Practical information Uganda

Yes, a tourist visa is mandatory for French, Belgian, and Swiss nationals. It can be obtained online through the official portal visas.immigration.go.ug before departure, at a rate of 50 USD for a single entry valid for three months. Approval typically arrives within two to five business days, and you must present the printed authorization upon arrival at Entebbe airport. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your return date and have two blank pages. If you combine with Kenya and Rwanda, the East Africa visa at 100 USD allows multiple entries across the three countries. Our team can guide you through the application process if needed.

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and will be checked upon arrival; the international yellow fever certificate must be presented with your passport. Routine vaccinations should be up to date: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, and measles. Depending on your travel conditions, the following are recommended: hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies if staying for an extended period in rural areas, and meningococcal meningitis during the dry season. Malaria is present throughout the territory, including at moderate altitudes around Bwindi; preventive treatment is necessary and should be discussed with your doctor one month before departure. Remember to bring an effective insect repellent and wear long clothing in the evenings.

Count between €250 and €400 per day and per person for a circuit in mid-range lodges with private 4x4, English-speaking guide and full board, excluding international flights. The largest expense remains the gorilla tracking permit at $800 per person, to be paid in addition to the circuit. The chimpanzee permit at Kibale costs $250. National park entries range between $40 and $50 per day. On site, a meal at a local restaurant costs €5 to €10, a beer €1.50. Tips are customary, approximately $10 per day for the driver-guide and $15 for the trackers after the gorilla excursion.

The two dry seasons offer the best conditions, from December to February and June to September. Forest trails are less slippery for gorilla tracking, and animals concentrate around water points in savanna parks. July and August remain the most sought-after months, requiring booking six to eight months in advance for gorilla permits. The rainy seasons, March to May and October to November, do not prevent travel: vegetation is stunning, lodges are less crowded, and showers often occur in late afternoon. Avoid Kidepo in April and May, as trails become difficult.

The private 4x4 with driver-guide remains the most suitable option for a tour circuit, given the long distances and sometimes demanding interior tracks. Allow six to eight hours of driving between Kampala and Bwindi, seven hours to Murchison. Aerolink charter flights connect Entebbe to Kihihi, Kasese, Pakuba and Kidepo in 1 to 1.5 hours, recommended for remote areas or short trips. Long-distance buses and shared taxis exist but are not advised for a comfortable circuit. In town, in Kampala, boda-bodas are fast but best avoided in favour of official taxis or apps like SafeBoda.

Uganda is generally safe for travelers on standard tourist circuits. National parks and regions in the southwest, center and east present no particular difficulties. In Kampala, standard urban precautions apply: avoid walking after dark and do not display valuables. Northern border areas with South Sudan and western areas with the DRC, outside marked parks, should be avoided without local guidance. Our team continuously monitors alerts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and adapts itineraries as necessary. Ugandan authorities actively ensure safety within the parks.