Uganda has rightfully earned its title as “The Pearl of Africa.” This classic adventure tourism destination captivates visitors with its impressive variety of wildlife, favorable equatorial climate, and exceptionally friendly people. Whether you’re planning to trek with mountain gorillas or explore the diverse landscapes, this comprehensive guide will help you prepare for your Ugandan adventure.

Entebbe International Airport serves as Uganda’s primary gateway, located 40 km from the capital city of Kampala. The airport welcomes numerous international carriers, including:

• Brussels Airlines (SN)
• South African Airways (SAA)
• Kenya Airways (KQ)
• Rwanda Express (WB)
• Egypt Air (MS)
• Ethiopian Airlines (ET)
• Emirates Airlines (EK)
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Qatar Airways (QR)
• Turkish Airlines (TK)

Pro Tip: Alliance Express partners with South African Airways (SAA), offering direct flights between Kigali (Rwanda), Entebbe (Uganda), Johannesburg (South Africa), Nairobi (Kenya), and Bujumbura (Burundi).

Charter flights between domestic tourist attractions can be arranged in advance for greater flexibility.

Uganda is also accessible by road from neighboring countries including Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda, making it ideal for multi-country East African adventures.

Important: Uganda’s immigration policies can change without notice, so travelers should pay close attention to visa validity to avoid fines or travel interruptions.

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date
• Yellow Fever Certificate: Mandatory for all travelers (valid for 10 years)
• Visa: Can be obtained at Entebbe Airport upon arrival or online in advance (recommended, especially for overland arrivals)

Note: Confirm with your airline that you can board without a pre-arranged visa if you plan to obtain one on arrival.

*The East African Tourist Visa offers 3 months of multiple entries across Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Note: Visas do not permit employment in Uganda. Payment must be made in cash—cheques are not accepted.

Citizens of several countries can enter Uganda without paying for a visa, including:

COMESA: Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Botswana

East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi

Others: Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Ireland, Jamaica, Lesotho, Libya, Malta, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Cyprus

Special Provision: Residents of Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda can now travel between these three countries without paying for visas.

Visit your doctor 4-6 weeks before departure to receive necessary vaccinations:

Required:

• Yellow Fever (certificate required at entry)

Recommended:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Typhoid
• Malaria prophylactics

Health Tip: Drink bottled water rather than tap water throughout your stay.

Ugandans are friendly and welcoming, but travelers should take standard precautions:

• Keep valuables with you at all times
• Don’t leave money, passports, or cameras unattended in hotel rooms
• Lock valuable items in your luggage if left in your room
• Declare valuable items at hotel receptions for liability purposes
• Always begin conversations with greetings—it’s culturally appreciated

The Ugandan Shilling is the local currency, but hard currencies are widely accepted:

• US Dollar (preferred)
• Euro
• Pound Sterling

• Forex bureaus offer slightly better rates than banks
• US $50 and $100 bills receive better exchange rates than smaller denominations
• Bills dated before 2006 may be refused or exchanged at lower rates
• Torn notes are often refused
• Traveler’s cheques are rarely accepted outside Kampala

Visa and major credit cards can be used at selected ATMs in:

• Kampala
• Entebbe International Airport
• Other major towns

English is the official language, and educated Ugandans are generally fluent. Swahili is also spoken, along with Luganda and other Bantu and Nilo-Saharan languages throughout the country.

• Voltage: 240V at 50Hz

Uganda operates on East Africa Standard Time (GMT+3)

• Government offices and banks: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday to Saturday (closing at midday on Saturdays)
• Private businesses: May operate until 6:30 PM depending on the nature of the business

Tipping is not standard practice at local establishments but is appreciated at tourist-oriented venues:

• Restaurants: 10% is customary
• Safari guides/drivers: Tipping at the end of your safari is expected
• Porters: Tipping is customary for hiking and trekking support

Tourist-oriented venues: Serve Western-style meals

Local restaurants: Offer authentic Ugandan cuisine, including:

• Matoke (cooked bananas) served with stewed beans
• Ugali (stiff maize porridge)

Uganda can be visited year-round, but understanding the seasons can help you plan:

• Mid-May to end of August
• December through February

• September through November
• March through May

Budget Tip: Gorilla permits are often discounted during the rainy season, making it an excellent time for budget-conscious travelers planning mountain gorilla treks.