General Travel Information & FAQs
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about traveling to Uganda with Pant-Hoot Ape Trekkers — from visa requirements to safari preparation.
Do I need a visa to travel to Uganda?
Most travelers require a visa to enter Uganda. Visas can be obtained online via the e-Visa system or on arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
Can I get a visa on arrival?
Some nationalities are eligible for visa on arrival. It’s advisable to apply online in advance.
How long is a Uganda visa valid?
Tourist visas are typically valid for 30–90 days.
Can I extend my visa while in Uganda?
Yes, extensions can be requested from the Directorate of Immigration.
Are multiple-entry visas available?
Yes, multiple-entry visas can be applied for online.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate?
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers over 1 year old.
Most travelers require a visa to enter Uganda. Visas can be obtained online via the e-Visa system or on arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
Can I get a visa on arrival?
Some nationalities are eligible for visa on arrival. It’s advisable to apply online in advance.
How long is a Uganda visa valid?
Tourist visas are typically valid for 30–90 days.
Can I extend my visa while in Uganda?
Yes, extensions can be requested from the Directorate of Immigration.
Are multiple-entry visas available?
Yes, multiple-entry visas can be applied for online.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate?
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers over 1 year old.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) are most popular, but Uganda offers great wildlife viewing year-round.
What currency is used?
The Ugandan Shilling (UGX). USD is widely accepted in tourism areas.
What language is spoken?
English and Swahili are official; many local languages are spoken regionally.
What is the time zone?
Uganda is on East Africa Time (EAT), UTC +3.
Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Yes, Uganda is generally safe. Exercise normal travel precautions.
Do I need travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) are most popular, but Uganda offers great wildlife viewing year-round.
What currency is used?
The Ugandan Shilling (UGX). USD is widely accepted in tourism areas.
What language is spoken?
English and Swahili are official; many local languages are spoken regionally.
What is the time zone?
Uganda is on East Africa Time (EAT), UTC +3.
Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Yes, Uganda is generally safe. Exercise normal travel precautions.
Do I need travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Is malaria a risk?
Yes. Travelers should take prophylaxis and use mosquito nets and repellents.
Is tap water safe?
No, use bottled or boiled water.
Are there dangerous animals?
Uganda has wildlife, but risks are minimal if park rules are followed.
What emergency numbers should I know?
Dial 112 or 999 for police. Lodges provide emergency contacts.
What vaccinations are required?
Yellow fever (mandatory), plus typhoid, hepatitis A/B, and malaria prophylaxis.
Yes. Travelers should take prophylaxis and use mosquito nets and repellents.
Is tap water safe?
No, use bottled or boiled water.
Are there dangerous animals?
Uganda has wildlife, but risks are minimal if park rules are followed.
What emergency numbers should I know?
Dial 112 or 999 for police. Lodges provide emergency contacts.
What vaccinations are required?
Yellow fever (mandatory), plus typhoid, hepatitis A/B, and malaria prophylaxis.
What types of accommodation are available?
From luxury lodges to budget guesthouses across Uganda.
Do I need to book lodges in advance?
Yes, especially for gorilla trekking or peak seasons.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Available in major hotels and lodges, limited in remote areas.
How do I travel between parks?
Via private 4x4, domestic flights, or organized safari tours.
Are roads safe for self-drive?
Conditions vary — guided safaris are safer.
From luxury lodges to budget guesthouses across Uganda.
Do I need to book lodges in advance?
Yes, especially for gorilla trekking or peak seasons.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Available in major hotels and lodges, limited in remote areas.
How do I travel between parks?
Via private 4x4, domestic flights, or organized safari tours.
Are roads safe for self-drive?
Conditions vary — guided safaris are safer.
Can I see gorillas?
Yes, in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks.
What other primates can I see?
Chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and other species.
Are safaris year-round?
Yes, Uganda’s parks are accessible year-round.
Can I go birdwatching?
Yes — Uganda hosts over 1,000 bird species including the Shoebill.
Are there boat safaris?
Yes — on Lake Mburo, Lake Victoria, Kazinga Channel, and River Nile.
Yes, in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks.
What other primates can I see?
Chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and other species.
Are safaris year-round?
Yes, Uganda’s parks are accessible year-round.
Can I go birdwatching?
Yes — Uganda hosts over 1,000 bird species including the Shoebill.
Are there boat safaris?
Yes — on Lake Mburo, Lake Victoria, Kazinga Channel, and River Nile.
What is the local etiquette?
Greet with a handshake, dress modestly, and ask before photographing people.
Is tipping expected?
Yes, typically 5–10% or a small token per service.
What local food should I try?
Matoke, Rolex, Luwombo, and fresh Nile perch.
Is Uganda family-friendly?
Yes, but gorilla trekking is for ages 15+.
Can I use my mobile phone?
Yes — MTN and Airtel are main providers; SIM cards are easy to buy.
Greet with a handshake, dress modestly, and ask before photographing people.
Is tipping expected?
Yes, typically 5–10% or a small token per service.
What local food should I try?
Matoke, Rolex, Luwombo, and fresh Nile perch.
Is Uganda family-friendly?
Yes, but gorilla trekking is for ages 15+.
Can I use my mobile phone?
Yes — MTN and Airtel are main providers; SIM cards are easy to buy.
How much does gorilla trekking cost?
Around USD 800 per person (foreign non-residents).
Can I combine gorilla trekking with other safaris?
Yes, easily combined with chimpanzee and wildlife safaris.
Is Uganda expensive?
Prices range widely from luxury to budget options.
How do I book safaris and permits?
Through authorized tour operators like Pant-Hoot Ape Trekkers.
Around USD 800 per person (foreign non-residents).
Can I combine gorilla trekking with other safaris?
Yes, easily combined with chimpanzee and wildlife safaris.
Is Uganda expensive?
Prices range widely from luxury to budget options.
How do I book safaris and permits?
Through authorized tour operators like Pant-Hoot Ape Trekkers.