Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Uganda.
In our opinion, Uganda is generally safe to visit. People are friendly and happy to welcome visitors to their country. Several governments have advised against traveling to some remote regions, but tour operators will only take you to areas that are considered safe. For more information on these remote areas, please see the travel advisory links below. As with many countries, there is some crime in the cities, but most issues can be avoided by following basic safety precautions. Many tourists visit Uganda every year, and the vast majority of visits are trouble-free.
Below are tips on staying safe in Uganda.
Staying Safe on a Gorilla Trek
Gorilla trekking is a very safe activity. Mountain gorillas are gentle giants that either ignore people or show curiosity toward them. All gorilla groups visited by tourists are habituated, meaning they are used to the presence of humans. The guide, provided by the park authorities, will give you a briefing before your trek that outlines how to stay safe around the gorillas. Thousands of people go on a gorilla trek in Uganda every year and incidents are almost unheard of. For more detailed tips:
Staying Safe on a Chimp Trek
Chimp trekking is very safe. Several parks offer this activity, and in all cases the chimps are habituated and will continue with their usual activities while ignoring any human presence. A park guide will brief you on what to expect and how to ensure safety for yourself and the chimps. For more detailed tips:
Staying Safe on Wildlife Viewing Activities
Your safari guide will prioritize your safety at all times, so be sure to follow their instructions. Always remember that all animals in parks and reserves are wild. When on a self-drive safari, only leave your car where it has been designated as safe to do so, and don’t drive too close to animals. For additional tips:
Staying Safe in Cities & Towns
Crime occurs in most cities in the world and Uganda is no exception. Most issues are minor, such as petty theft and pickpocketing. You are unlikely to encounter any trouble on guided activities. When venturing out in the city, you can avoid issues by following a few simple safety precautions. Seek advice from your hotel before taking a walk in the city; don’t wear valuables and only take the money you need with you; and don’t walk after dark, rather take a taxi. For more safety tips that apply to African cities in general:
Other Tips on Staying Safe
Please read the pages below regarding malaria and vaccination information for Uganda and general travel safety precautions.
Governments' Travel Advice
Please use the links below for governments' travel advice on Uganda.
- Australia
– www.smartraveller.gov.au - Canada
– travel.gc.ca - EU member states
– ec.europa.eu - Ireland
– www.dfa.ie - New Zealand
– www.safetravel.govt.nz - United Kingdom
– www.gov.uk - United States
– travel.state.gov
