I first visited Uganda in 2012. I spent three months in Kanungu district and fell in love with the country. I then visited Uganda every year for the next seven years before moving to the country permanently in 2021.
Entering my third year as a full-time resident of the Pearl of Africa, I feel like I’m in a reasonable position to answer the question – are Ugandans friendly?
Disclaimer: I married a wonderful Ugandan woman in 2020, so I’m biased! But here’s my opinion about the friendliness of the Ugandans that I encounter on a daily basis to help you know what to expect when you visit the country for the first time.
So, are Ugandans friendly?
Yes. 100%. I spent my twenties travelling around the world, visiting 50 countries along the way. The welcome I received in Jordan was perhaps the most incredible hospitality I have ever experienced, but my welcome in Uganda – when I first visited in 2012 – was a close second.
What struck me about my first impression of Ugandans was that they are notably cheery. They have positive dispositions. Whether you’re chatting with someone in a shop or hailing a boda-boda on the street, you will find that the majority of people you meet are extremely friendly and happy to chat with you.
Scratch the surface a little more, and you will find that Ugandans are also extremely personable. When you’re invited into a friendship group or over for a family meal, you will enjoy engaging in conversation about your roots, your interests, and, of course, football.
Of course, it’s difficult to generalise about an entire population – not everyone you meet in Uganda is going to welcome you with open arms. It’s the same in any place that you visit.
But you can reasonably expect people who work in the tourism sector (guides, hoteliers, waiters, etc.) to be extremely friendly and happy to help you. You will also find Ugandans that you meet as you travel through the country to be courteous, polite, and happy to talk, which is likely to make your time here all the more special.
Do Ugandans speak English?
Celebrating my birthday last year with Ugandan friends and family
You might be surprised to learn that English is the national language of Uganda In other words, it is widely spoken across the country, from Kampala to Kanungu.
In Entebbe and Kampala, you will be able to speak English in practically every place you visit without issue, making it easy to find what you’re looking for while meeting people at the same time.
When you travel “upcountry” (i.e. to a national park like Queen Elizabeth), you might find that people speak their local languages first and foremost, with English as a second language.
Uganda is an exceptionally diverse country, with 40+ languages spoken! The languages are spilt into four main groups – Bantu, Nilotic, Central Sudanic, and Kuliak. So, be mindful that should you visit Karamoja in the north of Uganda, the local language will be totally different to that spoken at Lake Bunyonyi in the south!
Case in point – my very talented wife speaks five languages. I, sadly, am struggling to learn Runyankole-Rukiga (I’m getting there, but I’m not a great student!).
Is Uganda safe?
Generally, Uganda is a safe country to visit, but you should always check for up-to-date government advice before travelling. In recent months, there have been a few attacks from rebel groups in tourist areas, so be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe.
I would say that the safety of the country goes hand in hand with the friendly nature of the people. In general, Ugandans make you feel safe when you visit their country. Their welcoming and hospitable nature helps you feel comfortable, and you will find that when you ask for help, people will be only too willing to provide it.
The verdict: Are Ugandans friendly?
The bottom line is that Ugandans are very friendly people. They welcome visitors and are happy to help in most situations.
If you’re planning to travel independently in Uganda, you shouldn’t have any trouble meeting local people across the country.
Just make sure you’re courteous and mindful that you’re visiting people in their own country. You might like to read up on African time to prepare yourself – it will help to manage your expectations and keep you in good spirits as you travel!
In September 2022, I spent one month working in Mauritius as a digital nomad with my family. We stayed in the north of the island in Grand Gaube, which is a quiet, coastal spot with sea breeze and delicious food.
Mauritius has recently developed a reputation as one of Africa’s hottest digital nomad destinations. The visa is easy to obtain, the Internet is fast, and the people are super friendly.
As a result, I’ve seen lots of generic blog posts explaining why you should consider Mauritius as your next digital nomad destination.
Therefore, I’ve decided to write this article to give insight into what it’s actually like to spend time working in Mauritius, so you can decide for yourself – is Mauritius good for digital nomads?
Here are 10 things to consider.
Hiring a car is pretty much essential
When you look at Mauritius on a map, one of the first things you might think is just how small it looks, particularly when compared to other African islands like Madagascar.
But to get around Mauritius as a digital nomad, you really need to hire a car. The island is served by buses and there is even a metro in Port Louis (the capital city), but given that many of the island’s “must sees” are in different regions, a car is the best way to get around.
We hired a car for around $25 per day for our trip and we used it every day. The Airbnb that we rented was stunning, but it wasn’t close to any amenities or points of interest, so we would have been stuck without it.
The reason I mention this here is that if you’re spending a long time in Mauritius as a digital nomad, the cost of hiring a car is something that you should incorporate into your budget.
But traffic can be a problem
You would be forgiven for thinking that paradise islands like Mauritius don’t need to worry about traffic. But you would be wrong.
If you travel through the Quatre Bornes area or in and around Port Louis at rush hour, expect to be stuck in gridlocked traffic for a fair amount of time.
Granted, traffic isn’t much of an issue in the coastal areas, but you do need to plan your movements accordingly, particularly if you’re spending time in Port Louis or Ebene, as I introduce below.
Ebene is the business hub on the island
Ebene is the main business hub in Mauritius and is located in the west of the island. If co-working is important to you as a digital nomad, Ebene is perhaps the best spot on the island.
Regus has a co-working space in Ebene with affordable rates, and it’s a good office space to set up in with great internet and the opportunity to meet other digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and freelancers.
There are lots of short and mid term rentals available in and around Ebene, too, so it’s potentially a great spot to choose if you’re thinking about spending some time as a digital nomad in Mauritius.
