Uganda is one of Africa’s top travel destinations, offering unforgettable safaris, gorilla trekking, and cultural adventures. Known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda combines breathtaking landscapes with incredible wildlife experiences. Explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking safari, track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, or enjoy game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where elephants, lions, and hippos roam freely. For adventure seekers, the Nile River offers white-water rafting, while the Rwenzori Mountains invite scenic hikes. With welcoming people and year-round travel opportunities, Uganda is the perfect destination for your next African safari holiday.
Do I need a visa and what are the passport requirements?
Yes, most travelers require a valid passport with at least six months’ validity. You can apply for an e-Visa online, or obtain a visa on arrival. The East Africa Tourist Visa, valid for Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, is also an option if you plan to visit multiple countries.
What vaccinations and health precautions should I take?
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. Travelers are also advised to receive routine vaccinations (e.g., hepatitis A/B, typhoid, tetanus) and take malaria prophylaxis. Insect repellent and bottled water are recommended.
When is the best time to visit Uganda?
The dry seasons (June–August and December–February) are ideal for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing, offering better trail conditions and animal visibility. The wet seasons (March–May & September–November) are less crowded and great for birdwatching, though travel may be more challenging.
Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Yes—Uganda is regarded as one of Africa’s safest tourism destinations. That said, it's wise to avoid isolated areas after dark, safeguard valuables, and follow guidance from reputable tour operators.
What currency is used, and can I use credit cards or ATMs?
The official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). Credit cards are accepted in urban hotels and lodges, but cash is essential in rural areas. ATMs are available in cities but scarce in remote locations.
What should I pack for my Uganda trip?
Bring lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, comfortable hiking shoes, a rain jacket, insect repellent, a first-aid kit, and a reusable water bottle. For gorilla trekking, long pants and sturdy footwear are recommended.
What kind of wildlife and activities does Uganda offer?
Uganda is famous for mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, safaris (Big Five viewing), white-water rafting on the Nile, cultural tours, and scenic landscapes—including Lake Victoria and the Rwenzori Mountains.
What languages are spoken in Uganda?
English and Swahili are the official languages. Many locals also speak regional languages such as Luganda and Runyankole, depending on the area.
Do I need travel insurance?
While not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Ensure it covers medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellations, and activity-specific needs like trekking or safari.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.