If you want to see Africa off the beaten track, Uganda gives you all the flavours of authentic Africa in one diverse and stunning country. Famously labelled the ‘Pearl of Africa’ by Winston Churchill, Uganda is a friendly and down-to-earth destination that will charm you as soon as you arrive in Africa. See Africa’s highest breathtaking mountain range, magically named the ‘Mountains of the Moon’, locate the source of the majestic Nile, go white water rafting at Jinja or be charmed by the buzz of the capital Kampala. Discover the greatest primate population on earth as you check out the chimpanzees and see gorillas on your gap year adventure in Uganda!
We know a safari in Africa is on your bucket list, but how about a trek into the jungle to spot mountain gorillas? Home to half of the worldâs population of mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a rare glimpse of the wildlife in their natural habitat. Watch as they play and forage; the youngsters will make your heart melt!
Framed by leafy hills, Lake Bunyonyi calls to both nature and adventure lovers. Become a pro at bird spotting, with over 200 species calling the surrounding forests home. Kayak, swim, spot wildlife and explore the lakeâs 29 islands. On our Uganda trips, youâll get to end the day gathered around the lakeside campfire, soaking up magical views.
Journey into Kalinzu Forest Reserve and hike through dense forest to track one of Ugandaâs largest chimpanzee communities. Guided by an expert ranger, experience up-close sightings and gain an exciting insight into the chimps' daily behaviours. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for the hundreds of other species that live in the forest!
Tick off a travel milestone as you stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one foot in the Southern Hemisphere! Kayabwe is one of only six spots in Africa where the equator passes through. This popular tourist attraction is complete with photo opportunities, souvenir stalls and the famous (and theatrical) Coriolis effect demonstrations.
Ugandaâs capital, Kampala, will likely be your first stop on our Uganda trips. Immerse yourself in Ugandan history at the Kasubi Tombs and feast on traditional flavours. Here, you can buy a "rolex": not a watch, but delicious chapati served from food stalls. Watch the city come to life at night. Kampala is famous for its electric dance floors!
Gap 360 follows advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and we recommend that you frequently check the FCDO for updated travel advice. You can find the website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office
Speak to your GP about necessary vaccinations well in advance of travel. There have been some reported incidents of Ebola haemorrhagic fever during 2012. You will need a valid Yellow Fever Certificate to show on arrival into Uganda. Outside Kampala, medical facilities are limited and basic.
Avoid drinking the water, drink only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Get medical attention if you suffer from diarrhoea or fever while in Uganda.
The FCDO advise against travel to the Karamoja region of Northeast Uganda. Avoid political gatherings. There is a generalised threat from terrorism in Uganda and you should remain vigilant, especially in major urban centres.
Kampala is known to be a relatively safe city but you should exert the usual cautions when visiting. As in all major cities, theft and pickpocketing is the biggest problem. There have also been incidents of credit card fraud and it is best to exchange cash instead. Driving in Uganda can be risky, so take extra care if you do hire a car.
Please note that Uganda has a strict no tolerance policy to homosexuality and it is currently illegal.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
Uganda has a no tolerance policy towards homosexuality and it is still illegal. Current parliamentary rulings may impose further measures against homosexuality, including calls for the death penalty in some cases. Penalties for drug use or trafficking are severe.
Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.
This information is for people travelling on a full âBritish citizenâ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK governmentâs understanding of Ugandaâs current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Uganda set and enforce entry rules. If youâre not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Ugandan High Commission in the UK.
To enter Uganda, your passport must have an âexpiry dateâ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
You must have a visa to enter Uganda. Check which visa best fits your needs.
You must apply for a Uganda visa online. You will have to attach the required documents and certificates. You may be asked to submit a yellow fever vaccination certificate and must bring the physical certificate with you to present, if requested, at Immigration.
The immigration authorities will email you a letter of authorisation including a barcode. Print out the letter to show on arrival. Border officials will issue your visa.
Alternatively, you can take the letter to a Ugandan embassy and they will issue the visa. Â
You can also apply for an East African tourist visa online. This costs 100 US dollars and allows multiple entries into Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda over 90 days.
If someone is coming to meet you at Entebbe International Airport, you will have to meet them outside the terminal building. Only passengers with tickets are allowed in the building.
To enter Uganda, you must have a certificate to prove youâve had a yellow fever vaccination.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthProâs Uganda guide.
You may encounter health screening measures, such as being required to fill in a passenger locator form on arrival and departure and temperature checks, including at airports. Some countries have heightened health screening for travellers from Uganda. Check entry requirements for the country youâre travelling to or transiting. Â
On 27 May, the Ugandan National Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease announced, a closure of the Ugandan border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, with limited exceptions for authorised Ebola response, humanitarian and security personnel.
Check with your travel operator for more information.
There are strict rules about goods that can be taken into and out of Uganda. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Uganda is close to the Equator and is lucky enough to enjoy warm and welcoming weather all year round. This ideal tropical climate means temperatures average a balmy 26° during the day and around 16° at night. December to February is the hottest time of year. There can be tropical rains in April and May, and from September to November but these are only in short bursts and the sun is never far away. In fact, the sun shines all year round in Uganda!
A typical Ugandan meal will probably consist of a meat or chicken based stew served with rice, chapatti, a maize porridge called ugali or a plantain mash called matoke. Fish is also a staple part of the Ugandan diet and often comes served with a delicious peanut sauce. Sweet treats include a type of doughnut called mandazi and of course there is plenty of delicious fresh fruit.
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