Uganda Travel Tips – The Most Important Information for Your Safari Adventure

Known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is a breathtaking destination where lush rainforests meet golden savannahs, mist-covered mountains rise above shimmering lakes, and wildlife thrives in its natural beauty. From gorilla trekking in Bwindi to boat safaris in Murchison Falls, every journey here is a story of adventure, discovery, and connection with nature.

To make your safari smooth, safe, and unforgettable, it’s essential to prepare well. Here are the most important Uganda travel tips you should know before your safari — covering everything from entry requirements to packing, health, and cultural etiquette.

1. Entry Requirements and Visas

Passport & Visa

To enter Uganda, you’ll need a valid passport (with at least six months of validity) and a visa. Most travelers can apply for an Uganda e-Visa online through the official **Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC)** website before traveling.

Visa Options:

• Single-entry tourist visa: USD 50

• East African Tourist Visa: USD 100 – allows multiple entries to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for 90 days. Highly recommended for regional safaris.

Print your approved e-visa and present it upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport or any land border.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry. You may be denied entry without it, so make sure it’s valid and carry it with your travel documents.

2. Health and Safety Tips

Vaccinations & Health Precautions

Besides yellow fever, it’s advisable to be vaccinated for:

• Hepatitis A and B

• Typhoid

• Tetanus

• Meningitis (if visiting during the dry season)

Malaria Prevention

Uganda is a malaria-prone country, so always take antimalarial medication before and during your trip as prescribed by your doctor. Use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves in the evening, and sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

Drinking Water

Avoid drinking tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice in drinks unless you are certain it’s from purified water.

3. Best Time to Visit Uganda

Uganda can be visited year-round, but the best time for safaris and trekking is during the dry seasons when wildlife is easier to spot and roads are more accessible:

• June to September – Peak dry season; great for gorilla trekking and game drives.

• December to February – Short dry season; also excellent for travel and photography.

• March to May and October to November – Rainy seasons; lush scenery, fewer tourists, and discounted lodge rates.

4. Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Permits

Gorilla Trekking

• Permit Cost: USD 800 per person (Uganda Wildlife Authority, 2025 rates).

• Where: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

• Booking: Reserve months in advance through a licensed tour operator or directly from UWA.

Only eight trekkers per gorilla family are allowed daily, ensuring a sustainable and intimate wildlife experience.

Chimpanzee Trekking

• Permit Cost: USD 250 (Kibale Forest National Park).

• Also available in Budongo, Kyambura Gorge, and Kalinzu Forest.

Always follow your guide’s instructions — maintain a 7-meter distance, avoid flash photography, and do not visit if you’re ill.

5. Money and Payments

Currency:

Uganda’s currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
1 USD ≈ 3,800–3,900 UGX (as of 2025).

Payments:

• Cash is widely accepted, especially in rural areas.

• Bring clean, recent USD bills (post-2015) for better exchange rates.

• Major lodges and hotels accept credit cards (Visa and MasterCard), but expect a 3–5% transaction fee.

ATMs are available in major towns like Kampala, Entebbe, Mbarara, and Fort Portal, but not in remote parks.

6. What to Pack for a Safari in Uganda

Packing right is key to enjoying your trip comfortably.

Essential Safari Gear:

• Lightweight, breathable clothes in neutral colors (avoid white, black, or bright colors).

• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection.

• Sturdy hiking boots for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.

• A waterproof jacket or poncho (rain is always possible in tropical Uganda).

• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

• Binoculars and a good camera with extra batteries.

• Small backpack and reusable water bottle.

• Insect repellent and hand sanitizer.

Special for Gorilla Trekking:

• Gardening gloves (for gripping vegetation).

• Gaiters or long socks to tuck in your pants.

• Lightweight rain gear and waterproof covers for your equipment.

7. Transport and Getting Around

By Air:

Entebbe International Airport is Uganda’s main entry point. Domestic flights connect to airstrips near national parks (e.g., Kihihi, Kasese, Pakuba).

By Road:

Road travel is the most common way to explore. Uganda’s roads are improving, but expect bumpy sections near parks. A 4×4 safari vehicle is recommended for all major parks.

Driving & Local Etiquette:

• Drive on the left-hand side.

• Always carry your passport and permit copies when entering national parks.

• Speed limits are enforced; avoid night driving outside major towns.

8. Communication and Connectivity

Uganda has good network coverage and 4G internet in most towns. Buy a local SIM card from MTN or Airtel for affordable calls and data.
Wi-Fi is available in lodges, though it may be slower in remote areas.

9. Language and Culture

Languages:

English is Uganda’s official language, widely spoken across the country. Luganda and Swahili are also common.

Cultural Etiquette:

• Greet people politely — a handshake and smile go a long way.

• Dress modestly in rural or cultural settings.

• Always ask before taking photos of people.

• Respect local customs, especially during traditional ceremonies.

Ugandans are warm, hospitable, and always ready to help. A little politeness will earn you genuine smiles everywhere you go.

10. Safety and Responsible Travel

Uganda is one of the safest countries in East Africa for tourists. Police and park rangers are professional, and visitor security in safari parks is excellent.

Still, it’s wise to:

• Avoid walking alone at night in urban areas.

• Use registered guides and tour companies.

• Follow park rules during wildlife encounters.

• Respect animals’ space — never feed or provoke wildlife.

Responsible travel tip: Support local communities by buying locally made crafts, staying in community lodges, or joining cultural walks.

11. Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Here’s a general guide:

• Safari guide/driver: USD 10–20 per day.

• Lodge staff: USD 5–10 per stay (shared among staff).

• Porters during trekking: USD 10–15 per trek.

12. Electricity and Plugs

Uganda uses 240V electricity with British-style plugs (Type G). Power can occasionally fluctuate in remote areas, so carry a universal adapter and power bank.

13. Travel Insurance

Always travel with comprehensive travel and medical insurance that covers gorilla trekking, medical evacuation, and trip cancellations.

Conclusion

A safari in Uganda is not just a trip — it’s a life-changing journey into the heart of Africa’s wilderness. From tracking gorillas through ancient forests to watching elephants bathe in the Kazinga Channel or hiking to the top of Murchison Falls, Uganda offers an unparalleled mix of adventure and serenity.

By following these travel tips — planning ahead, packing wisely, and embracing the warmth of Uganda’s people — your safari will be safe, seamless, and unforgettable.