Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about e-Visa in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking is another incredible wildlife experience in Uganda. To prepare, ensure you have: Appropriate clothing: Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy hiking boots. Insect repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects. Rain gear: Be prepared for rain showers, as Uganda's forests can be humid. A good level of fitness: Chimpanzee trekking can involve challenging hikes through dense vegetation. A permit: Obtain a chimpanzee trekking permit in advance. By taking these steps, you’ll be ready for a safe and memorable chimpanzee trek in Uganda. Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Don’t forget to apply for a Uganda eVisa through our website for a smooth travel experience, and begin planning your wildlife journey today!

While Uganda is famed for gorillas and lions, it's also home to a startling range of wildlife. One of the most unusual experiences you could have is with the shoebill stork.  The shoebill is a rare and elusive species often found wading through the wetlands of Mabamba Bay, a popular bird-watching destination near Lake Victoria. You might also catch a glimpse of this remarkable bird along the shores of Lake Mburo National Park or in the swampy areas of the Albertine Rift. Observing the shoebill in its natural habitat is a thrilling experience for bird enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. The shoebill is often found wading through the wetlands of Mabamba Bay, a popular bird-watching destination near Lake Victoria. You might also catch a glimpse of this remarkable bird along the shores of Lake Mburo National Park or in the swampy areas of the Albertine Rift. Observing the shoebill in its natural habitat is a thrilling experience for bird enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.

Absolutely! Jinja, Uganda, is well-known as the "adventure capital of East Africa" and for good reason. It provides some of the most exceptional white-water rafting experiences on the Nile River. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, you have the opportunity to negotiate exhilarating rapids and even experience the adrenaline surge of bungee jumping from a cliff that overlooks the Nile. It is an experience that you will not soon forget! Beyond rafting, Jinja is a hub for adventure sports. You can amplify your thrill by bungee jumping from a cliff overlooking the mighty Nile, providing a breathtaking rush and spectacular views. For those looking for a mix of excitement and relaxation, river cruises and kayaking on calmer sections of the Nile are also popular.

Trekking with gorillas in Uganda is an unforgettable experience! Consider the experience of trekking through verdant rainforests, where the air is dense with the aroma of damp earth and exotic blossoms. The anticipation intensifies with each bird call and leaf rustle. Suddenly, you come across a family of gorillas, who are majestic creatures that are going about their daily routines. For safety and conservation reasons, you are required to maintain a respectful distance of about 7 meters (23 feet). During the one hour permitted with the gorillas, you can observe their behaviors, interactions, and expressions up close, making for an awe-inspiring and humbling experience. Uganda has great views and rare animals that make it a top place for adventure. Walking with gorillas is just one of the many fun things to do there. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Uganda, start planning your trip now! Don’t forget to apply for a Uganda eVisa through our website for a hassle-free application process. With your eVisa ready, you’ll be set to see all the wonders of this East African land. Begin your trip today!

Uganda offers a wide range of New Year’s Eve parties, from elegant hotel galas to lively concerts and dance parties. The Sheraton Kampala Hotel and Kampala Serena Hotel host some of the most luxurious New Year’s Eve galas, complete with dinner, live music, and a midnight fireworks display. For concert-goers, Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala is known for organizing high-energy concerts with popular Ugandan and African artists.  Another popular event is the Blankets & Wine Festival, which often holds a special New Year’s edition with live music, food, and drinks. For those who prefer a club scene, Sky Lounge, Guvnor and Club Illusion are top spots where DJs play until the early morning hours, attracting a young, energetic crowd.  For a more unique experience, party cruises on Lake Victoria offer scenic views, live music, and festive countdowns, creating unforgettable memories on the water. With such diverse options, Uganda ensures an unforgettable start to the New Year for all party-goers.

In Uganda, Kampala is the go-to place for New Year's Eve fireworks displays, with some of the biggest and most vibrant shows happening at popular locations like Sheraton Kampala Hotel and Kampala Serena Hotel. Both hotels host lively celebrations with countdowns, live music, and spectacular fireworks at midnight.  Another great spot is Acacia Mall in the upscale neighborhood of Kololo, which organizes fireworks displays along with a festive atmosphere filled with food, music, and holiday lights. For a scenic lakeside celebration, Entebbe’s waterfront area often features fireworks, and its location along Lake Victoria provides a beautiful backdrop. Visitors planning to join these celebrations should ensure they apply for a Ugandan visa in advance, as New Year’s Eve attracts large crowds eager to enjoy the festivities. Arriving early is also key to securing a good spot and making the most of the vibrant holiday spirit.

Families in Uganda have plenty of festive activities to enjoy together during Christmas. Attending church services is a major tradition, and many families look forward to the lively music, dancing, and community gatherings these services bring.  Families also host special Christmas feasts, with traditional foods like roast goat, matoke and rice, children are often given new clothes as gifts, which they wear to church and celebrations. In Kampala, activities like visiting Acacia Mall or Garden City Mall for holiday displays, shopping, and photos with Santa are popular.  For outdoor activities, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens and Lake Victoria offer beautiful locations for families to picnic, relax or go boating. Many families also use the holiday to travel, visiting places like Murchison Falls or Jinja for sightseeing and adventure activities. Community gatherings with games, music and storytelling are common in rural areas, making Christmas a festive and meaningful season for families across Uganda.

Christmas in Uganda is marked by several events, with most centered on religious gatherings, music and community activities. Many churches across the country hold Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, complete with choirs, dancing and festive gatherings. Kampala’s Miracle Centre Cathedral and Rubaga Cathedral host some of the most notable services, often attended by thousands of people. Additionally, Entebbe Botanical Gardens holds a family-oriented Christmas fair with local vendors, food and crafts, while Kampala’s Christmas Market at the Craft Village offers unique shopping and dining experiences.  Concerts and live music performances are popular during this season, with events like the Kampala City Festival and various gospel music events drawing big crowds. Community events in smaller towns also bring people together for celebrations, often featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling, making Uganda’s Christmas events a lively blend of faith and cultural pride.

While Christmas lights aren’t as widespread in Uganda as in some other countries, there are certain areas where they are beautifully displayed. In Kampala, malls and shopping centers like Acacia Mall, Garden City Mall and Oasis Mall often decorate with vibrant Christmas lights and ornaments. Major hotels, including the Serena Hotel Kampala and Sheraton Kampala Hotel, also put up elaborate holiday displays, making them popular spots for visitors looking for holiday cheer. In addition, churches and local neighborhoods sometimes hang lights and other decorations for Christmas Eve services, and it’s not uncommon to see colorful displays in wealthier residential areas. Visiting these locations in Kampala during December offers a festive atmosphere where you can enjoy the best of Uganda’s Christmas lights.

In Uganda, Christmas is celebrated with a blend of religious observance, family gatherings and local customs. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are often spent attending church services, as most Ugandans are Christian and place a strong emphasis on the holiday’s religious significance.  Churches across Uganda hold vibrant services filled with singing, dancing and nativity plays. Families also gather for large feasts, with traditional dishes like matoke (steamed banana), roasted meats, rice, chapati and posho (a type of maize porridge). It’s common for families to return to their home villages, especially if they work or study in cities, making it a highly anticipated homecoming. Decorating homes with Christmas lights, pine tree branches and small plastic Christmas trees has also grown in popularity. Uganda’s Christmas celebrations are all about community, making it a joyful and unifying time of year.