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Eastern Africa

UgandaTravel guide

Explore Uganda visa rulesCommon scams in Uganda

Uganda offers rare wildlife, mountains, lakes and busy city life. Kampala is the capital, and wildlife watching is the main attraction.

Why go

  1. Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

  2. Watch tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

  3. See Murchison Falls and the wildlife in its national park.

  4. Explore the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Bunyonyi.

  5. Go rafting on the Nile or relax on the Ssese Islands.

Best time to go: The best time depends on the region. Northern Uganda is much drier from November to February, while the Rwenzori Mountains receive heavy rain all year.

Getting there

By air

  • Entebbe International Airport is Uganda's main air travel hub.
  • The source lists flights from nearby cities including Nairobi, Kigali, Dar es Salaam and Addis Ababa.
  • Other listed departure cities include Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cairo and Johannesburg.

By land

  • Main-road border crossings from Kenya include Busia and Malaba.
  • Private vehicles, including motorcycles, require a carnet du passage, a customs document for taking a vehicle across borders.

By sea

  • Ferries serve the Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria.

Getting around

  • Buses

    Buses link major towns and are a cheap option if you have time. Many leave when full, so departure times can be uncertain. Postbus leaves from Kampala General Post Office early in the morning. Boarding partway through a journey may mean standing until a seat becomes free.

  • Minibuses

    Vehicles called taxis or takisi are usually minibuses or commuter vans on fixed routes. They serve most roads between towns, including dirt roads. They generally leave when full; quieter routes can involve a long wait.

  • Hired car with a driver

    A hired car can help you reach national parks that are difficult to visit by public transport. A four-wheel-drive vehicle with a driver provides local language help and road knowledge. Use a major agency if you need reliable help after a breakdown. Be cautious about paying cash in advance without a signed contract or breakdown support.

  • Self-drive

    Drive on the left and stay alert for potholes, pedestrians, livestock and other traffic. Heavy rain can make unpaved mountain roads in the southwest impassable. Ask how long a journey takes, rather than judging it by distance.

What to see and do

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    Its dense forest is home to mountain gorillas, other primates and many birds and butterflies.

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park

    See tree-climbing lions and other large animals. Early mornings near the Kazinga Channel offer good wildlife watching.

  • Murchison Falls National Park

    Visit for its impressive waterfalls and wildlife.

  • Rwenzori Mountains National Park

    Explore mountain landscapes with forested lower slopes and snow and glaciers on some high peaks.

  • Lake Bunyonyi

    Enjoy the lake scenery and watch the morning fog lift.

  • Lake Victoria and the Ssese Islands

    Watch fishermen from the shore or spend time on the islands and Kalangala's beaches.

Food and drink

  • Luwombo

    Meat or groundnut sauce steamed in banana leaves, served with a filling staple such as plantain or rice.

  • Matooke

    A staple made from green plantains, especially common in southern Uganda.

  • Ugandan Rolex

    An omelette with egg, onions and vegetables rolled inside a chapati flatbread.

  • Binyebwa

    Groundnut sauce, commonly found around Kampala.

  • Whole fried fish

    Mostly available by the beach and usually served with chips.

  • Other staple foods

    Millet is common in the north and potatoes in the west. Cassava, sweet potatoes, rice and posho, made from ground maize, are also common.

Money

Ugandan shilling (UGX), also written USh or Shs.

  • A price written as 5,000/- means 5,000 Ugandan shillings.
  • Do not accept banknotes from the 1987 series; they are invalid and banks cannot exchange them.
  • Some larger hotels and restaurants accept US dollars, and safaris and rafting are often priced in dollars.
  • Paying for dollar-priced activities in shillings may mean a poor exchange rate.

Tipping: Tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated.

Typical costs

  • A basic daily budget is about USh75,000, excluding park visits and expensive activities.
  • Simple rooms with shared bathrooms cost about USh15,000–30,000.
  • Hostel camping or dorm beds cost about USh9,000–18,000 per night.
  • Higher-end hotels can cost over US$100 per night.
  • The source lists gorilla permits at US$700 each in September 2023.
  • A Nile rafting trip with transport from Kampala, food and drinks costs about US$125 in the source.

