tFAQs-Frequently asked Questions Women Travelers have about Uganda
The Top Travel Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda – It is all about Knowing Uganda Before Going
FAQs-Frequently asked Questions Women Travelers have about Uganda or the Top Travel Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda.
Our suggestion, “Know Uganda before you Go.” First Time Africa Visitors will find our Top Travel Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda most helpful.
African Travel in General and African Travel for Women is not as dangerous as it is made out to be. Uganda is one of the safest, most secure Countries in Africa. It is home to according to some of the friendliest and welcoming people in Africa.
Add to that the fact is Africa’s best English Speaking Country in Africa. It might be useful to familiarize yourself with how English is used here. Its local variety is called UgLish.
The African Travel Horror Stories, myths, that you might encounter on the Internet are, for the most part, anecdotal. Often the person did not follow practical, Common Sense, cultural, safety and security advice and was on a do-it-yourself Safari, which can often turn out a recipe for disaster.
FAQs-Frequently asked Questions Women Travelers have about Uganda or the Top Travel Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda. The Pearl of Africa – the Best Travel Tip – let us plan your safari for you and with you – planning your time in Uganda and Rwanda with what you want to do and see. Personalized with you in mind, your likes, dislikes, preferences for activities such as Gorilla – Chimpanzee Trekking, Wildlife, Parks, Hikes, Climbs, and genuine Cultural Encounters.
FAQs-Frequently asked Questions Women Travelers have about Uganda
Here are some Top Travel Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda
Getting to Uganda has become more accessible, with new airlines adding Uganda to their routes. If you are living on the East Coast of the US, beginning October 28 – 2018, you can fly directly to Nairobi, Kenya, and continue to Entebbe by taking a one hour flight.
Uganda can be accessed through its official International Airport – Entebbe but also through the unofficial one, which is Kigali – Rwanda, where you can access Southwest Uganda where the Mountain Gorillas are in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
Fly into Entebbe where you obtain your Visa and begin your Safari, ending it Kigali, Rwanda, after Trekking Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Uganda Airlines is starting up again on routes all over Africa and to Europe with brand new airplanes,
From the US or Canada, you can choose to get here with Brussels Airline, KLM, Emirates, Qatar, Turkish and Egypt Air, Ethiopian and Kenya Airways.
What should I wear?
If you are in a city such as Kampala or Entebbe, things are different from upcountry. You will find that most women dress up quite nicely and are quite fashion conscious even if they are, for the most part wearing quality and affordable second-hand clothing from North America and Europe.
The emphasis in Uganda is on dressing up smart with a conservative touch during the daytime. At night in nightclubs, bars most anything goes. A Visitor should dress on the conservative side.
Shorts are not the right choice for women because it offends some African and leaves the wrong impression (with Ugandans or Rwandans).
Jeans, dresses, skirts, Khaki trousers are excellent and do not cause any cultural problems. Even with a bathing suit, it is wise to stay a bit on the conservative side of things.
Dressing in town is different from dressing going on a safari in Uganda.
What to wear while Gorilla Trekking is different from other activities and takes more planning.
What do I do with my jewelry and watches?
Avoid wearing gold jewelry, necklaces, gold or diamond earrings, expensive watches, and the like. It is especially true if you are going to be walking the streets of Kampala. There are pickpockets – on a safari itself, you are excellent in most cases- not wearing expensive things will avoid a possible negative situation that would not be enjoyable.
If you somehow brought something valuable, such as a watch, put into Hotel or lodge safe at the front desk.
Custom jewelry that you might have picked up at a reasonable price in the west can be stolen – even Ugandan or Rwandan women encounter this problem in crowded.
Again, If you are on a safari with us – such thefts will be a rarity since your driver-guide will make sure that you are
What do I need to know about Safety and Security in Uganda:?
Uganda is safe and secure. Something Americans are worried about the most in 201.9. It is one of the most stable countries in all of Africa. It is also one of the friendliest countries on the continent, and one might add the best English Speaking country in Africa.
The safest place to be in Uganda is on a Safari with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, where your well-being and safety come first.
Besides regular police, there is the Tourism Police, which is stationed at Tourism Destinations throughout the country, add to that the armed rangers found in the Wildlife Parks and the Military.
Uganda is often safer than your country of origin, and there is no armed conflict within the state.
The problem is that when you tell friends that you are telling friends that you are going on holiday in Uganda, they see it through the minimal filter of Africa, the movies that they have seen, news reports by a reporter stationed in Capetown and the like. Ugandans are friendly, welcoming, and concerned for your well-being people.