Though Airbnb is a good option if you’re looking for short-term rentals, check out Lexpress for longer term rentals in Ebene and the surrounding areas.
But it’s not by the coast!
We stayed in the north of the island in Grand Gaube – the beaches were stunning, particularly at sunset!
Though Ebene is the business hub of the island, it’s not by the coast. Given that many digital nomads are attracted to life in Mauritius because of its stunning beaches, this can be an issue.
The closest tourist spot to Ebene is the coastal town of Flic en Flac, but the beaches are a good 30-60 minute drive away, depending on traffic.
Of course, every digital nomad is different, but if you want to benefit from living and working from Ebene, you need to sacrifice your dream of renting a beach-side apartment for the duration of your stay on the island.
Mauritius isn’t cheap
I’ve seen several writers online suggest that Mauritius is a good option for digital nomads because it’s cheap. I don’t think this is necessarily true.
Cost is relative, and while Mauritius has a cheaper cost of living than many countries in Western Europe and the US, it’s expensive compared to popular digital nomad spots in Eastern Europe (Georgia) and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, etc.).
I found the cost of groceries to be comparable to those in the UK, though eating out was slightly cheaper than enjoying a meal out at a restaurant back home.
As mentioned, cost is relative and what is cheap to someone is expensive to someone else. I’m certainly not saying that Mauritius is expensive, particularly for digital nomads from Western Europe.
But I think it’s important to look past lazy suggestions that imply that Mauritius is this super cheap island paradise that is the perfect spot for digital nomads.
Nuance is required and you need to do your own sums, based on how you plan to live and where you plan to stay when you visit Mauritius as a digital nomad.
There are good international schools for nomad families
We enjoyed our month in Mauritius so much that we’re seriously considering returning for a longer spell (perhaps up to a year), in the near future.
Given that we’re a family of four (with another on the way!), the quality of international schools in Mauritius is something that we have done a fair amount of research into.
If you’re a digital nomad family, you can opt to send your kids to international schools in different parts of the country, depending on where you’re planning to live.
After doing lots of research online and contacting various schools directly, my wife and I settled on the following three schools that we could potentially send our kids to, should we return to Mauritius as a nomad family:
If you’re a digital nomad family, you can use these three schools as the starting point for your research, but be mindful that there are lots of other good schools available in Mauritius!
The food is great
Enjoying freshly caught fish at one of our favourite restaurants during our time as a digital nomad family in Mauritius.
One of my favourite things about spending time in Mauritius as a digital nomad was the food. Mauritian food is best described as a Creole infusion, with delicious spices, flavours, and textures.
Seafood is a big part of the local culinary scene, and one of the best meals I had was a Creole fish curry that was one of the most delicious plates of food I’ve ever tasted!
The malls in Mauritius also offer chain restaurants (McDonalds, Spur, etc.) that are great if you’re looking for cheap eats for the kids.
You will also find Chinese cuisine, Indian restaurants, and a host of other brilliant restaurants dotted around the island that you can eat out at with your family and friends.
Depending on where and what you eat, you can expect to pay $10-$20 for a meal in a standard restaurant in most parts of Mauritius, which I think is good value given the quality of the food on offer.
The digital nomad visa is easy to apply for
In my opinion, the biggest stumbling block to life as a digital nomad is bureaucracy, particularly visas.
Mauritius’ Premium Visa, however, makes entering the country as a digital nomad extremely straightforward. It’s free to apply for and you can stay in Mauritius for up to one year. You don’t even have to prove how much you earn to apply.
One thing you should be aware of is that you need to prove to the immigration official where you are staying, by signing some form of rental agreement.
Still, the Mauritius digital nomad visa is extremely easy to apply for and makes the whole process so much easier. You can find out more or apply for the Premium Visa here.
Mauritians are extremely friendly
My wife enjoying a stroll through the botanical gardens in Mauritius, one of our favourite spots for weekend relaxation.
Last but certainly not least, I found the people of Mauritius to be extremely friendly and welcoming. Our Airbnb host Michael couldn’t do enough for us and helped us in practically every way imaginable.
Any time we ate out as a family we found restaurant owners and staff to be chatty and accommodating and it certainly added to the experience.
Though we weren’t in the country long enough to make any friends, one of the reasons that we hope to return to Mauritius is because we found the people to be so awesome.
This is undoubtedly one of the best things about the island and you will find Mauritians to be open and welcoming of visitors.
My verdict: Is Mauritius good for digital nomads?
So, is Mauritius good for digital nomads? I would say yes, it absolutely is.
As a family, we loved the month that we spent in the country, so much so that we’re seriously considering returning to the island for a year in the near future.
I hope that this guide has revealed some helpful insights into what it’s actually like to spend some time in Mauritius as a digital nomad.
But if you have any more questions about life as a digital nomad in Mauritius, be sure to drop them in the comments below and I will get back to you!
If you’re keen to explore other digital nomad options in East Africa, refer to my short articles that explain whether Uganda and Kenya have special digital nomad visas.
I tend to shy away from generalisations and oversimplifications when writing about Africa. They’re typically not helpful and are sometimes offensive, depending on the topic.
After all, Africa is a diverse continent of 54 individual countries. Cape Town is as different from Cairo as Birmingham is from Beijing.
But on my travels throughout eastern and southern Africa (I’ve been to 12 different African countries so far!), one thing is fairly typical of each of the countries I have passed through – a concept known as African time.
I was listening to Michael Palin’s brilliant travelogue, Sahara, recently, and he mentioned that public transport in Mauritania (western Africa) also runs on African time. So, perhaps it’s a concept that truly unifies this diverse continent.
