How safe is Uganda for Americans? Very safe. While travel across Uganda is very safe, we recommend that exercise minimum levels of security for both your life and valuables just like you do back in the US.
Uganda is arguably the safest tourist destination in East Africa. Uganda historically suffered some political unrest in the earlier years up until the current government assumed power in 1986 – bringing to an end the long known Idi Amin era which every literature writes about as insecure times in Uganda.
With the ongoing security, notable Americans like Bill & Melinda Gates have visited Uganda in 2004 & 2012 and have been able to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, Kanye West & wife Kim Kardashian did visit Uganda as well and were able to meet and gift the President of Uganda with a pair of sneakers – still think Uganda is not safe for Americans? Now is the time to change your perception about safe travel to Uganda.
Uganda did officially open its doors to American tourists as early as 1993 – when gorilla trekking officially started out in Bwindi Forest National Park. Naturally endowed, Uganda has a lot More than just mountain gorillas, but also chimpanzee tracking, lion tracking, rhino tracking and a tone of bird species grace the skies of this little “Pearl of Africa”. All safari parks in Uganda are manned by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers supported by the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces & the Uganda Police which has a tourism dedicated Unit called the counter Terrorism unit who dress in Black uniform clearly marked in white “CT” with the Ugandan coat of Arms & flag – you will see them all through your Safari in Uganda guarding at Hotels & safari lodges.
Is it Safe to visit Uganda during COVID times?
Travel to Uganda during COVID 19 times is safe if you adhere to the set COVID-19 travel guidelines.
Uganda has been recognized as one of the world’s top countries to have suppressed the Coronavirus pandemic successfully. According to independent international observers, Uganda has a Covid death rate of below 1%, which is pretty impressive. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has done a tremendous job of keeping Coronavirus patients alive with about a 98% patient recovery rate.
See statistics: https://covid19.gou.go.ug/statistics.html
Additional Travel information for Uganda
- Visas – Many countries do need a visa to enter Uganda. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your date of entry. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
- Currency – The Ugandan shilling is the official currency in Uganda. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and US dollars are widely accepted – but remember to bring new bills not older than 2009.
- Weather – Uganda has a tropical climate, characterized by temperatures from 21-25°C, apart from those in the mountainous areas, which have much cooler temperatures; there’s often snow on top of Mount Rwenzori. The period from December to February is the hottest of the year.
- Airports – Entebbe International Airport is the main and busiest international airport in Uganda. It is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, about 40.5 km southwest of the business district of Kampala.
- Travel Insurance – Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when travelling to Uganda, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
