Travel to Uganda: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Planning to travel to Uganda? Then get ready for one of the most raw, intense and rewarding travel experiences in Africa.

Uganda is not your typical easy travel destination. Things don’t always go as planned, roads can be rough, and getting around takes time and patience. But that is exactly what makes traveling here so special. From unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to vibrant cities like Kampala and the natural beauty around Lake Victoria, Uganda has a way of surprising you every single day.

Whether you are visiting for safari, gorilla trekking or simply to explore one of Africa’s most underrated destinations, Uganda offers a travel experience that feels truly authentic.

I have traveled to Uganda multiple times, exploring the country on longer trips and visiting different regions along the way. It is a destination that requires a bit more preparation than most, but if you come prepared, Uganda will easily become one of your favorite countries in Africa.

If you are planning your trip, make sure to check out my Uganda itinerary for the best route through the country, as well as my guide on buying a prepaid SIM card in Uganda or my Uganda eSIM guide to stay connected while traveling.

In this complete Uganda travel guide I will share everything you need to know before you go, including safety tips, transport, costs, what to pack and how to plan your trip the right way.

This blog was initially written by award winning travel photographer Kim Paffen and constantly updated with the latest info and travel tips based on real time travel experiences.

Is Uganda Safe to Travel?

One of the most common questions when planning to travel to Uganda is about safety. The good news is that Uganda is generally considered a safe country for tourists, especially in popular travel areas.

That said, Uganda is not a destination where you can completely switch off. Like in any big city, you should stay aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings in busy places like markets or taxi parks.

In my experience, the people in Uganda are incredibly friendly and welcoming. As long as you use common sense and basic travel awareness, you are very unlikely to run into serious problems.

Uganda has low crime rates. We have always felt completely safe at all times while traveling in Uganda. Just avoid travel by road outside major towns at night. 

Use common sense at all times, take care of your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. 

It is adviced to gather the latest travel information when traveling to the South Sudan border region and Karamoja in the very north. There have been some problems reported regarding the so called Kenyan Warriors, but not against tourists.

We visited Kidepo Valley National Park, which lies close to the border with South Sudan and it was totally fine.

Visa, Vaccinations & Entry Requirements for Uganda

Most travelers need a visa to enter Uganda, which can easily be arranged online before your trip. Make sure to check the latest requirements based on your nationality.

E-visa

Almost every traveler will need a visa when traveling to Uganda. Check out the visa policy for Uganda here.

When flying to Uganda, an e-visas is mandatory. E-visas can be purchased online through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration. This is the only authentic Visa Application Portal for Uganda visas and it costs around $50 USD, exclusive service fee.

The Uganda e-visa is quick and easy, but they require a passport-copy, recent passport-size photograph and your yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Avoid other (fraudulent) portals where you'll pay much more for your Uganda visa!

Visa on arrival (overland borders)

There is also the opportunity to get a visa on arrival for Uganda, but only at the land borders and kind of unofficially. Some travelers I know still managed to get a visa on arrival crossing overland from Kenya, but officially the e-visa replaced all visa on arrivals for Uganda. So we recommend getting the e-visa for Uganda.

Traveltomtom traveled overland from Bukoba in Tanzania to Masaka in Uganda. The whole border process took just about 5 minutes. Just have your dollar bills ready and a visa on arrival will be fixed in just a couple minutes.

Eastern African Community single tourists visa

If you are planning to travel to Kenya and Rwanda on the same trip then the Eastern African Community tourists visa is worth applying for.

The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) cost $100 USD and is valid for 90 days. As soon as you leave one the 3 countries, it loses its validity.

You get a single entry tourist visa for these three countries, but within its borders it is multiple entry.

When I entered overland the Eastern African visa was SOLD OUT!

Vaccinations

A Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory when traveling to Uganda. You may be asked to show proof of vaccination upon arrival, so don’t forget to bring your vaccination certificate.

It is always a good idea to double check entry requirements before departure, as regulations can change.

