---
title: "Uganda: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to Uganda? Check out our trip prep page for tips to help you prepare.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Kasese-District_uganda.jpg
---

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# Uganda: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![Uganda: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Kasese-District_uganda.jpg)

### About Uganda

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/uganda#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/uganda#packing)
- [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/uganda#language)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/uganda#weather)
- [Culture Notes](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/uganda#culturenotes)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/uganda#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/uganda#faq)
- [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/uganda#full-image-title)
- [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/uganda#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

A country full of natural wonders, majestic wildlife, and bustling cities, Uganda has something for everyone. Sign up for a trek amongst gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or explore Kampala trying new cuisines, you can't go wrong!

 

**Capital City:** Kampala

**Population: **45.74 million (2020 est)

**Currency: **Ugandan Shilling

**Time Zone:** East Africa Time (GMT +3)

**Emergency Number:** 112

**Outlet:** Type G

![Uganda-Monkey](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Uganda-Monkey.jpg)

![Elephants in river](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/edu-gonzalez-8q3naPWAZNE-unsplash%20(1).jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active shoes** - Great for exploring off-the-beaten paths, hiking trails and waterfalls. We love sturdy hiking sandals, such as Chacos or Keens, for warmer climates! If you're going on the gorilla or chimpanzee trek, you'll want to pack good closed-toed shoes for hiking!

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine is key for motion sickness.

**Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a bad sunburn. Remember to pack sunblock with SPF to protect your skin while outside.

**Sunglasses ** - Choose a model with UVA/UWB protection.

**Day Pack** - For carrying cameras, snacks, sunscreen, water, etc.

**Hand Sanitizer** - Need I say more?

**Bug Spray** - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip.

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Staying hydrated is a recipe for success. You will have access to clean water for refilling throughout your stay.

**Portable Chargers** - Great for charging batteries while on the go.

**Travel Adapter** - A universal plug is your best option.

**Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate.

**Local Currency** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash only.

**Call Your Bank ** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling.

**Always pack extra underwear!**

#### Speak the Language

**Language: **English and Swahili are the official languages of Uganda.

 

- **Hello** - Hello
- **Goodbye** - Kwaheri
- **Thank you very much** - Asante (sana)
- **Do you speak English?** - Unaongea kiingereza?
- **I don't understand** - Sielewi
- **How are you?** - Habari Yako?
- **I'm fine, thank you** - Niko sawa, asante
- **What is your name? -** Jina lako nani?
- **My name is ____** - Jina langu ni ____
- **Sorry - **Samahani
- **Where is the bathroom? - **Bafuni iko wapi?

  

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click [**here**](https://translate.google.com/)

![Uganda-National-Park](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Uganda-National-Park.jpg)

#### Weather

[KAMPALA WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/0d3532d58/kampala/?unit=us)

#### Culture Notes

- Malaria does exist in this area of Eastern Africa, and hotels will have mosquito nets equipped to protect from bites. Before going to sleep please ensure that the nets are covering the bed completely, with no gaps for mosquitos to get through.
- Prevent getting bitten by wearing clothes that cover your bare skin. Long shirts, socks, shoes and long pants after dark – most mosquito bites occur below the knee. Speak to your doctor about options for antimalarial tablets.
- Insect repellent is the single most important line of defense. Make sure you bring enough of an effective (preferably stick or lotion) repellent and that you use it liberally and frequently!  You need to look for the active ingredient (DEET) on the bottle.

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

| **Guides** |  | USD $5-10 per person/per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | USD $3-4 per person/per day |
| **Restaurants(full service)**  |  | 10% if total bill |

 

#### FAQ

**Where can I find information on travel safety? **Check out the US Department of State's [website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/uganda-travel-advisory.html) for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

To minimize the risk of pickpocketing it is recommended to be discreet: don’t flash anything of value, keep a firm hand on your camera, and carry shoulder bags slung across your body. Overall it’s a good idea to avoid badly lit areas completely at night and deserted inner-city areas by day.

 

**Is the water safe to drink? **Tap water should be avoided by travelers. You should also avoid brushing your teeth with tap water when possible. For drinking water, make sure to drink treated water which can be found at all lodging accommodations.

 

**Do I need a Visa?** For Visa information, click [here. ](https://www.visahq.com/uganda/)Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

**What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/uganda).

 

**Do you recommend travel insurance?** While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner) or from a provider of your choice.

 

**How much should I pack?** As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

**What does public transportation look like? **There are local taxis and mini buses available in the main cities. Public transport becomes harder to navigate in the more rural areas.

 

**Is Uber or Lyft available? **Uber is available in Kampala.

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

### Book With Confidence

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