Traveling to Uganda

Uganda is generally a safe and incredibly welcoming country – in the cities as well as in rural areas. Surprisingly it isn’t impaired by its violent past. The country is friendly, and one of the most stable and safe African nations – you’ll be amazed by the cheerfulness of its people.

Uganda can be visited the whole year round. The climate is constant so there is no winter!

There are two rainy seasons in central and south western Uganda, from March until May and from September to November when it can rain heavily sometimes, but it is still possible to travel. Only the dirt roads will be muddy in some parts during the wet season, but this can also be part of the real Ugandan experience!

The Northern parts have one dry and one wet season.

As a tourist, you can buy a visa on arrival at Entebbe airport for 50 USD or 40 Euros.

Yes you do! Check with your local health facility which vaccinations you need. You will most likely need protection from Hepatitis, Yellow fever and TB. Visit your GP or travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure to ensure you are up to date with all necessary vaccinations. Malaria is present throughout Uganda, so you will need to bring anti-malarial medication.

The local currency in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling, In most towns, you can withdraw cash from an ATM using your MasterCard. It is advisable to bring some Dollars or EUROs in case the ATM doesn’t work due to power cuts or if there’s insufficient money in the machine!

Note: At some ATMs such as Stanbic Bank you can not withdraw more than 250,000 UGSH (100 USD) per day!

Socket outlets are almost universally the British three rectangular pin variety 230V/50Hz. We recommend bringing your own adapter.

Accommodation

Yes, but it is always advisable to bring a treated travel net to be on the safe side!

Not all accommodation will have electricity. It is wise to bring enough batteries for your camera, headlight or torch.

Everywhere in Uganda, you can buy bottled drinking water. Tap water is not safe to drink in Uganda.

Travel information

Some crime is present but if you exercise basic caution and vigilance you shouldn’t experience any difficulties. While in the city centre avoid items which may draw attention to you such as expensive jewellery. When carrying cameras etc have it concealed and only take it out when you are taking the photos. In the rural areas, things are very calm, crime is low in these parts.

Credit-cards: Be careful of your card when you are here, be careful of where you use your card and always be vigil.

Saying hello is very important in every culture! In Uganda, there are more than 60 local languages, but the most common is Luganda, which is spoken in the central part of the country by the Baganda tribe.

  • Hi (informal) – “Ki kati”
  • How are you? – “Oli otya?”
  • I am OK – “Gyendi”
  • Have a nice day – “Siiba bulungi”
  • Good night (on retiring) – “Sula bulungi”
  • Farewell (to one person) – “Weeraba”
  • Farewell (to several people) – “Mweraba”
  • Sir – “Ssebo”
  • Madam – “Nnyabo”

The best advice is always listen to your guide when around wildlife. The rangers can read animal behaviour and know how near you can get on foot or with the vehicle, when an animal is distressed or hungry, or if it is likely to charge.

Culture tips

Uganda is generally a religiously conservative country with a relatively conservative dress code. This means tight clothes and even shorts may be considered inappropriate, especially up-country. Kampala is more liberal.

  • When visiting someone’s home it’s common behaviour to remove your shoes at the entrance unless your host advises otherwise.
  • Avoid public displays of affection as they are generally frowned upon.
  • Tipping is not a common practice but in the more exclusive establishments, it’s an acceptable practice.
  • While at the Lake Region watch out for mosquitoes. Protect yourself well to protect yourself against malaria.
  • In the urban centres always avoid the people who approach you and make you offers of Rolex watches, jewellery etc just smile and walk away.

Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda and will result in arrest and possible imprisonment. Same sex couples should act extremely discretely in public.