Hello,
I was just wondering what your thoughts/experiences are on solo female travellers in Uganda. I was advised by a friend (from Uganda) that I should not be travelling on public buses alone during the day. Lonely Planet seems to suggest that due caution is required, but that this should be fine.
I understand that travelling alone at night is out of the question.
Any thoughts?
Ciara.
Ciara
You will get a lot of looks and stares which are uncomfortable, but so would a white man. Africans are very supportive of someone in need and there would be hell to pay for anyone harming or stealing from anyone, let alone a tourist and if you make a scene then people will always come to your aid.
It might make sense to stay a night or two in Kampala Backpackers or Red Chili in Kampala if you are concerned and see if anyone wants to ride the same route as you. I stayed at Kampala Backpackers for three days and very soon had a gang of six heading out to Fort Portal
Alone at night might be a bit sketch, the intercontinental buses like Kampala to Nairobi and probably the long distance companies inside Uganda like Jaguar should be fine as they are well known and well used with seats booked and named so it would be hard for anyone to get away with anything on them. it would also be hard to avoid travel at night due to the distances (a bus will either leave first thing in the morning or around 8pm - i always opted for the first thing in the morning but you might still arrive at your destination at gone 10pm). I would steer clear of minibuses and buses with no clear name or company attached to them after dark
I met more girls traveling alone in Uganda than guys and all had great experiences, just use common sense and treat it like a new European country you have never been to. Safety first!
Traveling on a bus is very fine though may not be comfortable and may be not able to control the driver on how much speed to drive.
Most of the stop overs are made at certain stages.
I will not advise you to travel at night especially by public means.
Hi
Its not unusual for a single lady to be traveling alone but due caution is always advised not putting yourself in compromising situations where you can be taken advantage of but i can say that this is one country where you are free to go anywhere without hindrances
I guarantee you will not have any unusual encounters save for some stares and ogles which should be normal. People here are completely friendly to foreigners especially "Mzungus" (white people). But obviously there is no perfect society so always observe the necessary precautions especially keeping your hand bugs and money purse tight. Do not move at night but if you must get trustworthy company especially male.
I am 66, female and visit uganda frequently. I always travel by public. Don't worry, ugandans in general are friendly. Just go but be careful and mind your gear if things are crowded. If you stay on a night bus it is ok but not a good idea to be arriving late at night and walking around.