Hunting for practical Uganda travel advice? Do as I say (not as I do)
We all make mistakes, here are some of mine. This is a list of some of the advice I was given – and ignored. No doubt this list will grow as quickly as the list of good travel advice does!
Note to mum: you don’t need to read this. Switch off the computer and go and make yourself a nice cup of tea…
“DON’T swim in Lake Victoria or you’ll catch Bilharzia” they warned
There are hundreds of lakes scattered across Uganda. The good news is you can swim in most of them.
Adventurous or reckless – who’s to judge? – I’ve swum in Lake Victoria and the Nile many times.
If you’re planning to go white water rafting, kayaking or canoeing in Jinja, don’t worry, the river is mostly fast flowing so there’s little chance that you will catch Bilharzia (although it’s not impossible). Bilharzia can be horrible.
Read the Diary of a Muzungu’s suggestions on How to avoid Bilharzia.
“DON’T swim in the River Nile” I was told
Where not to swim in the River Nile advises you on how to avoid other dangers … some of them four-legged!
“DON’T forget to take your anti-Malarials” said all my well-meaning friends
Malaria can be fatal. However, very few Ugandans or expats take anti-Malarials. Read some of the precautions we take in How to Avoid Malaria.
When I was a Voluntary Service Overseas volunteer, I was given a whole list of vaccinations (15 injections in total!) and a free supply of anti-Malarials, in the belief it was cheaper to medicate me than to repatriate me.
“DON’T use a boda boda!” Said oh so many people
Riding a boda boda (motorbike taxi) is all part of the Ugandan experience, but play it safe and minimise the risks. Here’s the Muzungu’s guide on How to ride a boda boda.
“DON’T forget your sunscreen,” said my aunt
What I have lost in expat friends leaving Uganda, I have gained in bucket loads of sunscreen.
When volunteer friends have left Uganda, they’ve left me an assortment of half bottles of cosmetics. I have the full range of sunscreen, factors 5 through to 50, total block, waterproof, for kids – the lot.
But I like having a few freckles and I don’t hang around outside in the heat of the day.
I only seem to remember sunscreen when I’m going on Safari! But maybe I should rethink that…
“DON’T date a Ugandan!” One of my girlfriends told me
Ugandan men are handsome and can be very charming. They know how to tell women what we want to hear.
I’ve had more marriage proposals in Uganda than in my whole life!
But ladies, proceed with caution. Here are my tips on How to date a Ugandan.
So what are your do’s and don’ts for living and travelling in Uganda?
Do share them here. I’d love to read from you!
I was in Kampala in January of 2019. I was there for 5 days and had a wonderful time. I was there to visit with someone from there so I didn’t do the safaris or anything like that. I did go to the Nile and also ate there and everything was wonderful. I also got to see their new bridge and looks better than the golden gate. Try cafe Java. I loved riding on the motorcycle taxi and buying food at the markets. Now for the people and food. Be prepared to be bumped into so is not necessary to apologize when you do it. If you are lucky enough to eat at someone’s house please do it and if they are serving national dish or anything from their country you better be ready to eat because all will be amazing. Everything about Uganda will remain in my heart…… But the people and food will be best memories…. All of you know whom you are.
Hi Brian, thanks for sharing your experiences. You certainly enjoyed UG to the full!
The Source of the Nile Bridge in Jinja is the fifth longest cable-stayed bridge in Africa (apparently). It is beautiful.
https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1487771/nile-bridge-fifth-africa
Cafe Java’s – now known as CJ’s – is very popular and consistently good.
The motorcyle taxis – or boda bodas – can be a lot of fun, but ride them with caution. Read how to ride a boda boda.
https://www.muzungubloguganda.com/travel-tips/travel-health/how-to-ride-a-boda-boda/
Home-cooked food is always the best, wherever you travel in the world. Uganda’s fruits and vegetables are incredible – my favourites are avocados, jack fruit and pineapples. Everyone has t try a rolex too of course! YUM.
I was told and told again not to travel by night, as there are statistically more accident and rescue may take a very long time to come, if they come. I did it several time from Gulu to Kampala as I had not much of a choice, until the crappy bus I was in almost go into an accident… Therefore I would say that that advise is best to be followed;)
Hi Gaga LOL
There are lots of reasons why we should not drive at night in Uganda: lack of street lights, potholed roads in some places, vehicles without any lights, vehicles who have one light when they should have two, drunk drivers, cows! However, the reality is we sometimes have to drive at night but I would not advise it to people who are here on holiday because there’s a lot of things to get used to and that takes time. However I have had to travel by night on several occasions, particularly on bus journeys…
Very sorry that you were nearly in an accident but thanks for sharing your experience. Safari njema.