Is Uganda safe to visit in 2023/2024?

Is Uganda safe to visit in 2023/2024?

Is Uganda safe to visit in 2023/2024? : Uganda is a safe safari destination for tourists to travel in and discover in 2023/2024. As the tourists now have more protection. Drones are utilized along the border and in the national parks. Ranger, Ugandan military, police, and tourism police are among the security forces that have been increased. To ensure the safety of our safari guests, we have implemented measures, the majority of which we have always used and a few that are new to us.

Let’s say you’re planning on attending the convention on business or as a volunteer. If that’s the case, your only concerns will be the same ones you’d have in any major city, such as pickpockets and con artists. You can handle them simply by employing some common sense.

Here are some of the ways on how you can visit Uganda on a safari and keep yourself safe and how Uganda can be a safe safari destination to visit.

1. Common Sense.

 Everyone, should be aware and watch each other. In particular, I ask myself, “Would I do this at Home?” Do not do anything in Uganda if you do not want to face the consequences.

Use caution and good judgement when out and about on your own. 99% of tourists have a fantastic time in Uganda on a safari, and the only real requirement is a healthy dose of common sense.

You may trust your senses and use common sense to keep you secure while travelling in Uganda. Be cautious if you find yourself wandering around by yourself. When possible, we advise maintaining a low profile for your own safety. Don’t show off your wealth or make it all about you.

2. Avoid a Self-Drive Safari in Uganda.

Forget driving yourself in Uganda. Self-driving in Uganda is like the Sixties hit by the Four Tops, Only the strong Survive. Uganda has the second-highest accident rate in Africa, therefore i wouldn’t recommend renting a car and driving throughout the nation.

There are International Traffic Laws in place in Uganda; however, not everyone abides by them. There are several cultural considerations and norms to adhere to in the event of an accident.

Driving is a source of pride and satisfaction for many Ugandans, but it can be an absolute nightmare for visitors because of all the regional variations. Self-driving on a safari in Uganda is extremely risky for a number of reasons. But we’re rapidly marketing car rentals, so you can leave the driving to a seasoned outfit like ours.

3. Use an accredited tour operator for your time in Uganda.

 The safest place in Uganda is on a safari that takes in the country’s safe national parks, wildlife reserves, and other tourist safari destinations. When you book your trip to Uganda through a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators, you can rest assured that you will be guided by a knowledgeable and friendly native.

Your driver-guide in Uganda will not need to rely on GPS because they are natives of the country. Everyone here is concerned about your safety and wants your stay to be an enjoyable one.

4. Follow the Park rules and the instructions of the ranger leading you.

To ensure your safety on a Uganda safari, please observe all park regulations. Do as the Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger tells you while you’re out on a walk, a climb, a boat safari or a search for gorillas or chimpanzees.

If you want to stay safe and sound, your Driver Guide will tell you what to do. Extraordinary measures are taken here that you won’t find in many other countries’ National Parks.

White water rafting is safari activity that requires strict adherence to safety protocols. White-water rafting accidents are quite uncommon. Unaccompanied tourists face the highest risk of encountering issues in Uganda. Three Saudi men were recently killed as they attempted a self-drive in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park without a driver-guide.

5. Stay in safe and secure Lodges and Hotels.

Travel to Uganda with peace of mind by staying in a reputable hotel or lodge. Lodges in the middle and upper price ranges are what we stay in during our safaris in Uganda. Hotels and motels having round-the-clock security guards. Lodge security might be provided by paid guards or other individuals.

In Uganda, Low-priced hotels might not have the best safety measures in place. Luxury and mid-range hotels are willing to pay the premium for their customers’ safety.

6. Do not wander off from Lodges within National Parks.

Please do not venture far from the lodge without an armed guide or Ranger’s supervision. Dangerous animals may be found in this African environment. It’s not a good idea to venture far from the safety of a lodge on foot. You are currently in close proximity to a variety of wild animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and more. Use a Ranger who has weapons.

7. Keep passports and return tickets safe.

Do not carry a passport while away from your Hotel or lodge. Place your keys and other valuables in the safe provided in your room or at the front desk of the Hotel Lodge.

You can leave a sealed envelope with your valuables at the front desk, where they will be protected.

Make a photocopy of your entire passport, visa and all. Bring it along on outings away from your hotel or lodge. For excursions like Gorilla Trekking, you’ll need to present some form of identification. Use it to prove that you’re the one on the license.

The theft of documents is not the main problem here, though it does happen. You would like to prevent your paperwork from being lost, stolen, misplaced, etc.

Prescriptions from your doctor, credit cards, and other essential documents should be kept secure at all times. Protect your Documents at any costs.

8. Keep your cash hidden.

 Aback pocket is a prime target for thieves, so keep your cash where you can keep an eye on it up front. Do not expose your money and valuables by carrying them in any of the many belted packs. The bag can be taken by cutting the belt.

