Home » Travel Advisory To Uganda | Tips When Traveling in Uganda | Tips For Travel in Uganda Africa
Travel Advisory To Uganda | Tips When Traveling in Uganda | Tips For Travel in Uganda Africa
Find expert travel advisory to Uganda/tips when traveling in Uganda/tips for travel in Uganda Africa before your Uganda safari travels.
A safari to a new destination, more so Uganda may at first be overwhelming for some. But later events on your safaris in Uganda will unfold ecstatic experiences, especially if you had the right travel tips and the necessary information beforehand.
You will for instance encounter different weather, climate, norms, and perspectives from what you ever know. Likewise, you will meet converse etiquette and different food as well as slightly different legal provisions on your Uganda tour!
The list is long, but this article will give you high points and even the not-so-obvious things to consider as you safari Uganda.
Are you a solo traveler or are you in a group or family? Whether you are coming for Uganda Gorilla safaris, Uganda wildlife safaris, or community cultural tours, these travel guide requirements will save you a lot of trouble.
What to know before going to Uganda will cover the things to consider for your African safari to Uganda.
This travel guide to Africa in Uganda has various key points to know before you are on the road to different parts of Uganda.
They include
- Know the basic geography of Uganda | Getting to and around Uganda.
- Make a travel plan.
- Book with a responsible tour company.
- Health travel tips (Get vaccinated | Prevent diseases).
- Carry your important documents.
- Packing tips.
- Airport travel tips.
- Financial travel tips.
- Cultural and Community tips.
- Enjoy Some Ugandan Food And Street Snack
- Tips for solo travelers coming to Uganda.
- Tips for female travelers.
- Safety precaution tips.
- Other important things to note.
Know The Basic Geography Of Uganda | Getting To And Around Uganda
This is for example the location of Uganda or the best time to visit.
Where Is Uganda Located?
Uganda is one of the landlocked countries in East Africa with an area of 241,038 km². This country is within the Nile basin in the African great lakes region.
It is neighbored by Kenya in the East, Tanzania in the South, South Sudan in the North, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the West.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Uganda | When Is The Best Time To Visit Uganda?
Even if Uganda’s annual warm-to-hot climate allows tourism at any season of the year, the best time to visit is during the dry season. These are from December to February and June to August. In these seasons, trails are dry as there is very little expectation of rain.
The wet season on the other hand will make your safari a bit challenging because of the slippery trails and tracks. The rainiest months in Uganda are April to May and October to November. This also causes animals not to always assemble in water spots where their presence is cherished by Uganda tourists.
Getting To Uganda – Travel Advisory To Uganda
The most convenient means of transport for getting to Uganda for travelers from America and Europe is air transport.
Some of the expert agents to book with are the
- Africa Travel, which is a UK operator that specializes only in travels to Africa.
- Trailfinders
- STA Travel.
International Airlines To Uganda
The International Airlines to Uganda include
- EgyptAir
- Ethiopian Airways
- KLM Royal Dutch Airways
- RwandAir
- Turkish Airlines
- Brussels Airlines
- Emirates
- Kenya Airways
- Qatar
- South Africa Airways
Usually, the fly-ins land at Entebbe International Airport which lies on the shores of Lake Victoria.
An airport transfer to your hotel can either be organized by your tour operator, a hotel, or The Airport Transfer Company.
However, you can also transport yourself using licensed airport taxis. You can recognize them by their yellow stripes and the words “Airport Taxi” written on them.
Transfers by Airport taxis are usually 6-10 US dollars to Entebbe and 30 US dollars to Kampala.
Since the major safari activity in Uganda is Gorilla Trekking, the quickest way to arrive in either Bwindi or Mgahinga is to fly into Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. The distance from Kigali to Bwindi will take about 170-220 km in about 4-6 hours. Whereas to Mgahinga, it will take about 145km in around 3-4 hours. Even though crossing the border takes a longer time, the journey will still be shorter than from Entebbe.
