The fact is that safe safaris happen everyday year in year out with no exception of 2019 in Uganda. There are no attacks on tourist hotels or lodges in wildlife parks and when it comes to terrorism, Uganda is exceptional in relation to her East Africans counterparts acting as a role model for other East African countries.

Crime, more especially violent crime has reduced significantly in Uganda. This is as a result of a sharp increase in the number of police on the street and the recently introduced Local Defense Units (LDUs) who are visible on the streets of Kampala during peak hours. This has cut reported incidents of crime to a minimum in the Kampala metropolitan area according to the police report.

The Security agencies and the diplomatic entities have also observed a decrease in reported crimes related to pick-pocketing, “snatch and run”) along with other petty and opportunistic crimes though they are still common in Kampala but rarely involve acts of violence. Travelers should still exercise caution when visiting crowded areas such as large open-air trading markets and music concerts as it is in any large city with large numbers of idle youth and unemployed.

Below are Step by step by step guidelines to keep you Safe and secure on your Uganda safari

1. As you are planning for your Uganda Safari, please check for Travel alerts issued by the U.S. State Department or the British Foreign Office including checking the Website of your Nations Embassy in Uganda.
2. Take out Travelers Insurance that consists of a Trip Cancellation Option.
3. However much it may sound lovely and fascinating please always try and avoid a self -drive because you do not know Uganda and it might be chaotic and disturbing for you as a first-time visitor.
4. Do an internet news search on Uganda and always stick to news reports by the local Ugandan Newspapers such as New Vision, Daily Monitor and the Observer News paper
5. Avoid any night travel outside of Entebbe-Kampala if you have no company or guaranteed security
6. Always use a Mobile Phone with Skype and or WhatsApp on it. The good news is that most hotels and lodges have WiFi.
7. If possible always avoid arranging your own Safari by attempting to book lodges, a vehicle, and permits. This is not a European vacation where you can easily do that. We know Uganda, we live and work here and we know how to cut through the hustle and bustle and create a memorable safari for you
8. We suggest that you always stay aware and alert. That is precisely what the US State Department suggests to US Citizens traveling to Uganda.
9. It might sound funny but always move with your Common Sense and do not leave Home without it.

Safety tips while on a Safari

All National Parks and Wildlife Reserves are under the jurisdiction of Uganda Wildlife Authority and parks have stipulated guidelines and rules which are strictly enforced.  Besides the rules that Uganda Wildlife Authority has put in place, as a company we have added some of our own that will keep you safe and secure on your Safari in Uganda.

While on your safari please ensure you follow the guidelines below:

1. Always make no movements on foot without an armed Ranger escort when you are inside the parks and when outside of park always stay with your driver-guide.
2. No Driving in parks from 7:30 pm until 6:30 am.
3. Avoid unnecessary movements while inside the parks. There are wild animals and a threat of coming across poachers.
4. Avoid game drives without an armed ranger or your drive-guide on board vehicle
5. Always ensure to carry a copy of your passport and mobile phone in a back pack though you should turn it off when on activities such as Gorilla Trekking.
6. Always use a life vest when on a boat cruise Safari.
7. Never leave children unattended to while on a family safari.
8. Dress for the occasion while on gorilla and chimpanzee trek, hiking for your well-being.
9. Use a porter whenever available for activities such as for Gorilla Trekking and hiking.
10. Do not wear Camouflage clothing because it gets you unnecessary attention and is not suggested
11. Sitting on the roof of a vehicle is not allowed since the Uganda Wildlife Authority deems it as dangerous.
12. Night Game Drives are only conducted with Uganda Wildlife Vehicles except where a lodge is authorized by UWA to do so.

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