←All destinations
Travel Guide
Visiting Uganda
Select your passport to instantly check if you need a visa.
Discover
Top Attractions in Uganda
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest in south-western Uganda that shelters approximately half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, making it the planet's foremost destination for gorilla trekking. The park's dense canopy covers more than 1,000 plant species, 350 bird species, and 120 mammal species across steep, mist-shrouded terrain. Permitted trekking groups follow habituated gorilla families through the forest, offering close, hour-long encounters in their natural habitat.
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda's largest protected area at 3,840 square kilometres straddles the northern Albertine Rift, where the Victoria Nile squeezes through an eight-metre gorge and drops 45 metres into a churning pool known as the Devil's Cauldron. Game drives across palm-dotted savanna reveal over 900 elephants, large lion prides, Rothschild's giraffes, and 556 recorded bird species including the rare shoebill stork. Boat cruises along the Nile to the base of the falls are among Uganda's most celebrated wildlife experiences.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Uganda. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Uganda.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. Medical help at the scene of an accident is likely to be limited, particularly outside Kampala. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police999
Ambulance999
Fire999
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Uganda
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Uganda page at Yoogo.
Uganda uses the Ugandan shilling (UGX). Cash is the primary currency for most daily transactions. US dollars are widely accepted for tourist services, national park fees, and gorilla trekking permits. ATMs are available in Kampala and larger towns but can be unreliable. Carry cash when travelling to remote areas.
The main tourist areas including Kampala, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Queen Elizabeth National Park are generally safe. Petty theft occurs in Kampala; take standard precautions. Some border areas require caution. Always check your government's current travel advisory. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is in force and travellers should be aware of this when planning their visit.
Boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) are ubiquitous in cities and towns. Shared taxis and buses connect major towns. Roads vary significantly in quality; a 4WD vehicle is recommended for national park access and rural travel. Most visitors join organised tours for gorilla trekking and safaris, which include transport.
The dry seasons from December to February and June to September are the best times to visit, with easier access to national parks and better gorilla trekking conditions. Gorilla permits can be booked year-round, but the dry months offer drier forest trails. The green season (March to May) brings lush landscapes and fewer visitors.
English and Swahili are the official languages. English is used in government, education, and business, and is widely spoken in urban areas and tourist contexts. Luganda is the most widely spoken indigenous language in the central region. Over 40 other Bantu and Nilotic languages are spoken across the country.
Yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Uganda. Malaria is present throughout the country; antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are also recommended. Gorilla trekking requires that visitors are free from cold or flu symptoms on the day of the trek.
Tipping is appreciated in Uganda's tourist sector. Safari guides, gorilla trackers, and drivers typically receive gratuities at the end of trips; USD 10–20 per day per guide is a common guideline. Restaurant staff appreciate rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10%. There are no rigid rules.
Mobile coverage is available across most of the country via providers including MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda. 4G is available in Kampala and larger towns. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to obtain with a passport. Coverage in national parks and remote areas can be very limited.