Getting In Uganda From Neighboring Countries
Five countries neighbor Uganda and they create easy overland travels to the pearl of Africa. They are Kenya, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and South Sudan.
Entering Uganda From Kenya In The East
The Kenya to Uganda route is very straightforward. Some of the coach services to use from Kenya to Uganda are Easy Coach and Mash.
You can also take a train from Nairobi( the capital city of Kenya) to Kisumu. From Kisumu, you can either get public transportation to Busia, the early morning buses to Kampala, or the Kenyan matatus that pass by throughout the whole day.
Getting To Uganda From Tanzania In The South
Getting from Tanzania to Uganda depends on which part of Tanzania you are in.
The most straightforward road is through the port of Bukoba to Masaka through the Mutukula border post. This is even easier when you take the Friends Safari Bus and the tickets cost between 10-20 US dollars depending on the destination you are coming from in Tanzania.
If you are traveling from Arusha and Moshi, you can also pass via Nairobi in Kenya.
From The Democratic Republic of Congo In The West
There are many routes from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Uganda and Vise Versa that run from the North to the South.
The major ones of these are the
- Ntoronko-Kasenyi which includes a boat passage on Lake Albert.
- Kasindi- Bwera
- Ishasha
- Bunagana
- Aru- Arua
However, the most used routes are the Southern routes that tourists use to connect from Virunga National Park to one of the national parks in Uganda or vice versus.
From Rwanda In The South West
There are two main border crossings from Rwanda to Uganda and these are Cyanika and Katuna. From Cynika to Kisoro is 15 km while from Katuna to Kabale is 21km. There is also a route through the Mirama hills that is 30 km to Ntungamo.
You can drive yourself as long as you drive from the right while in Rwanda, and have valid insurance and breakdown warning triangles. You can as well use Jaguar Executive Coaches as public means.
From South Sudan In The North
The most popular route from South Sudan to Uganda is the Nile Route. However, because of the civil wars in Sudan, this route has been unsafe and unless for very important reasons, we recommend you instead take a flight from Juba to Entebbe.
Getting Around Uganda – Travel Advisory To Uganda
You can get around Uganda by both air and road transport.
By Air
For the fact that most major towns in Uganda are about a 5-6 hours drive from Kampala, the capital city, people rarely use air transport to reach them.
Most tourists on Uganda luxury safaris, however, usually use air transport to connect to the different national parks in the country.
Many tourists use air transport when connecting to Kidepo Valley National Park which may take the whole day to travel by road.
Travelers mostly arrange flights with Aerolink which organizes daily flights from Entebbe to Kihihi, Mweya, Kasese, Semliki, Kidepo, Pakuba, Chobe, Bugungu, and Kisoro. You can also use Fly Uganda or Eagle Air.
By Road
You can use road transport in Uganda by either self-driving or using public means.
Self-Driving
Routes to different destinations in Uganda both around the city and the upcountry areas are generally in good condition.
In Uganda, drivers drive on the left side of the road and you should in some cases expect traffic and being overtaken by taxis.
To avoid any problems with traffic officers, drive below or at the speed limit which is 100km/hour on the open road. But in case you get into any situation, be polite toward the police officers.
While urban areas have several filling stations, remote areas have few and they are in between far distances. Therefore, it is important to plan for your fuel early enough.
Public means of transport
The common public means of transport to use in Uganda are special hires, buses, minibusses, taxis, and boda bodas.
- Special hires are vehicles that you hire with a driver to drive you privately to your destination. They are a bit more expensive but you can bargain to cut the costs.
- Buses are the quickest and safest public means of transport between the different districts in Uganda. To use the bus to Western Uganda, you can be charged about US$ 10 -15.
- Taxis will mostly take you to places within a town. They mostly depart from the old and new taxi parks in the heart of Kampala, but you can also find them along the road or stages in different places.
In taxis, you usually pay your transport fair a short distance to your arrival than before departure. Transport fairs are affordable and most drivers now put a board in front of the taxis to show the prices to different destinations.
