←Uganda travel guide
Kampala, Uganda
Kampala
Uganda's seven-hilled capital where Buganda tradition meets city life
CultureFood & DrinkNightlife
Kampala, built across a series of hills above Lake Victoria, has served as Uganda's administrative and cultural heart since the Buganda kingdom chose this land as its base centuries ago. The city blends colonial-era landmarks, vibrant markets, and diverse religious sites, from the UNESCO-listed Kasubi Tombs to Africa's only Baha'i temple.
Check Uganda visa requirements →
Best time to visit
December to February and June to August (dry seasons)
Region
Kampala
Main airport
Entebbe (EBB)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Kampala
Nature
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.
Nature
Kibale National Park
Kibale is a tropical rainforest reserve in western Uganda recognised as the world's most primate-dense forest, harbouring 13 primate species including a population of over 1,500 chimpanzees. Guided chimpanzee trekking allows small groups to track habituated communities through the understorey, with a high encounter success rate. Beyond primates, the forest supports red-tailed and grey-cheeked mangabeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and hundreds of bird species, making it a key destination for primate and birding enthusiasts.
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
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Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Uganda.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Kampala
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel 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.