Uganda Travel Guide

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”
AFRICAN PROVERB

I LOVE Uganda. Winston Churchill called it the ‘Pearl of Africa,’ and he wasn’t wrong! Uganda is an incredible country with lush, green landscapes and some of the friendliest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet.

Travelling here is pure magic. I first visited in 2009, crossing the border from Kenya, and it was love at first sight. No joke, the second I arrived, I was smitten. The light was golden, the landscape was a gorgeous mix of greens and oranges, and everywhere I looked, people were smiling and waving – it was like stepping into a dream.

Uganda just has this vibe. Whether you’re trekking with mountain gorillas, cruising the Nile, or chilling by Lake Victoria, it always feels special. And the people? They’re the heart of it all – so warm, so kind, and so full of life.

Every time I visit, I fall a little more in love with Uganda. If it’s not already on your list, trust me – it should be!

To help you plan your dream trip to Uganda, I’ve created this helpful Uganda Travel Guide, with lots of info and resources, useful links, and all of my Uganda blog posts!

Things To Know About Uganda

Capital: Kampala

Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

Languages: There are around 70 languages spoken in Uganda. The most spoken local language is Luganda, but English is the official language and is widely spoken. Other languages include Lusoga and Swahili, however, Swahili is associated with the military/rangers and is often used as an intimidating language.

Visa: A Single Entry Visa is $50 for most nationalities. It is advised to get in advance from the Uganda eVisa website. You can also get a Multi-Entry Visa and the East Africa Tourist Visa (definitely apply in advance for these). You can check your visa regulations here.

Main Airport(s): Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe), If you are starting at Lake Bunyoni or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kigali International Airport in Rwanda is a bit closer.

When To Go: The best time to visit Uganda is the dry seasons between June and August and December to February. For gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Mar to May and October to November are the wettest months, making trekking quite difficult. Some of the dirt roads become very difficult to drive on during this time too. Murchison Falls is generally good to visit all year round. Temperatures are generally steady all year round.

Festivals: The Nyege Nyege music festival usually takes place in September at Itanda Falls, about an hour away from Jinja.

Malaria: Malaria is a risk in Uganda so I would advise that you see a doctor before visiting to ensure you are protected. You can find more information here.

Vaccinations & Yellow Fever: You can see what vaccinations you need and whether you need a Yellow Fever certificate here and here.

Internet & Mobile: The two main networks in Uganda are Airtel and MTN. You need your passport to buy and register a SIM card.

Water: It is not advised to drink the tap water in Tanzania, so I would suggest buying bottled water, using a filter or sterilising water bottle.

Safety: Uganda is generally a safe and friendly country to visit however I would advise you to take taxis after dark and if you do need to walk at night, keep to busy streets and preferably walk in a group. Unfortunately, being gay is an illegal offence in Uganda. That includes foreigners, so please be careful.

Where to Check Travel Advisories for Uganda:

What to Pack: You can see my complete Africa Packing List here.

Plugs: In Uganda, they mostly use Type G British 3-pin style plugs (240V).

Join a Rock My Adventure Uganda Group Tour

Uganda & Rwanda

Ever dreamt of locking eyes with a gorilla or standing metres away from white rhinos? Or seeing the Nile River and going on a breathtaking safari? Then join us for an unforgettable journey spanning two extraordinary countries – Rwanda and Uganda. If you have a passion for stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and thrilling encounters with wildlife, this is the expedition you’ve been waiting for!

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