Travel Advise Uganda 2026

Uganda Travel Advice

Uganda is one of the rising travel destinations in in Africa. Among the most asked questions include the safety of the country, insurance covers, how to get there, things to do in Uganda among several other queries.

Things to Do in Uganda

Here are some of the top things to consider doing in Uganda

Gorilla Trekking

In Uganda, gorilla trekking is done in two parks; Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda go for US$800 for foreign non residents and US$700 for foreign residents while Gorilla habituation goes for US$1500 foreign non residents and US$1000 for foreign residents. However Uganda wildlife Authority is in a process of revising the gorilla trekking fees.

We recommend booking your July and August permits as early March. This is because these are the peek months in Uganda, therefore you are likely to miss out on the permits in case you consider booking in the time of late May and June.

Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzee tracking can be done in mainly three locations in Uganda; Semuliki wildlife reserve, Queen Elizabeth national park and Kibale forest national  park. Kibale is the most expensive of all the three locations because it has almost 99% guarantee to see the chimpanzees.

Permits range from US$130 in Kalinzu forest and Murchison falls national park, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park at US$100 per person and US$300 in Kibale forest national park. However Chimpanzee habituation (US$400) only exists in Kibale forest national park.

Besides the primate safaris, Uganda has several other things to do including but not limited to the following:

  • Savannah game drive in national parks such as Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Kidepo valley national park, and Lake Mburo national park.
  • White water rafting in Jinja. This ranges from grade one to five
  • Hikes. This can be done at Sipi falls, Rwenzori mountains, Elgon Mountains and Moroto mountains
  • Boat trips on the Nile in Jinja and Murchison falls.
  • Cultural excursions with the Buganda kingdom, IK tribe, Karamajong among several other tribes
  • Visiting Uganda’s major cities on a road trip

Car Hire: How To Get Around Uganda

Logistics are a basic necessity in any itinerary; whether you are purchasing a safari package or considering a self drive safari. Whichever the case; prices vary according to the type of car you are considering.

For some reasons; people choose car hire with a driver instead of simply hiring for self drive. But it all depends on your budget; car hire with a driver is slightly more expensive though it will save you the time you would waste in trying to discover routes by yourself.

4x4 Car hie with driver in Uganda

A self drive budget ranges from US$45 to US$100 per day with out camping while hiring with camping gear ranges from US$50 to US$200 per day yet hiring a car with a driver ranges from US$90 to US$250 per day.

Park Entrance Fees

Park entrance vary according to the park and activity an individual considers to indulge in. For instance park entrance is simply US$40 per adult and US$20 for children in. Murchison Falls national park, Kidepo Valley national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Bwindi Impenetrable national park, Mgahinga Gorilla national park, Kibale forest national park, and Lake Mburo national park

East African VISA

You can apply for the East African Visa through the country you will land in first; that is Either Uganda or Kenya. Rwanda is currently revising its policy regarding the East African VISA while Tanzania requires a separate VISA all together.

Travel Insurance

There are several travel insurance plans available however most if not all tour operators in Uganda recommend tourists to get travel insurance in their country of origin. However besides your country travel insurance, All East African countries require you to buy travel insurance commonly known as “Comesa”. The price for Comesa varies according to the number of days. It is sold in packages of 2 weeks and a full month.

How Safe is Uganda

Uganda is one of the safest destinations on the African continent. The country is free from civil wars from border to border. However this does not call for negligence. Crime still happens in the country. It is not a common thing that you will land in trouble while in Uganda but avoiding travelling at night will save you a great deal of trouble.