Uganda

Understand

upright=1.4|thumb|Fishermen at Port Belle on Lake Victoria The term for whites (or other White foreigners) is muzungu (plural Bazungu), and visitors should get used to hearing it shouted out by children in every corner of the country. It is not a derogatory term as such (it means something on the lines of "one who is searching"), so smile and wave in reply - if you can, do this over and over again. Otherwise, ignore.

Get in

thumb|375px|A map showing the visa requirements of Uganda

See

thumb|Tree climbing lions can be seen in Queen Elizabeth National Park thumb|Murchison Falls

Uganda does not lack for accessible travel highlights. Dubbed by Winston Churchill as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is celebrated for its beautiful nature and its hospitable people. Still one of the poorest countries in the world, and still recovering from some very dark years, Uganda is nowadays an accessible country to visit and experience sub-Saharan Africa in its full capacity. Tourism is growing, yet still authentic, and Uganda does not lack in tourist facilities. Though, it is not the place to go for great architecture or an abundance of urban sights, instead, its riches lie in its amazing variety of wildlife, landscapes and culture. With half of the remaining mountain gorillas and all of the Big Five living in the countries stunning national parks, wildlife watching is by far the main attraction.

With wide, dry savannah in the north, thick rainforest in the centre and lush, snow-peaked mountain landscapes in the east, natural beauty comes in many ways here. Unesco listed Rwenzori Mountains National Park is home to the tallest mountain range of the continent, covered in thick jungle on the lower slopes and frozen moorlands on higher ones. Several of its highest peaks are covered year round in snow and glaciers. The highest mountain is Mt. Stanley, third highest in Africa. Head to the gorgeous Lake Bunyonyi and rise early to see the morning fog draw out. Watch fishermen at work f…

Do

thumb|Mountain gorilla in Bwindi Go gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You'll need to buy a permit which must be booked a long time ahead due to limited availability (only a few tourists are taken near the gorillas a day, in order not to disturb them). With a permit you are allowed one hour at very close hand to a group of the highly endangered mountain gorilla in their natural habitat. Uganda Wildlife Authority handles the sale of permits which cost US$700 each (Sep 2023), or you can book via a tour operator who will organise the permits and other aspects of your gorilla safari for you. Tracking takes place from four different start points, to up to 11 different habituated gorilla families, so it's important to check the permit availability against your transport and accommodation plans. Rafting on the Nile. Uganda is a world class rafting destination and several companies arrange trips down the Nile - from half a day to 2-day trips, from peaceful family trips to very adventurous grade 5 rafting. A rafting adventure with transport from Kampala, including food & drink, will cost about US$125. Quad biking. Near the Spring of the Nile you can rent quad bikes (a 4-wheeled motorbike - also known as All Terrain Bike) for a speedy (and dusty) sightseeing trip with a local guide. Do horse riding safari around the Nile and local villages. Go on a safari. For reputable tour operators to suit a variety of budgets, check out the Association of Uganda Tour Operators. …

Eat

thumb|Traditional meal consisting of Sima/ Ugali (cooked white mealie meal) with Chapati (thin rounded roti), Matoke (mashed green bananas), sugar beans, mboga (green vegetables) and goat meat steamed in and served in a bowl wrapped around green banana leaves. Sample the luwombo, which is meat or groundnut sauce steamed in banana leaves. It has a tantalising aroma, and is always served with "food", which in Ugandan parlance indicates any carbohydrate. The staple "food" varies from region to region, with the plantain matooke in the south, millet in the north, and potatoes in the west. Cassava, posho (made from ground maize), sweet potatoes and rice are other common "foods". The whole fried fish is succulent, though mostly available at the beach, and usually served with chips/French fries.

Other common options around Kampala include the traditional matooke, binyebwa (groundnut sauce), chapati, and meat stew. For the less adventurous, toasted sandwiches or omelets can be found in many places. If this does not appeal, it is best (and far more interesting) to stop at roadside stands or markets to purchase fresh produce—fruits and vegetables abound and are very affordable, to say nothing of the roasted chicken or goat on a stick. There are also a number of fast-food places, such as Nando’s, Steers, Domino’s Pizza, and Hungry Lion, all in the city centre. The Ugandan Rolex is popular all over the country, made with a combination of an egg, onions and vegetables omelette rolled up …

Drink

Coffee is one of the best products from Uganda, but the British hooked the locals on tea, so finding a decent cup of native coffee is nearly impossible, especially outside of Kampala. In Kampala, try the coffee house 1000 Cups on Buganda Road. The Source Cafe in Jinja sells Ugandan coffee at the airport, Banana Boat stores, and many hotels. The coffee is marketed under the name Kiira Kawa (River Coffee). Good African Coffee and Cafe Pap are good restaurants for food or coffee in the Kampala area. In Jinja, the Source Cafe has incredible cappuccino, or when you are in the west at Hotel Mountains of the Moon in Fort Portal

Chai tea is available widely, and is best in the rural areas near the tea plantations. You will see signs posted on shops and kiosks where it can be purchased.

