Is it safe for American tourists to visit Uganda?

Uganda is a safe destination for American tourists to explore on any day of the year. Though predominantly Christian, Uganda is generally a secular country that welcomes tourists of any religion. There is no discrimination in regards to race, tribe and sex as stipulated in the country’s constitution. The citizens are largely peaceful and aside from some isolated crimes or homicides, they are welcoming to American tourists.

Uganda’s security has been bolstered by a dedicated and disciplined army to ensure that terrorist attacks are prevented. The Uganda security sector collaborates effectively with the police, intelligence, and neighboring countries, etc. to ensure law, order and peace. In remote areas, especially where Uganda national parks are found, criminal activity is curbed through enhancing border patrol and observation.

In the national parks, well-trained park rangers are deployed to monitor and secure the destinations every second to avoid criminal activity. Accommodation including lodges, hotels and camps are generally secured with armed guards to safeguard property and clients. English is Uganda’s official language, spoken by a significant percentage of the populace. This makes it easier for American tourists to communicate with the citizens in case of suspicion.

Most key tourist destinations of Uganda have access to telecommunication services, including the internet. This makes it easy for American tourists to communicate in case of a potential threat. In terms of making financial transactions, Uganda started embracing electronic means decades ago. American tourists do not need to travel with hard cash while exploring Uganda. Transactions can now be done through mobile money, bank transfers, and online payments, etc.

CCTV cameras are installed in some places of the country, including most luxury accommodation to enhance security. This makes it simpler to track criminals intending to rob your hard cash or any property of yours. The transportation infrastructure in Uganda is developing at a high pace to ensure that American citizens can enjoy traveling. Most roads to key tourist destinations are tarmacked or all-weather to facilitate transfers by safari cars.

Entebbe International Airport has been serving as the main entry point for most tourists and is still being improved. Other international airports are in the process of being established to enhance air transport in the country. There are several airstrips in some Ugandan national parks to make air transport for American tourists possible. Planes are run by seasoned operators to make transfers comfortable and safe.

Reputable tour operators including Standard Safaris are available in Uganda for American tourists to have a smooth exploration. We offer reliable news regarding safe travel destinations and any other updates. Registered tour operators are listed in specific national websites for American citizens to choose their most preferred. We have professional and knowledgeable driver guides who will drive you in well-maintained safari vehicles.

Uganda has made it easier for American tourists to have access to medical care services in the various referral hospitals. These have been established in all cities and many other districts of Uganda. There are also private hospitals that are considered more convenient to most people. Some of the key hospitals accept payment through Visa cards and other processes familiar to American tourists.

Malaria is one of the leading causes of death among diseases in Uganda, but prevention is possible in the country. Besides, most accommodations utilize various strategies to prevent malarial infection from mosquito bites. They have mosquito nets and other technologies that limit contact to anopheles mosquito. American tourists are also encouraged to travel with or buy insect repellents. These are effective against many disease vectors including mosquitoes.

What are the safe destinations in Uganda for American tourists?

Uganda is endowed with countless destinations considered safe for American tourists. Visiting these destinations offers opportunities to engage in very memorable activities guaranteed to leave lasting impressions on American tourists. Among the safe tourist destinations, we have the following,

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the renowned destination where almost a half of the total population of the critically endangered mountain gorillas live. A gorilla trekking tour is a major activity that American tourists of 15 and above can enjoy here. You track a habituated gorilla group under the guidance of a seasoned ranger guide and armed rangers. They will ensure that you enjoy watching and photographing the gorilla family for an hour.

Murchison Falls National Park

A tour to Murchison Falls National Park is among the most exciting for an American tourist in Uganda. This tour offers views of the Murchison Falls and seeing the Big 5 game. The big 5 are lion, leopard, rhino (at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch), elephant, and buffalo. A boat cruise along the River Nile is a major activity that will make your experience at Murchison Falls National Park even better. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching excursions are guided, hence safe.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is situated less than 6 hours away from Kampala city and offers some of the most exciting wildlife viewing experiences. American tourists have the best opportunities to view animals like zebras, elands, Uganda kobs, elephants, hippos, warthogs and Rothchild’s giraffes etc. Guided game drives, birdwatching and nature walks make the experiences safe for American tourists. On Lake Mburo, you can also have a smooth guided boat cruise.

Sipi Falls

Situated not so far away from the Elgon Mountain, Sipi Falls is one of the best places to go for a guided hiking tour. You flex your muscles as you walk toward the beautiful Sipi Falls. Here, you can take plenty of photos while identifying bird and butterfly species. At Sipi Falls, abseiling is among the key activities for American tourists to have fun doing. Nearby, you can encounter coffee farmers who will guide you as you explore their coffee gardens and learn how to grow, harvest, dry, and add value to the coffee.

Kampala

This is Uganda’s capital, situated in the central part of the country. American tourists and urban-loving tourists will love Kampala because its security is at an absolute maximum. There are many nightclubs, pubs, shopping centers, entertainment events, and much more. Religious and cultural tourists can explore the Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine and Kabaka’s Palace, respectively.

Other tourist destinations in Kampala include Uganda National Mosque, Uganda Museum, Bahai Temple, Makerere University, Kasubi Tombs and St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga etc. There are also public markets to purchase food and crafts. Cinemas are also available to wathc the latest blockbuster movies. Hotels and restaurants that offer both local and international dishes are very many for American tourists to explore.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.Game drive security is assured.Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.