Uganda Travel Tips

Uganda Travel Tips

Thinking of heading to Uganda for a gorilla trekking adventure and safari holiday? Wondering what vaccinations you might need and what you can expect of the local food? 

Look no further than our Top Uganda Travel Tips /Uganda Travel Advice which provide a wealth of information on all the essential you need -to-know.

What vaccinations do I need for Uganda?

It’s important to seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before travelling to Uganda to ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations.

As a guide Polio, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A & B and Tetanus are strongly recommended. Rabies and Meningitis are also recommended.

Following an outbreak of yellow fever in April 2016, the Ugandan Ministry of Health now requires all travellers provide proof of yellow fever vaccination.

When travelling to Uganda, the Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry, and you must present a valid certificate. 

Do I need anti-malaria tablets for Uganda?

There is a high risk of malaria in Uganda so it is very important to check with your doctor before you go, to see whether malarial medication is required for the areas you are visiting.

Generally, it is good practice to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeved, light coloured clothes and wearing a mosquito repellent that contains at least 50% DEET. For more information on the malaria risk in Uganda visit the NHS.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Uganda?

All tap water in Uganda should be treated as if contaminated and avoided at all costs unless it has been purified or boiled before consuming. Bottled mineral water is widely available and cheap so be sure to stock up on this.

What’s the food like in Uganda?

Uganda’s food is fresh, organic, and full of flavour. Staples include matoke (steamed green bananas), posho (maize porridge), beans, groundnut sauce, yams and sweet potatoes. You’ll also find plenty of tropical fruits like pineapples, mangoes, and passion fruits. In towns and lodges, both local dishes and international cuisines are available, catering to all tastes.

For something a little different, why not try a handful of deep fried grasshoppers? If you can’t stomach these insects then there are plenty of Indian influenced dishes that are served with chapattis. For dessert, many locals eat mandazi, deep fried dough covered in cinnamon or sugar. To go with your meal, grab yourself a glass of pombe, a fermented beer made with millet or banana.

Safe eating while travelling in Uganda

Be cautious when eating outside high-end lodges, as meat quality and preparation may upset sensitive stomachs. Food hygiene in Uganda is basic, so avoid anything that looks unclean, old, or undercooked. In addition, skip ice and salads, since they may be washed with unsafe water.

Is it standard to tip in Uganda?

Tipping in Uganda is not mandatory but it is greatly appreciated. In restaurants, a tip of around 5–10% is common if service isn’t included. Safari guides, drivers, and porters also welcome tips as a gesture of gratitude, usually given at the end of the trip. Small tips for hotel staff and community performers are also customary.

What is the currency in Uganda?

The official currency of Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). Banknotes are available in denominations ranging from 1,000 to 50,000 shillings. The shilling is widely used for everyday transactions and the US dollars are also accepted in many hotels, lodges, and tour companies—preferably newer notes printed after 2009. ATMs and forex bureaus are common in major towns.

As well as Euros, British Pounds, South African Rand and other major currencies can be exchanged locally or in advance of departure. Additionally, exchange facilities are available at various bureaus de change and banks in major towns have ATMs. It’s advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities.

Traveler’s Cheques are not recommended as they’re often difficult to exchange and incur high fees.

What sort of plugs do I need for Uganda and what is the voltage?

Standard voltage is 230 – 240 volts. Primary sockets generally require the three square-pin variety, similar to the United Kingdom sockets. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.

Is WiFi widely available in Uganda?

WiFi is available in most hotels, lodges, restaurants, and cafés in major towns and tourist areas. However, connections can be slow or unreliable, especially in remote safari destinations.

For better coverage, many travellers buy a local SIM card with data bundles from providers like MTN or Airtel, which offer stronger mobile internet across the country.

What time zone is Uganda on?

Uganda is 3 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight savings.