Lower-end South African wine is available in some restaurants, but stick with the beer. Any of the four major brands are acceptable, though the Pilsner brand is the only one made without added corn sugar for those who care about such things.

Sleep

thumb|250px|Forest in the Ruwenzori mountains There are many hotels in Uganda. If you go on the higher end you will pay high prices, over US$100 per night. Standard traveller Guest houses, Lodges and Inns will have simple rooms with shared bathrooms for USh 15,000-30,000.

For the real budget traveler there are various backpackers' hostels in Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, Masaka, Fort Portal, Kabale to choose from and to base yourself at, including Kampala Backpackers, Entebbe backpackers, Masaka backpackers, Yes hostel Fort portal, Jinja backpackers, Kabale backpackers. Some are better than others, and may suit different preferences, so it's best to explore the reviews on Trip Advisor to assess what would be best for you. A stay in one of these will cost USh 9,000-18,000 a night, depending on whether you camp or stay in a dorm. They also offer private rooms or safari tents, and some have self-catering cottages which are great for long stay/groups. These are most frequently used by Truck tours which are popular with the less independent traveler.

There are also Bed & Breakfast establishments to make you have a homely feel at the lowest rates.

Stay safe

Uganda has been home to some of the more gruesome atrocities in modern African history since its independence in 1962, particularly under the heinous dictator Idi Amin, but in the years since 1987 things have consistently improved. Today, Uganda is stable after 30 years of stereotypically 'strong man' rule by Yoweri Museveni. Kampala has changed into a major centre of East African trade.

In the 2010s, female tourists have been victims of attacks and sexual assaults, and are advised never to walk alone at night.

Travel north to Murchison Falls National Park and Ajai Game Reserve is safe. Overlanders from Tanzania and Kenya regularly make the trip routing through Jinja.

thumb|Central Kampala

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. Some jihadist groups have threatened the country due to its counter-jihad activities in Amisom (the UN force in Somalia).

However, any non-blacks walking in the street stand out and are likely to be stared at openly, which may cause discomfort to those unaccustomed to travelling in Africa. Individuals of East Asian appearance will be assumed to be Chinese, and often will be subjected to "ni hao" or imitations of Chinese languages (e.g. "Ching chong"). While potentially offensive to Asians raised in Western countries, it is not necessarily intende…

Stay healthy

The healthcare system is incredibly underdeveloped and is well below western standards.

The HIV/AIDS infection rate is very high (although it is lower than in neighbouring countries). Do not have unprotected sex.

There are occasional Ebola outbreaks in Uganda. On 15 May 2026 the Ugandan Ministry of Health announced an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in Uganda, including in Kampala. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

You may encounter exit screening (temperature checks) on leaving Uganda. Some countries have heightened health screening for travellers from Uganda. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.

Marburg haemorrhagic fevers have been endemic within certain regions of the country. The vectors of these viruses are unknown, but have been thought to be linked with bats. Therefore, visitors should avoid (or be extremely cautious when) entering any caves. If you are bitten by an animal, assume that the animal was infected by a disease and seek prompt medical attention.

Take precautions against malaria. Malarial mosquitoes are present throughout most lower lying areas of the country. It is worth seeking out a packet of Artenam while you are in Kampala if you are travelling up-country. Artenam is a reliable treatment and works on chloroquine-resistent malaria strains too.

Diarrhoea and intestinal worms are also a concer…

Respect

thumb|Mosque in [[Jinja]]

Uganda has a fairly conservative Christian/Muslim-based society. It is generally not considered acceptable for women to wear skimpy clothing or to overtly display their sexuality. The only exception is in certain night life situations in Kampala. Most Ugandans go to church/mosque regularly and consider religion an important part of a moral society.

Never criticise religion or speak about religion from a secular or agnostic point of view, as it might result in puzzled, confused stares or looks.

You will not be taken seriously if you wear shorts outside the obvious tourist destinations and most Ugandan adults would never wear shorts except if playing sport. Use a pair of light trousers to blend in better. Most women wear skirts in rural areas, but trousers are acceptable in cities and larger towns.

In central Kampala, women can dress pretty much like in any big western city. Women dressing smartly in tight sleeveless tops, tight jeans, or dresses or skirts that do not cover the knees is a very common sight there. As a foreigner you do not need to avoid dressing up, although for safety reasons it is wise to avoid wearing expensive jewellery or similar accessories.

A handshake is the most common form of greeting. If your hands are wet or dirty you may offer your wrist instead of your hand.

Don't be surprised if you see two men holding hands. This is not a sign of homosexuality, which is forbidden by law, but rather of friendship.