes
• Don’t eat raw (undercooked food) such as salads
• Avoid swimming in freshwater

You can inquire about medical treatment from your health care doctor about typhoid vaccinations. Also, get medical travel advice if you get a Fever or Diarrhoea!

Currency in Uganda

Uganda’s local currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). However, note that foreign currency counting US dollars as well as Euro can be used as a means of exchange mostly in urban centers. The US dollar is widely accepted.

To exchange money (foreign currency) for Ugandan currency, you can visit commercial banks or use exchange bureaus mostly found in major cities. You’re advised to Exchange money within big towns.

US banknotes printed before 2006 are not accepted.

Also note that traveler’s cheques, debit cards as well as credit cards are not widely accepted in Uganda.

K. Swimming Safety

As you travel in Uganda, you’re advised to avoid swimming in lakes and rivers. Some lakes and Rivers inhabit Hippos and Crocs.  Always inquire whether it’s safe for you to swim.

L. Tourism in Uganda

The tourism industry in Uganda is still a developing sector, however, at a steady growth.

For any inquiries about your trip, for example, national park fees, attractions, and best place to visit inquire from your travel agent or Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

UWA is a national body responsible for fixing national park fees:

For example:

1. National Park fees for gorilla trekking- $700
2. Park fees for Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale- $200
3. National Park fees for game drives in Murchison Falls National Park is $45
4. Park fees for bird watching in Uganda- $30

Best Tour Operators in Uganda to Travel With For Your Safari?

There’re many tour companies in Uganda but, getting a dependable safari company to travel with is not easy! Always check the legal status of the company you’re about to use.

Here are some of the ideal registered tour operators in Uganda:

1. Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd
2. Wild Gorilla Safaris
3. Safari Uganda Safaris Tours
4. Uganda Birding Safaris
5. Gorilla trekking Uganda
6. Gorilla Safaris And Tours
7. Africa Safaris Tours

Please, you’re reminded to check the legal status of the travel agent before booking.

Best Uganda Safari Packages for You to Visit Uganda

As you are planning visiting Uganda, here are some of the popular Uganda tour packages for you.

• 2 Days Uganda Chimpanzee Safari Tour
• 5 Days Uganda Trip
• 7 Days Uganda Safari Tour
• 5 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari
• 8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Trip
• 10 Days Uganda Safari Tour
• 16 Days Uganda Vacation Trip
• 18 Days Uganda Holiday Safari

In summary, Uganda is indeed a paradise in Africa a must not miss on your bucket list! This beloved country is known for the best gorilla safaris in Africa, chimp trekking, wildlife tours, classic cultural encounters, etc.

For a thrilling safari in Uganda, you’re advised to follow travel advice from local authorities as well as your tour operator.

Email us now for any inquiries about your Visit to Uganda!