However, they are usually around US$ 1-5 depending on your destination. If your destination is within Kampala, then you will pay more than UGX 5000.
- Boda bodas are the most famous means of transport in Uganda, especially in Kampala. They are very affordable and you can negotiate depending on your destination
Make A Travel Plan – Travel Advisory To Uganda
Planning is also one of the important travel tips for Uganda to consider on your safari in Uganda.
- What is my budget?
- Which reputable tour company can I use?
- Which tourist destinations in Uganda do I want to visit and what experiences do I want to have?
- What are the important things to park?
These are some of the questions you can draft for your long plan. It will help you stay organized and also be able to track your travel strategy.
However, when for your safari activities and experiences, sometimes be flexible and allow things to flow naturally to have the most of them experiences.
Book With A Responsible Tour Company – Travel Advisory To Uganda
Choosing your tour company wisely is another bonus for special safari experiences in Uganda. Do not just make inquiries, but also feel free to ask any other questions about Uganda safaris and tours.
Your tour company will not only plan your travel but will also make it easier and more comfortable for you. So do research about your tour company.
A recognized tour company with the qualification to operate tours will be suitable. Also, make sure that your payments occur electronically through the company-named bank account.
Health Travel Tips (Get Vaccinated | Prevent Diseases)
Ensure that you are vaccinated at least six months before your journey. This is because some shots are taken twice. Various travelers to Uganda vaccinate against Yellow fever, Hepatitis A, and TDAP.
However, we also advise that you vaccinate or take antibiotics against Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria, Cholera, and Rabies. Your travel doctor will recommend all this for you and make sure that you have your insect repellant to avoid insect bites.
Below are some of these diseases, their status in Uganda, and how to prevent them
Yellow Fever; There were cases of Yellow Fever in January and February 2022, but the country is safe. Moreover, carrying a Yellow Fever vaccination card is mandatory for any visitor entering Uganda for their safety.
Covid-19; Cases have greatly declined in Uganda, even though Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are still being observed in some places. Make sure to follow these procedures for safety and always wash your hands.
If you are fully vaccinated for Covid-19, then you do not need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate.
Malaria; This is common in the wet seasons as the mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. It is therefore common in mid and low altitudes and the symptoms will manifest usually within 1 to 2 weeks.
To prevent this, take preventative medicines and always move with your insect repellant. When you test positive for malaria, it is important that you start medication immediately.
Diarrhea; This usually surfaces as a result of taking in contaminated food and water. Always make sure that you always wash your hands, especially before eating and after holding money. One thousand notes in particular are mostly dirty.
You should always eat hot cooked food and stick to bottled water.
Ebola; The last Ebola outbreak in Uganda occurred in September 2022 in Mubende district but on 11th January 2023, the Ministry of Health declared the country Ebola-free. Therefore, there is no risk it has for tourists but you should be cautious not to eat bush meat or touch animals unnecessarily.
HIV/AIDS; Over 1.5 million out of the estimated 49 million Ugandans live with HIV/AIDS, let alone other sexually transmitted diseases. It is therefore important to avoid sex workers.
Skin Infections; Because of the warm to-hot climate of Uganda, it is easier to catch some fungal infections. Therefore, where cotton clothes, especially underwear and socks.
Carry Your Important Documents – Travel Advisory To Uganda
This is also an important travel advisory to Uganda among the other Uganda travel guidelines.
Your Visa
A travel visa to Uganda is one of the travel-to-Uganda requirements. We recommend the E-visa application which is cheaper and only needs your passport, yellow fever vaccination certificate, and passport-size photo. It is also easier as you can apply for it online. Standard singe-entry visas are US$ 50, valid for 90 days.
Also, applying for an East African tourist visa that lasts for 90 days will guarantee you access to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. This will favor tourists whose itinerary includes those specific countries. You can receive it on arrival and they cost US$ 100.
