We encourage all visitors to observe the recommended health and safety measures while on a safari trip to either Uganda or Rwanda. It’s no brainer that preparedness for the unknown is crucial when visiting a foreign country like Uganda and Rwanda, and if advance planning is not done, the trip is likely to be your worst nightmare. That’s not what you will wish for, so, at Scenic Luxury Vacations, we value your time and commitment towards planning your trips since we always promise our travelers only memorable experiences.
As spectacular as Uganda and Rwanda are, health and safety precautions are recommended. First, given the variation in people’s behavior and general atmosphere, it becomes a bit of trouble predicting how the trip will go. Regardless of how we convince you that Uganda and Rwanda are generally safe and secure safari destinations, it is always advisable for travelers to be cautious and alert of the surrounding.
We therefore bring you the most important health and safety measures to follow while traveling in Uganda and Rwanda, for the most unforgettable experiences:-
Health and Safety measures while traveling in Uganda and Rwanda
Always travel or move with colleagues or friends, especially when going to places you aren’t familiar with. While Uganda and Rwanda are generally safe for solo travelers, it is not recommended to walk in lonely streets at odd hours.
Be aware of food or drink spiking (people putting drugs or strong alcoholic beverages in you drink or food without your knowledge) during night-outs (or parties) as you will most likely be taken advantage of; robbed or sexually harassed.
Exercise a great sense of alertness while moving around Uganda or Rwanda. While it is rare for tourists to be violated, caution is always important especially around downtown Kampala or Kigali Cities where pick-pockets are common.
Travel with an emergency number; of your family, friends and travel agent, and always inform them of your whereabouts to make it easy for them to offer help in case things turn out for the worst.
Keep your valuables; credit cards, jewelry, laptops, huge amounts of cash and phones, at home or hotel safety boxes or reception areas. This is because there are likely to be high rates of bag snatching and pick-pocketing especially when moving through crowded city areas.
Avoid flaunting valuables like smartphones in public places because those just make you a target of robbery and pickpockets.
Are LGBTQ visitors allowed in Uganda and Rwanda? Both countries are more tolerant to LGBTQ practices but this doesn’t mean total acceptance because it is generally a Christian-dominated country. While they are quite friendly to the LGBTQ travelers, please be reminded to put a limit to it like avoiding PDA.
Always carry your identity card or passport with you when moving out, for proper identification in case of any thing.
Keep within your visa duration to avoid getting on the wrong side of the Law, being charged for overstaying or being deported or repatriated back to your country.
More measures to observe in Uganda and Rwanda
Before undertaking your safari to Uganda or safari to Rwanda, first make sure that your vaccinations are up-to-date. Complete COVID-19 vaccination is recommended, although not a must, but this shouldn’t discourage you from visiting your dream destinations. However, be prepared to present negative PCR tests on arrival and before departure from any of the two countries. Other must have vaccinations include yellow fever which must be presented with yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Uganda and Rwanda are some of the African countries still battling with malaria prevalence and to avoid this, we advise travelers to carry insect or mosquito repellants. You can also pack anti-malarial tablets, long trousers, and long-sleeved shirts for the evenings when mosquitoes are most active.
It’s not advisable to drink tap water while on a safari in Uganda or Rwanda because it is not so safe. We also caution travelers against using tap water for brushing teeth. Scenic Luxury Vacation safaris usually include bottled water for visitors at all times. In addition, most midrange and luxury accommodation facilities that we book in Uganda or Rwanda also provide bottled water in their rooms for visitors, for brushing teeth or even drinking.
You are also not advised to eat street food any where, especially in unclean environments, within Uganda and Rwanda, and your stomach will be just fine.