Language

  • English is widely spoken, though fluency varies.
  • Luganda is widely understood in Kampala.
  • Swahili can be useful, especially in the north and east, but many Ugandans do not speak it.
  • Dozens of other African languages are spoken.
Oli otya
How are you? Pronounced roughly olio-tia.
Bulungi / gyendi
I am fine. Pronounced roughly bulunji / jiendi.
Kale
OK. Pronounced roughly kal-eh.
Nyabo
Madam.
Ssebo
Sir.
Muzungu
A term often used for foreigners, especially white people; it is not necessarily an insult.

Staying safe

  • The source warns of extreme hostility towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. It states that same-sex sexual activity can carry life imprisonment or the death penalty.
  • Women are advised never to walk alone at night because attacks and sexual assaults have occurred.
  • In Kampala, stay in tourist areas and avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewellery or large bags.
  • The source reports threats and retaliatory attacks by militant groups.
1 common scams in Uganda, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Learn a few greetings; local people often appreciate the effort.
  • Use a handshake when greeting someone. Offer your wrist if your hand is wet or dirty.
  • Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and outside tourist destinations.
  • Light trousers help visitors blend in outside tourist areas.
  • Treat religion respectfully; Christianity and Islam play an important part in society.

Don't

  • Avoid criticising religion or discussing it dismissively.
  • Avoid very revealing clothing outside the nightlife settings described in Kampala.
  • Do not assume two men holding hands are a couple; the source describes this as a sign of friendship.
  • Do not assume children calling out muzungu are insulting you; you can smile and wave or ignore it.

Staying healthy

  • Healthcare is underdeveloped and well below Western standards.
  • Avoid unprotected sex; the source reports a high rate of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome, known as HIV/AIDS.
  • Take precautions against malaria, which occurs in most low-lying areas.
  • Drink bottled water, wash fresh produce well and avoid raw food in restaurants. Carry hand sanitiser to use before meals.

Phone and internet

  • Mobile phone coverage reaches most of the country, but mountains can interrupt the signal.
  • Local phone connection cards, called SIM cards, are sold in starter packs and must be registered before use.
  • The source's 2021 registration details include a digital passport copy, a photograph holding the card and electronic fingerprints.
  • Internet cafes are available in Kampala, Jinja and larger towns, though connections can be slow.

Where to stay

  • Simple guesthouses, lodges and inns offer rooms with shared bathrooms for about USh15,000–30,000.
  • Backpacker hostels are available in Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, Masaka, Fort Portal and Kabale.
  • Hostel camping or dorm stays cost about USh9,000–18,000 per night.
  • Some hostels also offer private rooms, safari tents or cottages with cooking facilities.

East Africa Tourist Visa

One visa, 3 countries

One tourist visa covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, and you can move between them as often as you like. With it, a trip to Uganda can also take in:

  • Valid 90 days
  • Multiple entries between the three
  • Apply through the country you enter first

Whether you need the visa at all depends on your passport. Check the entry rules for Uganda before you plan the route.

Outdoor adventures in Uganda

Uganda offers gorilla tracking, wildlife safaris, mountain walks and rafting on the Nile. Jinja is a centre for adventure trips, while Lake Victoria’s islands offer beaches and forest walks. Rainfall varies across the country, and the Rwenzori Mountains receive heavy rain all year.

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla tracking

    WildlifeWestern Uganda

    One hour with the gorillas; total tracking time is not specified.

    Book through Uganda Wildlife Authority or a tour operator. Check that your permit’s starting point matches your transport and accommodation plans. Tracking uses four different starting points.

    • Permit: Yes. Buy a permit, which is permission to visit the gorillas, well ahead of time. Places are limited.
    • Cost: US$700 per permit, quoted for September 2023.
    • Groups are accompanied by armed guards.

