Uganda is a beautiful landlocked country located in East Africa, bordered by Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Rwanda to the southwest, and Tanzania to the south.

Often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and warm, welcoming people. From the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the vast savannahs and lush rainforests, Uganda offers a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure.

It is also home to the source of the Nile River and nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Uganda’s equatorial climate is one of its greatest appeals, offering pleasant temperatures on the plains ranging from 21°C to 30°C year-round. With minimal seasonal variation, Uganda is a fantastic destination at any time of the year.

In contrast, the mountainous regions are noticeably cooler—especially at night—with temperatures sometimes dipping as low as 10°C, and rainfall tends to be more frequent.

The rainy seasons usually occur from March to April and October to November, though weather can be unpredictable and rain is possible at any time, particularly in the gorilla trekking areas. While travel may be a bit slower during wet months, the views are often clearer and more vivid thanks to the rain washing away dust.

Gorilla trekking remains open year-round. It may be muddier during the rainy season, but with the right gear and the help of a porter, it’s still a highly rewarding experience.

Our best advice? Travel when it suits you best.

Getting to Uganda is easy with a range of international airlines servicing the country, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Egyptair, Ethiopian Airlines, African Express, and Kenya Airways.

For travel within Uganda, Aerolink offers twice-daily flights connecting key safari destinations such as Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi, and Kidepo. Fly Uganda also provides scheduled flights to these locations.

Intra-regional travel within East Africa is made easy with carriers like Kenya Airways, Regional Air, Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, Air Kenya, Safarilink, Precision Air, Uganda Airlines, and RwandAir. These airlines offer convenient connections between Uganda, Rwanda, and the renowned wildlife regions of Kenya and Tanzania.

Please remember to confirm your international and regional flights directly with the airlines, as schedules may change. It’s also important to ensure your flight timings align with the start and end of your safari itinerary.

To enter Uganda, you must have a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is also required and must be presented during your visa application if a visa is needed.

Tourist visas are generally easy to obtain for single-entry visits, but multiple-entry visas can be more challenging. It’s recommended to apply for your visa in advance through the official Uganda immigration website.

Travelers from the USA, European Union, and Japan must apply for a tourist visa before their trip. This visa costs $50 and can be paid online or upon arrival at a Ugandan entry point.

Nationals from Ireland, the East African Community, and COMESA countries do not require a visa. Citizens of other countries should check the Uganda immigration website for specific requirements.

All visa applications must be submitted online. A single-entry tourist visa costs USD $50 and is valid for a stay between two weeks and three months.

For assistance or more details, contact your nearest Ugandan embassy:

• United Kingdom: Uganda House, 58/59 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DX. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 5783
• United States: 5811 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20011. Tel: +1 202 726 7100

Visa policies and fees may change without notice, so it’s best to check the Uganda immigration website regularly. The team at Nile Safari Lodge is also happy to assist with any visa-related questions.

Your safari costs will already be included in your booking as per the reservation agreement, so only a small amount of daily spending money is needed. We recommend budgeting around US$30–50 per day for personal expenses such as tips, drinks, or souvenirs.

While ATMs are available in Kampala and most large towns, credit card acceptance is limited—particularly outside the capital. Even where cards are accepted, high surcharges may apply. For convenience, it’s best to carry some cash.

If bringing US dollars, please note that only post-2006 bills in pristine condition (no tears, stains, or markings) are accepted in Uganda. As of January 2025, 1 US Dollar is approximately 3,715 Ugandan Shillings (Jan 2025).

Before traveling to Uganda, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider for medical advice and to check which vaccinations you may need. A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Uganda and is also required during the online visa application process.

If you’re based in the UK, you can contact MASTA (The Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad) at +44 9068 224100 or visit masta-travel-health.com.
For travelers from the USA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides up-to-date travel health guidance at cdc.gov.

Make sure to pack a sufficient supply of any personal medication you may need. Anti-malarial medication and a good mosquito repellent are strongly recommended. Only drink bottled or boiled water during your stay.

While basic medical services are available in Uganda, especially outside urban areas, they may be limited. Be sure your travel insurance includes comprehensive medical and emergency evacuation coverage.

Having valid travel insurance is a mandatory condition for booking a stay with Nile safari Lodge. Guests are required to provide proof of adequate insurance before departure.

Your insurance policy should cover a range of essentials, including:

• Personal injury

• Medical expenses and emergency repatriation (in case of illness, accident, or death)

• Tour cancellation or curtailment (by you or the company)

• Loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings

If your itinerary includes high-risk activities like mountaineering, trekking, animal tracking on foot, or white-water rafting, make sure your policy specifically includes these.

In the event of theft, injury, or any disruptions to your plans, please report them to our team immediately. It is your responsibility to understand and adhere to the terms of your travel insurance coverage.

Uganda is generally a safe and welcoming country for travelers. However, as with any destination, it’s wise to follow basic safety precautions and use common sense during your stay.

International phone communication works well in Kampala, though it can be more limited in remote, up-country areas. Uganda has a growing mobile network, and most safari guides carry mobile phones that can receive incoming calls.

If you’re traveling with a European or American mobile phone, it should work in Uganda provided it has international roaming. Alternatively, local SIM cards are affordable and widely available—just bring your passport to purchase one.

Internet access is common in Kampala and major towns, though connection quality can vary.

At Nile Safari Lodge, we offer free Wi-Fi, but please be aware that due to our remote location, signal strength and speeds may be inconsistent.

In Uganda, modest dressing is respected and appreciated, especially in towns and rural communities.

Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for the warm temperatures on the plains. However, if you’re heading to hilly or mountainous regions, be prepared for cooler weather.

Pack a mix of light clothes for the day and warmer layers such as a heavy sweater or fleece for the evenings and early mornings. A rain jacket is essential, especially during the rainy seasons, and sturdy boots are recommended if you’ll be exploring higher altitudes or going on nature treks.

If you’re planning to take digital photos during your trip, be sure to bring extra batteries and memory cards. While Nile Safari Lodge provides charging facilities, having a car charger or power bank is also a smart backup.

For those using film cameras, it’s best to bring all the film you’ll need, as it’s rarely available for purchase in Uganda.

Please note that flash photography is not permitted near mountain gorillas or chimpanzees. Since these primates are typically found in dimly lit forest areas, we recommend using fast film (400–1600 ASA) or adjusting your digital camera settings to handle low light.

Personal video cameras are welcome, but if you’re filming professionally within national parks, you’ll need to apply for a commercial filming permit in advance.

Drones are strictly regulated in Uganda. Whether for personal or commercial use, drones must be properly declared and approved before entry. Failing to comply can result in serious consequences, including being denied entry into the country. Always check the latest guidelines with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority before traveling with a drone.

Lastly, when photographing people, always ask for permission first. And remember—photography is strictly prohibited near military personnel or facilities.