Be discreet with your money. Get your cash out and make your purchase. Don’t ever go anywhere with a big wad of cash. Put money and valuables in the hotel safe. Cities and towns are dangerous places to flash cash.

Take extra precautions at ATMs that are staffed by someone other than bank security. You should politely decline any offers of assistance you receive.

9. Keep your Jewelry at home.

Bring along some cheap jewelry, as you can get some beautiful pieces at bargain prices in Uganda. Injuries can result from having valuables like gold chains or earrings ripped from your body.

Walking around with a watch on the streets of Kampala is an easy way to have it stolen. Put on a leather band that can be fastened to complete your outfit.

If you want to wear a watch, choose the one with a leather strap that can be securely fastened to avoid losing your valuable timepiece.

Help out a local artisan in Uganda by purchasing some of their hand-made jewelry. You will store your valuables in the comfort of your own home. You can do well and support local artisans in Uganda by purchasing their wares.

This is just another safety precaution you won’t need to take into account when on safari with us. Even yet, valuable jewelry is best left at home for reasons of security.

10. Protect photographic equipment from thieves.

Cameras are expensive here, about twice what they would cost you in your country of origin. Someone might be tempted to steal it because of how precious it is.

Put it in a bag and wear it on your person at all times. Hold the camera with both hands and roll the strap around one of them to prevent it from being stolen. Do not sling a camera across your shoulder carelessly. The same applies to bringing binoculars into a populated area. Avoiding regret by playing it safe is always the best course of action.

A watertight daypack is essential for excursions within a Safari, such as Gorilla Trekking. Remember

You won’t have to worry about pickpockets on a safari with a driver-guide because cameras are pricey and a tempting target in Uganda.

Bring binoculars just if you think you’ll need them for things like birdwatching, game drives, etc.

11. Protect your mobile – Cell Phone.

Keep your Mobile Cellphone in your pocket and do not carry it in your hands. If you’re holding it, someone could scald your hand with a cigarette, causing you to drop it and give up your phone, which they could then steal.

Do not risk having it stolen by leaving it unattended on a table in a public place.

Every day, people in Uganda lose their phones because they weren’t holding on to them. The theft of a mobile phone is one of the most common, and the thief removes the Sim Card and sells it to someone.

Thieves especially seek Smart-Phones, and they will steal them even in a restaurant. Never put your mobile phone on a table when going out.

Most travelers couldn’t imagine being away from home without their mobile phones.

12. No nighttime travel and walks.

Keep walking at night to a minimum, it is usually safe on a crowded street, but it is best to be with a Ugandan or someone who knows the country and ways.

You are welcome to bring your driver-guide along on your Safari with us.

If you want to play it safe while in Uganda, you shouldn’t wander around most neighborhoods on your own. There aren’t typically reports of tourists being robbed or hurt in Uganda. Still,

Being savvy and discerning will help you stay away from the mgnt. In a city you’re unfamiliar with.

13. Never act lost, even if you are.

It’s a joke, but it’s true: being disoriented makes you an easy target for criminals. Ask a store clerk or a police officer for instructions if you become lost. The locals will go out of their way to assist you. Our safari drivers will make sure you don’t get lost and return to the hotel without incident.

Criminals target those who appear disoriented or lost. You can get where you need to go without anyone suspecting that you are lost so long as you act confident and ask the proper questions. Theft is a widespread problem in Uganda’s major cities, including Kampala, Entebbe, and Jinja. Keep your possessions to a minimum and leave them at the hotel. It’s not smart to draw attention to yourself.

If you are lost, take a taxi, for-hire, or even a Boda-Boda motorcycle back to your Hotel. Don’t act confused, even if you feel that way within.

14. A Safe night out on the town in Uganda.

 Going out is usually safe in Kampala, and we suggest you go with a local to stay safe. Our driver-guide in Kampala, the city that never sleeps in Africa, is a must-see on any of our safaris. But guard your beverage carefully so nothing is tampered with it.

There have been cases of sedated victims being robbed. This rarely happens outside of public places like bars and hotels.

Join a local Ugandan for a night out in the city that never sleeps, Kampala. They’ll be far better prepared for any emergency and will be much safer as a result.

Do not put yourself in danger by purchasing illegal narcotics like heroin, crack cocaine, or “Ganja” (also known as marijuana or mira).

You have a one in a million chance of being kidnapped while on safari; here’s how to keep it from happening to you. Uganda is on the US State Department’s “B List,” which indicates extreme caution, due to its being on the “List of Countries where kidnappings occur.” Ethiopia and Kenya are also included. Terrorist hijackings and kidnappings are on the rise in both countries.

Criminals, not terrorists, kidnapping an American Woman and her driver. The trial has not yet begun.

Attitude, fitting in with the locals, not broadcasting your vacation plans on social media, and other preventative measures are all important for being safe while abroad.

Enhanced Precautions: The Uganda Wildlife Authority suggests but does not mandatory that no wildlife drives take place without security. It’s a must if you want to join us on Safari.