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Horseback riding vacations in
Uganda
Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. In this lush country, one can observe lions prowling the open plains, track chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth, then navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocs before setting off into the misty mountains to stare deep into the eyes of a mountain gorilla.
Winston Churchill called Uganda 'the pearl of Africa', presumably basing his opinion on the country's great natural beauty.
Your Uganda horse riding vacation is ideal for a voyage of discovery into the most enthralling continent in the world.
Our White Nile Explorer is the only horse riding holiday available in Uganda, and gives you the opportunity to view African wildlife, explore jungle paths and bathe with your horses in the Nile. Uganda presents a captivating combination of the wonders of nature, traditional customs and modern attractions.
To most visitors the attraction of Uganda is the chance to experience, at first hand, the sights and sounds often glimpsed on the TV screen; its shimmering lakes and lofty mountains, the mysterious forests and game parks teeming with birds and increasing concentrations of all kinds of wildlife.
Travel to Uganda and see a captivating combination of the wonders of nature, traditional customs and modern attractions. But above all other attractions is the welcome that comes from the heart of Uganda people.
“The Pearl of Africa”, Uganda is a landlocked treasure seated on the world's second largest fresh water body, Lake Victoria. Bordering Rwanda and Tanzania to the south, Kenya to the east, Sudan to the north and Zaire to the west, Uganda is truly worth a visit. Oral tradition describes several African Kingdoms in the area, most of which are still in existence today. Uganda is filled with magnificent scenery, including snowcapped mountains, thick tropical forests and semi desert areas.
Explore more East Africa Horse Riding Vacations
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Holidays on horseback in Uganda
See Mini Country Guide
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Below is a list of our trips in this area with video clips.
 Click on the 'watch video' icon
to view a video clip,
White Nile Explorer - Ride and Raft
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Welcome to Uganda's latest adventure activity, the Nile Explore on horseback - the ONLY riding tour in Uganda. Together with our partners we offer fabulous riding along the source of the world's longest river, the White Nile.
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Trip Details
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Uganda
Travel restrictions
As of October 1st 2020, Entebbe International Airport and all land borders reopened.
As of March 25th 2023, the Government of Uganda has lifted all COVID-related testing and vaccination requirements for both incoming and outgoing passengers traveling through Entebbe airport. Passengers are encouraged to check the COVID testing and vaccination requirements for their destination country.
Measures taken by the government
Although the curfew has been lifted, COVID restrictions relating to the operation of businesses, schools, and places of worship may change with little notice.
Testing
A number of health facilities in Kampala offer COVID-19 testing. For a full list of accredited laboratories and approved sample collection points, please visit the Ministry of Health’s website. Travelers are expected to cover all costs associated with their COVID-19 test. Average cost for testing is UGX 350,000.
Delivery of test results may be via email, text message (i.e. a PDF send via WhatsApp) or physical copy. Make sure to confirm a delivery method that suits your needs before selecting a company/lab to conduct the test. It is recommended to bring a printed copy of your test results with you to the airport; an electronic copy may not be accepted.
A COVID RDT Antigen test can be done next to the airport in Entebbe at the Kazuri Medical clinic. The antigen test takes 15 minutes and costs 50 USD, certified results are provided onsite.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
Uganda has an Emergency Operations Center at the Ministry of Health that is managing the COVID-19 response and can be reached through their hotline: (+256) 0800 203 033, 0800-100-066, or 0800-303-033.
Source:
US Embassy in Uganda https://ug.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-page/
Published on March 30th 2022 (checked on April 5th 2023)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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Uganda
At A glance
Capital City: Kampala
Land size: 197,100 sq km
Population: 46,205,893 (2022 est.)
Official languages: English and Swahili
Currency: Ugandan Shilling (USh / UGX)
UNESCO properties and sites:
- Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/uganda/
Uganda offers a perfect blend of rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Begin your journey in the vibrant capital city of Kampala, where modernity meets African traditions, and experience the lively atmosphere that surrounds you. Embark on a small cruise on Lake Victoria, to see the source of the Nile River.
Uganda's breathtaking beauty and unique experiences provide a thrilling adventure for every traveler.
A horse-riding holiday through Uganda is the best way to uncover its hidden gems, meet its friendly people, and create lifelong memories. Journey to Mabira Central Forest Reserve, and ride through lush rainforests to witness the majesty of ancient trees. Explore the tranquil waters of the Nile River and ride along its banks to witness wildlife thriving in abundance.