To prepare you for your upcoming visit to East Africa, I introduce you to the concept of African time in this article and explain why it’s important to acknowledge it ahead of your trip!
What does “African time” mean?
Depending on the context in which it is used, African time typically refers to people (or modes of transport) running late. The concept is rooted in the western perception of time, however, as being late is something that in itself is subjective.
Many western countries – the UK in particular – regard being on time as one of life’s most fundamental courtesies. If you’re due to start work at 9.00 am, arriving at 9.10 am is unacceptable.
If you agree to meet your friend for coffee at 3.00 pm and don’t show up until 3.30 pm, you’ll be lucky if they’re still sipping their latte when you finally arrive.
And if you head to Euston station to catch the 4.10 pm train to Birmingham New Street Station, expect the train to leave at 4.10 pm on the dot, unless a delay is indicated on the station’s departure screens.
Why is this important to African time? Well, at least in my opinion, African time only becomes an issue when you regard it within the western concept of being “on time.”
I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve had with my wife (who is Ugandan) about keeping time. If, for instance, we are planning to arrive at church “on time” for the 8.30 am service, my wife might start getting ready at 8.30 am. Or she might not.
To me – as someone who grew up in the UK – this is baffling, and sometimes frustrating.
I’ll give you another example.
We arranged to go out for lunch last weekend and agreed in the morning that we would sit down to eat at 1 pm (I wanted to be home to watch the football that was starting at 3.30 pm!). So, by 12.30 pm, my son and I had showered and were ready to go. My wife, on the other hand, was busy chatting to friends and had been working in the garden, so she needed to get washed and dressed before leaving. Turns out we left at 1.30 pm and I missed the start of the football.
Now – I’m not criticising my wife! I love her to bits, and she is a truly wonderful person. But when it comes to being “on time” for something, she fails every single time.
Before writing this article, I sat down and asked her about the concept of African time. She basically told me that her understanding of being “on time” is completely different to mine.
For instance, she didn’t think she was late for lunch last week. We agreed a time and she got ready at (roughly) that time, and we enjoyed a lovely lunch. What difference does it make that we arrived a bit later than we had planned?
And in that, I came to terms with the most important thing about African time – it’s totally subjective and open to interpretation.
Let me explain.
Acknowledging “African time” as a tourist
Just like the minor issues that my wife and I experience with our different understanding of what it means to be “on time,” you’re likely to encounter issues with so-called African time during your vacation.
If, for instance, you’re planning to travel on public transport, it might be difficult for you to accept that your bus won’t necessarily leave at a specific time.
While the conductor might tell you that the night bus will leave at 7.00 pm, you might still be sitting in the bus park at 9.00 pm, waiting for the bus to fill up.
I’ve experienced this precise issue in Uganda, Kenya, and Malawi when traveling on public transport – buses, in particular, usually leave when they’re full!
This can be difficult to process as a tourist used to western travel schedules, where public transport leaves at a specific time each day. But as a visitor to Africa, you just need to accept it.
If you’re planning a journey ahead of your international flight home, you need to prepare for the fact that the bus might not deliver you to your destination on the schedule that you have planned for.
Therefore, as a rule of thumb, I always give myself one extra day when traveling on public transport in East Africa. If I’m traveling across country on a bus to get a Saturday morning flight, I will travel on Thursday, not Friday.
There are countless other examples where African time might impact your trip in some way. Your safari driver might agree to pick you up for a game drive at 6.45 am and arrive at 7.15 am. Or the new friend that you meet for dinner might arrive an hour late without texting or calling you in advance.
However you experience African time, remember not to get annoyed or frustrated. You’re a visitor in Africa and it’s not your place to change things.
Also – lots of things (and people) run perfectly on time in Africa!! This is so important to acknowledge. I genuinely can’t remember ever experiencing a flight delay in Uganda or Kenya, for example.
And although my wife isn’t particularly punctual, many of my friends are much timelier, and if we agree to meet at a specific time, there’s no issue.
The bottom line: African time
The purpose of this blog post was simply to make you aware of the concept of African time and to acknowledge it ahead of your trip.
I now live in Uganda, and I have tried really hard to change the way I look at time, as the people in my life don’t necessarily agree with my time-keeping priorities!
So, when you arrive in East Africa for your upcoming vacation, be mindful that African time is a thing – as the legendary Michael Palin points out in Sahara – and don’t let it stress you out.
So many freelancers and remote workers in different parts of the world are opting to travel while working, as part of a global community known as digital nomads.
But does Kenya have a digital nomad visa? How do you enter Kenya legally to work as a remote worker? Read on to find out everything you need to know about whether Kenya has a digital nomad visa in 2023.
So, does Kenya have a digital nomad visa?
No, Kenya does not have a digital nomad visa. If you wish to enter Kenya for work, you are legally required to apply for the relevant work permit. For short-term stays of up to ninety days, you can apply for a tourist visa. Read on to learn more about how to legally enter Kenya if you’re planning to live and work in the country as a digital nomad.
How can you legally enter Kenya for remote work?
As is the case with many countries around the world, if you want to legally work in Kenya, you must obtain the relevant work permit. Currently, Kenya offers Class A – Class K work permits, ranging from prospecting & mining to approved religious or charitable activities. You can find a detailed breakdown of all of the available work permits, as well as details of how to apply for them, here, via the Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services.
Basically, to legally work in Kenya, you need to be sponsored by a Kenyan-registered company, as one of the main requirements is to provide an invitation letter. As most digital nomads are freelancers or self-employed business owners, this rules out the work permit option for the vast majority of remote workers looking to settle in Kenya.
