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

3.5 /5

Based on 7 experiences from female travelers

3.2 /5

Based on our research and crime data

2.7 /5

Based on 4 experiences from local women

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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.

Is Uganda worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 7 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

3.5/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

3.1/5

Inbar

Israel

Uganda, Solo travel

The people are amazing very friendly but you have to be carful for your stuff and at night do not get out alone and some neighbours don’t get in. The views are crazyyyyy and amazing A lot of waterfalls and animals I recommend

Posted: June 19, 2024

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Hilda

Uganda

Uganda, Group travel

We had a 2 days tour in Western Uganda Fort portal district. We were able to meet and interact with the local women who do a lot of basketry ie weave very beautiful baskets, sell them to support themselves. We were not allowed to take photos with them for privacy reasons. The food and accommodation was budget friendly and we had fun during the city tour.

Posted: June 17, 2024Experienced: February, 2024

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Hayley

United States

Uganda, Solo travel

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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Uganda, Solo travel

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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Uganda, Solo travel

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

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Uganda, Group travel

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

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Uganda, Group travel

Observing chimpanzees in Uganda with local guides is amazing! The Ngorongoro Crater is stunning. Besides, we also visited the Tarangire National Park in Tanzania, where you can see a lot of elephants and giraffes. However, tsetse flies are terrible 😅

Posted: July 28, 2022

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Is Uganda safe for women?

Safety index

2.7 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

Crime index

2.9 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

Old Kampala

It’s an unsafe place during night. Day time if visiting old Kampala mosque it’s moderately safe but move with your shoes inside the mosque or they’ll be stolen. At night don’t board taxis or a Boda Boda that is unknown

Posted: August 26, 2024

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Kampala

Kampala is relatively safe, be carefully while walking at night and avoid crowded areas during day. You may experience petty theft like stealing of phones and handbags in the city centre so take care of your property. But generally it's safe.

Posted: July 14, 2024

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Meet locals in Uganda

Sheirat

About Me

Hi, I’m sheirat. Sag, introvert but extrovert around the right people. Fun and outgoing

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Georgia

About Me

My name is Georgia, and I'm from Jinja Uganda. I am a banker which allows me to engage with data and numbers, something I truly enjoy. Outside of work, I’m passionate about hosting and meeting new people, travelling, watching animations, singing and dancing and I’ve had the pleasure of sharing Uganda’s beauty with guests from around the world.