How much is a Uganda visa on arrival?
The Uganda Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that visas will not be purchased by travelers on arrival. Therefore, it is safer to acquire it before you depart from your destination.
Medical documents
The most important medical document that you need to visit Uganda is the Yellow Fever vaccination card.
If you are fully vaccinated against covid 19, you do not need to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate as you enter Uganda.
We advise that visit a travel doctor at least 6 months before your Uganda safaris and tours because some shots are taken twice. Also, your travel doctor will recommend for you the best antibiotics to carry for your travels.
Make many copies of these important documents
To be on the safer side, keep photocopies of these important documents with you just in case you are asked at any point.
You can even consider having them in an easily accessible folder for easy printing.
Below is a summary of the visa and other entry requirements to Uganda for tourism
- Passport copy with a validity of at least 6 months.
- Your tour plan.
- A travel itinerary or booking.
- Latest passport-size photograph.
- Your yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- A hotel booking or reservation, or any other accommodation address.
- Yellow fever certificate
Packing Tips – Travel Advisory To Uganda
Use the perfect backpack or Suit Case
Choose one that is small and can easily be dragged as you move. After all, you will not be carrying many clothes as most of the Uganda trips will only be for at most, weeks. A big and heavy bag will only stress you, especially if you have not carried important stuff in it.
Do not lock your suitcase because customs usually check it. They will consequently break the lock to check your case.
Pack light stuff and the things that you will need
Overparking may just spoil your holiday, especially if you don’t have a guide or porter to help you. Pack light clothes too that are easy to wash and can easily dry. Additionally, it will save you from paying for checked luggage.
Also, plan for your clothes for each of the activities that you will undertake, and always use a packing list for your packing.
You can also pack,
- Water bottle
- Sarong or scarf
- Portable chargers
- Park long-sleeved clothes to protect you from the weather.
- Also, pack good sturdy shoes or boots to help you with the movements during your safaris and carry at most 2 to 3 pairs of shoes. This will especially come in handy when you are primate trekking or climbing the Rwenzori mountains.
- Pack only what is important in the carryon bag
Sometimes, your luggage may get lost when flying and all you have in the meantime is your carry-on bag. Also, consider using compression bags for your carry-on property.
An excellent travel advisory to Uganda is to also put your gadgets or airplane care essentials in your carryon bag, for example
- Gadgets, portable chargers, and batteries
- Toiletries
- Extra changing clothes and underclothing
- Noise blocking earbuds
- Lip balm
- Eye mask
- A sweater or shawl
- Sarong or scarf
Airport Travel Tips – Travel Advisory To Uganda
- Wake up early
This will help you avoid crowds at the airport and so security checking will be quick for you.
- Have a relaxing travel pillow
Coming to Uganda is quite a long trip and you will need your comfort as you travel. Sometimes, you may even want to sleep, so the lack of a pillow will just drain you.
- Upon your arrival in Uganda
Upon landing in Uganda, usually at Entebbe International Airport, you will meet a hospitable person from your tour company in the waiting area ready to receive you.
- Also, we recommend that you prepare for one hour and 30 minutes between flights. This will give you enough time to prepare for your next flight.
Financial Travel Tips – Travel Advisory To Uganda
Not every memorable experience comes with luxury! Uganda is a natural beauty and some of your most memorable experiences will come with your Uganda budget safari.
- Avoid huge debts
Uganda tours and safaris are fairly cheap compared to other countries. Therefore, a good financial plan that does not involve huge debts can do you wonders.
- Save instead
As you plan for a Uganda safari holiday, you can save as an alternative. You can also consider asking friends or family members if they would like to travel with you so you can all save together for an African safari experience.
- Get a travel insurance
This is especially important for frequent or long-staying guests in Uganda. It is not a necessity in Uganda, but being on the safer side will not hurt.
Travel insurance may seem like a waste of money, but this will not be when you get a medical emergency. It will help to save you lots of money that you would have spent on medication or taking you back home.
