Thinking about a Uganda safari, but not quite sure where to begin?
Every week I hear from travellers who are excited about exploring Uganda’s wildlife, parks, adventure — and nightlife! – and who also want honest information about safety. After 15 years of living in Uganda, I can reassure you that Uganda is one of the most welcoming destinations in Africa. Everyone agrees! And right now, there’s more good news for anyone planning a safari.
Latest update: UK travel advisory for Uganda lifted (December 2025)
2 December 2025: fantastic news for British travellers as the ‘travel ban’ is lifted and our favourite safari spots in western Uganda are now fully accessible once more. Hooray!
The British government has officially lifted its advice against travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semliki National Park, following improved security. This means these parks are once again fully open to British travellers, with travel insurance valid as normal. (Travellers from other countries were continuing to move freely around Uganda; for some reason, the UK was the last to adjust its advisory).
Government “travel advisories” can look daunting — even when the situation on the ground is calm.
Why Uganda is a safe and welcoming destination
If you’ve ever typed “Is Uganda safe?” into Google, you’ll have seen a confusing mix of reassuring blog posts, outdated warnings and a few sensational headlines. Travellers often ask about the safety of a new destination — it’s a fair question — but there’s a world of difference between what makes international news and what daily life here is actually like.
Uganda is one of the friendliest countries you could hope to visit. Tourism plays a key role in the economy, and over a million people travel safely each year. Over the past decade and a half, I’ve visited nearly every corner of Uganda — often solo — without any hassles. Everything I write on Diary of a Muzungu is based on my own experiences, and those of the tour operators, guides, lodge owners, travel writers and conservationists I work with. My aim is to share practical insights that a government website simply cannot.
How government advisories affect tourism — and why context matters
I’ve watched first-hand how government travel advisories around the world can thwart tourism, leading to job losses and the closure of otherwise excellent businesses; this can cascade down to severely impact communities and conservation projects. Travel advisories are typically cautious and don’t always reflect realities on the ground — whether the threats are real or imagined.
The UK’s previous advisory was introduced after an isolated incident in 2023. Strengthened security measures have long since been implemented, and the advisory has now been removed. It’s welcome news for us all.
As one Kampala expat states in my blog post Is Uganda safe? Yes, it is! “the best practice is to forward government travel advisories straight to the bin!”
Why Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda is a must-visit
At 1,978 km², Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of my favourite places on earth. It literally was the centre of my world when I worked with the Uganda Conservation Foundation: the Mweya Peninsula, the Kazinga Channel, Maramagambo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, the Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha’s savannah are some of East Africa’s most dramatic landscapes. These are places I return to again and again.
Semliki National Park unique birding, hot springs and Rift Valley views
To the northwest of Fort Portal, down the winding Kijura escarpment, is the little-visited yet uniquely appealing Semliki National Park. My pro bono support for Sunbird Hill and the NGO In the Shadow of Chimpanzees has given me the chance to join biannual bird-population monitoring on behalf of Nature Uganda. Semliki is one of the parks we monitor, thanks to Uganda Wildlife Authority.
For birdwatchers, Semliki is essential — the only place in Uganda where you can see a number of central African birds. Semliki is also famous for the Sempaya male and female hot springs. Read my Semliki National Park page.
Planning a trip to Uganda in 2026: how can I help?
With the advisory lifted — and direct London to Entebbe flights now available through Uganda Airlines — it’s an excellent time to start planning your 2026 trip. Need a recommendation? Send me a message!