On top of that it is also advised you get vaccinations for DTP, Hepatitis A and malaria. Some organizations may advice you to take Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis B and Rabies as well. 

Is there Malaria in Uganda?

There is a risk of Malaria throughout the country and therefore all Uganda travel guides will recommended you to take Malaria medication.

If you go to the rural Northern areas for example traveling to Murchison Falls, most travelers take malaria pills.

Traveltomtom writer Kim Paffen traveled on a 3 week itinerary around Uganda and she decided to use malaria medication. Personally I did not take malaria medication on any of trips to Uganda.

In general the most important is to protect yourself against mosquito bites and it can be as simple as wearing long pants and sleeves just before sunset. If you want a plant based medicinal protection against malaria, have a look into using Artemisia.

Best Time to Visit Uganda

Uganda can be visited year round, but the dry seasons (from June to August and from December to February) are generally considered the best time to travel. During these months, roads are easier to navigate and wildlife viewing conditions are better.

The gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be done year round. Keep in mind that places like Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, etc. can get cold at night even in summer due to their high altitudes.

The rainy seasons can still be a good time to visit (March, April and May), but expect muddy roads and longer travel times. If you are planning gorilla trekking, dry conditions usually make the experience more comfortable.

The high season is from June to September, but it will never get really crowded. There is no peak season for traveling to Uganda.

How to Get Around Uganda

Getting around Uganda can take time, and distances often feel longer than they look on a map. Roads are not always in great condition, and traffic can slow things down, especially around cities.

Most travelers choose to explore Uganda with a private driver or as part of an organized tour. This makes traveling a lot easier and more comfortable.

Public transport is available, but it can be confusing and less reliable if you are not familiar with the system.

Having a reliable internet connection on your phone is therefore essential for navigation, communication and planning your route on the go. If you want to be connected from the moment you arrive, check out my guide to the best eSIMs for Uganda.

Road conditions in Uganda

There are a lot of road works in Uganda and although many roads improved a lot in recent years, some roads are still in a very bad condition. Depending on the weather it sometimes can be challenging to travel around Uganda.

If you choose to drive yourself (which is an option) I would suggest driving a 4WD. Keep in mind that in Uganda they drive on the left side of the road.

Contact UWA Headquarters to obtain up-to-date advice about the road conditions and identify the preferred route when visiting Uganda. Especially if you consider an approach through Karamoja (like me).

Some roads can be very bad after heavy rains. In that case it's better to take an alternative route. There are a lot of investments in Uganda tourism and (new) roads, so the up-to-date UWA information can come in very handy.

Boda Boda's

Traveltomtom named Uganda the Vietnam of Africa. If you have ever visited Vietnam then you know what that means: motorbikes everywhere and in Uganda they call them Boda Boda.

Boda Boda's are the main mode of transportation for local people in Uganda, not for tourists. However, there are motorbikes everywhere and Traveltomtom made great use of that. Big parts of my overland trip in Uganda I used boda boda's.

For example a Boda Boda from Entebbe to Kampala is about 50 minutes and should not cost more than 50,000 UGX (~ $14 USD), but you can negotiate it down to 30,000 UGX (~$8 USD).

Traveltomtom also traveled by Boda Boda from Kampala to Jinja for 80,000 UGX, a 2.5h trip for around $22 USD.

If you are up for an adventure then traveling by motorbike in Uganda is pretty wild!

There is Uber and Bolt in Uganda

Looking for a safe way to travel then we recommend you to use one of the ride hailing apps that are available in Uganda. The most common one to Western tourists is of course Uber, but there is also Bolt in Uganda.

If you visit off the beaten path tourist destinations in Uganda, don't expect to find an Uber or Bolt, it is limited to the bigger cities only.

When looking for food delivery apps then download the Glovo app. There is no Uber Eats in Uganda, but Glovo works fine. However, it is limited to Kampala mostly. Glovo can do grocery shopping for you or deliver you stuff from the pharmacy.

