Staying Healthy in Uganda: Drinking Water, Health Precautions and Emergencies
Stay well on safari with a little preparation: safe water, up-to-date vaccines, insurance and a clear emergency plan.
Most safari trips pass without health problems, and a few simple habits help keep it that way. This guide covers drinking water, general precautions and what to do if something goes wrong. It complements our guide to vaccines and malaria prevention, which you should read before travel.
Always speak to a doctor or travel clinic about your own situation. This page is general information, not medical advice.
At a glance
- Tap water: Generally not recommended; use bottled or purified water
- Vaccines: Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry; ask a clinic about others
- Insurance: Choose cover that includes medical evacuation
- First step in an emergency: Tell your guide or lodge immediately
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Stick to bottled or purified water, including for brushing teeth. Lodges generally provide safe drinking water, and your safari vehicle usually carries bottled water. Ask for drinks without ice unless you know the water source. Reusable bottles and purification tablets or filters reduce plastic waste.
Everyday Health Precautions
- Use insect repellent and cover up at dusk; see malaria prevention.
- Wash hands often and eat freshly cooked food.
- Carry any prescription medicines in their original packaging.
- Sun protection matters at altitude and near the equator.
- Do not trek with a cold or infectious illness; it protects the apes. See tracking rules.
Fitness helps on forest treks: fitness and preparation.
Insurance and Medical Evacuation
Buy comprehensive travel insurance before you pay for permits, since low season permits cannot be rescheduled; see the permit notice. Confirm cover for medical evacuation, because remote parks are far from major hospitals.
What to Do in an Emergency
- Tell your driver-guide or lodge manager immediately; they know the nearest clinic and how to arrange transport.
- Contact your insurer's emergency line.
- Your lodge or operator is usually the fastest route to help, and your guide will know the nearest clinic.
- Keep copies of your passport and policy separate from the originals.
See also is Uganda safe for tourists?
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