Visit our Facebook Page for the latest no Spin Safety & Security updates.
How to Keep Money out Sight and out of Easy Reach of Others?
If you are wearing slacks or jeans, put your wallet, money in the front of pockets and put your hand over it if you are walking downtown Kampala or Kigali, especially in crowded settings such as marketplaces.
When purchasing something, paying in a restaurant, bar, for a taxi, do not flash a wad of money, but just enough to pay for the service or product. You do not want to attract the attention of a potential thief.
If you are using an ATM in Uganda or Rwanda, make sure that the ATM is behind a door for your privacy and safety, an armed guard will typically be outside.
Theft of Cash can happen anywhere, it has only happened once in over a decade at a lodge, and in this case, the upmarket lodge paid back the money taken.
Click on the links for more advice on how to handle money in Uganda.
How do I protect my purse?
It is a good idea to put your bag over your shoulder but also put your hand over the purse itself and holding it to your side so that no one can readily grab it. You have lost your purse and often, more importantly, the contents ranging from cash to your identification, such as a passport – airline tickets and more.
It is good always to have a scan or copy of essential documents in the case that they are lost or stolen.
A daypack can be useful to have, as long as you can hold onto the straps to protect it from being stolen.
Be wise – though it is safe to walk on your own – go with a Ugandan to be on the safe side of things.
Always keep your hand over your bag and keep a tight grip on it in towns like Kampala, that is the way Ugandan women handle it, and they certainly know what they are doing when it comes to theft protection.
How I keep my passport safe?
Do not carry it with you, but a copy of it, keep it in a safe and secure place in your lodging. The same applies to any other identification and stay your credit cards at your lodging.
I have known people where their passport was lost in the form of transport, and they had to go through the tedious task of going to their embassy. In some cases, your country may not have an embassy in Uganda or Rwanda, which makes the replacement of a passport more tedious.
You can print out a copy of your passport at home and bring it with you. Visa can be done here on arrival at one of our local shops.
Protect your passport at all costs, though the reality is that a passport loss has never occurred with a client of ours since we let them know how to protect relevant documents such as a passport.
Even if you did lose your passport – we would assist you in getting back home to your country.
Can I walk on my own? – Never act lost even if you are:
For the most part, it is okay, especially in the daytime at night, it is not recommended, just as a precaution, walk with someone, preferably a Ugandan or Rwandan. Avoid walking through a slum and stay on the main roads.
Never act lost even if you are. You are working as if you are lost you a potential victim of a theft attack.
Enter into a shop – or get on a Boda-Boda Motorcycle Taxi, and they will take you to your destination (even though below, I recommend avoiding a Boda-Boda Motorcycle Taxi.
Remember that thieves are on the lookout for someone who seems lost, that is why you never act lost even if you are.
Always act as if you know where you are going even if you do not, you will soon get there, use a Boda Boda, a Taxi such as Uber.
How do I get around safely?
Avoid using Boda-Boda Motorcycles – they do not use helmets and use dangerous ways to get around jam-packed Kampala. They are also the number one reason for emergency room admissions due to high rates of accidents.
The taxis which are mini-buses and the main form of transport in much of Uganda and Rwanda are better, but bring small Ugandan or Rwandan currency – to be safe. Do not use your Smart Phone, Tablet, Laptop in Taxi – Matatu, and on a bus hold on to it.
Buses – are not the best way – their high and excessive speeds have cost a lot of fatalities. If you do take a trip with one – avoid any food or drinks given by a fellow passenger – people have been drugged and robbed right on the bus. Avoid night travel in between towns even by bus – a bus was stopped in Northern Uganda, and all passengers were robbed at 2 am.
The Safest Way to get around Uganda or Rwanda is on a Safari with a Tour Company such as ourselves with Driver-Guides, who will make your time in Africa – Safe and Enjoyable.
How to Stay Safe on a Night out on the Town?
Kampala is known as the City that Never Sleeps where the party goes on 24/7. The bars do not close at 2 am, like in the West.
It is usually safe for a woman to go to a spot. You typically do not have any problems, but to stay on the safe side. Stay in the company of others, once again, have a Ugandan join you – especially a non-drinking driver that knows his or her way around to various places and will abstain from alcohol. We can provide a driver for you.
Ugandan Women will dress up from mild to wild, often on what would be considered the daring side.
