14-Days Uganda Wildlife And Primate Experience Safari

Visit your GP or travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure to ensure you are up to date with all necessary vaccinations. Malaria is present throughout Uganda, so you will need to bring anti malarial medication. Bring insect repellent, long sleeves and trousers as well as closed walking shoes to avoid bites and stings. This is a good idea anyway to protect you from the equatorial sun; using a high SPF cream is recommended at all times. Keep well hydrated and don’t over exert yourself in the heat of the day. Bring a wide brimmed hat to shade yourself. Tap water is not safe to drink in Uganda. Bottled water is available everywhere, although this does mean you’ll be contributing to the unrecyclable plastic waste – so buy the largest bottles you can and refill reusable smaller drinking bottles or CamelBaks from the larger container.

Food is generally of good quality and you are unlikely to experience problems. Exercise the usual precautions – avoiding salads, unpeeled fruit and ice in drinks. However, in mid to high end lodges and restaurants (particularly in Kampala) these should not cause a problem. Do not swim in lakes in Uganda as they contain a parasite which causes bilharzia (schistosomiasis). The exception is Lake Bunyonyi, which is safe to swim in. If you do feel ill after you have arrived back home – with a fever, stomach ache, rash or any other symptoms, consult your GP and mention that you have been to Uganda, as some infections can take a while for symptoms to show. Tsetse flies carry sleeping sickness and are found in localised areas near to Murchison Falls National Park. As before, cover up to prevent bites and avoid wearing blue – it attracts the tsetse flies. The best medical facilities in Uganda are located in Kampala, but even these are limited. Be sure to take out comprehensive travel insurance, which covers any activities which you may be participating in (such as rafting), and includes emergency evacuation or repatriation.