TRAVEL TIPS

Uganda is a relatively safe country for visitors. For the most part you will find the people extremely warm, helpful and honest. Simply use caution and good judgment like visiting any other area where you are not familiar with the customs and culture.

The most common crimes are pick-pocketing and purse snatching, or thefts from cars.

Always keep your valuables out of site and easy reach. Consider leaving your valuable jewelry and other items at home. Wear a money belt that fits inside your clothes where you can keep your money, credit card, and passport on your person at all times. Before arriving in Uganda make photo copies of your credit cards and the information pages from your passport and keep those in a separate location in case you lose the originals.

When shopping at the local shops and villages, keep some cash handy outside of your money belt. If you can avoid, do not have large sums of money in ready view in public places.

Traveling alone or together is fairly safe in Uganda during the day. Be cautious when traveling alone at night. If you are out at night, travel in a group or at least with one other person. Even in large cities street lighting is poor or non existent. Always carry a flash light and travel on main roads and streets. When traveling never leave your personal items unattended.

While it is possible to travel about at night in large cities, it is not advisable to be out after dark in the village if at all possible. The volunteer residence will be locked down after dark and all volunteers should be in the house. To be traveling out at night puts you at risk, plus those living with you in the house. Driving at night can be dangerous also. Bandits may block your road and take your valuables. If you must be out after dark due program timing, always notify the house manager and get approval; and be sure you are with someone familiar with the area and risks.

Risky behavior by any volunteer may cause her/him to be removed from the program and returned home.

What to Wear

Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Dresses, preferably long dresses, or slacks are acceptable for women. Shorts are NOT acceptable for either men or women when you are out and about in the village. You can wear them in the house at night for relaxation.

Shorts are sometimes worn in Kampala but the locals for the most part do not approve of you wearing shorts. And more importantly it marks you as a tourist, not someone who wants to fit into the local culture.

Evenings are cooler so bring light jacket or sweater for evening wear. Also, malaria carrying mosquitoes are more prevalent in the evening and early morning hours; if possible keep you arms and legs covered during those times. Some type of light rain gear is good to have. Also, solid walking shoes are needed as opposed to sandals and other light footwear.

Don't forget a hat for the hot daytime sun and sunglasses. These items can be purchased locally should you leave them home without them. Toiletries can be purchased locally also, but can be expensive and the selection is many times limited.

Avoid bright and Western clothing if you can; this will also mark you as a tourist. You will travel safer if your clothing blends in with the local dress culture. Finally, travel with inexpensive luggage rather than expensive designer luggage. Do not make the impression you have anything valuable with you.