Is Uganda a safe place to travel?
I was deluged by this question when I shared my travel experience with people. My answer to them was “Yes! It is”.
Historically, Uganda was once an unrest place. The economy of the country collapsed somewhere between 1971-1979. People these days often carry a perception about Uganda as a dangerous place to go. They portray an image of street riots, armed robberies, violent crime, fights among different races – which is untrue.
It is definitely good to know the history of a country before traveling. But it is also important to know that it was their past and you should see them to what they have revived to.
Uganda may not be the safest place on earth. It does have its safety and security issues just like many other countries. The government of Uganda has improvised safety situations to enhance tourism in Uganda.
Travelers to Uganda must take some basic precautions, nothing different from those you consider while going to any foreign land.
Consider staying in a hotel close to main roads, which has a doorman round the clock; robberies are still common in most parts of Africa. Secure your valuables in the safe, provided by the hotel.
Sienna Beach Hotel in Entebbe is safe and is located on the shores of renowned Lake Victoria. Sienna Beach Hotel offers inexpensive rooms. It has remarkable security round the clock.
Kampala, the capital city of Uganda has a wide range of hotels to choose from, however, if traveling on a budget you may choose to stay in Hotel Sojovalo, this three-star hotel offers good service and has rooms from USD 70.
Avoid venturing out on streets alone at dark
This goes without saying, in any country it is not advisable to be adventurous enough to wander on dark or low-lit streets alone, this could invite you to be a victim of any form of assault. Stick to public places. And know the fact that solo travel doesn’t mean to be always on unanimity.
Hire a taxi or a driver through your hotel
Hiring a taxi is the safest option to go around major cities in the country. The road conditions are not great. Locals have rash driving habits and roads are poorly lit during nights. Hence it’s not recommended to rent a self-driven car.
Try public transport matatus (minibus) and bodaboda (scooter taxi) at least once during your stay. It would be a unique experience. Matatus are commonly used only in East Africa, they are usually overcrowded.
Get to know what to see and how to reach there
Doing a little research before landing in any country would be of great help. More than doing a safari, you will have an amazing time exploring everything else that this beautiful country has to offer.
Jinja is popular as it is the source of the river Nile. It is an unmissable attraction. Spend an evening partying at the Spenna beach. Tour the Bwindi National park, known for its Gorilla tracking.
Don’t avoid Uganda; it has a lot to offer
Don’t ponder your safety concerns and skip Uganda, just because you have heard or read somewhere that it’s unsafe.
I backpacked alone in Uganda and felt totally safe. In fact, I felt like I was being pampered by locals for being a visitor in their country. Every other person I met was friendly and was extremely hospitable. I was often referred to by locals as “Muzungu” (white in complexion).
Good To Know
Entebbe offers a serene atmosphere. It is on the bank of Lake Victoria. The air is clean and unpolluted. Kampala, the capital city, is bustling and cramped with motorists and street hawkers. Kampala is considered to be the most populated city in Uganda.
The United Nations has its base set in Entebbe for many years, for the ongoing missions in the Congo DR, Sudan, including Darfur and Burundi, has now been elevated into the global body’s main operational peacekeeping base in this part of Africa.
There are so many places in the world that have been misrepresented by myth and media. Uganda is one such country which has so many treasures to unveil. Recently I had been to Rwanda and all misconceptions were swept away as soon as I landed in the place which engulfed me with its beauty.
Any rough guidelines on budget per day?
Around 20-30 USD with basic accommodation and food
Very interesting true story on Uganda thanks
Thanks Sarah. Its always a pleasure to let the world know how incredible Uganda is.
Sriram never though of sending any of my guests to Uganda @@ sasami Destinationz….I shall surely rethink now…
Thanks for this informative post…
Thanks Minal. Uganda is a hidden gem in East Africa. You surely should recommend this to your guests , they would get to see the real Africa there.
Thank you for letting us know about Uganda! Sometimes it is easy to shy away from places that we hear are dangerous. I’m glad that it’s like in many nations, where you just have to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense.
Unfortunately we see and hear the worst of a country on the news. If you base it on what you see in the media people would never travel. (no where is safe!) Thanks for sharing about Uganda. It will help a lot of people plan their travels.
How about the Northeastern districts? I heard it’s not too safe to travel there except for trips to Kidepo Valley National Park?
Its advisable take tours. Its just like going to Bwindi National Park.
I feel Uganda uses a lot of the same rules as any country…even in toronto I would not walk alone in areas late at night. If you use your head you can be almost anywhere safely I think
I also heard that Uganda is really safe to travel. It’s still one of my African bucket list countries, but I’m pretty sure I will make it there pretty soon.
Fab post! Thank you for the amazing information. Most people just assume the worse instead of researching.
Thanks Jennifer, thats true, traveling changes the way we look at things and this part of the journey was indeed an eye-opener.
I agree with you. Nearly every destination can have difficulties for travellers. The key is to be prepared and aware of what the risks might be and to not travel alone in places where there are cautions being issued. I’d love to go to Uganda.
Thanks Doreen, taking basic precautions would certainly keep us safe in any part of the world. Hope you would have a great time in Uganda.
I find it quite intimidating to travel in Uganda but this post is a real eye-opener!
I had the same impression about the country too Anne, but the moment I landed my idea changed dramatically as people are really welcoming.
I guess every place has some safety issues as well and in general, traveling is ofcourse risky. But what is life without any risk anyway? What I have seen here in your post is Uganda is totally worth it to make a risk. 🙂
I like the spirit Jessica, life is nothing without taking risks. Uganda is indeed a beautiful country and people are quite friendlier too.
I would like to visit Uganda too. Ive heard great things. Thanks for sharing!
Uganda indeed is an interesting country to visit Janna.
Thank you for the publication and for staying with Sienna Beach Hotel. It’s really interesting and it will add much to our tourism industry
Thank you for your kind words Annet. I did enjoy my stay in sienna beach hotel and Uganda indeed is a great place to visit.
Interesting!
Thank you Angie