About Uganda

Uganda lies in East Africa, crossed by the Equator and bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Its landscapes range from tropical rainforest and savannah to wetlands, volcanic highlands, freshwater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains.

This diversity makes it possible to combine mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, birdlife, the Nile and dramatic scenery in one journey.

Mountain gorillas are tracked in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla national parks, while Kibale National Park is Uganda's best-known destination for chimpanzee tracking. English is widely used in tourism, hotels, national parks and government services.

Uganda Visas and Entry Requirements

Most visa-required visitors must obtain a Ugandan visa online before travelling. Uganda's Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control currently lists the standard single-entry tourist visa at US$50, and applicants normally need a passport with at least six months' validity.

Applications should only be made through Uganda's official immigration system. Ugandan authorities have warned travellers about unofficial and fraudulent visa websites.

Official Uganda e-Visa application portal

Some nationalities are visa exempt, so check the current official list before applying.

Travelling to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya?

The East Africa Tourist Visa allows tourism travel between Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya, costs US$100, is valid for 90 days, and permits multiple entry within the three countries. It does not cover Tanzania, Burundi or South Sudan. If obtained before travel, you should normally first enter through the country that issued it.

Passport Requirements

Your passport should generally have at least six months' validity. Keep digital and paper copies of the identification page separately from the original.

It is also useful to carry offline copies of your visa approval, flight itinerary, safari confirmation and travel-insurance details.

Health Requirements and Vaccinations

Consult a qualified travel doctor or travel clinic before departure.

Uganda currently requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for arriving travellers aged one year and above. Yellow fever vaccination is also recommended for most travellers. An international yellow fever certificate generally becomes valid 10 days after the first vaccination, and a WHO-approved dose provides lifelong validity for international certification purposes.

Malaria occurs throughout Uganda. The CDC recommends prescription malaria-prevention medication together with precautions such as mosquito repellent, long sleeves in the evening and mosquito nets where provided.

Other vaccinations may be recommended depending on your medical history and itinerary, including hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies and routine vaccinations. Individual requirements vary, so seek personalised medical advice.

Uganda experienced a Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak during 2026, but WHO and Africa CDC confirmed on 27 August 2026 that the outbreak in Uganda had ended after 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Health

Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees can be vulnerable to human illnesses. If you develop flu-like symptoms, fever or another contagious illness before trekking, tell your Buutu Safaris guide.

Uganda Wildlife Authority staff may determine whether participation is appropriate in order to protect the animals. Never hide an illness simply because you have travelled a long distance to trek.

Uganda's Roads and Safari Vehicles

Major highways are increasingly paved, but national parks and remote areas may involve gravel, dirt, mud, potholes or steep mountain roads. Distances can therefore take longer than visitors expect.

Heavy rain can slow journeys, particularly on unpaved roads. Uganda's main rainy periods are generally around March to May and October to November, although rain is possible throughout the year. UK travel advice notes that flooding and landslides can affect parts of Uganda during rainy periods.

Buutu Safaris generally uses safari-adapted 4×4 vehicles, particularly Toyota Land Cruisers, with elevated seating and roof openings or pop-up roofs for wildlife viewing.

Long road journeys can sometimes be replaced by scheduled or charter flights.

Domestic Safari Flights and Luggage

Safari flights can significantly reduce travelling time between Entebbe and destinations including Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls.

AeroLink / Asante Aviation currently serves destinations including Kihihi, Kisoro, Kasese and Pakuba. Kihihi is particularly useful for northern Bwindi, while Kisoro provides access to southern Bwindi and Mgahinga. Kasese serves people heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Pakuba is helpful for those heading into Murchison Falls National Park.

For domestic flights, use soft-sided luggage rather than large rigid suitcases. AeroLink and Asante Aviation currently lists a baggage allowance of 15 kg per passenger, including hand luggage, and recommends soft bags. Excess baggage is subject to aircraft space and operational restrictions.

What to Wear and Pack

Uganda does not require formal safari clothing. Lightweight trousers, breathable shirts, comfortable shoes and neutral colours such as khaki, green, brown or beige work well.

Bwindi, Mgahinga and other highland areas can be cool early in the morning and after sunset, so bring a fleece or light warm jacket.

For gorilla trekking, long trousers, long sleeves and sturdy walking boots are strongly recommended because trails may be muddy and vegetation can include nettles and thorns.

Pack comfortable hiking boots, long trekking trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, rain jacket, fleece, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, gardening or trekking gloves, reusable water bottle, daypack, binoculars, camera equipment, spare batteries or power bank, personal medicines, swimsuit, travel adapter and copies of important documents.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking involves entering wild mountain rainforest in search of gorillas that move freely through the forest. Some treks are short; others involve several hours of climbing steep, muddy or uneven terrain.

The day normally begins with an early breakfast followed by arrival at the Uganda Wildlife Authority briefing point. After registration and briefing, visitors are allocated a gorilla family and ranger guide.

Once the gorillas are found, standard gorilla trekking normally allows up to one hour with the gorilla family.

A reasonable level of fitness helps, but you do not need to be an athlete. If trekking difficulty concerns you, tell us before permits and accommodation are finalised. Choosing the right trekking sector, lodge and itinerary can make a significant difference.

Gorilla Trekking Age Limit

The minimum age for gorilla tracking and viewing in Uganda is 15 years. Uganda Wildlife Authority guidelines specify a minimum age of 12 years for chimpanzee tracking and viewing.