What about a Kenyan tourist visa?
A Kenyan tourist visa is extremely easy to apply for and you can do so online, via the government’s electronic visa portal. When I visited Diani Beach for a family holiday last year, I obtained my e-visa in less than two days, and it was an extremely easy and effortless process.
Now, can you enter Kenya as a digital nomad on a tourist visa? Legally, no, you can’t, as the tourist visa clearly stipulates that any type of work is prohibited during your stay in the country. I’m a member of several online communities and I know of people who enter various countries around the world as digital nomads on tourist visas. However, it’s not legally permitted in Kenya, and I wouldn’t advise you to do so.
Unfortunately, Kenya doesn’t currently offer a visa for digital nomads. This is also the case with most East African countries, as I explained in my guide to Uganda for digital nomads.
Right now, the best country in East Africa for digital nomads is undoubtedly Mauritius – a stunning island off the East coast of the continent that has one of the easiest digital nomad visas to apply for.
You can apply for a Mauritius digital nomad visa if you earn more than $1,500 per month and meet some other pretty basic requirements. Find out more about becoming a digital nomad in Mauritius here, if you have your heart set on working remotely in Africa.
The verdict: Does Kenya have a digital nomad visa?
Right now, Kenya does not have a specific visa for digital nomads. If you wish to legally enter Kenya for work, you must apply for the relevant work permit, depending on the industry that you’re employed in. As more and more countries open their doors to digital nomads, I will update this article if Kenya decides to launch a digital nomad visa in the near future.
There are dozens of waterfalls in Uganda, thanks to the many waterways that flow throughout the country. Many of the falls are on the River Nile, the world’s longest river, adding extra incentive to visit them.
From Murchison to Mpanga, this article introduces you to seven of the best waterfalls in Uganda that you can visit during your upcoming vacation. I’ve also put together a handy map with the locations of each of these falls to help you plan your trip accordingly.
Murchison Falls
Undoubtedly the best waterfalls in Uganda to visit are located within Murchison Falls National Park. To be fair, the main reason to visit Murchison is not to look at the falls but to view the wildlife that lives around them.
Murchison Falls NP is home to a huge number of mammals and birds (I spotted the elusive and prehistoric shoebill during a recent Murchison Falls safari), and it’s certainly one of the best game-viewing spots in East Africa.
That being said, the falls are super impressive. The River Nile forces itself through a tight gorge to fall 43 meters to the river below, creating a cascading and powerful flow of water that you can see from different parts of the park.
The best way to see Murchison Falls is to arrange a safari and to take a boat trip organized by UWA. A boat trip up to the falls currently costs $30 per person, but you also need to factor in the cost of the park entrance and the cost of the safari itself.
You can also refer to the UWA website for more information about visiting the stunning Murchison Falls in the north of Uganda.
Sipi Falls
In the far east of Uganda and a stone’s throw away from the Kenyan border is Mount Elgon National Park, home to one of the highest peaks in Uganda. The park is also home to the impressive Sipi Falls, a truly stunning site that hosts three waterfalls.
The falls take their name from the close-by village of Sipi, and they are located in the eastern Ugandan district of Kapchorwa, which takes between 3-4 hours to reach from Kampala.
I visited Sipi Falls during the dry season in August last year, as the dry season is when the falls are at their most spectacular. The tallest fall cascades 100 meters from the top of the cliff and provides incredible views of Mount Elgon and the surrounding areas.
Just be mindful that it takes a fair amount of effort to make it to each of the three falls. I trekked for a couple of hours to reach the final site, and although it was worth it, I was pretty tired when we reached it!
You can also hire a tour guide when you reach Sipi Falls if you want to learn more about the local area as you make your way to the site of each of the three stunning waterfalls that cascade here.
Kisiizi Falls
Located in Rukungiri district in Uganda’s extreme southwest, Kisiizi Falls is an off-the-beaten-track tourist destination in the Pearl of Africa. It’s about a two-hour drive from the town of Kabale, which is a popular spot for tourists, given its proximity to Lake Bunyonyi and the Rwandan border.
You can also easily visit Kisiizi Falls from Bwindi National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, two of the most-visited parks in the whole of Uganda.
I actually visited Kisiizi Falls last week and absolutely loved it. To save me from repeating myself – check out my complete guide to visiting Kisiizi Falls to help you plan a trip here!
Sisiyi Falls
While most visitors to eastern Uganda are drawn to Sipi Falls, Sisiyi Falls is also another great spot to visit if you’re making your way to Mount Elgon National Park.
In fairness, Sisiyi and Sipi look remarkably similar, and they’re even located within the same mountain massif. One of the main reasons to visit Sisiyi is that you can actually stand under these falls, which is ideal if you want a more immersive experience.
Like Sipi Falls, Sisiyi cascades approximately 100 meters down one of the sides of Mount Elgon and provides truly breathtaking views of the surrounding lush green countryside.
You might not want to visit both Sisiyi and Sipi Falls, but be sure to incorporate one of these stunning destinations into your itinerary if you’re spending some time in and around Mount Elgon during your vacation.
Karuma Falls
Karuma is known to the local Luo people as “Great Spirit,” and it’s easy to see why when you visit this impressive waterfall, around 100km northeast of the town of Masindi.
At the site of Karuma Falls is a hydroelectric dam that supplies power throughout Uganda. The dam at Karuma is actually the largest power station in the whole of Uganda and is a crucial source of energy for the entire nation.
If you’re planning to visit Murchison Falls NP for safari, you can include a trip to Karuma Falls, as they are located in the eastern section of the park and can be easily visited while on safari.
