Discover the Beauty and Adventure of Uganda: A Travel Guide
A small, landlocked country straddling the equator between Kenya and the DRC in Eastern Africa, Uganda is one of the continent’s most beautiful destinations and boasts an astonishing variety of scenery, culture and wildlife. It also has a reputation as ‘Africa’s friendliest country’, thanks to its likeable people. The enlightened management of 10 national parks, as well as the introduction of eco-tourism projects, adventure sports and unique gorilla-trekking opportunities have put the country back on the tourist circuit after years of misrule.
Uganda’s variety of landscapes is as astounding as its biodiversity. Forested crater lakes on the floor of the Rift Valley give way to typical East African savannah as well as tropical rainforest. The glacial peaks of the highest mountain range in Africa, the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ or Rwenzori Mountains that mark the country’s western border, as well as a number of extinct volcanoes, make for world-class hiking and mountaineering. There are several large bodies of water, including the massive Lake Victoria, which it shares with Tanzania and Kenya. The myriad islands dotting Lake Victoria and Lake Bunyoni are ideal birdwatching locations. Lake Victoria is also the source of the Nile, the longest river in the world, which passes through the impressive Murchison Falls and creates some of the most exciting white water rafting on earth.
What truly makes Uganda a unique safari destination is its remarkable concentration of primates, which is the highest on earth. People are drawn from around the world to track chimpanzees and to experience the face to face encounter of a lifetime: the massive mountain gorilla.
Accommodation options in Uganda range from budget to high-end. Entebbe, Kampala and Jinja have more expensive, international-standard hotels, and there are upmarket lodges in some of the country’s national parks. Some hotels offer bandas, which are separate rooms or cottages within the hotel complex; cheaper hotels are found in main centres, smaller towns and villages.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English and Swahili are the official national languages in Uganda. Luganda is also widely spoken and is the most common of the numerous indigenous languages.
- Passport/Visa:
All visitors require a passport that is valid for at least six months on entry. Visitors must hold return or onward tickets, proof of the reason for their visit, an address and contact number in Uganda, and sufficient funds. Visas can be obtained on arrival at the country’s ports of entry, online or at the Ugandan High Commission. Authorisation is granted via email, which should be printed and given to immigration officials on arrival in Uganda, along with the required fee in cash. A valid ‘East African Tourist Visa’ issued by Kenya or Rwanda is accepted, provided visitors have first entered the country that issued the visa.
- Currency:
The official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change; the best currencies to change are US Dollars, Euros, or Pounds Sterling, but visitors should only exchange at official establishments. ATMs are available in major towns and cities. Credit cards are only accepted at major hotels, shops, and restaurants, usually only Kampala and other main towns.
- Electricity:
- The electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin, rectangular blade plugs are in use.
Climate in Uganda
Uganda’s tropical climate has little variation in temperature throughout the year. Distinctive wet and dry seasons characterise most of the country, except in the semi-arid north east. The dry season generally runs from December to February and mid-June to mid-August; the two rainy seasons are from March to May, and September to November. It’s advisable to visit Uganda is in the drier months, specifically January and February, and June to September, as this is the best time to go gorilla-trekking.
Health Notes when travelling to Uganda
Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most common complaint for visitors to Uganda. Recommended vaccinations include Covid-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid; visitors require vaccination against yellow fever. Cholera outbreaks occur occasionally, but most travellers are at low risk of infection. Bottled water is widely available. Visitors should take prescription medicine to prevent Malaria, and should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV or AIDS. Outbreaks of meningitis occur and visitors should insure that vaccinations are up to date. Uganda has also seen outbreaks of Ebola in the past, so visitors should follow guidance from agencies such as the UK Health Security Agency. Limited health facilities are available outside of Kampala; comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to Uganda
Most national parks are safe to visit and a holiday to Uganda is generally trouble free. Kampala, the capital, is a relatively safe city, though visitors should take sensible precautions against opportunistic crime and at night. Theft of EU passports has been on the increase.
Due to the risk of banditry and attacks by rebel groups and tribal clashes, most foreign governments advise against travel to the northeast of Uganda. Travellers in the northwest near the border with Sudan and the DRC are also at risk of banditry, and travel outside of the main towns is to be avoided after dark.
Areas bordering Sudan in the north, the region known as West Nile in the north west (except Arua town, which can be visited by air), and the Karamoja region of north eastern Uganda are insecure and can pose a serious risk to travellers. Kidepo Valley National Park should be visited by air only. Gorilla trekking excursions that cross over into the DRC should be avoided.
Customs in Uganda
Visitors to Uganda are advised not to take photographs of military or official sites, including Owen Falls Dam. Homosexual activity is illegal and not tolerated in Uganda’s conservative society.
Duty Free in Uganda
Travellers to Uganda over 18 years of age do not have to pay duty on 250g of tobacco products; one litre of spirits or two litres of wine; and 500ml of perfume or eau de toilette, of which up to 250ml may be perfume.
Doing Business in Uganda
Uganda has one of the fastest-growing economies and is one of the most liberal countries in Africa. Agriculture is the largest sector of the economy, with coffee being the chief export. Uganda is most welcoming for foreign investment and business is steadily on the increase. Appointments should always be made prior to business meetings; formal dress attire is to be observed, and the shaking of hands is expected on introduction. Business is usually conducted in English and office hours are generally 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with an hour taken over lunch.
Communication in Uganda
The international dialling code for Uganda is +256. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; WiFi is available at hotels.
Tipping in Uganda
Tipping is not common at local hotels and restaurants in Uganda, but amounts of 5 to 10 percent of the bill are expected at tourist-orientated establishments. It is customary to tip guides and drivers.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors require a passport that is valid for at least six months on entry. Visitors must hold return or onward tickets, proof of the reason for their visit, an address and contact number in Uganda, and sufficient funds. Visas can be obtained on arrival at the country’s ports of entry, online or at the Ugandan High Commission. Authorisation is granted via email, which should be printed and given to immigration officials on arrival in Uganda, along with the required fee in cash. A valid ‘East African Tourist Visa’ issued by Kenya or Rwanda is accepted, provided visitors have first entered the country that issued the visa.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a passport valid for six months from date of arrival and a visa.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date and a visa.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a passport valid for six months from arrival date and a visa.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date and a visa.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date and a visa.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date and a visa.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date and a visa.
Tourist Offices
Uganda Tourist Board, Kampala: +256 (0)41 342 196 or http://www.visituganda.com
Uganda Embassies
- In the United States:
Uganda Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 726 7100.
- In Canada:
Uganda High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 7797.
- In the United Kingdom:
Uganda High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7839 5783.
- In Australia:
Uganda High Commission, ACT, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6286 1234.
- In South Africa:
Uganda High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 6031.
Foreign Embassies in Uganda
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Kampala: +256 (0)41 259 791.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Nairobi, Kenya (also responsible for Uganda): +254 (0)20 366 3000.
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Kampala: +256 (0)31 231 2000.
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Nairobi, Kenya (also responsible for Uganda): +254 (20) 4277 100.
- Irish Embassy
Ireland Embassy, Kampala: +256 (0)41 771 3000.
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Kampala: +256 (0)41 770 2100.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