In Kampala, quite a few of the women will be Mosquito Girls – Prostitutes. Becoming such was not their goal in life but became a matter of survival, in some cases having money to raise children, support grandparents or mothers.
How to defuse Flirtation Attempts?
As a woman, you may encounter an occasional attempt by a male at flirting, but that can happen anywhere in the world, and it does happen here. A smile and a “no thanks” will usually resolve the situation in a friendly manner.
You may get a subtle or not so subtle marriage proposal, again a smiling, “no thank you” will do the trick. Remember that 90% of attempts at flirting are harmless – keep your sense of humor.
A picture of your “husband” – real or make belief might come in handy. It is a common practice Women Travelers use in destinations around the world.
In both Uganda and Rwanda, you might receive a marriage proposal, a one-night tryst – receive them with a smile and a no, have a picture of a man in your wallet and show it and say that is your husband is another excellent way to avoid flirtation.
What do I have to do to stay well?
There are some practical things you can do about your well-being while eating out, such as avoiding any street vendors since their hygienic ways may not be the best. I have some friends who eat Rolex all the time – not the watch but Rolled Eggs in a chapati with vegetables – a favorite Ugandan dish that was innovated by some University Students and has spread all over Uganda.
Avoid eating salads, or raw cabbage on your plate unless it is a good restaurant or hotel, avoid those buffets heated only by a small candle where the curries and other things will spoil. With juices, ask if the water has been boiled and no ice-cubes, to name a few.
Vegetarians and Vegans can survive in Uganda on a plant-based diet – even the gorillas do.
Other dietary needs, such as glutenfree, can be me.
How do I stay in touch with Home?
We used to recommend getting a local Sim Card, presently you need a National ID or go through a cumbersome process with a passport in hand in obtaining.
The easiest way – you do not need an open phone, you need a smartphone that will work with WiFi – stay in a hotel or lodge, or be in a restaurant where it will work.
You can use Skype, WhatsApp, use Facebook, use WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, and you are connected with the rest of the world.
That is in 2019 is the simplest way for you to stay connected with Family. Technology has changed in recent years, and so has the methodology that people use to stay connected with Family, Friends.
With the Internet, have patience, we have 3-G, 4-G in fewer places, in reality, it will be more like 2-G.
Speed- will mot often be not what you are used to – have patience – Hakuna Matata.
Can I go on a Solo Safari:
Solo-Travelers in Uganda. People do it with mixed results. The attempt to go on a Safari by bus, back of a pickup, a ride from a tour company vehicle.
Each year we do a reasonable number of Solo Safaris, primarily women. The cost is higher. The benefits far outweigh the cost for many.
You can have your driver-guide who will keep you safe and sound on a solo safari in Uganda.
We create a safari itinerary with your input, and you are off to exploring Authentic Africa in the heart of Africa, Uganda.
Solo Safaris, Solo Travel in Uganda – for many, it is worth the extra cost since, on a private safari, you are in control.
Do you offer Safari Travel Information-Tips – Advice – Uganda:
Suppose you like to go on a Safari in Uganda or Rwanda. Here is some excellent information, tips, and advice for you to plan a safari that fits you.
We have taken many women travelers on safari in Uganda or Rwanda with the just driver-tour guide that introduces you to Uganda and Rwanda.
From Primates to wildlife – there is much to do and see in either country. You stay in the lodges and hotels of your choice, do the activities that you would like, and here you have all the information that you need for that just right African Safari.
Uganda is a safari destination with ten parks plus wildlife reserves of one kind of another and home to Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys. It is and has been the Pearl of Africa.
Take advantage of our free Safari Tips and Advice – you will be glad that you did.
Our Latest Up-To-Date Travel Advisories for Uganda:
Uganda is Africa – traveling to Uganda can be a most enjoyable time – many who come here lack information and insights into Uganda. News about Uganda is often inaccurate since there is no reporter on the ground.
We give you the latest and up-to-date information about Security, Health Concerns such as Ebola, latest Visa Procedures. Border-Crossings and politically-motivated demonstrations should they occur.
COVID-19 travel updates are posted as they become available to us. Presently Uganda remains on partial lockdowns.
Deaths are now up to eleven, and the rate is rising. It’s after drastic lockdowns were partially lifted and at a time when the public is ignoring lockdown measures.
We are a Tour Operator, but we live and work in Uganda, have families here, and share many of the same concerns that you.
Top Travel Tips for Women Travelers to – Uganda – If you have any questions – please contact us.
