UGANDA TRAVEL TIPS
Uganda Travel Advice Made Easy
When you book your safari with us, you’ll receive all the details for your trip before you travel–including must-have advice and expert travel tips for Uganda. As you plan, here are a few essentials to keep in mind.
Airports & Flights to Uganda
Uganda’s main airport for international travel is Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
- Located in Entebbe, approximately 35 km or 1-1.5 hours from Kampala
- Entry-point for safari goers to Uganda
- Convenient connections to Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzani
Chartered or scheduled internal flights can be an excellent option for getting around Uganda, with airstrips located near the majority of the country’s national parks and safari destinations. Transfers from airstrips to lodges are conducted in 4X4 vehicles.
Passport & Visa Advice When Visiting Uganda
Most visitors to Uganda need to obtain a visa to enter the country. A single-entry visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days. Visas must be applied for online prior to travel. When booking your safari with Hornbill, you’ll receive instructions and a link to apply for your visa, and your Hornbill travel consultant is always happy to answer any questions that may arise.
In addition, the passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond visa issuing and/or date of entry, and it must at least have one blank visa page.
For visitors combining their stay in Uganda with a trip to Rwanda, they may apply for the East African tourist visa.
Please note that while we do our best to keep this guide up to date, entry requirements can change at any time. It is therefore advised to check with your consulate for complete details before traveling to Uganda.
Health Advice for Travel in Uganda
A World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination card with proof of yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Uganda for all travelers over the age of 1 year.
Any other health advice when visiting Uganda would vary depending on an individual’s needs and any pre-existing conditions. It is always recommended to consult a personal physician or travel clinic prior to your trip to Uganda. It is always recommended to consult a personal physician or travel clinic prior to your trip.
Official Currency in Uganda
The official currency of Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling.
Both US dollars (USD) and Ugandan shillings are commonly accepted at larger hotels and lodges. Tips in the tourism circuit are accepted in US dollars and Ugandan shillings, though shillings are preferred when possible.
Please note that USD notes older than 2009 will not be accepted, and notes will not be accepted if they are torn, stamped, or marred.
Currency can be exchanged at the Entebbe airport or at foreign exchange centers (Forex) throughout Kampala and Entebbe. Large notes (like EUR, USD 50 and 100) get better exchange rates than the smaller denominations.
ATMs are available in and around Kampala and dispense Ugandan shillings. While the occasional ATM is available upcountry, they are not reliably present and it is not advisable to depend on ATMs while on safari—especially while traveling in the bush. It is also advisable to alert your bank and credit card companies beforehand that you will be traveling to Africa to avoid denial of a transaction.
It is possible to pay by credit or debit card (Visa or MasterCard) in most hotels and lodges (usually with an additional surcharge). However, it is recommended to carry extra cash in case a card is not accepted or the network is down.
What to Pack for Safari in Uganda
What should I take with me to Uganda? We hear this question often, and it’s a good one to ask! It is generally advisable to pack light while traveling on safari, as visitors are often traveling between multiple parks on a single trip.
For international air travel, please check your airlines’ luggage guidelines prior to travel.
For domestic flights while on safari, kindly note that domestic airlines within Uganda typically limit travelers to 15kg (33 lbs) per person total for all luggage and handbags.
Excess luggage may not be permitted and, if permitted, may be subject to additional fees. Hard-sided suitcases are typically not accepted; soft-sided luggage is advised. Please ask prior to travel if you have any questions regarding domestic flights while on safari.
For more details on what to pack while on safari, visit our Packing List here on the Travel Guide.
What are the best Uganda Safari activities?
There is so much to see and do in Uganda, and our guests are often amazed by the sheer beauty of the country and its wildlife. When embarking on a safari in Uganda, a few highlights include:
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — consider our Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari, or add a gorilla trek to your custom itinerary
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Exploring the waterways on a boat safari in Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth National Parks
- Head out on a wildlife safari for big game viewing in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park
To explore more of these highlights, check out two of our most popular itineraries featuring the best safari activities in Uganda: our Chimps, Gorillas, and Wildlife Safari in Uganda and our Uganda Highlights Safari.
What is the best time of year to visit Uganda?
When should you book your safari trip to Uganda? Some activities, like primate trekking, can be done year-round in Uganda. Others, like game drives, can also be done year-round but are ideal activities for the dry seasons.
There are two dry seasons in Uganda. These dry seasons are widely regarded to be the best times to visit the country:
- December to February
- June to September
During both of these seasons, the conditions are excellent for both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Heading out on a more traditional game drive is also best at both of these times of year, as wildlife is often more easily spotted and conditions are more comfortable for game viewing.
It’s worth noting that most of the wildlife in Uganda is not migratory; this means that you have a chance of seeing the most popular animals at any time of year.
The wet or rainy season in Uganda can be divided into two categories: the long rains and short rains.
- The months of March, April, and May often come with heavier rains
- October and November typically have shorter periods of rain during the day
Gorilla trekking is available in both wet seasons–just bring your rain gear and know that the trail will be a little muddier than usual.
These wet seasons can also coincide with low season rates, meaning potential discounted stays at some lodges while on safari.