- Uganda budget safari tips
- An important travel advisory to Uganda if on a budget tour is to stay in a budget lodge instead of an expensive hotel.
- There are in fact more budget lodges than luxury or midrange in most tourist destinations in Uganda. Therefore, you can also have the most beautiful experiences in these budget lodges.
- You can also consider booking a lodge or hotel that gives back refunds, just in case there is a change of mind.
- Furthermore, book a lodge that offers free breakfast too to save on costs.
- If you can, you can also take a cheap flight to one destination and then drive to your final destination. This can help to lessen some costs.
- Eat some local food because it is way cheaper than continental dishes. It also gives you the privilege to learn about the local dishes in your Uganda adventure.
- Book cheap flights, at least 2-3 months before your travel.
- Before buying something in Uganda, ask for its price and agree on it before purchasing.
- Carry an extra credit card or ATM card
An extra credit card will come in handy when your card fails to work, in case you lose it or when an ATM swallows it.
Keep the extra card in a place separate from the wallet you travel with, and leave it in your room.
- Exchange your money from Uganda
Uganda will give you better exchange rates for your currency, than what you would have gotten from your home country. This will also help you easily purchase certain things on your Uganda tour.
Cultural And Community Tips
Uganda is rich with 56 tribes and over 9 indigenous communities. Each of them has peculiar customs, but English is the major language spoken. However, Luganda is the most common among the languages in Uganda and it is like the lingua franca of the country.
Respect these cultures
It all starts with researching them and their way of life, dress code, and values. This will help you to do the right thing as you meet these people and avoid some unnecessary embarrassment. For example when you are taking their photos, first ask for their permission.
As a general rule, a greeting is a norm in Uganda by every tribe before you begin to engage with them. It can either be shaking hands or just asking someone how they are.
The public display of some emotions like kissing is highly despised. However, it is normal to see people of the same gender hugging or walking hand in hand.
Tips For LGBT Tourists
Homosexuality is illegal and an abomination in Uganda. However, this should not prevent such travelers from visiting the country, as long as their sexuality is kept discreet.
- Read some books about Uganda
You can as well read about the history and the present status of Uganda as a whole. Many Uganda travel guidebooks will help you to know the tourist destinations, communities, people, towns, and their lives. These will add a lot of meaning to your experiences.
- Mind about the politics
Uganda is a highly political country with yellow and red being the badge color for the top two political parties. Some people affiliate dressing in those colors with being a supporter of a specific party. However, this is not a really big deal.
- Give back to local communities
You can visit the local communities or do a cultural tour to support them. All tourist destinations in Uganda, especially national parks have communities and indigenous cultural groups with projects and livelihoods. Many attest to the fact that volunteering and supporting them has been an uplifting experience.
Also, Ugandans will always appreciate a tip for any good services.
- Learn a few words in the local languages
Learning a few important words in the local languages is likewise a beautiful travel advisory to Uganda. Even though most people in Uganda understand English, they will really appreciate you putting effort to learn their language.
A few of the common words to learn in the local languages you will meet in Uganda include
- Hello
- Please
- Thank you
- How are you?
- What is your name?
- My name is…
- Nice to meet you
- Excuse me
- Sorry
- Can I take your portrait?
- Consider buying a local sim card
In case you are a traveler planning to stay in Uganda for a long time, getting a local sim card like MTN or Airtel will help you with easier communication with your colleagues. You can also easily purchase data using the sim card. All you need to process a local sim card is your valid passport.
Enjoy Some Ugandan Food, Drinks, And Street Snack
“Rolex” is Uganda’s favorite and cheap street snack that is almost everywhere. This snack has an omelet rolled in a chapatti, most times with onions, tomatoes, green paper, and tomatoes.
The snack is so much loved that every August, a “Rolex festival” is held in Kampala. It is a one-day festival where people gather to eat rolex, drink, and dance.
However, it is important to buy it from a clean stall to avoid any health complications.