Historically, the falls are significant because John Henning Speke famously crossed the Nile at this point on his way to the source of the world’s longest river.
While Murchison Falls is the most visited waterfall in this part of Uganda, you should undoubtedly add Karuma Falls to your itinerary if you’re visiting the park for a safari on your upcoming vacation.
Mpanga Falls
Located in western Uganda is Mpanga Falls, located near Kibale National Park, home to many of Uganda’s wild chimpanzees.
As reported by the New Vision, Mpanga Falls isn’t particularly easy to reach! In fact, it requires a journey across Lake George and some patient climbing to reach the top of the falls, which means that many people don’t bother with Mpanga.
In my opinion, this is all the more reason to make an effort to visit these cascading falls in western Uganda. After all, there is something magical about visiting sites off the beaten path, and that certainly applies to the waterfalls at Mpanga!
Ssezibwa Falls
The final waterfall in Uganda that I would like to introduce you to in this article is actually the site that is easiest to reach (at least from Kampala).
Ssezibwa Falls is in Mukono District, just 32km from Kampala on the Jinja Road. The falls race through a narrow gorge in the rocks and cascade 17 meters into the large pool below.
The falls eventually flow all the way to Lake Kyoga, and the falls are a special place for the local Baganda people, who believe them to have supernatural powers.
It costs $3 to enter the site at the falls, and although the visitor’s center could be better managed, it’s a decent gateway to the falls and the surrounding area.
I woke up early this morning to the sound of cascading water. I am, after all, staying no more than a few hundred meters from the impressive Kisiizi Falls, a hidden gem of a tourist spot in the southwest of Uganda.
Given that I got up so early, I brewed myself a cup of tea and set up outside my little cottage to write this guide to visiting Kisiizi Falls.
I’ve included lots of helpful information to help you plan your visit here, as well as some answers to FAQs. If there’s anything I’ve missed, drop a comment below, and I’ll get back to you!
A brief introduction to visiting Kisiizi Falls, Uganda
Kisiizi Falls is located in the southwest of Uganda. The waterfall is part of the Kyabamba River, which flows through Rukungiri district. It’s approximately 27 meters high, and an impressive volume of water cascades down the cliff face throughout the year.
However, the beauty of Kisiizi Falls today belies the dark and morbid history that initially made this place a point of interest for Ugandans.
Historically, local Bakiga (the name of the clan of people who live close to the falls) families would take pregnant, unmarried girls to the top of the falls, before tying them up and pushing them to their deaths.
The fact that these girls fell pregnant out of wedlock brought such shame to their families that they believed the best way to deal with such incidents was to throw the girls to their deaths over the waterfall.
Tragically, hundreds of young Bakiga girls lost their lives this way until the practice was stopped, relatively recently. There’s now a poignant memorial across from the falls commemorating the lives lost at the site and serving as a reminder to Ugandans that such practice has no place in their modern country.
When you visit the falls, it’s difficult to process such unimaginable tragedy with the serene natural beauty of the area.
As such, you can easily incorporate a visit to Kisiizi Falls into your travel itinerary if you’re visiting the southwest of Uganda for other tourist activities.
How to get to Kisizi Falls?
If you’re visiting Kisiizi Falls from Entebbe or Kampala, it’s about a seven-hour drive. You take the Kampala-Mbarara highway from the city, and when you reach Mbarara, you continue west towards Kabale. You will then see signposts for Kisiizi Hospital when you’re approximately 30km away from Kabale town.
You can also reach Kisiizi Falls easily from Kabale if you have recently entered Uganda from Rwanda or have spent the weekend relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi. Helpfully, the site of the falls is on Google Maps. You can simply search for the Kisiizi Falls Visitors Center or Kisiizi Hospital and follow the map all the way.
Activities at Kisiizi Falls
There are several activities that you can plan during your visit to Kisiizi Falls, depending on how adventurous you are:
Bird watching: You will see lots of stunning birds in and around the falls, including the Crested Crane and Ross’ Turaco. Refer to my birdwatching for beginners checklist if you want to see birdlife on your trips to the falls.
Hiking: From the visitor’s center to the top of the falls, it’s a reasonable hike. Though trainers will suffice, walking up to and around the falls is good exercise and takes 1-2 hours of your time.
Mountain biking: You can hire a mountain bike from the visitor’s center to explore some of the trails surrounding Kisiizi Falls. Rates are super reasonable; it costs less than $10 for bike hire for the day.
Sky trail & mini zip line: For the slightly more adventurous visitors is the sky trail. You are suspended high above the falls for the ride of your life – not for the faint-hearted. For those under the age of sixteen, the mini zip line is a good option.
Kayaking: You can also hire a kayak to explore the lagoon close to the falls. This is a great way to get on to the water, particularly on those scorching hot days!
You don’t need to book any of these activities in advance. Simply turn up and enquire at the visitor’s center, and the friendly staff will be more than happy to make the necessary arrangements on your behalf.
Staying & eating at Kisiizi Falls
Although Kisiizi Falls is relatively close to other tourist attractions and can be visited in just a few hours, you might want to spend the night at the falls to break up your journey.
Next to the visitor’s center are two cottages that overlook the falls. In fact, I’m sitting outside one of the cottages with a cup of Ugandan tea, writing this article!
The cost of the accommodation is 125,000 UGX per night (about $35), and it sleeps up to four people in two rooms. A simple breakfast of tea, bananas, and fresh bread is provided. The rooms are a little tired and are best described as no-frills, but they’re comfortable and offer great value at the price point.
In terms of eating at Kisiizi Falls, the visitor’s center serves tasty food. For our evening meal last night, we enjoyed chicken, potatoes, and vegetables for just 16,000 UGX per person (about $4).
