Is it safe to travel to Uganda? Well, besides the usual common sense measures to make your stay in Uganda memorable, a number of steps have to be put into consideration. Uganda like most countries is not 100 percent safe but compared to others, it is one of a few African countries where peace and stability have prevailed for long thus making it a safest and secure safari destinations to stay in while on safari in Africa. To have a safe and secure safari holiday in the pearl of Africa, you have to keep yourself up to date with the latest safety and security trends and that is why the following tips are worth observing;
Never act lost even when you are
How you behave while in a new destination matters a lot and whereas this tip may seem funny to others but by acting and looking lost can easily make you vulnerable and so a potential target in the hands of thieves. Never draw attention to yourself as a visitor and avoid standing on street corners looking at maps and for this case build confidence in you. In case you get lost, the best is for you to inquire for direction in a nearby police station/police around or visit the nearby shop and you can be directed. Ugandans are very kind, humble, warm welcoming and they can be at your help when need be at any time. Alternatively, you can embark on a boda-boda in case you are traveling privately and you can reach to a place you wish to get to. In most cases, thieves take advantage of people who look lost and that is why you have to try as much as possible act as if you know where you heading to.
Keep your valuables safe
Displaying expensive items at times is good but on the other hand, can be risky especially gold jewelry. Do not display expensive watches and in case you have one, make sure that you use a leather band to secure it. You can have one with a leather strap which can be tightened and safely put on. You can purchase some locally crafted jewelry and by so doing, you will be supporting the local artisan and their families and you will safely keep your expensive things back at home/hotel. To be on a safer side, you can keep your jewelry back at the hotels.
Keep your money safe
Carrying money isn’t a problem but how you keep it matters a lot. To keep your money safer, better you use the front pocket where you can easily put a handover and avoid the back pocket where it can easily be picked. Avoid putting on different belted packs for money and valuables and as well, never flash money get what you need and pay. Don’t carry huge amounts but you can carry the amount you wish to use in the course of the day. While at ATM, make sure that you keep your pin off people’s eyes and avoid those that come in the name of helping unless otherwise, the person is security staff in that bank. In other words, always be mindful of your surroundings.
Keep your passports and return tickets
As well, your passports and return tickets can be safer at a hotel unlike carrying them on streets. You can have copies and leave the originals back in the hotel or area of residence. Ensure that your documents are safe and you can keep all of them in a small waterproof backpack. Equally, your camera needs to be safeguarded and when taking photos to ensure that you hold you well.
If you have an expensive phone, make sure that you keep it safe from the eyes of thieves. Never put your photo on a table while at a restaurant or bar as it can easily be grabbed.
Avoid walking at night
Walking at night is another experience one may need to have but try to minimize it as much as possible. In case you are to walk at night make sure that you are with someone who knows the places preferably a Ugandan. Also, driving at night is very risky as most people tend to drive under the influence of alcohol.
Gay visitors’ safety
Whether gay and lesbians safe in Uganda or not remain a major area of concern following the anti-gay bill that was signed in 2014. However, most importantly, while on safari in Uganda visitors are never asked whether they are gay or lesbians or even when obtaining a visa. The most significant part is that the traditions and cultural values of Ugandans should be respected. Take note of cultural policies while on Uganda safari and you will have the best of your holiday.
Observe tourism police and other security organ measures
Uganda accords visitors maximum safety and the most interesting part is that police and army do monitor tourist sites to ensure that they are very safe. In most parks and wildlife reserves, you will find many park rangers. While on gorilla trekking and chimpanzee adventure, visitors are escorted by armed park rangers.
In conclusion, Uganda is safe and secure for visitors to stay while on safari but not 100 percent just like any other country. However, with the above safety and security tips, we believe that you will have the best of your African holiday in the pearl of Africa.