Travel Essentials › Uganda
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Type G, 240 V. Emergency: One number for everything 999 or 112. Tipping: Not obligatory; 5-10% in restaurants and tips for safari guides, drivers and porters are appreciated. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water..
Type G, 240 V
| One number for everything | 999 or 112 |
Not obligatory; 5-10% in restaurants and tips for safari guides, drivers and porters are appreciated.
Greetings. Greetings are warm and unhurried; ask about health and family first, and greet elders with extra respect (often with both hands or a slight bow).
Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees, especially outside Kampala's more cosmopolitan areas and at religious sites.
Photographing people and gorillas. Always ask before photographing people; on gorilla treks, follow ranger instructions closely (no flash, keep distance) to protect the animals and yourself.
Uganda is largely safe for tourists focused on safaris and gorilla trekking, with real risks being petty crime, road safety and occasional regional instability near border areas rather than crime targeting tourists directly.
Fake gorilla permits and unofficial guides. Only buy gorilla/chimp permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or licensed, reputable tour operators to avoid fraud.
Boda-boda and taxi overcharging. Agree on a fare before riding boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) or taxis; airport taxi fraud is also reported at Entebbe.
Currency exchange tricks. Exchange money at reputable banks or forex bureaus rather than street changers, who may shortchange or use rigged calculations.
Women travelers. Solo women visitors are usually fine but may face unwanted attention, catcalling or persistent staring, especially in urban areas; avoid traveling alone at night and use hotels with good security.
Death penalty
Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act (2023) imposes severe penalties for same-sex activity, including the death penalty for 'aggravated homosexuality' and up to 20 years for those who 'promote' LGBTQ+ rights; public displays of affection can lead to arrest, and blackmail/extortion targeting LGBTQ+ people is common, so LGBTQ+ travelers face serious real risk and should exercise extreme discretion or reconsider visiting.
| Coffee (café) | UGX 6,000 | $1.60 |
| Local bus or metro ride | UGX 3,000 (taxi/matatu) | $0.80 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | UGX 30,000 | $8 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | UGX 45,000 | $12 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | UGX 150,000 | $40 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | UGX 170,000-200,000 | $46-54 |
2026-09
The two dry seasons (December-February and June-August) are best for gorilla trekking and general travel; June-August is the classic long dry peak season, while the wetter months are cheaper with fewer crowds.
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