It’s a good idea to order food ahead of time. We called in the morning to place our meal order, and it was ready at exactly 6 pm –the time that we requested it.
Note that no alcohol is served in the restaurant, though you can ask one of the staff to send out for a local beer if you’re desperate!
To book accommodation or to order food ahead of your visit to Kisiizi Falls, go here.
The verdict: Is Kisiizi Falls worth visiting?
The bottom line is yes, Kisiizi Falls is absolutely worth visiting. It’s a beautiful waterfall with a tragic yet interesting past. The visitor’s center is informative, and there are lots of activities you can do around the falls. You can also stay and eat at the guest house if you want to break up your journey.
Overall, if you’re keen to visit a waterfall during your upcoming vacation in Uganda, Kisiizi Falls is a great option to consider, particularly if you’re visiting southwest Uganda for gorilla trekking or a safari in QENP.
Visiting Kisiizi Falls FAQs
How much does it cost to visit Kisiizi Falls?
Kisiizi Falls is completely free to visit! Park up in front of the visitor’s center and make your way to the falls via the track. There are several activities that you can pay to do if you want to make the most of your trip to Kisiizi.
Is there accommodation at Kisiizi Falls?
Yes, there is accommodation at Kisiizi Falls, provided by the guest house next to the visitor’s center. At the time of writing, the cost of a 4-person cottage is 125,000 UGX ($35), including a simple breakfast.
Can you swim at Kisiizi Falls?
Technically you can swim at Kisiizi Falls or at least in parts of the Kyabamba River. That being said, it’s not the best swimming spot in Uganda – check out our swimming in Uganda article to discover the best places for a dip in the Pearl of Africa.
Is there wildlife at Kisiizi Falls?
There are lots of beautiful birds in and around Kisiizi Falls. However, you won’t see any dangerous wild animals, like hippos or crocs, which populate waterways in some of the country’s national parks.
Before I moved to Uganda permanently, I applied for the East Africa Tourist Visa several times. I found the process to be exceptionally straightforward and hassle free.
However, if you’re relatively new to this part of the world, it’s helpful to know how the visa application process works ahead of time.
To help you, I’ve put together this complete guide to applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa (Uganda).
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a visa specifically designed for tourists who wish to enter Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya during the same trip. The visa allows multiple entries between the three countries for a period of up to three months.
Who can apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa?
Citizens of more than 100 countries can apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa online, making it a super accessible visa. If you’re visiting Uganda from the UK or other parts of Europe and the US, you can easily apply for the visa online.
Crucially, you must apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa from the country that you plan to visit first. So, for instance, if you’re flying into Entebbe Airport in Uganda, you need to apply for the visa from Ugandan immigration.
This guide is specifically for people traveling to Uganda, although the application requirements are similar for each of the three countries.
What you need to apply
The visa is available to anyone (from specific countries) who wishes to visit Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda for tourism purposes only for a period of no more than three months. As a result, you need the following details before completing the application process:
Copy of the bio-page of your passport. Your passport should be valid for a period of at least six months.
A recent passport-sized photograph.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination.
A return airline ticket showing that you won’t exceed a stay of ninety days.
Your travel itinerary. This can be directly from a tour company or you can put one together yourself in a Word doc. Just include things like your flight details, any internal transport, where you’re staying, what activities you’re doing, etc.
A debit or credit card to pay the visa fee, which is currently $100.
Applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa Uganda (Step-by-Step)
As visa applications go, the East Africa Tourist Visa (Uganda) is super simple. Here are the straightforward steps that you need to follow to get this visa ahead of your trip to East Africa:
Step 1: Prepare your documentation as listed above. You will need to upload these to your computer to submit them as part of your application.
Step 2: Go directly to Uganda’s immigration portal here. Please be careful – you don’t need to go through a third party website! (My Mum and Dad accidentally did this when applying to come and visit me last year – it cost them an extra $50!).
Step 3: Select the visa type that you’re applying for. In your case, it is the East African Tourist Visa.
Step 4: Complete the application form accurately and carefully.
Step 5: Upload your documents.
Step 6: Submit the application. Please note – a six-digit number will be generated at this stage. Write this down as you might need it to access your application!
Step 7: Continue to the payment portal and make the non-refundable payment of $100 via debit or credit card.
Step 8: Await your approval. Once processed the invitation letter will be sent directly to the email address that you have provided.
Recap
The East Africa Tourist Visa (Uganda) is extremely easy to apply for and is perfect if you’re planning to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya during the same vacation. I hope you have found the step-by-step guide above helpful. I’ve also included some FAQs below that you can refer to for more information about this visa.
If you have any questions that I haven’t covered here, drop me a comment below and I will get back to you.
East Africa Tourist Visa FAQs
How much does the East Africa Tourist visa cost?
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100.
How long does it take to get the East Africa Tourist visa?
Approval depends on how busy the immigration office is. In my experience, it takes between 2-3 working days to receive your approval letter. However, give yourself as much time as possible before departing on your vacation.
How do I know which country to apply to?
You must apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa from the country you visit first, be it Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda. You can then move in and out of the other countries throughout the duration of your visa.
Is the East Africa Tourist Visa multiple entry?
Yes, you can travel through Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda as many times as you like for the duration of the visa.
How long is the East Africa Tourist Visa valid for?
The East Africa Tourist visa is valid for a period of three months.
Can I renew the East Africa Tourist Visa?
You can apply for another East Africa Tourist Visa when your current visa expires. Contact the immigration office in Uganda/Kenya/Rwanda for more information about visa extensions.