Self drive vs. hiring a driver

There are a lot of tourists on the road exploring the country on a self driving tour. All of the people Traveltomtom met on his recent trip to Uganda that were renting a car and self driving had a 4x4. A bunch of them were actually carrying camping gear and camped most of the time.

Renting a 4x4 car in Uganda is not cheap. Expect to spend about $100 USD per day, if you are hiring a driver, expect to pay around $150 - $200 USD per day.

A big tourist vehicle can hold up to 6 people though, so if you are with a group that would be best and then I definitely suggest renting a big 4x4 including a driver.

Hiring a car with driver in Uganda gives you time to enjoy the long road trips. The landscapes are amazing and there is so much to see along the road. Main roads are pretty ok, however if you go to specific tourist spots like National Parks, then road suddenly get much worse.

As soon as you turn off from the main roads, traveling in Uganda become much more difficult. Road conditions are bad and having a driver will save you a lot of stress and hassle. My recommendations is to rent a car with driver for a road trip in Uganda, however it is obviously much more expensive.

When self driving you will also have to deal with the many police checks yourself. In general they won't stop tourist vehicles, but some travelers reported they had to pay small bribes. Corruption is present in Uganda, but in general tourists should be totally fine.

Gas stations in Uganda

Always make sure you have enough fuel for a long journey. In general there is no shortage of gas stations along the route, but plan your Uganda road trip itinerary carefully.

For example if you decide to visit Kidepo National Park. It's a long journey up north and you need enough fuel (including your game drive activities in the national park) since there is no gas station in or around Kidepo Valley National Park. The nearest gas stations are in Kaabong and Kitgum.

Money, Costs & ATMs in Uganda

Uganda is generally an affordable destination, but certain activities like gorilla trekking can be expensive. A gorilla permit is one of the biggest costs when planning your trip.

Cash is still widely used, especially outside major cities. There are lots of ATMs but it is always a good idea to carry some cash with you when traveling in Uganda.

What is the currency in Uganda

The name of the local currency in Uganda is the Shilling (UGX). Uganda is still a cash country and card payments are not common.

Most hotels and lodges and even at the Uganda National Parks you can pay with either credit cards as well as USD, Euros and GBP these days. So when paying for example the $700 National Park fee for mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi there is no need to bring stacks of Uganda cash.

Makes sure you always have Uganda Shillings (UGX) on you during your Uganda trip. Small bills like 1,000 UGX are the equivalent of just 25 dollar cents, but they are worth big smiles if you give them to locals as a tip. Try to buy local to support local people in Uganda.

ATM's in Uganda

ATM's are widely available in places like Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja. In more remote areas there are also ATM's but few of them accept foreign bank cards. Therefore make sure to plan in advance and always carry cash on you.

A couple year ago on one of my trips to Uganda I had problems withdrawing money from ATM's. Apparently my bank (Revolut) suspended all transactions in Uganda. This came as a total surprise and things got a little complicated. Luckily I had some cash and used another Visa credit card to withdraw money.

As of today Revolut card work again in Uganda without any issues.

The Standard Chartered Bank charges the highest fees for withdrawing money: 20,000 UGX = ~$5 USD. Stanbic Bank and Absa Bank charge 12,000 UGX = ~$3 USD.

The best ATM in Uganda for foreign bank cards is Bank of Baroda. They do NOT charge a fee for withdrawing money.

Exchange money

You will get the best value for money when you exchange US dollar into Ugandan Shilling at a Forex office in one of the towns. You can also change money at the Entebbe Airport, but the rates are significantly lower. There are exchange offices all around the bigger towns and the Uganda tourist attractions.

Always look up the US Dollar/UGX exchange rate before exchange money. Some Ugandans are very 'creative' with converting their currency in US Dollars or Euros. 

Internet & SIM Cards in Uganda

Staying connected while traveling in Uganda makes things a lot easier, especially for navigation, communication and booking transport.

