Welcome to Uganda

From trekking to glimpse mountain gorillas and chimpanzees to embarking on an epic tubing float down the Nile River, Uganda brims with possibility.

Within this small country, you’ll find Africa’s tallest mountain range, Lake Victoria and Big Five wildlife — all contributing to Uganda’s nickname as the “Pearl of Africa.” Marvel at mighty Murchison Falls. Embrace Kampala’s lively nightlife.

Go mountain biking, bungee jumping and kayaking in Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa. And search for elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Unique Facts

• Half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population lives in Uganda.
• Uganda is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse countries. More than 30 indigenous languages are spoken there.
• More bananas are grown in Uganda than any other nation (with the exception of India and China). More than 50 varieties of the Matooke plantain are grown here.
• Some favorite snack items in Uganda include Nsenene grasshoppers and White Ants.
• Although best known for its gorillas, Uganda is also home to 11 percent of the world’s bird population.

Language

Uganda’s official languages are Swahili and English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Uganda is between December and February or June and August. The conditions are good for spotting mountain gorillas and chimpanzees during this time. Wildlife viewing in the national parks is good during these periods, as well as in February and March.

Airports

Entebbe International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for all travelers when visiting Uganda: Measles, Yellow Fever and routine vaccinations. Most travelers need Hepatitis A, Malaria and Typhoid vaccines. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Cholera, Meningitis and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type G. Standard voltage: 240V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Ugandan Shilling

Getting Around

Rural roads are in poor condition. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. Be aware of pedestrians on roadways. Avoid nighttime travel.

Public transportation between cities is by small van or large bus.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Kampala
Plot 1577 Ggaba Road
Kampala, Uganda
Telephone: +(256)(0) 414-306-001 and +(256)(0)312-306-001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(256)(0) 414-306-001 and +(256)(0)312-306-001
Fax: +(256)(0) 414-259-794
KampalaUSCitizen@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourism Uganda
6th Floor, Block C, Lugogo House,
Plot 42 Lugogo Bypass (Rotary Avenue), Lugogo, Kampala
P.O. Box 7211 Kampala
Tel: +256-414342196/7

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency (from landline): 999
General Emergency (from cellphone): 112

Safety and Security

The crime rate is high in Uganda. Pickpocketing, purse snatching and thefts from hotel rooms, parked vehicles and vehicles stalled in traffic jams are common. Armed robberies of pedestrians and car jackings also occur. Assaults and property snatching by boda boda (motorcycle operators and passengers) are routinely reported.