Uganda is also a good place to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables which are sold very cheaply. A variety of food like potatoes, yams, and sugarcane can also be easily gotten in the local markets.
On the other hand, Uganda is also a rich land for drinks with local brews like Club, Nile Special, Bell Lager, and Uganda Waragi. However, there are various wines and whiskeys imported into the country too.
Tips For The Solo Traveler Coming To Uganda
- Travel to Uganda alone sometimes
There are beautiful experiences that come with traveling alone to a different nation with no one you know. No friends or families, just you and Uganda, Africa.
- Make new friends
Traveling alone is the best opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
- What to do on long journeys
You may become bored on long road trips. In that case, you can ask your driver guide about Uganda and its people. Or just view the beautiful scenery of Uganda by the window as you listen to a podcast.
- Keep your family updated about you
When you travel alone, you are away from your family and they may probably be worried about you. Staying in touch with them will keep them calm and at peace.
Tips For Female Travelers
Uganda is one of the safest places for female travelers in Africa. Most women especially in the countryside dress conservatively and those for cultural tours can take note of that. Long clothes that at least go below the knee level will be appreciated.
The most important thing to note is that the change in environment may either cause irregular or heavier periods, therefore, carry enough tampons for your stay. You can however readily buy them from the city or town areas like Kampala, Entebbe, or Jinja.
Safety Precaution Tips
- Be cautious of scams in Uganda
Uganda is one of the countries in Africa with a manageable level of crime. Robberies are very rare and in the few cases that it happens, the people usually apply mob justice by beating up the thief.
Even petty crimes like pick pocketing are rare, but it happens now and then. You should thus be cautious about scams and con men, especially in busy and crowded places.
- Download VPN On Your Phone
This will help to protect your data like bank details as you use public WIFI and browse the web. The VPN will also help you access Facebook in Uganda as it has been banned for over 2 years.
- When withdrawing money from the ATM, do it during the day when there are many people and a security guard.
- As a general rule, keep your travel plans to yourself, your closest family members/friends, and your tour operator.
- Consult your tour operator on how to exchange your money safely.
- When in a lodge or hotel, be mindful of the emergency exits, fire escapes, stairways, and emergency plans. Also when someone asks you to meet them, let them meet you in the lobby, not from your room.
Other Important Travel Advisory To Uganda
Take as many photos as possible to take back home
This includes photos of wildlife, nature, yourself, the streets, and the people. It will help you reminisce about all your experiences. The sunrise and sunset photos are usually the most beautiful ones.
Live a little
It is wise to have a budget safari, but sometimes, at least once in your lifetime, stretch your wings and enjoy some luxury. Some luxury hotels or lodges even give offers that are cheap in some seasons.
Also, broaden your horizons by trying out new adventures. You may want to try bungee jumping in Jinja where the source of the River Nile is.
Carry your sunscreen and insect repellent at all times
Even if you are in a place where you do not need them, just let them be there because the weather in Uganda is sunny, especially in the peak tourism seasons.
Keep the phone away for an experience
Have a moment to live in the present experience because they are what create the memories. At the end of the day, 5, 10, 20, or 50 years from your travel moment, you will remember the memories you created while in Uganda.
Keep charging your gadgets
Whenever you get the chance when you are free, charge your camera, laptop, and phone because touring Uganda means that they are in constant use.
You will be disappointed to go for your next adventure and your camera is down.
Be responsible for even the smallest details
For your next travel advisory to Uganda, we also recommend that you pay attention to the not-so-obvious details, for example,
- Back up your photos.
- In case you used public means of transport, note down the number plates of the vehicles or boda boda.
- Also, note the address of your hotel or lodge.
- Do a final quick check before you leave your lodge or hotel, just to make sure that you did not leave anything behind.
- We advise that you start preparing for your trip at least 6 weeks before your departure.
- Have a small bag in your suitcase for dirty clothes.
- Carry some toiletries.
