Before I traveled to Uganda for three weeks, I spent hours researching online. But honestly, there were so many small things I only learned once I was actually there.
So if you’re thinking about traveling to Uganda — especially solo — here are some things I really wish I had known beforehand.
The traffic is absolute chaos — and somehow it works
Ugandan traffic is intense.
Especially in Kampala, where the roads are full of cars, buses, motorcycles, people crossing the street, and apparently very few traffic rules.
At first, it honestly looked completely insane to me.
But after a while, you somehow get used to it. The chaos has its own rhythm. People adapt, react quickly, and things keep moving even when it feels impossible.
Crossing the road can feel like a real challenge in the beginning though — not going to lie.
Boda bodas are everywhere
If you travel around Uganda, you’ll quickly learn one important word:
boda boda.
Boda bodas are motorcycle taxis, and they are one of the most common ways to get around — especially in cities and smaller towns.
They’re fast, cheap, convenient… and sometimes a little terrifying.
I ended up using them quite a lot, especially in Kampala. Sitting on the back of a boda boda while weaving through traffic is definitely an experience.
That said: choose drivers carefully, wear a helmet if possible, and trust your instincts.
Cash is important — and ATMs are not always reliable
One thing I really wish I had known:
ATMs are sometimes empty.
And not just once.
I ran into this problem multiple times during my trip, especially outside larger cities. Some ATMs simply had no cash available, others didn’t work with foreign cards, and sometimes entire areas seemed to be out of money for the day.
Because of this, I learned to always carry some extra cash and not wait until the last minute to withdraw money.
Uganda is still very cash-based in many places, especially for transport, smaller restaurants, markets, and local shops.
People are incredibly friendly and curious
One of the things I remember most about Uganda is the people.
People were curious in a warm and genuine way. Many wanted to ask where I was from, how I liked Uganda, or simply say hello.
As a solo traveler, I actually appreciated this a lot. It made me feel less alone.
Of course, there were moments where the attention felt a little intense — especially as a foreign woman traveling alone — but overall, I experienced people as welcoming, helpful, and kind.
It felt much safer than I expected
Before traveling to Uganda, I honestly didn’t know what to expect.
A lot of people reacted strongly when I told them where I was going, which probably made me more nervous before the trip than I needed to be.
But once I arrived, I actually felt much safer than I had imagined.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. I still avoided walking alone late at night, stayed aware of my surroundings, and used common sense — just like I would anywhere else.
But Uganda did not feel nearly as dangerous as some people had made it sound.
Get an eSIM before you arrive
One of the smartest things I did was getting an eSIM before the trip.
I used Holafly, which made everything much easier. I had internet immediately after landing, which was incredibly helpful for things like:
- ordering transport
- checking maps
- messaging hotels
- translating things
- feeling generally safer as a solo traveler
Honestly, having mobile data from the moment I arrived reduced so much stress.
Uganda is unbelievably green
I knew Uganda would be beautiful — but I was not prepared for just how green it is.
The country is full of lush landscapes, tropical plants, forests, hills, lakes, and endless greenery. In some places it almost felt unreal.
And what surprised me most was how much the scenery changes depending on where you are in the country.
Some areas are full of rolling green hills and farmland. Others feel tropical and jungle-like. Some regions are flatter and drier, while others are misty and mountainous.
The landscapes constantly change, which makes traveling through Uganda feel incredibly rewarding.
You do NOT need to see the gorillas for the trip to be worth it
Let’s talk about the gorillas.
Seeing the mountain gorillas in Bwindi is one of Uganda’s most famous experiences — but it is also extremely expensive.
For many travelers, the permits alone cost more than the entire rest of the trip.
And honestly? I still think Uganda is absolutely worth visiting even if you skip it.
There is so much more to experience:
- beautiful nature
- wildlife
- national parks
- local culture
- amazing people
- chaotic cities
- peaceful lakes
- incredible scenery
The gorillas may be the most famous attraction, but they are far from the only reason to visit Uganda.
And personally, I never regretted going — even without seeing them.