  • River Nile rafting

    RaftingEastern Ugandanear Jinja

    Half a day to two days.

    Book with a local rafting company. Some packages include transport from Kampala, food and drinks.

    • Cost: About US$125 for a trip including transport from Kampala, food and drinks.
    • Trips range from peaceful family outings to very adventurous grade 5 rapids. Choose the level carefully.

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park safari

    SafariWestern Uganda

    Early morning around the Kazinga Channel plains; wildlife gathers here year-round.

    Arrange a safari through a tour operator. Kabarole Tours and Safari and Nature and Wildlife tours offer trips from the Fort Portal area.

  • Murchison Falls National Park wildlife watching

    Safari

    Arrange a national park safari through a tour operator. The Association of Uganda Tour Operators lists operators for different budgets.

  • Kibale Forest National Park chimpanzee tracking and birdwatching

    WildlifeWestern Ugandanear Fort Portal

    Use Fort Portal as a base. Kabarole Tours and Safari and Nature and Wildlife tours arrange chimpanzee tracking permits.

    • Permit: Chimpanzee tracking permits can be arranged through tour operators in the Fort Portal area.

  • Rwenzori Mountains trekking

    TrekSouthwestern Ugandanear Fort Portal

    Head to the Rwenzori Mountains near Fort Portal. Mitandi offers a base for exploring the mountains and learning about the local Bakonzo people.

    • The mountains receive heavy rain throughout the year.
    • Mount Stanley reaches 5,109 m, and several high peaks have snow and glaciers.

  • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park wildlife watching

    WildlifeWestern Uganda

    Include the park in a wildlife trip arranged through a tour operator. Specific access details are not given.

  • Kidepo Valley National Park safari

    SafariNortheastern Uganda

    Arrange a safari to the park in Uganda’s far northeast, near the South Sudan border. Wildlife also visits the area around Apoka Lodge.

  • Sipi waterfall hikes

    HikeEastern Ugandanear Mbale

    Travel to Sipi, about one hour from Mbale. Hire a local guide for walks to the waterfalls.

  • Ssese Islands beaches and jungle walks

    BeacheLake Victoria

    Easy Half a day for a jungle walk.

    Stay on the islands for beach time and jungle walks. The walks can be done on your own; transport details are not given.

    • Many Ugandan lakes have parasites that cause schistosomiasis. Ask locally before entering the water.

  • Lake Bunyonyi swimming and lakeside views

    More to do

    Early morning for views of the fog.

    Stay at accommodation around the lake or on its islands. Swimming is popular here.

    • The lake is very deep.
    • Low numbers of bilharzia parasites are reported, but do not treat that as a guarantee of safe swimming. Ask locally before entering.

  • Nile kayaking at Jinja

    KayakingEastern Ugandanear Jinja

    Half-day, full-day and extended trips are offered.

    Book with an adventure operator in Jinja. Calm kayak tours are among the options.

  • Nile and village horse riding safari

    SafariEastern Ugandanear Jinja

    Half-day, full-day and extended trips are offered.

    Book a horse riding trip with a Jinja adventure operator to explore the Nile area and local villages.

  • Source of the Nile quad biking

    More to doEastern Ugandanear Jinja

    Half-day, full-day and extended trips are offered.

    Rent a quad bike near the source of the Nile and take a trip with a local guide. A quad bike is a four-wheeled motorbike.

    • Trips can be speedy and dusty.

  • Jinja Nile bungee jumping

    More to doEastern Ugandanear Jinja

    Look for bungee jumping around Jinja’s Nile adventure areas. The Source of the Nile and New Jinja Bridge are named locations; booking details are not given.

  • Mabira Forest guided walks and canopy zip-lining

    Hikenear Jinja

    Visit Mabira Forest on the Kampala–Jinja highway, just outside Jinja. Join a guided nature walk or take a canopy zip-line trip.

  • Itanda Falls nature walks

    HikeEastern Ugandanear Jinja

    Head north from Jinja to Itanda Falls for nature walks and picnicking. Specific transport and booking details are not given.