Can I apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa online?
Yes, you can only apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa online. You can follow the link I have shared to go directly to the Ugandan immigration website.
What happens if my East Africa Tourist Visa application is rejected?
There are several reasons why your visa application might be rejected. You should email the immigration office directly to ask for some feedback before submitting a second application.
Thousands of people visit Uganda every year to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. If you’re planning to be one of these people, you might be wondering – can you do a one-day gorilla trek in Uganda?
Here, I explain what you need to know if you’re planning to see these magnificent creatures in a 24-hour window.
Is it possible to do a one-day gorilla trek in Uganda?
Yes, it is possible to do a one-day gorilla trek in Uganda. In fact, one day is all you need to see the gorillas in their natural habitat, as you arrive at the entrance to the national park early in the morning and trek the gorillas from there for several hours. Read on to learn more about how to arrange a one-day gorilla trek in the Pearl of Africa.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda: Two options
There are two national parks in Uganda that are home to mountain gorillas – Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park, as I explain below.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (sometimes called Buhoma) is the best place to arrange a one-day gorilla trek in Uganda. There are lots of exclusive lodges in the area and several budget options, too, which is ideal for budget and high-end travelers alike.
There are approximately 460 mountain gorillas in Bwindi, and you can trek to visit fourteen of the habituated groups in the park. You will also have the chance to see a raft of other wildlife during your time in the Bwindi forest, including 120 other mammal species and more than 350 bird species.
Bwindi is situated in the extreme southwest corner of Uganda, practically a day’s drive from the capital city, Kampala. You can fly to Bwindi via Kihihi to shorten the transit time, which is a good idea if you’re only in Uganda for a short period of time.
Ultimately, if you’re looking to do a one-day gorilla trek in Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable forest is the best option.
Mgahinga National Park
Photo credit: Jeremy Stewardson
Alternatively, you can arrange a one-day gorilla trek in Mgahinga National Park. Mgahinga is actually close to Bwindi but is accessed via the town of Kisoro, also in the southwestern region of the country.
In Mgahinga, there are approximately 30 mountain gorillas, though only one of the three groups is habituated, meaning you can only track one of the groups.
The fact that Mgahinga is much smaller than Bwindi is an advantage to some people, as treks to see the gorillas here are often much shorter.
If time is of the essence and you’re keen to see gorillas as quickly as possible due to constraints, Mgahinga is a good option to consider.
How much does a one-day gorilla trek in Uganda cost?
The cost of a permit to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda is currently $700. This excludes things like travel, accommodation, and meals and is purely the cost of entering the park to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Though it seems expensive for a one-day gorilla trek, it’s half the price of gorilla trekking in Rwanda! It’s also a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and in my opinion, it’s the best wildlife experience in the world!
It’s certainly the most memorable thing I’ve ever done!
Is one day enough time to trek gorillas in Uganda?
Yes, one day is definitely enough time for a gorilla trek. When you trek in Bwindi or Mgahinga, the day starts at sunrise (around 7 am), and you head into the forest to see the gorillas.
Some treks take less than twenty minutes, while some take several hours to reach the current location of the gorillas.
You then spend approximately one hour in the company of the gorillas before making your way back to the park entrance. From there, you can go and chill out at your lodge or hit the road if you’re on a tight schedule.
When I did my gorilla trek in Bwindi back in 2012, I was in the park for about five hours, including the time we spent with the gorillas.
The bottom line is that one day is more than enough time for a gorilla trek in Uganda, as the activity shouldn’t take more than half a day to complete.
How to book a gorilla trek in Uganda?
If you’re keen to book a one-day gorilla trek for your upcoming visit to Uganda, you can do so via AJ Tours & Travel, the safari company I have partnered with.
I have been on countless tours over the years with AJ Tours, and they arranged my gorilla trekking trip back in 2012.
Drop Andrew a line and explain that you’re keen to arrange a permit to trek the gorillas in one day, and he will gladly help you out. Just make sure to tell him that I sent you!
Other considerations before booking your trip
Although you can certainly do a one-day gorilla trek in Uganda, you need to be mindful of the fact that you need to travel to the southwest of Uganda to do the activity.
As mentioned, if you’re traveling by road, Bwindi NP is a day from Kampala/Entebbe. You can take a domestic flight to nearby Kihihi, which takes about 80-90 minutes. You can also fly to Kisoro, which is the gateway to Mgahinga.
If you’re doing a safari while in Uganda, Bwindi is about 2 hours from the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Therefore, it’s a good idea to tie your one-day gorilla trek to the end of your safari.
Check out my guide to booking domestic flights in Uganda for more information on how to get to the southwest for gorilla trekking.
Recap: 1-day gorilla trekking in Uganda
Ultimately, one day is more than enough to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. After all, the activity itself takes no more than a day.
But given the fact that gorilla trekking is an activity based in the extreme southwest of Uganda, you need to plan your travel accordingly, and if you’re on a tight schedule, a domestic flight is your best option!
Having lived in Uganda for more than two years now, I’m well aware that Ugandans love to party! Drinking beer and waragi (a local brew) is part and parcel of the culture in Uganda, whether you head to a wedding or any other function while you’re in the country.
If you’re like me, then you will agree that one of the best things about visiting any country is tasting the local beer. Picture the scene – you’re sitting on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, sipping an ice-cold Club as the sun sets. Perfection.
So, if you’re keen to try the finest libations that the Pearl of Africa has to offer during your upcoming vacation, here are five of the best Uganda beers that you absolutely have to try!
Club
My absolute favorite Uganda beer is Club. A lively, refreshing lager, Club is the perfect tonic after a round of golf in the Ugandan sun!