I highly recommend to stay connected when traveling to Uganda. Buying a local SIM card in Uganda when you arrive is cheap and reliable. For a full comparison of networks, prices and my personal recommendations, check out my guide for the best prepaid SIM card in Uganda or get yourself an eSIM for Uganda. Airalo has los of Uganda eSIM plans for tourists.

There is also the opportunity to directly buy a SIM card at Entebbe Airport on arrival.

Wifi in Uganda

Let's not talk around the bush, the WiFi in Uganda is shit. Although most lodges offer free Wi-Fi in their main areas, it is more often not working or it is very slow. Get yourself a local SIM card or an eSIM. Just don't rely on WiFi when traveling in Uganda.

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Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

For many travelers, gorilla trekking is the main reason to visit Uganda. Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of traveling in East Africa.

Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and permits need to be booked in advance. It is a physically demanding activity, but absolutely worth it.

Gorilla trekking permits

Secure your gorilla or chimpanzee trekking permits prior to arrival to avoid disappointment! The permits are issued by UWA that markets them through Uganda Tour Operators to the public.

You can obtain and pay the Gorilla trekking permit directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority website.

It is best to book your trekking permit (or a complete trekking tour) with a tour operator that is a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators. The mountain gorilla trekking permits cost $800 USD for foreign non-residents.

I advise you to apply for a permit 6 months prior to the preferred trekking date. Permits from June - August and December and February tend to sell out quickly because of high season.

Last minute bookings may be possible during low season. For more info read my ultimate Uganda gorilla trekking guide.

National Park Fees

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has set fixed fees for visiting national parks in Uganda. Park entrance fees differ a little per National Park but most of the famous tourists spots in Uganda are around $50 USD for tourists. Some small reserves only charge $15 USD for foreign non-residents (FNR).

Be aware that National Park fees in Uganda are per 24 hours. That means you can be creative with the park fees when you schedule it right.

For vehicles you pay an additional national park fee. The national park fees for cars are a single payment so you don't pay per day. Expect to pay around 40,000 UGX (~$10 USD)

Example: you visit Uganda with your partner and stay 2 days in each national park. You visit 4 of the most popular National Parks then you pay the following national park fees: 4 * 2 * 2 * $50 = $800 USD.

On top of that you would have to pay for the vehicle: 4 * $10 = $40 USD. It might sound a lot but traveling in Uganda is worth it.

How Many Days Do You Need in Uganda?

To really explore Uganda, you should plan at least 2 to 3 weeks. This allows you to combine gorilla trekking, safari experiences and time in places like Kampala or around Lake Victoria.

If you have less time, it is still possible to focus on a specific region, but expect a tighter schedule.

Check out our ultimate 3 week Uganda itinerary with all the highlights, best places to visit and things to do.

What to Pack for Uganda

Packing for Uganda is all about being prepared for different conditions. The weather can change quickly, and you will likely move between cities, national parks and rural areas.

Bring light clothing, comfortable shoes, a rain jacket and something warmer for cooler mornings or evenings. If you are planning gorilla trekking, proper hiking gear is essential.

What to bring to Uganda

Remember to dress respectfully. Uganda is conservative, so in general it's better to avoid short skirts or shorts in bigger cities.

For women it's best to bring an over the knee skirt because it's impolite to wear trousers or shorts while visiting local community. I did wear shorts during day activities like hikes, safaris or boat tours, no problem.

Pack comfortable shoes for trekking. Some parts on the chimpanzee or gorilla trekking can be very muddy and slippery. It's also good to pack gaiters, gloves, a rain jacket/poncho and a hat. Although it's hot wear long trousers and thin long-sleeved shirts to protect your arms and legs from scratches.

Long clothing will also help protect you from diseases carried by mosquitoes and other insects such as tsetse flies. In general you should bring a flashlight, daypack, insect repellent, malaria pills for some areas, waterproof bags and an international driving license if you're thinking of driving yourself.

Since you will probably meet a lot of children on your way, consider bringing some pencils to give to them (in stead of candies or money).