  • Busowoko Falls nature walks

    HikeEastern Ugandanear Jinja

    Head north from Jinja to Busowoko Falls for nature walks and picnicking. Specific transport and booking details are not given.

  • Ajai Game Reserve wildlife watching

    WildlifeNorthern Ugandanear Arua

    The reserve is 10 km south of Rhino Camp trading centre, which is about 62 km east of Arua. Specific visitor arrangements are not given.

  • Ngamba Island chimpanzee boat trip

    WildlifeLake Victorianear Entebbe

    Book a boat trip from Entebbe to see the chimpanzees on Ngamba Island. Wild Frontiers is one company offering Lake Victoria trips.

  • Lake Victoria fishing trips

    More to doLake Victorianear Entebbe

    Arrange a fishing boat trip from Entebbe. Wild Frontiers is among the companies offering lake trips.

  • Aero Beach

    BeacheCentral Ugandanear Entebbe

    Visit Aero Beach in Entebbe and pay the entrance fee.

    • Cost: USh 5,000, quoted for December 2025.
    • Many Ugandan lakes have parasites that cause schistosomiasis. Ask locally before entering the water.

  • Uganda Wildlife Education Centre

    WildlifeCentral Ugandanear Entebbe

    About 1.5–2 hours. Early morning, before animals seek shade from the midday sun.

    Follow Lugard Avenue downhill onto Johnston Road. Keep right at the fork and continue about 400 m to the signed entrance. Listed opening hours are 08:30–18:30 daily.

    • Cost: Admission quoted for May 2014: foreign adults/children US$15/10; foreign residents USh 20,000/10,000; Ugandans USh 10,000/5,000.

  • Entebbe Botanical Gardens birdwatching

    WildlifeCentral Ugandanear Entebbe

    Visit the gardens on Berkeley Road for birdwatching and walks among large trees.

  • Fort Portal crater lake tours

    More to doWestern Ugandanear Fort Portal

    Book a crater lake tour with Kabarole Tours and Safari in Fort Portal or Nature and Wildlife tours in Kiko, 8 km from Fort Portal.

Airports, metros and trains in Uganda

Airports with scheduled flights

  • EBBEntebbe International AirportEntebbeMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
1,244 km

People and safety in Uganda

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian84%
  • Muslim14%
  • Folk religions<1%
  • No religion<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Illegal, with the death penalty in law

  • The law allows death penalty.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #138 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

44% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 69 of 198 countries can visit Uganda easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required41
  • Visa on arrival28
  • eVisa129

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Africa34 of 53 countries
  • Americas14 of 35 countries
  • Oceania5 of 14 countries
  • Europe8 of 46 countries
  • Asia8 of 50 countries

Questions

When is the driest time to visit?

It depends on the region. Northern Uganda is much drier from November to February, while southern Uganda receives rain throughout the year.

Which airport serves Uganda?

Entebbe International Airport is the main air travel hub, with connections to cities in Africa and farther away.

Can I get around without booking transport online?

Buses and minibuses leave from terminals and serve most roads between towns. Many leave only when full, so allow time for waiting.

How much money do I need each day?

The source gives about USh75,000 a day for a basic budget. Park visits and expensive activities cost extra.

Do I need to arrange gorilla tracking ahead of time?

Yes, permits are limited and should be booked well ahead through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a tour operator. Check that the permit's starting point fits your travel plans.

Will I be able to speak English?

English is widely spoken, though fluency varies. Luganda is also widely understood in Kampala.

What local food should I try?

Try luwombo, meat or groundnut sauce steamed in banana leaves, or a Rolex, an omelette rolled in chapati.

Can I drink the tap water?

Drink bottled water, often called mineral water in restaurants. The source says tap water is not treated.

What clothes should I pack?

Choose modest clothing and light trousers, especially outside tourist areas. Central Kampala has more relaxed clothing styles.

Can I buy a local phone card?

Yes, SIM cards are widely sold, but registration is required before use. The source describes passport checks, a photograph and fingerprints.

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