Uganda Trips
Get close to the gorillas

To enter Uganda, you need a passport (which is valid for 6 months after departure), proof of a yellow fever vaccination and a visa, which you must obtain in advance. Apply online must.

The official currency in Uganda is the Uganda Shilling. Euros and US dollars can also be exchanged locally. In most cases, it is also possible to pay with US dollars. You can withdraw cash from ATMs in larger cities and at the airport using your EC card and credit card. Payment by credit card is not common and is usually only possible in large hotels and restaurants.

In addition to English, Swahili is also an official language, although the latter is rarely used. The locals speak a total of 50 different national languages – of which Luganda is the most widely spoken.

During summer time, you have to set your watch one hour ahead on a trip to Uganda (Central European Summer Time +1). In winter time, Uganda is 2 hours ahead of us (CET +2 hours).

All travelers who wish to visit several East African countries must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination. Travelers arriving directly from Europe and flying directly back there do not need a yellow fever vaccination. In addition to a hepatitis A vaccination, the Federal Foreign Office also recommends adhering to the vaccination recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute and dealing with the issue of malaria prophylaxis. If you have any questions, it is best to consult your family doctor or a travel medicine specialist.

Light, breathable clothing: T-shirts, blouses and pants made of cotton are ideal.
Long pants and shirts: these not only protect you from mosquito bites, but also from the sun.
Light-colored clothing: Dark colors can attract insects, so light colors are preferable.
Light jacket or sweater: For cooler evenings or excursions to higher altitudes.
Robust clothing: If you are planning a safari, you should pack robust clothing.
Hat or cap: A hat protects you from the sun and helps prevent sunstroke.
Comfortable hiking boots: These are essential for longer walks or hikes.
Sun protection: Sunglasses and sun cream with a high protection factor are important.
Rain jacket: As the weather in Uganda can change quickly, you should always have a rain jacket with you.
Swimwear: For a dip in the pool at the lodge or if you plan to swim in Lake Victoria.
Underwear and socks: Sufficient to change, ideally made of cotton

Ugandan cuisine is much more varied than many people expect! Our absolute favorite – and a must-try for every visitor to Uganda – is the famous “Rolex”. No, not a clock, but an ingenious play on words from “rolled eggs”: a freshly baked chapati flatbread is filled with omelette, tomatoes, onions and cabbage and rolled up. You can get it on every street corner and it is the perfect breakfast on the go.
Another typical Ugandan dish is matooke, a hearty porridge made from steamed plantains, which is traditionally served with g-nut sauce (peanut sauce) – hearty, filling and authentic. If you like fish, you should definitely try the fresh tilapia from Lake Victoria, preferably grilled with a hint of garlic and lemon. Meat lovers will get their money’s worth with muchomo – juicy meat grilled on a spit over an open fire, often served with spicy chili paste.
Our tip: Ask at your lodge for a “local cooking experience” – many accommodations offer small cooking courses where you can try your hand at it yourself.

We generally advise against using tap water in Uganda – both for drinking and for brushing your teeth. Instead, opt for sealed bottled water, which is available everywhere. Most lodges and camps provide filtered drinking water, which you can use without hesitation.
A tried and tested tip from our experience: you should also be careful with ice cubes in drinks and unpeeled fruit. The old travel adage still applies: “Cook it, peel it or forget it” – cook it, peel it or leave it out. This way you can effectively prevent gastrointestinal complaints and enjoy your safari without any worries.

Tipping is a common practice in Uganda and an important part of the income for many service providers. Drivers, guides and rangers are happy to receive a tip of USD 5 per person per day. For porters who help you with tracking, a tip of 5-10 USD is appropriate. Remember that tips are always voluntary and are primarily intended to express your appreciation for good service. It is customary to hand over the tip in an envelope in order to maintain discretion.

hospitable country. We have been organizing trips for couples, families and solo travellers for many years, and the vast majority of them return enthusiastically and without any incidents.

This is how we ensure your safety:
Professional guides: In all national parks, you will be accompanied by state-certified rangers. The tourist regions are particularly protected, as tourism is of great importance to Uganda.
Local expertise in real time: We work with experienced local teams who inform us immediately if there is any unrest or weather-related problems. Your route is then proactively adjusted – often before you even notice anything.
Common sense is enough: As in any travel destination, we plan so that you arrive at your accommodation before nightfall. In cities like Kampala – as in any big city in the world – you should take care of your valuables and avoid crowds.
Our assessment: Uganda feels safer than many other popular travel destinations. The people are friendly, curious and helpful. With common sense and our support, nothing stands in the way of a carefree trip.
This is by far the most common question we receive – understandably so. The clear answer: Yes, Uganda is a safe and extremely safe country for travelers.

We generally advise against using tap water in Uganda – both for drinking and for brushing your teeth. Instead, opt for sealed bottled water, which is available everywhere. Most lodges and camps provide filtered drinking water that you can use without hesitation.

A tried and tested tip from our experience: you should also be careful with ice cubes in drinks and unpeeled fruit. The old travel adage still applies: “Cook it, peel it or forget it” – cook it, peel it or leave it out. This way you can effectively prevent gastrointestinal complaints and enjoy your safari without any worries.

Let’s be honest: a gorilla trek is no Sunday stroll – but definitely doable for anyone who is reasonably fit and enjoys being out in nature. The challenge lies less in the distance than in the terrain: you move off the beaten track through dense jungle, over roots, through undergrowth and sometimes steep slopes. Depending on where the gorilla family happens to be, the hike can take between 45 minutes and four hours.
Our three most important practical tips from 10+ years of experience:
Book a local porter: for around USD 15-20, he will not only carry your rucksack, but also actively help you over difficult passages. This makes the difference between “difficult” and “doable” – and you are directly supporting the local population.
Hiking poles are indispensable: even if you feel fit as a fiddle, poles provide you with crucial support on the often slippery forest floor. The rangers provide them on site.
No stress, no time pressure: the rangers always adjust the pace to the slowest person. There are regular breaks and no one is left behind.
Our conclusion: If you can hike occasionally in your everyday life or go for a brisk walk for an hour, you will cope well with the trek. And believe us: as soon as you look the silverback in the eye for the first time, any effort will be forgotten.

Yes, Uganda offers children an incomparable nature experience that they will not soon forget. However, there are a few organizational peculiarities that we should consider together:
The most important age limits:
Gorilla trekking: minimum age 15 years (strictly controlled to protect the animals)
Chimpanzee trekking: minimum age 12 yearsF
Classic safaris & boat tours: No age restrictions – and usually the absolute highlight for children!
What inspires children in Uganda:
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls National Park, boat trips to see hippos and crocodiles, elephants up close – these are experiences that children will talk about for years to come. Their enthusiasm is often greater than that of adults!
What we look out for on family trips:
Adjusted travel times: We shorten driving stages and plan more overnight stays in one place
Child-friendly lodges: accommodation with a pool, play facilities and a family-friendly atmosphere
Flexible day planning: enough time for breaks, spontaneous stops and even a relaxing afternoon
Our recommendation: For families with children under the age of 12, classic safari routes with game viewing are ideal. If the focus is on gorilla trekking, it is worth waiting until the children have reached the appropriate age – then the trip becomes the ultimate family adventure.