What is the security situation for tourism in Uganda?

For years, except for isolated incidents such as the Bwindi attack of 1999, Uganda has been a relatively safe travel destination. In fact it can be considered to be safer than many more popular travel destinations. General precautions are however to be taken and visitors should exercise the same care as they normally would elsewhere. 

Some parts of Uganda may nevertheless continue to produce incidents of insecurity due to the instability of neighboring countries, such as certain areas of North-western Uganda. These localized areas are not included in our program.  

Ugandan authorities have reinforced security in the parks. The army assists the park authorities in guaranteeing security and a wide communication network has been set up in all the protected areas.

The selected camping sites have been designated by the park authorities and are within the parks and wildlife reserves. 

What about road safety?

We have taken the trouble to ensure that we provide you with trained and experienced drivers with an extensive knowledge of the country. 

For those on a camping or bicycle safari through Uganda it is a good idea to carry a range of tools and essential spares with you. Two spare wheels and a couple of spare tubes are a must due to the condition of the roads. Spare jerry cans of fuel and water, a towrope, compressor, winch and a spotlight are useful items to have. All the filling stations in the country offer tire mending services at a very reasonable fee, in addition to having petrol and diesel, kerosene and cooking gas (LPG).

How dangerous are the wild animals? 

Always remember that while some animals have become accustomed to the presence of people, they are still wild animals. It is illegal to feed any animal, make excessive noise, attract their attention or deviate from designated for a closer photograph. 

You are strongly advised not to get out of your vehicle except at designated points. Close all windows and zippers when you leave your room or tent and spray it with insect repellant. Do not venture outside your accommodations at night without your guide; and please when in doubt, ask your guide!  

How many participants are ideal for a safari?

The viewing of wildlife should generally be done in small groups ranging from 6 to 10 participants.

What are the health requirements to be taken into consideration?

Visitors from or passing through a yellow fever and cholera zone (most of tropical Africa and South America) must be able to produce a valid International Certificate of Vaccination.

Air travelers (transit passengers) who only pass through the airports of such a zone are exempt from the requirement. 

It is also advised that all travelers be vaccinated against Meningitis, Typhoid and Hepatitis. As Uganda is in a malaria zone, visitors should also take prophylactics against malaria although the best way to avoid catching malaria is to avoid bites by using mosquito repellant and sleeping under a mosquito net.

It is advisable to drink only boiled or bottled water and avoid swimming in ponds and still water pools. 

It is strongly advised that visitors to Uganda take out full health insurance. Availability of healthcare is restricted to the major towns. Where it is available it is in high demand and can be expensive. 

Bring any special medication you may need. For your comfort bring a mosquito repellant. Bilharzias is present in some of our lakes, and swimming is not recommended except in designated areas. In hotels and lodges there will usually be flasks of drinking water provided. 

What recommendations can you give specifically for an intended camping safari? 

Uganda is a fascinating country to travel around by vehicle. Be fully equipped for spending the night with no facilities at all except perhaps a nearby river. Have a bucket for washing pots and clothes, all cooking gear and all the food you need for the whole journey apart from fresh vegetables. Meat is not always available in the remoter areas so bring substitutes.  Most villages will sell onions, tomatoes, potatoes, bread, sugar, salt and oil. You can buy just about anything you need for your journey in Kampala, but tinned food is pricey. 

Always have at least twenty liters of drinking water in the vehicle at all times as well as spare jerry cans of petrol. It is best to boil all water before drinking it. Be very careful in towns and villages not to leave your vehicle open and unattended. People with little are easily tempted. You should have no problem sleeping outdoors in designated camping areas or remote places along the way, but get into the habit of locking things away before you go to sleep.

What is the weather like in Uganda?

People are sometimes concerned about the weather conditions on the equator. In fact, Uganda enjoys ideal weather conditions, ranging from the warmth of the lowland areas and lakeshores to the coolness of the highlands... Temperatures range between 21°C and 25°C. (The hottest month is February). The rains are mainly between March and May, and October and November. The rainy season starts progressively, moving to a peak month, after which the rain showers disappear progressively. The peak months are April and mid-October to mid-November.

Evenings and mornings are often chilly, with cold temperatures at night in the highlands. Weather conditions are indicated in our program.

Finally, consider that climates are changing all over the world, including slight and unpredictable changes even on the equator! 

Uganda has mild winters and the summer days can get quite hot. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings.

What about visas?

A visa is clearance permitting an individual to proceed to visit another country. Ugandan visas are issued at our Missions/Embassies abroad and also at the Entry/Exit Point e.g. Entebbe, Busia, Malaba.

Underlying the Uganda Visa Policy is the principle of Reciprocity that is, all countries that require visas for Ugandans are also visa prone in Uganda.