Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Uganda
Malaria Prevention in Uganda
There’s a significant risk of malaria throughout Uganda, so it’s essential to check with your doctor before traveling to find out if you need anti-malarial tablets for the regions you’re visiting. Also, it’s wise to minimize mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved, light-colored clothing and applying a mosquito repellent with at least 50% DEET. For detailed advice on malaria risk in Uganda, you can visit the NHS Fit for Travel or CDC Traveler’s Health websites.
Drinking Water Safety
In Uganda, it’s best to treat all tap water as potentially unsafe unless it’s been purified or boiled. Bottled water is affordable and widely available, so it’s advisable to stock up on it for drinking.
Food and Cuisine
Ugandan cuisine generally features meat stews or sauces served with staples like ugali (a maize-based dough) or matoke (mashed green banana). Beans, groundnuts, and various vegetables are commonly used, along with cassava, yams, and sweet potatoes. Fish, especially tilapia and tiger fish, is also popular, thanks to Uganda’s many rivers. Jackfruit and other tropical fruits are abundant, and adventurous eaters can try fried grasshoppers or local Indian-inspired dishes. For dessert, mandazi (fried dough covered in cinnamon or sugar) is a favorite. To accompany your meal, try pombe, a locally made fermented beer from millet or banana.
Eating Safely
While dining outside high-end lodges, exercise caution, as food quality and hygiene may vary. Avoid ice in drinks and salads since they might have been washed in unfiltered water. Also, if food appears unclean or undercooked, it’s best to skip it.
Tipping in Uganda
There’s no minimum wage in Uganda, so tipping is appreciated. Safari guides typically receive $10–15 USD per person per day, and small tips for drivers, cooks, and porters are customary. In restaurants, a 10% tip is appropriate, and rounding up for taxi drivers is a nice gesture.
Shopping for Souvenirs
Uganda is a treasure trove of affordable, unique souvenirs, including traditional wood carvings, masks, batik paintings, and woven baskets. Vibrant fabrics with African patterns can also be purchased and tailored locally, supporting the community and giving you a unique wardrobe addition.
Haggling in Markets
In big cities like Kampala, many shops have fixed prices, but markets, stalls, and small shops often encourage bargaining. Approach negotiations with a friendly attitude, and aim for a fair deal for both buyer and seller.
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers
Women, especially foreign ones, may attract attention in Uganda. This curiosity is usually friendly, but it’s common to say a male partner is meeting you if feeling uncomfortable. Avoid walking alone at night, as muggings are possible, and consider carrying a photo and a fake ring as a precaution.
LGBTQ+ Travel Advice
Currently, homosexuality is illegal in Uganda, and some LGBTQ+ travelers have faced harassment due to cultural and religious beliefs. Although Ugandans are generally friendly, it’s recommended for LGBTQ+ visitors to act discreetly and avoid public displays of affection.
Duty-Free Allowance
Travelers over 18 are allowed to bring the following items into Uganda:
- 250g of tobacco products
- 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine
- 500 ml of perfume and eau de toilette (up to 250 ml may be perfume)
- Goods valued up to $500 for residents
Certain items, like narcotics, pornography, and cultural artifacts, are prohibited. Restricted goods include hunting weapons, live animals, and specific medications, so check regulations before traveling.
Currency in Uganda
The Ugandan Shilling is the country’s official currency. Major currencies, like Euros, USD, and GBP, can be exchanged locally or withdrawn from ATMs in cities. Smaller notes are useful for purchases, while traveler’s checks are not recommended due to exchange difficulties and high fees.
Costs in Uganda
Gorilla trekking permits can start around $600 USD. Mid-range hotel rooms range from $30–50 per night, with street food under a dollar and sit-down meals around $5–10. Beer is typically no more than $2, while public transport is also inexpensive, with taxis costing around $10 for longer journeys.
Electrical Plugs and Voltage
Uganda uses 230–240 volts, with three-square-pin plugs similar to those in the UK. A universal adaptor and voltage converter are recommended for U.S. appliances.
WiFi Access
WiFi is widely available in Kampala’s hotels, cafes, and restaurants, but connectivity in rural areas is limited. Be aware of frequent power outages and surges that may disrupt service and damage electronics.
