Planning to travel to or around Uganda? here is a quick guide to traveling to and within Uganda. Travelling Uganda and its unique destinations are experiences that will live in your memory forever. The Uganda Info has compiled a wealth of Uganda travel information, to assist in planning your safari holiday or business trip. Find lots of information on where to go, what to see, things to do, and where to stay as well as travel tips to help you plan a perfect safari in Uganda.
Included in our service directories, is a range of highly recommended service providers, offering quality experiences at competitive prices including tour operators, hotels and safari lodges, car rental Uganda agencies, travel agencies, airline, and ticketing agents, etc. We also provide helpful travel information on over 100 Uganda destinations, and if you need further assistance, we are always here to help make your holiday plans, a simple and enjoyable activity.
Things to Know Before Visiting Uganda
Whether you’re in the midst of planning a trip to Uganda, deciding where to go on your holiday, looking to learn more about Kampala, or even looking for preparatory information needed to plan your trip, this travel guide will point you in the right direction.
Before You Go
- Visas and Passports
- Immunization and Innoculations
- Customs and Immigration
While in Kampala
- Health Tips and Information
- Money and Finance Advice
Before you begin to travel within Uganda, seek some information and advice about local travel. Seek local advice about the current situation prior to travel.
Safety Concerns
Driving in Uganda can be hazardous for first-time drivers in Africa. This is due to poor road conditions and the standard of vehicle maintenance, bad driving habits, excessive speeds, and poor lighting, especially at night. Traffic accidents are common and pose a significant risk to tourists who are not used to Ugandan roads.
Travellers using forms of public transportation such as matatus taxis, and boda-boda should exercise caution. These vehicles are generally in poor condition, badly driven, and can be prone to accidents. If using a boda-boda, always wear a helmet.
While in Uganda
When you are in Uganda, be aware that local laws and penalties.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.
Serious crimes, such as treason and murder, carry the death penalty.
Penalties for some crimes, including rape and robbery, include corporal punishment.
Homosexual relations are illegal and are not tolerated. Westerners have been prosecuted for homosexuality in Uganda. On 1 August 2014, the Ugandan Constitutional Court annulled a law passed in February 2014 which had increased existing penalties for homosexual activity and introduced new penalties for promoting homosexual activity.
It is illegal to photograph military establishments, government buildings, diplomatic sites, and other infrastructure. It is illegal to wear military-style or camouflage clothing. The penalty may include a sentence of up to seven years in prison.
When in the national parks, please follow the guided routes to avoid falling into danger. You can read through Uganda’s local travel before you begin any journey in Uganda and move along with any emergency numbers in case you land into trouble.
We also welcome your feedback, suggestions, and recommendations. So if you have something to say that will improve our service or any travel tips that can assist others, please contribute.
Thank you for visiting the Uganda Info, it is our great pleasure to meet you and we look forward to you having a thoroughly enjoyable holiday experience in Uganda. If you want to save big on your holiday accommodation, don’t forget to visit Hot Deals on safaris, hotels, airline tickets etc.
Practical information for traveling to Uganda
Uganda is located in east-central Africa, situated north and northwest of Lake Victoria. It is a landlocked country bordered by Sudan on the North, Kenya on the east, Tanzania on the South, Rwanda on the southwest and Zaire on the northwest.
Money
The Ugandan shilling (USh) is a relatively stable currency. Cash can be changed easily at major banks and foreign exchange (forex) bureaus. The forex bureaus offer slightly better exchange rates than the banks. Exchange rates in Kampala are better than elsewhere in the country.
Health & Safety
Although much of Uganda is generally safe, there are some risky areas. North of Murchison falls and around some towns, such as Lira and Gulu.
As in any urban area, Kampala can be dodgy. One is well advised to remain in tourist areas, but sensibly garbed visitors not dangling the latest cameras, flashy jewellery or bulging bags are not likely to draw unwanted attention to themselves. AIDS / HIV Infection rate is very high (even though lower than neighbouring countries). Do not have unprotected sex.
If you are bitten by an animal, assume that the animal was infected by a disease and seek prompt medical attention. Diarrhea disease and intestinal worms are also a concern and travelers should be careful what they eat or drink.
Take precautions against malaria.
General
Mobile phone network coverage is available in most parts of the country.
Internet cafes can be readily found in Kampala and Jinja.
Visas
All visitors require visas. Ugandan visas are available at all major land borders and the international airport at Entebbe.
Travel Insurance
Make sure you have travel insurance.