Uganda is popularly referred as the “Pearl of Africa” with breathtaking landscapes and sceneries (verdant savannah plains, Lakes and Rivers, mountain ranges, terraced rolling hills, forests, and others), diverse cultures and languages that make it a melting pot, rich wildlife species (from the sought-after mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates, big five game, antelopes, giraffes and warthogs) to the plethora of birds totaling to over 1080 bird species. A safari to Uganda should be on every Nature enthusiast’s bucket list and this East African country usually welcomes thousands of travelers every year yearning for diversity, exceptionality, and Natural beauty, jaw-dropping landmark attractions and boundless opportunities of relishing adventure.
Whether you are heading on a wildlife viewing safari, a gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking tour, birding tour, mountaineering, and cultural tour or planning to undertake a road trip through the beautiful country, Uganda has got you covered. Here are some of the essential travel tips for travelers to Uganda;
Is Uganda safe for adventures?
One of the questions that we receive from travelers is whether Uganda is safe for adventures, and the answer is yes, the Pearl of Africa is one of the safest safari destinations. We understand that safety is an important issue of concern for first-time, solo and even female travelers. Uganda, like any destination you will visit across the World still has challenges of crimes hence using common sense will go a long way in ensuring you enjoy your trip. Also, you should always be aware of your environment with preparation and precaution going a long way.
How to stay safe during Uganda safaris
There are a number of things that you can do to stay safe during your Uganda safari and these include blending in (avoid looking like a tourist). Also avoid displaying valuables (such as jewelry, Ipads, Tablets and expensive phones) in public. We always advise travelers to avoid walking in isolated places or even at night as these make them victims of theft/robberies. Before you set out to explore a particular area, make sure to have properly done your research.
Best time to explore Uganda
Uganda generally experiences a Tropical climate with relatively constant (warm) temperature and intense sunshine (hot and humid). It is always important to check the weather in the country prior to making your trip. Surprisingly, some travelers believe Uganda (like most African countries) is generally hot which is totally not true because there are two season. The rainy/wet season is from March to May and October to November where precipitation levels are high and temperatures cooler. While it is possible to visit the country during this season, many travelers avoid it because heavy rains mean hiking trails are muddy and slippery thus uncomfortable for gorilla treks, chimpanzee trekking, mountain climbing and forest walks. If you have game drives in your itinerary, you will have difficulty spotting wildlife as grass becomes taller and more watering points scatter all over the National Parks hence making game viewing challenging.
The dry month-January, February, June, July, August, September and December are perfect for primate walks as trails are drier and less challenging, in addition to breathtaking game viewing experiences are animals converge around the few remaining watering points and grass is shorter thus easier to sight wildlife.
Vaccinations
Yellow-fever vaccinations (with the vaccination certificate as proof) are mandatory for Uganda safaris and Covid-19 vaccination certificate (not mandatory) but being unvaccinated shouldn’t stop you from visiting this country because you will instead be required to present a negative PCR test result obtained in less than 72 hours from the time of leaving your country.
Uganda safari packing list
One of the mistakes to avoid during Uganda safaris is overpacking and bringing what you don’t need. For this reason, you only need a rain jacket, a good camera with extra batteries, memory cards and lenses, lightweight and comfortable clothing (depending on your activities) in neutral colors, pairs of binoculars, sandals or flip-flops for relaxing at the Lodge, Comfortable hiking boots for gorilla treks, chimpanzee tracking, nature walks or mountain climbing, a safari hat, toiletries (lip gloss, toothpaste, toothbrush, hand sanitizer, insect repellant, hair brush/comb and nail clippers among others), a basic medical kit.
Need for travel insurance
Do you really need travel insurance for you Uganda safari? As long as you are heading on an adventure (gorilla trekking, mountain climbing, chimpanzee tracking, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, and others), then you need travel insurance. However, comprehensive travel insurance is recommended because you are traveling far from home then you will need to be covered for flight cancellations, emergency medical expenses and others.
Uganda Visa requirements
You may/ or may not need a Visa to access Uganda, and this largely depends on your country of origin. Travelers from certain countries are allowed to visit the country for travel and tourism for 90 days while some can stay in the country for 90 days Visa-free.
Money advice
The Uganda Shilling is the local currency of this country and is in form of notes (1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000 and 50000) and coins (50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000). It is advised to always convert your foreign currencies into the local currency for easy transactions.
Tipping during Uganda safaris
Tipping isn’t obligatory in Uganda but if you are satisfied with a service, it is courteous to do so. A 10-15% of your bill is acceptable in a restaurant or taxi fares. For trackers and Rangers guides, a tip of $10-$15 per guide is wonderful to appreciate the efforts they put to create memorable memories.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Uganda?
Tap water is not safe for drinking or even brushing teeth in Uganda and instead, opt for bottled water because it is cleaner. Most Safari Lodges/Hotels you will visit usually operate water filtration systems that make water more drinkable.
Getting around Uganda
You will not experience the same standard of public transportation as you do back home and therefore, the more comfortable options are taxi (Uber, Safe Boda, and Bolt among others), Car Hire or domestic flights. There are no speed trains or Metro in this country.