Uganda Travel Tips – What you need to know before travelling to Uganda for your Safari Popular for its elusive mountain gorillas and charming greenery, Uganda is a superb safari destination. Uganda Safaris popularly include primate adventures however besides primates, Uganda also offer opportunities to spot several other African savanna wildlife species including the African Big Five. If you are planning to visit this amazing destination, there are some Uganda Travel Tips that will help you to make your Uganda safari tour a more memorable one. These are the best tips for preparing a Uganda safari tour of any kind be it Gorilla Trekking, wildlife safaris or Birding tours. Why wait? Lets get started with some of the best Uganda Travel Tips.
Health tips - Uganda Travel Tips
To avoid health interruptions during your Uganda Safaris, we highly recommended that you consult with your local health practitioner before traveling to Uganda. Make sure that you receive all the necessary vaccinations to stay healthy. You should consider getting vaccinated against diseases such as Polio, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A & B, and Tetanus. We also recommend getting vaccinated against Rabies and Meningitis. It is important to note that since the outbreak of yellow fever in April 2016, the Ugandan Ministry of Health has made it mandatory for all travelers to Uganda to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination. Your health is more important during your safaris tour in Uganda.
Malaria in Uganda – Why protect yourself against catching Malaria in Uganda?
If you are planning to visit Uganda, it is important to be aware that there is a high risk of malaria. Many traveler to Uganda include a mosquito repellant in their packing list however, we also recommend you to consult your doctor before your trip to determine whether you need to take malarial medication with you to Uganda.
Besides using the mosquito repellants, you can also wear long-sleeved light-colored clothing that ensures that most of your body is covered especially if you are visiting mosquito areas like forests. For those planning to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, it is important to note that gorillas live in thick forests which have mosquitos so protecting your self will keep you safe during your Uganda safari tour.
Drinking Water in Uganda – Is tap water safe for drinking in Uganda?
Your tour operator will provide you with drinking water that is more safe for human consumption. At all costs, avoid drinking tap water in Uganda since the water is not purely safe for drinking. If one is interested in take tap water, then they must ensure that the water is first purified or boiled before consuming. The Bottled mineral water is widely available and cheap so tell your tour operator to stock enough for you during your safari.
Food in Uganda – What can I eat during safaris in Uganda?
Ugandan cuisine typically includes meat-based stews or sauce dishes that are served with ugali, a thick doughy paste made from maize, or matoke, cooked and mashed green bananas. Stews are often enhanced with beans and ground nuts. Cassava, yams, and sweet potatoes are also commonly served. Because of its many Water Bodies, Uganda is also known for its fish dishes, especially tiger fish and tilapia. The country is widely regarded as Africa's fruit bowl, with a wide variety of fruits available, including the popular jackfruit.
For those who are feeling adventurous, deep-fried grasshoppers are a unique local delicacy will be awaiting you in Uganda. There are also Indian-influenced dishes served with chapattis in Uganda. For dessert, locals often enjoy mandazi, deep-fried dough covered in cinnamon or sugar. To complement your meal, try a glass of pombe, a fermented beer made with millet or banana.
Tipping guides and service providers in Uganda
In Uganda, there is no set minimum amount of money to give your service provider. However, we only recommend tipping after you have received the service. Many workers in the service industry in Uganda earn very little and struggle to make ends meet. Between $10-15 per person per day is the popular amount given to guide however since it is an appreciation, it always depends on how you feel about the service offered to you. It is also a good practice to put a few dollars in a communal tip jar for the driver, cook, and porters. When dining out in a restaurant, tipping 10% on top of the bill is also considered appropriate.
Souvenirs in Uganda
Traditional African handicrafts are abundant throughout Uganda and can be purchased at reasonable prices. These handicrafts make excellent souvenirs. Buying carved wooden masks and sculptures made by local artists is a great way to support the community and ensure that you take home something that is unique and authentic. You'll find plenty of other items to jazz up your home, such as bowls, batik paintings, and woven baskets.
If you're looking to add some vibrant and colorful clothing to your wardrobe, Uganda is the place to be. You can easily find bright fabrics with stunning African patterns and either take them home as they are or have them turned into clothes by one of the local tailors. By getting your own custom-made clothes, you'll be providing valuable income for the locals. You will also be sure that no one will be walking around wearing the same thing as you back home.
Is it safe for solo female travellers in Uganda?
If you are a foreign female solo traveler, especially a white woman, you may attract a lot of attention in Uganda. People may want to talk to you, or invite you to their house. Most of the time, this attention is purely out of curiosity and not meant to be threatening or harmful. However, some men may pester you, but if you give them the cold shoulder or a firm 'no', they will usually leave you alone.
Plan your Uganda safari our with us and explore various destinations within the country. Our Uganda safaris offer a wide range of safari activities and experiences including mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking wildlife safaris and birding safaris among others.