Camera gear and equipment

It depends on your interest, but avid photographers and wildlife enthusiasts I recommend to bring the following to Uganda:

• Descent camera: for example a DSLR with several lenses or a camera with enough optical zoom. What I packed in my photography bag was a Canon 5D Mark IV with a Canon 100-400mm lens, Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 lens and a Canon 16-35mm 2.8 lens.
• A solid tripod.
• Enough batteries and memory cards.
• Binoculars, but many driver guides also have binoculars in their car.

For more about what Traveltomtom takes with him on his travel adventures around the world check out my travel gear list and have a look inside my bag.

Quick packing list for Uganda

Here are all the above mentioned items in one Uganda packing list:

• Over the knee skirt (women)
• Sarong to wrap around you
• Gaiters
• Gloves
• Rain jacket
• Poncho
• Hat
• Long sleeve t-shirt
• Long trousers
• Flashlight
• Daypack
• Backpack
• Insect repellent
• Malaria pills
• UK electricity plug adapter
• International drivers license
• Passport
• Gifts for children
• Camera gear
• Binoculars
• Tripod
• Extra batteries
• Memory cards

Daily Life & Culture in Uganda

Traveling to Uganda is not just about safaris and gorilla trekking. It is also about experiencing the local culture, food and everyday life.

What is the food like in Uganda?

Ugandan food is simple, filling and based on local ingredients. Expect dishes with rice, beans, cassava, matoke (plantain) and grilled meat. It is not the most diverse cuisine in the world, but it is authentic.

A lot of local dishes are a mix of matoke (cooked bananas), potatoes, simple salad and a sauce made of grounded peanuts. The sauce is very similar to satay sauce from Indonesia.

Don't be shy to try a local restaurant, food is fresh and clean. Locals love it if tourists come and try their local dishes and they shouldn't cost more than $2 USD per dish.

When traveling in Uganda you will also quickly find out that there is a huge Indian influence and that is why you can find Indian food everywhere. Traveltomtom has visited India a lot and loves Indian food, but in Uganda they prepare very good Indian food too.

One more great thing to mention about Ugandan food is that there are fresh fruits everywhere. You can find it on the streets and it is CHEAP!

Are you staying in more upscale lodges, then meals are often included. That means you will be served a 3 course meal every evening, which mostly is Western orientated dishes like pasta, steak, fish, etc.

What is a Ugandan Rolex?

A Ugandan Rolex has nothing to do with a luxury watch. It is one of the most popular street foods in the country: a chapati rolled with eggs and vegetables. Cheap, quick and surprisingly tasty.

You can buy it everywhere along the street.

Personally I ate it several times as breakfast but also as lunch. It is very tasty. A street food Rolex shouldn't cost more than 2,000 UGX (~$0.5 USD).

Languages in Uganda

Uganda counts more than 40 languages, every tribe speaks their own language. Uniform language especially in and around the famous tourist places in Uganda is luckily English. If you go off the beaten path you could run into places where English is not spoken very well, but in general you shouldn't have any problems communicating with local people.

In general all the Ugandans are very friendly people. It's impolite to only say 'Hi!' So instead use 'How are you?'. Even children will greet you with 'How are you?' They also love to touch your soft 'Muzungu' skin.

Here are some words in local Uganda language that you could use and local people would totally love it.

Fun fact: In 1908 Winston Churchill spoke the following famous quote about Uganda that still resonates in Uganda nowadays:

"For magnificence, for variety of form and color, for profusion of brilliant life - bird, insect, reptile, beast - for vast scale, Uganda is truly the Pearl of Africa."

Costs, Budget & Money Tips for Uganda

Is Uganda expensive to visit?

Uganda can be both affordable and expensive depending on your travel style. Daily costs are relatively low, but activities like gorilla trekking significantly increase your budget.

In case you didn't know yet, traveling in Africa can be really expensive and Uganda is no exception. If you eat local, sleep local and travel local then you can travel Africa on a budget. But as soon as you want to see some of the best places to visit in Uganda, things get a lot more expensive.

