Can I travel domestically with in Uganda? – Many tourists/travelers that intend to visit the pearl of Africa ask whether it is safe to travel by them selves in Uganda, but Generally, Uganda is safe for travel domestically however, the below is meant for travellers exploring a post-pandemic world. Otherwise this guide is to show you Uganda’s safety, which covers everything from the coronavirus to solo travellers should keep in mind, is it a great resource to help you make that decision to visit Uganda.
Dreaming of a Uganda safari but unsure how to start planning for it? Great Adventure Safaris can help you plan your Africa safari dream to Uganda by working with one of our safari managers. You will get personalized recommendations for when travel is safe and enjoy the locals, Uganda travel.
At the moment, the Uganda Government has issued a blanket ban on international travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic as of now, including border restrictions. So no entry or exit except for cargo planes and cargo vehicles. The general message is “Stay home, stay safe”. Uganda’s international travel restrictions are likely to loosen up in the near future considering most countries are beginning to open up travel like our neighbours Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania which have reopened to domestic and international travel.
Some travellers have begun to book and take leisure trips across the world. The Ministry of Health has done a tremendous job of keeping Coronavirus patients alive with about 88% patient recovery rate (Aug 10 2020) and 0.7% death rate.
The government has eased up on local restrictions within the borders and the population is beginning to get back to the new normal.
All Wildlife National Parks and Reserves have been reopened to tourism except the primate parks which are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla and Kibale Forest National Parks still closed off to tourism as a measure of protecting the primates from catching the Coronavirus.
Primates are easily susceptible to human diseases, so it would make sense to first study how the disease affects the great apes and primates before Uganda Wildlife Authority can let people in. After Uganda Wildlife Authority putting in place the Standard Operating Procedures in the primate parks will also be opened soon.
“All tourism activities within the protected areas shall be undertaken in a manner that ensures all guidelines by the Ministry of Health.
Away from the travel disruption caused by Covid-19 scourge on Africa safari vacations in Uganda and elsewhere in the world, let’s delve deeper into the domestic travel within Uganda.
Will my camera be snatched in the streets of Kampala? Am I safe in a car or should I be worried about carjackers? Are the food and water safe for consumption? These are all very common questions we ask before traveling to foreign lands.
It is to be expected for a visitor to be anxious about travelling to an unfamiliar place. Uganda is a popular tourist destination with thousands of travellers visiting every year safely.
Can I travel domestically in Uganda? – Crime threats, like all other countries in the world, are present but can be avoided when you observe caution. Uganda is a very safe country, but opportunistic crimes such as petty theft, credit card fraud and home robbery do occur just like any other country. Chances of being a victim are rare and incidences would most probably be in cities like Kampala. When in public places, please be vigilant and cautious by avoiding drawing too much attention to yourself and being less susceptible to pick pockets.
The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) attempt to deter crime has been increasingly successful with regular patrols and placement of their forces in strategic locations. The police presence is noticeable everywhere with security at the Airport and borders, and police in public places. Across Uganda’s National Parks and tourist destinations, the tourism police, park rangers, military army and hotel/lodge security personnel are all present to ensure your safety.