Discover 14 best tips to travel safely in Uganda. Is it safe to travel to Uganda for a holiday? Here is everything you need to know on how to travel safely in Uganda for the first time or even as a repeat traveler. Uganda is notably the safest destination in the entire East African region thanks to government efforts and general community cooperation.
With decades of prevailing peace and security, Uganda is a safe place for solo travelers, group travelers, self-drive tours, guided safaris, and even business trips. But like any travel destination, there are some precautions anyone needs to observe to keep safe. We have put together a list of the 14 best tips to travel safely as you explore the wonders of Uganda.
14 Best Tips to Travel Safe in Uganda
Know the places to avoid
Be aware that not all places you want to travel to are safe and secure. Some destinations must be avoided and the best source of information is for you to deal with the local tour company. Situations do change and it is unfair to say such and such places should be avoided as of now. But provided that you are in touch with your local operator, being experts on the ground, they will keep you updated throughout the time before you consider traveling to any destination in Uganda.
Have experienced guides
Move with an experienced driver guide or safari guide. These are knowledgeable on the routes and places safe for you to travel for your exploration on Uganda safaris. The beauty of having a driver guide/safari guide take you on your Uganda tour is that you can always engage them. You can freely ask them about the safety of certain places. Besides, they are professionals with vast experience in East African destinations. Before you set off, the safari guide or driver guide can first take you through a briefing about your journey and the destination you will be visiting.
Safety in the wilderness/game parks
Most of the safaris or tours in Uganda are conducted in the national parks with a primary focus on mountain gorillas, wildlife, birds, and other primates like chimpanzees. The local experts are the right team to work with when it comes to wildlife tours or gorilla safaris in Uganda. They have a deep understanding of the destinations.
Avoid moving in isolation
Avoid as much as you can to move in isolation. Have company of your colleagues at least be in a group of 2 or more. And while you move, you can have a local expert around to take you.
Do not move in dark places/corners
Moving in dark corners should be avoided as much as you. Such places are usually full of criminals. In case you arrive at the place a little late, make sure at least you take the path where there are some lights.
Travel early to your destination
Starting your journey early morning is a good thing. This can allow you to reach your destination or accommodation property early enough. Late arrivals are not safe whether you have been to the destination before or first time. And in case you happen to reach the destination late, try as much as you can to reach the team at the accommodation property at the time you are likely to get there.
Inform someone else about your travel plans
It is good practice to start a journey when you have informed a friend, or family member of where you are traveling to. This applies to solo travelers or even those on guided Uganda safaris. By informing someone else about your travel plan, they can make a follow-up to be sure that you are safe in the destination where you are.
Have emergency contact
First, you need a local sim card to use on a trip in Uganda and most importantly, do not forget to have hotlines in case of emergency. The emergency contact for Uganda is 999/112. Besides, do not set off to your destination for a vacation without taking the contact of your tour operator or company.
Dress conservative
Dress in a manner that is respectful to the local cultures. Ladies should consider wearing longer skirts, and shirts that cover their shoulders. Men can have long trousers and also long-sleeved shirts. This doesn’t mean that you should go ahead to completely change your wardrobe but it is a sign that you respect the culture and traditions in the destinations.
Get for yourself a local SIM card
The easiest way to tap the local network in Uganda is by having a local SIM card. You can purchase one at the lowest price for any network of your preference. You can have an MTN or Airtel line to help keep in touch with you even if you are in the remotest part of Uganda.
Be aware of petty crimes and scams
Uganda like any country does register cases of pickpocketing, bag snatching, armed robbery, and scams. This is usually in urban areas like Kampala the capital. While in such places, it is always important to take safe precautions. Have your property safely kept and avoid walking at night.
Avoid carrying large sums of money only what you need to purchase, and avoid wearing expensive items. At the ATMs, always try to be cautious about who is around you. Report any case to the nearest police station or embassy.
Find a safe accommodation
When choosing a place to stay, safety comes first. Be aware that not all lodges or hotels are safe. Know where the lodge or hotel you intend to stay in is located.
Have valid documents
Carry with you valid travel documents to avoid having issues on your road trip with the traffic police. A valid driver’s license or permit is essential for a self drive Uganda tour. Valid passports and visas are required too. Talk to the local expert to know all the relevant travel documents that will be required of you before you set off for your actual exploration in the pearl of Africa.
Respect the traffic rules
For those planning to hire a car in Uganda to hit the roads by themselves, following the traffic rules is a must for a safe and stress-free drive. On your journey to your destination, make sure that you try as much as you can to observe the traffic road rules. When driving, you must keep left and maintain the speed limit as indicated on the signposts.