Families travelling with younger children should arrange alternative activities while adults trek.

Should I Hire a Porter?

We strongly recommend hiring a porter. Porters can carry your daypack, water and packed lunch and assist on steep or slippery sections of trail.

Portering also creates direct income for communities surrounding Uganda's protected forests.

Photography

Uganda offers exceptional wildlife, bird, landscape and cultural photography.

For gorilla trekking, do not use flash. Rainforest light can be low, so learn your camera settings before trekking. A telephoto lens is useful for wildlife, while wider lenses work well for landscapes and environmental gorilla photographs.

Professional filming, commercial photography and drone operations may require advance authorisation. Always ask permission before photographing people during community visits.

Electricity, Internet and Laundry

Uganda generally uses Type G British-style three-pin sockets at approximately 240V.

Remote lodges may rely on solar power or generators, so charging can sometimes be limited to certain hours or central charging areas. Carrying a power bank and spare camera batteries is sensible.

Internet coverage is good in Kampala, Entebbe and many major towns, and many lodges provide Wi-Fi. In forests and remote parks, connections may be slow, intermittent or unavailable.

Laundry is available at many safari lodges, sometimes at an additional charge. In remote properties it is often washed by hand and air-dried, so allow sufficient time, especially during rainy weather.

Money in Uganda

Uganda's official currency is the Uganda Shilling (UGX).

US dollars are useful for certain tourism-related payments and tipping, but Ugandan shillings are easier for local purchases.

If carrying US dollars, bring recent notes in excellent condition. Current U.S. travel information notes that older, damaged, marked or worn notes can be difficult or impossible to exchange, while smaller denominations may receive less favourable rates.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at many hotels and larger businesses, but cash remains useful in remote areas. ATMs are widely available in Kampala, Entebbe and larger towns but are less reliable in remote safari regions.

Food and Drinking Water

Safari lodges generally serve a combination of Ugandan, international and continental dishes. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can usually be accommodated when advised in advance.

Tell Us about significant allergies or dietary restrictions before travelling.

Drink bottled, filtered or properly treated water rather than untreated tap or surface water. Many lodges now provide filtered drinking-water stations, so a reusable bottle is useful.

Accommodation

Uganda offers everything from simple guest houses to forest lodges, tented camps and luxury safari properties.

In remote areas, location, guiding, wildlife access and overall experience can be more important than city-style facilities such as 24-hour electricity.

For gorilla trekking, lodge location is especially important because Bwindi has several different trekking sectors. Staying in the wrong area can create a difficult transfer on a trekking morning.

Flights to Uganda

Most international visitors arrive through Entebbe International Airport (EBB).

Provide us with your complete flight details so airport transfers can be planned accurately. If your international and domestic safari flights are on separate tickets, allow sufficient time for immigration, baggage collection and possible delays.

Domestic scheduled and charter flights then connect Entebbe with several safari regions. AeroLink and Asante Aviation operates scheduled services into major tourism destinations, while charter operators provide additional flexibility.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance should be arranged before travelling.

Ideally, your policy should cover overseas medical treatment, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, baggage and missed connections.

If you are gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, rafting, hiking or climbing, confirm that the relevant activity is covered rather than assuming it is included automatically.

Also confirm whether your insurer is affected by travel advisories issued by your home government.

Safety in Uganda

Use normal sensible travel precautions: avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery, use lodge or hotel safes where available, keep vehicle doors locked in busy towns and avoid walking alone after dark.

Travel advisories differ between governments and can change quickly. As of September 2026, the U.S. State Department continues to list Uganda at Level 4, while UK advice identifies particular security and regional risks, including areas near the DRC border, and recommends following local security advice.

WHO confirmed in August 2026 that Uganda's 2026 Ebola outbreak had ended.

Every traveller should therefore check the latest advice issued by their own government and confirm any implications with their travel insurer before departure.

Buutu Safaris also monitors conditions affecting the areas included in our itineraries and adjusts arrangements when operational or safety considerations require it.

Tips and Gratuities

Tipping in Uganda's safari industry is appreciated but not compulsory and should reflect the quality of service received.

As a broad planning guide, travellers often budget around US$20–30 per guest per day for an excellent safari driver-guide, with ranger guides, trackers, boat crews, porters and lodge staff tipped separately.

Many lodges provide communal staff-tip boxes. Gorilla trekking porters may also be tipped separately from the porter fee.

Shopping and Recommended Reading

Uganda has excellent locally produced baskets, textiles, carvings, paintings, coffee, tea and jewellery. Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja and tourism centres around national parks provide shopping opportunities.

Where possible, buy genuine locally produced crafts and avoid wildlife products or items whose export may be restricted.

Birdwatchers may find Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe especially useful.

Before You Travel

Before departure, confirm your passport validity, visa approval, yellow fever certificate, travel insurance, international flights, domestic-flight baggage allowance and any medication or health requirements.

Visa rules, airline schedules, park regulations, health guidance and security information can change, so check important requirements again shortly before travelling.

Ready to Explore Uganda?

From your first question about a gorilla permit to the moment you step into Bwindi's rainforest, our local team can help plan every stage of your Uganda safari.

Meet mountain gorillas. Track chimpanzees. Explore the Worlds Strongest Waterfalls, See Wildlife, Explore the Nile. Discover Uganda with local safari experts.