Travel Information

Most international visitors require a visa to enter Uganda. Visa requirements can vary depending on your nationality and circumstances. Travelers should check the latest requirements and apply through Uganda’s official immigration system before travelling. We recommend ensuring that your passport is valid for the required period and that you have all necessary supporting documents before departure. Important: entry requirements can change — please confirm the latest requirements with the relevant Ugandan authorities before travelling.

Most international visitors arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), Uganda’s main international gateway. Our team can arrange airport transfers to your hotel or the starting point of your safari.

Uganda is a country of diverse landscapes, and travelling between destinations is an important part of the safari experience. Our safaris are operated using suitable safari vehicles with experienced driver-guides. Depending on your itinerary and group size, we can also arrange domestic flights to selected destinations. Road journeys between national parks can take several hours, and some routes include sections of unpaved or uneven roads, particularly when travelling into remote wildlife areas. The journey itself is often part of the adventure, offering opportunities to see rural landscapes, villages, farms and everyday life in Uganda.

Uganda enjoys a generally pleasant tropical climate throughout the year, although temperatures and rainfall vary according to altitude and region. The country experiences wetter and drier periods, but weather patterns can vary from one region to another. Mountainous areas and forest regions can be considerably cooler, particularly in the early morning and evening. Rain can occur at any time of year, especially in rainforest areas, so we recommend being prepared for changing weather conditions regardless of when you travel.

Uganda is a year-round destination. The drier periods are generally popular for wildlife viewing and trekking, while the wetter months can bring lush green landscapes and excellent conditions for photography and birdwatching. For gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, tracking takes place throughout the year, and each season offers a different experience. We can advise you on the best time to visit depending on your interests and the destinations you wish to include.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for every traveler. Your policy should provide appropriate cover for medical treatment, emergency assistance, trip interruption or cancellation, baggage and the activities included in your itinerary. Travelers should consult their doctor or a qualified travel-health professional before travelling to Uganda for personalized advice regarding vaccinations, malaria prevention and other health considerations. Please bring sufficient supplies of any personal medication you require and keep important medication in your hand luggage. For remote areas and trekking destinations, additional emergency and evacuation arrangements may be recommended depending on your itinerary.

Vaccination and entry requirements depend on your nationality, previous travel and itinerary. A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required in certain circumstances, and other vaccinations or health precautions may also be recommended depending on your individual circumstances. Please consult an appropriate medical professional or travel clinic well before departure.

Uganda offers a wide variety of fresh local and international cuisine. Hotels and safari lodges generally provide a range of meals, including vegetarian options where requested in advance. We recommend drinking bottled or appropriately treated water while travelling. If you have specific dietary requirements, allergies or food preferences, please let us know when booking so that we can communicate these to your accommodation providers.

Uganda’s official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). US Dollars are widely used within the tourism industry, particularly for safari-related services, while Euros and British Pounds can be exchanged at authorized banks and foreign-exchange bureaus. We recommend carrying some local currency for smaller purchases, tips and expenses outside major towns and lodges. ATMs are available in major towns and cities, but access can become limited when travelling into remote safari areas, so it is advisable to plan your cash requirements before heading into the national parks.

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is a welcomed way of recognizing good service. Tips may be given to driver-guides, lodge staff, porters, trackers and other service providers depending on the quality of service received. There is no single fixed amount that applies to every situation, and we can provide practical tipping guidance before or during your safari.

Packing for Uganda depends on the destinations and activities included in your itinerary. Recommended essentials include lightweight, comfortable clothing; long-sleeved shirts and trousers; comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots; a light fleece, sweater or jacket; a waterproof jacket or rain poncho; a sun hat and sunglasses; sunscreen; insect repellent; personal medication; a small daypack; a reusable water bottle; a camera and spare batteries; binoculars; phone and charging equipment; and a universal travel adaptor. For gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and mountain hikes, sturdy footwear and suitable rain protection are particularly important.

Uganda generally uses the British-style three-pin electrical socket. Power availability can vary between lodges, camps and remote areas, and some properties rely partly on solar power or generators. We recommend carrying a universal travel adaptor, a power bank and any necessary charging cables.

Uganda offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife, landscape and cultural photography. Please always ask permission before photographing people, particularly when visiting communities. Photography of certain government or military installations may be restricted — when in doubt, ask your guide before taking photographs. For wildlife photography, a camera with a suitable zoom lens and a pair of binoculars can greatly enhance your safari experience.

Uganda offers a wide range of accommodation, from comfortable city hotels and guesthouses to intimate safari camps, lodges and luxury properties. Accommodation standards and facilities can vary considerably depending on location. In remote safari areas, electricity and hot water may be limited or available at specific times — this is part of the character of travelling through Uganda’s wilderness and allows visitors to experience the country’s natural environment more closely. We carefully select accommodation according to your itinerary, preferences and budget.

Uganda is a welcoming destination, but travelers should take the same sensible precautions they would when visiting any unfamiliar country. Keep valuable items secure, avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry and follow the advice of your guide and accommodation staff. When on safari, always follow your guide’s instructions around wildlife. We continuously monitor travel conditions affecting the destinations included in our programs and will advise our clients of any relevant developments.

At Pride Nature Safaris, we believe travel should benefit both people and nature. We encourage our guests to travel responsibly by respecting local communities, wildlife and the environment. Where possible, we support experiences that create opportunities for local communities and contribute to conservation. We also encourage travelers to minimize plastic waste, respect wildlife and cultural traditions, and leave natural areas as they found them. Travel with purpose.