Uganda is where the West African jungle meets the East African savannah. It is truly the gem of Africa. Nowhere else on the continent can you see critically endangered mountain gorillas moving through misty mountain forests in the morning, follow wild chimpanzees in the rainforest in the afternoon, and explore tropical waters filled with crocodiles and hippos the next day.
About Uganda – An Introduction
Uganda is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa, officially known as the Republic of Uganda. It is bordered by Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Rwanda to the southwest, and Tanzania to the south.
A large part of Lake Victoria, shared with Kenya and Tanzania, is in the southern part of the country. Uganda is located in Africa’s Great Lakes region.
Uganda has a changing but mostly tropical climate and lies within the Nile basin. It sits at an average height of 1,100 meters above sea level, along the equator, between latitudes 4 degrees north and south and longitudes 29 and 35 degrees east.
The country covers a total area of 236,580 square kilometers. Lake Victoria in Uganda is the source of the Nile River.
How To Get To Uganda
Uganda can be reached by air or road from outside East Africa. Most flights arrive at Entebbe Airport. Travel within the country is also possible by water, including boats connecting the southern and northern regions of Murchison Falls National Park.
Boat cruises are available along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park and to the base of the falls in Murchison Falls National Park.
The Ssese Islands can be reached by water from Nakiwogo or Bukakata, while some traders use the ferry to Mwanza in Tanzania and Kisumu in Kenya.
Air Travel To Uganda
International and African airlines offer flights to Uganda. The only domestic airline, Eagle Air, flies to various locations in the country. Major international airlines flying to Uganda include Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Emirates Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.
African airlines include Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, Egypt Air, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways, Rwandair Express, Fly 540, and Precision Airlines.
Charter flight companies include Kampala Aero Club, Ndege Juu Ya Africa, Air Serv, and Eagle Air.
Getting Around Uganda
Some larger towns are served by domestic flights through Air Uganda. Air charter services are also available. Most flights require payment in hard currency.
Trains operate from Kampala to Kasese and Tororo, but they are slow, uncomfortable, and unreliable.
Ferry services connect the Ssese Islands and Port Bell through Lake Victoria. Buses connect major towns but can be slow, crowded, and make frequent stops.
Shared taxis and minibuses are common and have set fares, leaving only when full. Motorcycle taxis (BodaBodas) are risky and prone to accidents.
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Uganda?
Yes! Since March 1, 1999, the Ugandan government has required all tourists to have a valid visa to enter the country. However, some citizens from the East African Community (EAC) and a few other countries are exempt.
These include Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Jamaica, Lesotho, Malta, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Tonga, Vanuatu, and diplomatic passport holders from Italy, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
How Do I Apply for a Uganda Visa?
Visitors to Uganda must have a valid visa as per national immigration laws. The easiest way to get a visa is upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
You can also obtain one at any land entry point or at a Ugandan High Commission or embassy in your home country.
A Ugandan visa costs at least $50 USD. The East Africa Tourist Visa, which costs $100 USD, allows multiple entries into Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for up to 90 days.
Uganda visas can also be obtained online at visas.immigration.go.ug.
What Vaccinations Do I Need for Uganda?
Before visiting Uganda, consult your doctor to ensure you have the necessary vaccinations. It is generally recommended to get vaccinated against polio, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus.
Since April 2016, the Ugandan Ministry of Health has required all travelers to show proof of yellow fever vaccination.
If you expect to have contact with wild animals, you should also get vaccinated against rabies and meningitis. Uganda has a high risk of malaria, so consult your doctor to see if you need malaria medicine for the areas you plan to visit.
Wearing light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent with at least 50% DEET helps prevent mosquito bites.
For more information on malaria risks in Uganda, visit the NHS Travel pages or the CDC Traveler’s Health pages.
Must-Bring Items to Uganda
A valid passport is essential, and you should check visa requirements before your trip. Bring binoculars and field guides to enjoy the wildlife reserves and national parks.
Photographers should bring a zoom lens (70-300mm or similar) for wildlife photography. Basic toiletries can be purchased in the cities.
Money & Credit Cards in Uganda
Uganda is mostly a cash-based country, and the US dollar is widely accepted. Traveler’s checks are rarely used and can be difficult to exchange.
Credit cards are accepted in some places but often come with a 5% fee. ATMs are available in major cities, and Visa and MasterCard are accepted in some banks. American Express cards are not accepted at ATMs.
To make smart financial decisions while traveling in Uganda, check our money page for tips on keeping your money safe.
Personal Security & Safety in Uganda
Uganda is generally safe and enjoyable. Kampala is one of the safest capitals in Africa, but it is important to be cautious, especially when handling money.
The best way to enjoy a night out in Kampala is with a local companion. To keep your belongings safe, follow basic security measures.
If you are on a safari, you are in one of the safest areas in Uganda.
Health Risks in Uganda
It is recommended to have emergency medical insurance before traveling to Uganda.
- Bilharzia: Found in some lakes, rivers, and streams. Avoid swimming in them.
- Yellow Fever, Cholera, and Tetanus: Vaccinations are recommended.
- Malaria: Very common in Uganda. Take malaria prophylactics two weeks before arrival and two weeks after departure.
Some medications lose effectiveness over time, so consult your doctor about the best options. Tap water in major cities is safe, but in remote areas, boil it first unless staying in a hotel or resort that provides clean drinking water. Bottled water is widely available.
It is wise to have travel insurance covering illness, accidents, or hospitalization.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Uganda?
Drink only bottled water or filtered, boiled water provided by hotels and resorts.
Where Can I Buy Medicines in Uganda?
Medical supplies are limited, especially outside major towns. Travelers should carry their own medications and first aid supplies.
Most pharmacies in larger towns operate from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, and 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays.
Few emergency pharmacies are open on Sundays or after hours.
Travel and Medical Insurance in Uganda
If you need medical care in Uganda, be aware that doctors may not accept payments from your insurance provider. You will likely need to pay in full and claim reimbursement later. It is important to have access to funds via wire transfer or credit card.
For help, contact your local embassy or consulate. To receive reimbursement from your insurance provider, ensure that you get treatment from certified medical professionals and keep all receipts and paperwork.
It is always recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes repatriation to your home country.
Related Article: Essential Uganda Safari Packing List – Gear Up for Your Adventure