- If you are going for a long day excursion, take a power bank with you.
Keep an open mind
While traveling, you will definitely meet new people with different backgrounds, religions, and cultures. However, do not carry a biased image of them before you even meet them.
Take care of your body
Even when traveling, do not forget to rest or even do a simple workout routine to keep your body well. Others may forget to take care of their body and this may sometimes affect their safari activity.
Be at peace with yourself
There are moments when things may go wrong and these are sometimes to be expected.
It is important to be open-minded and outspoken in a way that will help different institutions improve their service deliveries to customers. But staying gloomy throughout the day because your Wi-Fi wasn’t stable or there was a mishap in communication delivery, or because you did not like your meal will only ruin your experience. Take it all in and breathe it out!
Why Should You Visit Uganda
CNN listed Uganda as one of the top destinations to visit in 2023. This is something to ponder about! Uganda is a rich land full of amazing and peculiar creations.
From the endangered Mountain Gorillas to the Albertine Rift endemic birds and the diverse cultures, it is one of the places to experience at one moment of your life.
Below are the 11 top reasons why you should visit Uganda
Uganda is home to almost half of the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas.
In the high altitudes of South Western Uganda, you will meet the humble giant apes that are endemic to the Virunga region.
They can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo with two National parks in Uganda protecting them. These are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Out of the estimated 1,063 Mountain Gorillas in the world, about 459 are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the rest are shared between Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Uganda is one of the two places in the world where you will find tree-climbing Lions.
Tree-climbing Lions are next to an impossible thing around the world. However, Queen Elizabeth National Park is among the only two destinations in the world that have them. The other destination is Manyara National Park in Tanzania. However, seeing them is easier in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
There are unique Albertine Rift endemic birds in Uganda.
Uganda is one of the rare places to find birds that are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Bwindi Uganda has all 24 Albertine Rift endemic birds, 19 of them are at the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Semuliki National Park has both Albertine Rift Endemic birds and Congo biome species.
Queen Elizabeth National Park holds over 600 bird species, the highest checklist of any protected area in Uganda. These all vary from wading birds to savannas and forest birds. Hence making Uganda a good destination for your birding safaris.
The wildlife diversity in Uganda is another reason you should not miss out on this beautiful country.
Uganda is a rich place to view the different kinds of wildlife from mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The country is one of the places in Africa where you will find a high diversity of mammals.
There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uganda.
For a place to become a UNESCO World Heritage site means that it is of exceptional importance to the world. Therefore, chosen by the World Heritage Committee to be on the World Heritage List.
They include,
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park has some of the highest peaks in Africa.
- Kasubi Tombs is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site.
Uganda is one of the most culturally diverse countries in Africa.
Culture is one of the most culturally diverse countries in Africa, having over 56 different tribes that speak different languages.
Your cultural tours will therefore be very mesmerizing upon meeting certain indigenous tribes. For example the Masai-like Karamojong, the IK tribe of Kidepo Valley National Park, and the Batwa of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
You will find the source of the longest River in the World, which is the River Nile in Uganda.
River Nile, the longest River in the World is in Jinja in Uganda. Jinja is a very beautiful town where you can explore and take photos at the source of the River Nile.
Those with adventurous spirits can as well do Bunjee jumping and White water rafting on the Nile.
Uganda has the highest concentration of Hippos in the world.
Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda holds the highest concentration of Hippos in the world. There are over 5000 Hippos in this park spread over the Kazinga Channel stream.
Uganda has one of the best weather and climate conditions.
The climate of Uganda will favor your stay in Uganda in almost any season. There is a warm climate all year round that you will enjoy throughout your stay in the country.
The scenery in Uganda is lovely.
Uganda has an awe-inspiring scenery to behold. The natural forests and the extensive beautiful landscape make it a beauty like no other. Hence, this is why it is called the pearl of Africa.
Uganda is safe.
Uganda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa. Even petty crimes like stealing and pick-pocketing are not common.
