IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO UGANDA IN 2020-2021

Is it safe to travel to Uganda after COVID-19? With the world left uncertain of when coronavirus will come to an end, one may wonder whether it will be safe to travel to Uganda or East Africa for a vacation or a business trip again. Uganda is one of the safest countries to travel for a safari or business trip nature lover or investors should consider visiting post covid-19 pandemic.

Uganda like other states in the world is still grappling with coronavirus which has claimed thousands of lives worldwide. But there is hope that one day, things will get back to normal to engage in Uganda safaris or go for business trips. As we stay safe back at home to help curb the widespread of this pandemic, we at Maranatha Tours and Travel will keep you up-to-date once Uganda entirely becomes a safe place to travel for a holiday.

Uganda travel restrictions & advisory

Following the outbreak of covid-19, the government of Uganda banned international travel and this included posing border restrictions for both in-bound and out-bound travelers. Up-to-date, there is no entry or exit at Entebbe International Airport or at the border points except only the cargo vehicles and cargo planes. Overall, the message was ‘stay home, stay safe!’

However, there is hope to get back to road trips as public transport resumed recently with some savanna safari parks now open to tourists on Uganda safaris. Unlike the primate safari parks, savanna parks can now be visited especially Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park.

As we continue with the battle to curb this pandemic (covid-19), we hope more travel restrictions shall be lifted and airport will soon be open to travelers on Uganda safari although this will done with strict standard operating procedures which include mandatory testing at park gate/border/airport, a must to wear a face mask, a must to have a hand sanitizer. Currently, public and private transportation has been eased but everyone must have a face mask and carry half capacity of passengers for public means.

Guidelines/travel tips to ensure safety on Uganda safari

• Always cross-check for travel alerts issued by the U.S. State Department/British Foreign Office or at your respective the Embassy in Uganda for any plans to go on Uganda safari
• Ensure you maintain a distance of 2 meters or more while in the public.
• Wearing a face mask is mandatory
• Hand sanitizer is mandatory even when you are visiting parks on Uganda safari
• Book your safari, hotel or accommodation with a reliable tour operator since there are people on ground, they know where to go and not to go.
• Don’t drive in the safari parks past 7:30pm to 6:30am
• Don’t leave your children unattended on family trip
• Avoid bright colors on primate safari-preferably, find environmentally friendly attire.

Safety and security

Like most states in the world, crime threats have been and still recorded. However, these can easily be avoided provided you observe the safety measures. Generally, Uganda is a safe for African safaris although you have to be keen on common crimes like credit card fraud, robberies, petty theft which are also registered in any other states in the world. These petty crimes are usually registered in big towns like Kampala and there is need for you to vigilant.

Most importantly, Uganda police, Uganda People’s Defense Force and other security agencies work together to ensure such crimes are wiped out. Regular patrols are done in strategic points and as you head to Uganda safari parks, you will find park rangers, tourism police and hotel or safari lodge security personnel. All this is to ensure visitor safety while on Uganda holiday in tourist destination of their preference.

Other diseases and health services in Uganda

Uganda recorded outbreak of yellow fever in the Northern region around 2010 and Ebola in 2008 in Western. Currently, Uganda is equally affected by the coronavirus that has hit the globe. Malaria still remains a major risk in several parts of Uganda however; government is committed to ensure it is minimized. On the other hand, Uganda still has limited health centers and most of them are not of international standard.