Uganda General Travel Information

This Uganda general travel information resource will help you easily understand and plan a safari to Uganda that best suits your specific travel interests.

For the curious traveler, Uganda is a small country that truly keeps on giving in terms of what you could see, do, and experience.

While mountain gorillas, savannah wildlife, and the river Nile will intrigue everyone, there is so much more to this small beautiful country. If you want to climb the toughest mountain summit in Africa and experience the permanent snow near the equator, Uganda’s Mountains of the moon will put up the challenge you seek.

With stunning attractions and warm welcoming people all over the country, it is no wonder that Sir Winston Churchill nicknamed Uganda the Pearl of Africa after his visit in 1907.

If you are thinking about visiting Uganda, this page will help introduce you to most of the common travel topics and questions related to Uganda. Explore the various sections and the linked articles which will go into more detail.

From Visas, food, insurance, accommodation, tipping, and more, this is a great place to start and learn all about traveling to and throughout Uganda.

We encourage you to feel free to talk to us for further clarification or advice. We love hearing from fellow travelers and sharing our expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some quick answers to common questions about visiting Uganda.

Is Uganda Safe for Tourists to Visit?

Uganda is a safe country for all people to visit and live in. You can go travel at any time of the day or night and visit any part of Uganda without feeling unsafe or unwelcome.

Here is our article that properly documents everything you need to know about whether Uganda is safe to visit or not.

Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?

Most foreign nationalities require a visa to visit Uganda. The Uganda visa costs 50 USD per person for 90 days.

The Uganda Tourist visa can be applied for online or on arrival at Entebbe Airport or the other entry ports. Here is all you need to know about the process and requirements for obtaining a Uganda visa for tourists.

Alternatively, you can also get an East African Tourist visa that will allow you to visit both Rwanda and Kenya alongside Uganda.

Uganda’s Climate & Weather

Uganda enjoys warm and sunny days all year round and you can visit Uganda any time of the year. Depending on your specific preferred safari activities, we’ll advise you on the absolute best time to go on your safari.

Here is a guide to Uganda’s climate and weather to give you some insight to help you understand Uganda’s seasons.

International Flights to Uganda

You can come to Uganda from all parts of the world and fly into Entebbe International Airport. Depending on where you are coming from there are many flight options.

Here is a more detailed look at how long it takes to fly to Uganda.

Will I have Internet to connect home?

More than 99% of Uganda has access to 4G broadband/mobile internet and most hotels have free wifi. You will be able to connect with your loved ones at home and online.

Here is the full Uganda wifi and internet access guide to reassure you that your connection to the world won’t be cut because you are in the wild.

Should I carry extra money on safari?

Yes. We advise everyone to carry extra spending money for their safari. Our packages are often all-inclusive, and your extra cash is useful when you need to buy a nice souvenir to take home or give a tip to someone who has given you a service/good.

It is up to you how much you will need for your whole trip. Here is a full article about money on safari and how you should approach the decision of how much is enough.

What is Uganda’s tipping etiquette?

Uganda has no tipping culture and so there are no ‘hard’ rules or expectations. Generally, tipping is at your decretion depending on your level of appreciation.

On safari, your guide can always help you if you are wondering what to tip. Take a look at our article on safari tipping and gratuities to help you get an idea of what to tip.

Should I buy Travel Insurance?

It is a strong recommendation that you are covered by some type of travel and medical insurance. This is especially important for your own peace of mind. Should you require further information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Staying fit and healthy

We want you to be in tip-top health condition so that you will enjoy every waking moment of your safari in Uganda with us. Generally, you should consult with your doctor for professional advice.

Here is an article to help you understand what you should think about when it comes to staying healthy on a holiday safari in Uganda.

How will I move around Uganda

Road transport is the main mode of transport within Uganda. Uganda’s road network is constantly expanding and you will be traveling to various parts of the country on well-surfaced tarmac roads.

Some sections will have dirt roads, and you will find dirt roads in the protected wildlife areas. This is a very easy challenge for our 4WD custom safari cars.

Take a look at this article that looks deeper into Uganda’s roads, distances, and road safety.

There are options for flying to various national parks with domestic chartered flights.

What should I pack for my Uganda Safari?

Since Uganda is warm and sunny, you will need to carry light clothing suitable for the weather. Depending on your specific activities and time of travel, the packing list might change slightly.

Here is a guide on how to approach luggage and packing for Uganda safari

Will I actually see mountain gorillas?

While we can’t give a 100% guarantee – because they are wild animals, you will have a 99.9% chance of seeing gorillas in Uganda. Uganda has the largest number of gorillas and tourists enjoy visiting them every day of the year.

Children under 15 years will not be allowed to do gorilla trekking. Check out the full article on gorilla trekking eligibility to make sure you will ACTUALLY be allowed to meet the gorillas.

How is the accommodation in Uganda?

Most of Uganda’s tourist attractions and parks have well-developed accommodation infrastructure and you will have many choices to pick from. There are budget, standard, luxury, and camping options to fit any style and budget.

For our guests, we use hotels and lodges whose track record is well known and with whom we have developed a good working relationship for many years. This article about tourist accommodation in Uganda gives a deeper understanding of the subject.

Can I Taking photos & videos on safari?

Personal filming of all safari activities is free of charge and you should feel free to carry your camera for capturing your wonderful time with the gorillas, chimps, wildlife, and all of Uganda.

Professional set ups have different requirements and are charged an extra fee. If you want to do professional work with specific needs, reach out and we’ll get all the clearance for you ahead of time.

For your normal safari, you will do plenty of photography to capture the moments. Here is what you should keep in mind regarding your photography on safari

Souvenirs & Curios Shopping

Souvenirs are a great way to take a physical reminder of your Uganda trip. You find souvenirs and curios in shops near the top attractions you will be visiting as well as in Kampala – Uganda’s capital.

Whether you like art or craft pieces, you will have plenty of choices to pick from. We recommend buying souvenirs from the local communities that you visit on your trip to the national parks.

Here is a full guide on souvenir buying in Uganda.

Laundry Services

Laundry is possible at most establishments in Uganda at an additional cost. Mostly it is done by hand and dried naturally outside and so this requires at least 1-2 days for turn-around depending upon the location and weather.

Please check the system upon arrival at each lodge to ensure you are not caught short with wet washing – especially in high rainfall areas such as Bwindi and Mgahinga.

Electricity

Electricity spec Uganda: 240 volts British Standard, generally through 3 pin square plugs. Some lodges and camps have power only at certain times of the day, and some charging facilities are centralized.

You will need your own charger.

In lodges/ camps utilizing solar power systems, the amount of power available for charging often depends on how sunny the weather has been and how busy the lodge is with charging equipment, so whilst they will always try to assist, continuous charging cannot be guaranteed at all times to be available.

Use of specialized breathing machines, hair dryers, curling tongs, shavers, and other electrical equipment is possible at hotels in towns and at lodges with large generator power backup systems but generally not possible at solar-powered lodges – please check your detailed itinerary to ensure you are aware of where you can utilize these items and advise your agent in advance if special arrangements need to be made e.g. for breathing machines.

The safari vehicles you travel in may also have inverter systems for charging items but this facility is not guaranteed.

Reference Books

If you particularly enjoy bird-watching, try and get hold of an East African bird book – it will make your journey even more enjoyable. The guide generally carries a set of reference books for the entire group’s use and local maps. Binoculars are handy to take along.