Brewed by Nile Breweries, Club is a 4.5% abv beer with a distinct hoppy aroma, and given its light taste, it’s a great session beer if you’re planning to have a few around the pool.
Of course, the price of Uganda beer varies depending on where you buy it, but in most places in Uganda, club costs between 4,000 UGX and 10,000 UGX ($1.10 – $2.60).
Nile Special
Nile Special also has a stout, but I’m not a fan! Photo credit: Prince Beguin
Although Club is my tipple of choice in Uganda, Nile Special is the most popular beer in the country. It’s also a lager, but at 5.6% abv, I find that drinking a couple of bottles leaves me with a bit of a headache!
Nile Special is perhaps the Uganda beer that is best known inside and outside of the country, as it has been brewed for more than fifty years.
I suppose if you want to enjoy a true taste of Uganda, Nile Special is the way to go. Just switch over to Club after your first bottle to avoid the headache in the morning!
Bell
Bell was first brewed in Uganda back in 1950, and it takes its name from its brewing location – the Port Bell pier on the shores of Lake Victoria.
The brand has been known for some pretty quirky advertisements in the past, with one pronouncing “Great Night, Good Morning!”
In terms of taste, Bell is a middle-of-the-road lager and is a Uganda beer that is popular in most bars and restaurants around the country. At 4.2%, it’s another good session beer if you’re planning to have a few around your campfire while on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Banange
If craft beer is your thing, you need to check out Banange Beer. A recent addition to the Uganda beer scene (Banange started brewing in 2017), the following options are available around the country:
IPA 5.2% (medium/high bitterness)
Belgian Witbier 5.8% (low bitterness)
Lite 4.5% (low bitterness)
Amber 5.0% (low bitterness)
Stout 4.8% (low bitterness)
The brand gets its name from a Luganda word that roughly translates to “oh my gosh,” and it’s commonly used by Ugandans to express surprise or shock. There’s nothing shocking about the taste of Banange, though. Amber is my favorite, but the IPA is definitely worth trying.
Eagle
The final Uganda beer brand that you might encounter on your upcoming vacation is Eagle. It’s fair to describe Eagle as a more local beer, which is commonly found in bars and pubs in rural areas, as well as in Kampala.
This beer is made from barley malt and Epuipur sorghum, which is home-grown in Uganda. There are various Eagle beers that you can try – dark, regular, and extra, depending on how you’re feeling.
Standard Eagle lager has an abv of 5.5%, putting it in a similar category to Nile Special. If you like a strong lager, Eagle is a good Uganda beer for you.
Recap: The best Uganda beers to try
If you’re a beer aficionado, you certainly won’t go thirsty in Uganda. The above five beers all have different tastes and profiles and are well worth trying when you visit the Pearl of Africa.
Of course, if you don’t want to drink Uganda beer, you can always enjoy international beers – Guinness is widely available in Uganda, as are standard lagers such as Heineken.
If I could only pick one, my absolute recommendation would be Club, but Banange’s variety is seriously impressive, and their craft is a welcome addition to the beer scene in the country.
Africa, as a continent, is late to the digital nomad party. While there are some brilliant programs up-and-running on the continent – Mauritius, Cape Verde, and Namibia – for instance, there certainly isn’t as much choice here as there is in Asia and Europe for anyone looking to work remotely as a digital nomad.
I live in Uganda with my family and a reader recently asked me – does Uganda have a digital nomad visa?
So, in this article, I layout everything you need to know about whether you can currently be a digital nomad in the Pearl of Africa and what the immediate future looks like for remote workers in this part of East Africa.
So, does Uganda have a digital nomad visa?
No, Uganda does not have a digital nomad visa. At the time of writing, the government has not announced any plans to launch one, either.
How can you legally enter Uganda for remote work?
As is the case with many countries in Africa, Uganda does not currently have a dedicated remote work or digital nomad visa.
Rather, the country operates a conventional work permit system, where you’re required to apply for a work permit based on the work that you’re planning to do in the country.
Unfortunately for remote workers, there currently isn’t a category that covers digital nomads generically. Essentially, if you want to work in Uganda legally, you must be invited by a Ugandan company.
You can find out more about Ugandan work permits and how to apply here.
What about a Ugandan tourist visa?
Residents of most countries can apply for an online tourist visa to enter Uganda. The visa is valid for a maximum of three months.
However, it clearly states on the tourist visa that any form of work is prohibited while in Uganda on this visa, whether that’s remote work or work undertaken with a Ugandan company.
I’m part of several online communities where I know of digital nomads who enter countries on tourist visas to work remotely. But I certainly wouldn’t recommend this in Uganda.
Though it’s disappointing, the fact that Uganda doesn’t have a digital nomad visa means that the government hasn’t yet decided to open the country to remote workers. I will update this article if this changes in the near future.
Alternatives to Uganda for digital nomads?
I fully understand why digital nomads might be attracted to Uganda. There are so many stunning natural places to explore and Kampala is a vibrant city (if not a bit chaotic!).
If you have your heart set on continuing your digital nomad adventure in East Africa, I highly recommend Mauritius as the number one destination.
Mauritius has a dedicated digital nomad visa that is available to remote workers who earn over $1,500 per month. What’s more, it’s completely free to apply for and it has a relatively quick turnaround time.
The verdict: Does Uganda have a digital nomad visa?
Unfortunately for would-be remote workers, Uganda does not currently offer a digital nomad visa. Unless you’re invited to work in Uganda, it’s difficult to obtain a work permit. As such, most international visitors who come to Uganda do so with a tourist visa, which can be obtained online.
