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Is Uganda safe for solo female travelers?

Uganda, despite its tumultuous history, nowadays offers a generally peaceful and secure environment for travelers. However, for solo female travelers, it is always advised to exercise a certain degree of caution. Local customs and norms with respect to women should be respected and adhered to. Harassment may be encountered, though rarely escalating to serious threats. Nighttime alone is not recommended, especially in remote areas. Public transport is often overcrowded and could be a setting for petty theft. Hiring reputable guides for sightseeing and wildlife and gorilla treks is also recommended - they're well informed about local safety and can provide secure conveyance.

Safety rating

3.4 /5

Based on 5 travel experiences

3.2 /5

Based on our research and crime data

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How safe is Uganda?

Safety at night:Unsafe

While Uganda presents rich cultural experiences and beautiful landscapes, it's advisable to exercise caution during nighttime. Street lighting is not common, especially outside the capital city, which could facilitate risky situations. Also, instances of petty theft and other opportunistic crimes could increase at night. It's safer to avoid walking alone after dark, especially in isolated areas.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Uganda such as taxis, buses, and motorcycle taxis (Boda Bodas) is prevalent and relatively affordable. However, the conditions of some vehicles can be substandard and road safety is a major issue, leading to common accidents. At night, these modes of transport may also become less safe due to poor road lighting and isolated routes. Always use trusted taxi services or ride-hailing apps, and avoid traveling alone at night.

Street harassment:Moderate

In Uganda, it's common to receive a fair amount of attention on the street, especially as a foreigner. Many locals are curious and might stare or call out at you. However, it's usually not harmful or aggressive. Some might make comments but they are often more friendly than intrusive. Despite this, it is advisable to be cautious, avoid night travel, and always be aware of your surroundings.

Petty crimes:Moderate

While Uganda is relatively safe for travelers, petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching do occur occasionally in crowded places and on public transport. It's advised to stay vigilant and secure belongings at all times.

Tap water:Very unsafe

It's generally not recommended to drink tap water in Uganda. While mains water in cities may be treated, it can still contain bacteria, viruses, sediment or parasites that your body might not be used to. Issues with water treatment and distribution can also render tap water unsafe. Bottled water is widely available and should be used for drinking, making ice cubes, and brushing teeth.

Is Uganda safe to travel?

3.4 /5

Based on 5 experiences

Hayley

United States

Solo travel experience

I went on a solo missions trip in Uganda. I researched and messaged a missions organization named Sonrise Ministries. They helped me arrange travel and I stayed on property and helped out in the orphanages and schools. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience. I highly recommend solo travel to Africa as long as you can meet up with people and be in somewhat of a group. It was super safe as long as you don’t go out at night and stay in a group in larger cities. The food was the absolute best, I highly recommend asking locals what the best food stand is in the area. It was extremely affordable and budget friendly even to go on a safari !!! You can easily get around on a boda boda (motorcycle taxi). I highly recommend going to Uganda the landscape and people are beautiful!

Posted: January 28, 2024

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Solo travel experience

I have been in Uganda for 3 months. Many times I have traveled alone, using public transportation, both during the day and at night, and I believe that it is safe. The locals advised me to be careful after dark, but many times I went out in the evening in Mbarara and Kampala and everything was fine. I have never encountered any potentially dangerous situation.

Posted: October 1, 2023

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Is Uganda safe right now?

Before your visit to Uganda, it's essential to check travel advisories for Uganda, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryReconsider your need to travel

The United States Government advises reconsidering travel to Uganda due to crime, terrorism, and anti-LGBTQI+ legislation. Certain areas have higher risk. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: December 28, 2023

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Uganda, due to the threat of terrorism and high crime rate. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: May 1, 2024

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Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Uganda overall, due to the threats of terrorism and violent crime, as well as the risk of civil unrest. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: November 14, 2023

Is Uganda worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 5 experiences

Solo travel experience

I had the most wonderful time and checked off a few things on my bucket list. Trekking for rhinos. I also tried ziplining. I was at the Murchison falls. Cruise on the Nile. I was at the source of the Nile. I went rafting. The food in Uganda is amazing. Fresh and delicious.

Posted: April 2, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Group travel experience

Uganda is amazing! We stayed at Haven Lodge when we went on a gorilla trek. We also went on rhino and chino trekking... I highly recommend both. As for the gorilla trekking, unless you are an avid hiker, I recommend hiring a porter to help you... they're incredible!

Posted: October 14, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet locals in Uganda

Meet local women in Uganda who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Peace

About Me

Hello am Peace, am from Entebbe and i am looking forward to meeting new people and share different cultural exchange..

Speaking

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Rebecca

About Me

Hello, I'm Rebecca and I'm interested in books, culture, dancing, photography, nature and events & social

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Stay with locals in Uganda

Stay with local women in Uganda who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Peace

Entebbe

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hello am Peace, am from Entebbe and i am looking forward to meeting new people and share different cultural exchange..

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Rebecca

Kampala

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, I'm Rebecca and I'm interested in books, culture, dancing, photography, nature and events & social

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Uganda

Connect with upcoming visitors to Uganda who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.

Julia

About Me

I am Julia, I love traveling more than my friends do, and, therefore, always in a search for a travel buddy. I have few destinations in Africa in mind and it would be great to find ladies who’d like to join the trip.

Speaking

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Safety in Uganda

Tororo

Gulu

Masindi

Hoima

Jinja

Kampala

Entebbe

Fort Portal

Mbarara

Mbale

Arua

Lira

Soroti

Kasese

Masaka

Kisoro

Check the safest places in Uganda