In all honesty some travel experiences in Uganda are very expensive! Traveltomtom has visited almost every country in the world and especially on his overland trip in Africa he found Uganda to be one of the more expensive countries

For example a 3d/2n trip to Murchison Falls from Entebbe was close to $500 USD. Bargaining about these trip prices is not easy either. It is the National Park fees, the tour operators, the local guides, the transportation, etc. that make these tours in Uganda expensive.

How much do excursions cost in Uganda?

Excursions vary widely in price. Safari tours and gorilla trekking permits are the biggest expenses, while local tours and activities are generally more affordable.

While planning your trip to Uganda you will find out that touristy things are NOT cheap. For example I was surprised that white water rafting on the Nile River in Jinja costs somewhere around $120 USD. It is a full day trip, but still... local life in Uganda is cheap so I expected cheaper prices for activities in Uganda.

Excursion prices vary enormously, so always shop around.

How to travel Uganda on a budget

Traveling Uganda on a budget is possible by using local transport, staying in budget accommodations and limiting high-cost activities. However, distances are long, so transport can still add up.

Traveltomtom did expensive guided tours and safaris in Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Chimpanzee Trekking and of course the gorillas trekking in Bwindi National Park, but also traveled overland throughout the country on a budget.

Local busses are cheap and the more local you go, the cheaper it becomes. Of course it also becomes less comfortable and it will take much more time.

A 2-3 hour bus ride should not cost more than $5 USD. There are busses in every direction. Big coaches are pretty comfortable.

You can also negotiate to take the front seat in one of the smaller vans called Matatus and pay for 2 seats. Traveltomtom always bought the driver and his helper a drink or some snacks, it is a couple cents, but it makes your trip much more comfortable.

When visiting National Parks try to hitch a ride with some other tourists. You will still have to pay the national park fees, but it is a great way to save on guided safaris.

When visiting the mountain gorillas there is no other way then paying for permit that includes a guided trekking.

Some places to visit in Uganda are free, like the equator sign!

Do you tip in Uganda?

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants and for guides or drivers, a small tip is a nice gesture for good service.

Most guides expect a small tip after for example a bout tour, game drive or a nature walk. Because locals have limited access to exchange tips in a foreign currency, the best thing to do is tipping them in Ugandan Shilling.

The average monthly income in Uganda varies throughout the country and ranges between 500.000 UGX (~$140 USD) and 1.000.000 UGX (~$280 USD) . Tipping someone a couple dollars will give you a lot of smiles throughout your trip to Uganda.

Ugandan people are super friendly, especially the ones in the tourism business and those who speak English. I am sure you will see a lot of big smiles leaving a couple dollars behind as a tip.

Practical Travel Tips for Uganda

Can you drink tap water in Uganda?

No, it is not recommended to drink tap water in Uganda. Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues.

You just don't want to ruin you Uganda trip by being brave and trying to drink the tap water. It is not worth it.

That said, it is totally fine to use it to brush your teeth, wash your face and mouth, etc. Don't panic when you accidentally swallow a little bit of the tap water in Uganda. You will be fine, no worries.

Our advice is to buy bottled drinking water, that way you are also supporting local businesses.

Electricity plugs in Uganda

Uganda uses UK-style Type G plugs. Make sure to bring a universal travel adapter so you can charge your devices.

Some remote areas do not even have proper electricity facilities and most of the lodges in Uganda use solar energy or generators, which means there is only power at certain times of the day and electricity plugs are limited.

Therefore it isn't always possible to charge your devices in your room. In some places you will be able to charge your phone, but laptops or camera batteries have to be charged in the reception or main area. This is common practice in safari lodges in Uganda

Hairdryers use too much power so these are often not available.

A helpful Uganda travel tip is to bring powerful powerbanks to charge your devices when needed and bring extra batteries for cameras, etc.

Best Places to Visit in Uganda

Uganda offers a wide variety of destinations, from national parks and wildlife experiences to vibrant cities and lakeside escapes.

Things to do and places to visit in Uganda

The main highlights include gorilla trekking in Bwindi, safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and exploring the capital Kampala.