Therefore, it is basically a safe place even for female travelers or sole travelers. However, this should not stop you from being cautious with your property.
Places To Visit In Uganda
Uganda is rich in various tourist attractions for example national parks, game reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, monuments, beaches, cities, towns religious sites, cultural sites, and various physical features.
However, some of the major places to visit in Uganda include;
- Queen Elizabeth National Park, is the home to tree-climbing Lions.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the sanctuary for the highest number of Mountain Gorillas.
- Kibale National Park is the primate capital of the world.
- Murchison Falls National Park, where you will find the most powerful waterfalls.
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park, where you will find some of the highest peaks in Africa.
- Kidepo Valley National Park has great scenery.
- Lake Mburo National Park.
- Semuliki National Park is home to rare bird species, both Albertine rift endemics, and Congo biome species.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- Mount Elhon National Park.
- Kasubi Tombs for a cultural tour.
- Lake Bunyonyi.
- Ziwa Rhino sanctuary.
What To Do In Uganda
With all that Uganda can offer for your Uganda tours and safaris, there are a lot of safari activities that you will do during your safari. They include
- Gorilla trekking safaris
- Birding safaris in Uganda
- Uganda wildlife safaris
- Cultural and community tours
- Hiking tours in Uganda
- Nature walks in the beautiful Uganda nature
- Game drives
- Boat cruises
Accommodation In Uganda
Uganda has a variety of accommodations (lodges and hotels) that have tremendously grown through the years. They are in the category of top-notch, luxury, mid-range, and budget.
Top-notch and luxury accommodations are mostly found in large towns and national parks. However, the mid-range and the budget lodges are almost everywhere.
Also, their prices depend on where they are found. Accommodations in prime cities like Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, Wakiso, and Mbarara are a bit expensive.
On the other hand, accommodation in remote areas and developing towns is quite cheaper.
Below are the categories of these accommodations with their estimated price range in national parks.
ACCOMMODATION OPTION | PRICE RANGE |
Top Notch | US$ 1500+ |
Luxury | US$ 300- US$ 1500 |
Midrange | US$ 150- US$ 300 |
Budget | US$ 10- US$ 150 |
Uganda is a beautiful country to travel to, because of the wide tourist destinations that it offers. It is not just in the wildlife, but also in the cultures, the food, and the general way of life. However, the right travel tips and information above will even make the experience more beautiful. Inquire and book for your Uganda safari today and you will enjoy a true African tour in Uganda.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Advisory To Uganda
Which currency is used in Uganda – Travel Advisory To Uganda
Uganda uses Uganda shillings as its currency, mostly in cash. However, many hotels in the national parks allow card payments and foreign currencies like Euros and Dollars.
Is it safe to travel to Uganda right now? | How safe is it to travel to Uganda?
Uganda is generally a safe country to travel to. It is politically stable and terrorist-free. This answers the concerning question of many, “can you travel to Uganda right now?”
However, just like in any other country, there are crimes like robbery at home, fraud, and theft.
Which time zone is in Uganda – Travel Advisory To Uganda
Uganda has a single time zone which is East African Time(GMT+3) all year round.
Is there a travel ban to Uganda – Travel Advisory To Uganda
There is currently no travel ban to Uganda. Covid-19 SOPs have been lifted and the Ministry of Health announced that there is no Ebola.
Can I travel to Uganda by road – Travel Advisory To Uganda
Yes, you can travel to Uganda by road, but this greatly depends on where you are coming from. This is easier when you are coming from the neighboring countries to Uganda.
Is Wi-Fi a regular thing in Uganda – Travel Advisory To Uganda
Not every place in Uganda has Wi-Fi, so it is not widely spread. You are likely to find Wi-Fi in medium and big business places.
However, for travelers in Uganda, you are most likely to find free Wi-Fi in the different lodges you will stay in.
Which gas stations are in Uganda – Travel Advisory To Uganda
Uganda majorly has total and shell gas stations. However, others include stabex and African oil.