Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8–20 | $25–60 |
| Food | $3–8 | $10–25 |
| Transport | $2–5 | $5–15 |
| Activities | $3–10 | $10–30 |
| Entry Fees | $2–5 | $5–15 |
| Daily Total | $20–45 | $55–145 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- eVisa required for most nationalities — $50 USD, apply online at visas.immigration.go.ug before travel
- East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days — excellent value if visiting multiple countries
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Uganda
Health & Safety
- Malaria is present — take antimalarials and use DEET-based repellent, especially in the evening
- Drink bottled or filtered water only. Avoid ice from unknown sources
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential — Kampala has decent hospitals but complex cases may require evacuation to Nairobi
Getting Around
- Boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) are ubiquitous — use SafeBoda or Uber apps for safer rides with helmets
- Matatus (shared minibuses) connect to all major destinations cheaply from the old and new taxi parks
- Kampala traffic is legendarily bad — allow extra time for all journeys, especially rush hours (7–9am, 5–8pm)
Connectivity
- Buy a local SIM card (MTN, Airtel) at the airport or any phone shop — data is cheap and 4G coverage is good in Kampala
- WiFi is available at most hotels, cafés, and restaurants. Download offline maps before exploring the city
- Mobile money (MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money) is widely used — essential for many transactions in Uganda
Money
- Currency: UGX (Ugandan Shilling). USD accepted for hotels, tours, and larger purchases
- ATMs are common in Kampala — Stanbic, Barclays, and Standard Chartered are most reliable. Visa and Mastercard accepted
- Tipping: 10% at restaurants. Guides and drivers appreciate tips of 10,000–20,000 UGX per day
Packing Tips
- Light layers — Kampala sits at 1,190m elevation so evenings are cooler than the coast. Temperatures range 20–28°C year-round
- Modest clothing is appreciated — Uganda is socially conservative. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, and a rain jacket are essential. Rain can come suddenly even in dry season
Cultural tips
Greetings Are Everything
Ugandans greet each other extensively. A simple "How are you?" exchange is expected before any conversation or transaction. "Oli otya?" (How are you? in Luganda) and "Gyendi" (I'm fine) will earn smiles everywhere.
Respect for Elders
Ugandan society places great emphasis on respect for elders. Use titles, shake hands gently (younger people may kneel slightly when greeting elders), and defer in conversation. This respect extends to the traditional kingdoms and their leaders.
Photography Etiquette
Always ask permission before photographing people. Most Ugandans are happy to be photographed but expect to be asked. Never photograph military installations, police, or government buildings. Be especially respectful at sacred sites like the Kasubi Tombs.
Language
English is the official language and widely spoken. Luganda is the local language in Kampala. Learning a few Luganda phrases — "Webale" (thank you), "Nze ___" (I am ___) — shows respect and opens doors.
Support Local
Choose locally-owned guesthouses, eat at local restaurants, and buy crafts directly from artisans. Tourism money has the most impact when it flows directly into Ugandan communities rather than through international operators.
Ugandan Time
Things move at their own pace in Uganda. Be patient with transport, meals, and meetings — "African time" is real and resisting it will only frustrate you. Relax, enjoy the wait, and you will have a better experience.