We already spoke about the Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park, which obviously is the major tourist attraction in Uganda, but there is much more to see and do.

The Chimpanzee trekking is another amazing thing to do in Uganda and a must see when you are a wildlife lover are the tree climbing lions. It is a very rare phenomenon but you can see them in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Apart from the stunning wildlife there are some epic waterfalls to visit. A tour to Murchison Falls is a very popular tourist destination and a little more off the beaten path are the Sipi Falls. Just about 80 kilometer East of Kampala you will find the laidback city of Jinja, where you can find the source of the Nile and where white water rafting is the number one thing to do.

A place to visit in Uganda that is popular with backpackers and bird watchers is Lake Bunyonyi. A stunning crater lake with numerous islands. Kayaking and taking in the stunning views while swinging in a hammock are great things to do here.

Near Lake Bonyonyi there is Lake Mburo National Park and much more to the Northeast there is Mbale and Kidepo Valley National Park which are popular places to visit in Uganda.

Visiting Uganda is ADVENTURE!

Visit Kampala if you dare

Kampala is chaotic, intense and not for everyone, but it is one of the most authentic city experiences in Africa. If you want to understand Uganda, you should spend at least a day exploring its capital.

Are you ready for an adventure then definitely don't miss out on visiting Kampala. I totally understand it is not for everyone, but when you want to see some extraordinary city life I recommend you to check it out.

Traveltomtom has traveled to almost every country in the world and Kampala is one of his favorite chaotic cities along with Douala, Cameroon and Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The traffic is crazy, the amount of people is insane, yes it is dirty, but yes I still recommend visiting Kampala. Why? It is a fantastic experience with a dozen impressions on every street corner.

Must visit in Kampala is visiting the Gaddafi Mosque and the bustling local markets. Check out my full list of the best things to do in Kampala.

FAQ About Traveling to Uganda

Is Uganda safe for tourists?

Yes, Uganda is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular travel areas. Like anywhere, you should stay aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings in busy places.

Do you need a visa to travel to Uganda?

Most travelers need a visa to enter Uganda. This can usually be arranged online before your trip. Always check the latest requirements based on your nationality.

What is the best time to travel to Uganda?

The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons, when roads are easier to navigate and travel conditions are more comfortable. However, Uganda can be visited year round.

How expensive is Uganda for tourists?

Uganda is generally affordable for daily travel, but activities like gorilla trekking can be expensive. Your overall budget depends heavily on your travel style and itinerary.

Can you travel Uganda independently?

Yes, it is possible to travel Uganda independently, but many travelers choose to hire a driver or join a tour due to long distances and road conditions.

Do you need a SIM card in Uganda?

Yes, having a local SIM card is highly recommended. It makes navigation, communication and booking transport much easier while traveling around Uganda.

Is Uganda worth visiting?

Uganda is absolutely worth visiting if you are looking for an authentic and adventurous travel experience. From gorilla trekking to vibrant local culture, it is one of the most unique destinations in Africa.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Uganda is not the easiest trip you will ever take, but that is exactly what makes it so rewarding.

This is a destination where things don’t always go according to plan, where travel days can be long and where you need a bit more patience than usual. But in return, Uganda offers experiences that feel real, raw and unforgettable.

From standing face to face with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to navigating the chaotic streets of Kampala and watching daily life unfold around you, this is a country that leaves a lasting impression.

Planning your trip to Uganda is part of the adventure itself. Make sure you are prepared, stay flexible and don’t forget to arrange your data connection in advance. Check my guide to the best eSIMs for Uganda to make your trip a little smoother.

Check out our Ultimate Uganda itinerary including the best places to visit or read my diary style blog about Uganda. My first trip to Uganda was country no. 111 on my journey to visit every country in the world

If you come prepared, keep an open mind and embrace the unpredictability, Uganda will give you one of the most unique travel experiences in Africa.

And honestly… that is exactly why I keep coming back to "The Pearl of Africa".

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