One of the questions I was asked most often before my trip to Uganda was:
“Is it safe to travel there alone as a woman?”
To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure myself.
Like many people, I had never met anyone who had traveled independently in Uganda. Most of what I knew came from travel blogs, guidebooks, and the occasional news headline. Before leaving, I heard everything from “You’re so brave” to “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
After spending three weeks traveling solo across Uganda, my answer is simple:
Yes, I felt safe.
That doesn’t mean Uganda is risk-free. No destination is. But it felt much safer than I expected before arriving.
My First Impressions
I landed in Entebbe late at night after a long journey from Sweden.
If I’m honest, I was nervous.
Instead, I found friendly people, helpful staff, and a relaxed atmosphere. During my first few days, I explored the town, visited the botanical gardens, and got used to traveling on my own.
The more time I spent in Uganda, the more comfortable I became.
The People
The thing that surprised me most was how friendly people were.
Ugandans were often curious about where I was from and what I thought about their country. I was approached by strangers almost every day, but usually out of genuine curiosity rather than anything threatening.
Many people were curious about where I was from and what brought me to Uganda. Conversations often started with simple questions and genuine curiosity, and I found people to be warm, welcoming, and eager to share their country with visitors.
As a solo traveler, I found that these conversations often became some of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Walking Around Alone
In most places I visited, I felt comfortable walking around during the day.
That said, I followed the same common-sense precautions I would use anywhere else:
- I avoided walking alone late at night.
- I kept an eye on my belongings.
- I didn’t flash expensive electronics or valuables.
- I trusted my instincts.
Uganda isn’t a place where I would recommend wandering unfamiliar streets alone at 2 a.m., but honestly, I wouldn’t do that in many European cities either.
What About Transportation?
One thing that can feel intimidating at first is the traffic.
Ugandan roads can be chaotic, especially in Kampala.
Boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) are everywhere and are one of the fastest ways to get around. They can also be a little terrifying the first time you ride one.
I used them several times during my trip, but I always made sure I knew where I was going and used reputable drivers whenever possible.
Did I Experience Harassment?
One thing that genuinely surprised me was that I didn’t experience any harassment at all during my three weeks in Uganda. People were curious, friendly, and welcoming, but I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe because of the attention.
Would I Recommend Uganda for Solo Female Travelers?
Absolutely.
In fact, Uganda might be one of the most underrated destinations I’ve visited.
It offers incredible wildlife, beautiful landscapes, welcoming people, and experiences that feel genuinely authentic.
It’s not the easiest destination for first-time international travelers, and it helps to be comfortable with a bit of uncertainty and flexibility.
But if you’re an experienced traveler—or simply willing to step outside your comfort zone—I think Uganda is a fantastic choice.
Final Thoughts
Before my trip, I was nervous about traveling alone in Uganda.
After three weeks, I found myself wondering why I had been so worried.
Uganda isn’t perfect, and like anywhere in the world, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and make sensible decisions.
But I found a country full of kindness, curiosity, adventure, and some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met.
Would I travel there alone again?
Without hesitation.