Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Before traveling to Uganda, consider these vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever (required for entry)
- Rabies (especially if in contact with animals)
- Meningitis (recommended during the dry season)
Routine vaccines like MMR, DPT, and influenza should be up-to-date. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Uganda, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for UgandaCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, to respect local norms. Women should avoid short skirts and tops with spaghetti straps. Public displays of affection are rare and generally frowned upon, even for straight couples.
Shake hands when greeting, and use the right hand for giving or receiving items. Always ask before taking photos, particularly of people.
Uganda has strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws; LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion and avoid public displays of affection.
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but leaving a small amount for good service is appreciated. Using phrases like ”webale” (thank you) in Luganda can go a long way.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Uganda.
- Matoke: A staple in Ugandan cuisine, matoke is made from peeled green bananas that are steamed and mashed. It’s often served with meat or peanut sauce. Matoke is so ingrained in the culture that it’s more than just food—it’s a way of life, especially in the central region.
- Rolex: No, not the watch. This is a popular street food consisting of a chapati rolled around an omelette with veggies. Quick, cheap, and filling, it’s a go-to snack for anyone on the move and showcases Uganda’s creative street culinary scene.
- Luwombo: This is a traditional stew often made with chicken, beef, or groundnuts, cooked in banana leaves for an earthy flavor. It’s a ceremonial dish that highlights the importance of community and tradition in Ugandan culture.
- Posho: Made from maize flour, this is Uganda’s version of polenta or ugali. It’s a bland but hearty accompaniment to flavorful stews, and it’s a crucial part of the diet, especially in schools and rural areas.
- Ugandan Peanut Sauce: Often used as a sauce over matoke or rice, this creamy and nutty dish is made from ground peanuts and spices. It’s a testament to the country’s love for rich, comforting flavors.
Most locals drink tap water in Uganda, but it’s not recommended for tourists due to potential health risks. It’s safer to stick with bottled or filtered water for drinking. Make sure the bottled water is sealed to avoid issues.
The main language in Uganda is
Luganda. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Luganda skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Uganda includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in Uganda, serving as the official language and a primary medium of instruction in schools. Approximately 30% of the population is fluent in English, with proficiency varying by region and demographic factors. In urban areas like Kampala, English is commonly used in business, government, and daily communication, making it easier for travelers to navigate.
In rural regions, however, English proficiency may be lower, and many locals may primarily speak indigenous languages such as Luganda, Runyankore, or Luo. Nonetheless, many Ugandans, especially in hospitality and tourism sectors, can communicate effectively in English.
Travelers may encounter some variations in accents and vocabulary, but overall, English serves as a useful tool for communication throughout the country. To enhance interactions, learning a few basic phrases in local languages can be appreciated by locals and enrich the travel experience.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Uganda is UGX (USh).
Uganda’s a bit of a cash-oriented place, so it’s smart to carry some Ugandan Shillings (UGX) for small purchases or in remote areas. Major towns and cities have ATMs that accept international cards, but don’t rely on them entirely—machines can be finicky or run out of cash, so have a backup plan.
If you’re bringing foreign currency, USD is king here, especially for big expenses like tours or accommodation. Make sure the bills are in good condition and issued after 2006, as older or damaged notes might get rejected. Euros are less commonly accepted, so stick to dollars if you can.
Credit cards are gaining traction in urban spots and larger hotels, but don’t expect your card to work in smaller towns or at local markets. Visa is more widely accepted than Mastercard.
For exchanging cash, head to forex bureaus in Kampala or Entebbe for better rates than at the airport. Keep an eye out for hidden fees and count your cash before leaving the counter. Always have a mix of small and large bills for flexibility.
Tipping in Uganda is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving a tip of about 5-10% is common if service is good. For guides or drivers, consider tipping around $5-10 per day to show appreciation for their service.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.