Brief History
As early as 1200, fertile soils and regular rainfall in the south fostered the formation of several large centralized kingdoms, including Buganda, from which the country derives its name. Muslim traders from Egypt reached northern Uganda in the 1820s, and Swahili merchants from the Indian Ocean coast arrived in the south by the 1840s. The area attracted the attention of British explorers seeking the source of the Nile River in the 1860s, and this influence expanded in subsequent decades with the arrival of Christian missionaries and trade agreements. Uganda was declared a British protectorate in 1894. Buganda and other southern kingdoms negotiated agreements with Britain to secure privileges and a level of autonomy that were rare during the colonial period in Africa. The colonial boundaries demarcating Uganda grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different political systems and cultures, and the disparities between how Britain governed southern and northern areas compounded these differences, complicating efforts to establish a cohesive independent country.
Uganda gained independence in 1962 with one of the more developed economies and one of the strongest education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it descended within a few years into political turmoil and internal conflict that lasted more than two decades.
In 1966, Prime Minister Milton OBOTE suspended the constitution and violently deposed President Edward MUTESA, who was also the king of Buganda. Idi AMIN seized power in 1971 through a military coup and led the country into economic ruin and rampant mass atrocities that killed as many as 500,000 civilians. AMIN’s annexation of Tanzanian territory in 1979 provoked Tanzania to invade Uganda, depose AMIN, and install a coalition government. In the aftermath, Uganda continued to experience atrocities, looting, and political instability and had four different heads of state between 1979 and 1980.
OBOTE regained the presidency in 1980 through a controversial election that sparked renewed guerrilla warfare. Gen. Tito OKELLO seized power in a coup in 1985, but his rule was short-lived, with Yoweri MUSEVENI becoming president in 1986 after his insurgency captured the capital.
MUSEVENI is widely credited with restoring relative stability and economic growth to Uganda but has resisted calls to leave office. In 2017, parliament approved the removal of presidential age limits, making it possible for MUSEVENI to remain in office for life.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/uganda/
Cultural Insights
Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting.
Casual dress is considered appropriate in the daytime and evening.
Etiquette is important at family meals. When a meal is ready, all the members of the household wash their hands and sit on floor mats. Visitors and neighbors who drop in are expected to join the family at a meal. Normally a short prayer is said before the family starts eating. During the meal, children talk only when asked a question. It is considered impolite to leave the room while others are eating. Leaning on the left hand or stretching one's legs at a meal is a sign of disrespect. When the meal is finished, everyone in turn gives a compliment to the mother.
Source: https://www.everyculture.com/To-Z/Uganda.html
Transportation
By Air
Most international travelers enter the country by flying into Entebbe International Airport.
Entebbe International Airport lies astride the equator at latitude 00.020 North and longitude 320 East, for which reason it has often been described as the “Airport on the Equator”.
The airport at Entebbe was commissioned in 1951 with the splendor and presence of the Queen of England.
Nowadays, it offers direct flights to other major international airports in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
Source: https://caa.go.ug/entebbe-international-airport/
Money
ATMs are widely available and credit cards widely accepted in Kampala and in other main towns.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uganda
Health
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Medical facilities in Uganda are limited and only equipped to handle minor medical emergencies. Outside Kampala, hospitals are scarce and offer only basic services. Travelers should carry their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. A list of medical providers is available at the U.S. Embassy website.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Embassy of Uganda to ensure the medication is legal in Uganda. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Uganda. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you, and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary. The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the dry season (December-February and June-July).
Only use boiled or bottled water, and avoid ice in drinks. Don’t eat food prepared by unlicensed vendors or where you have concerns about kitchen hygiene.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uganda
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Uganda.html
Electricity
Uganda operates on a 220V supply voltage and uses type G plugs.
The Type G electrical plug has three rectangular blades in a triangular pattern and has an incorporated fuse (usually a 3 amps fuse for smaller appliances such as a computer and a 13 amps one for heavy duty appliances such as heaters). British sockets have shutters on the live and neutral contacts so that foreign objects can’t be introduced into them.
Source: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs
Communication
Time zone in Uganda: East Africa Time (GMT+3)
International country code – 256
A series of reforms within Uganda’s telecom sector have provided the country with one of the most competitive markets in the region. In line with the regulator’s licensing requirements by which Uganda-based companies should be broadly owned by Ugandans by mid-2022.
Consumers have largely depended on mobile infrastructure to provide voice and broadband services. There is sufficient capacity with LTE infrastructure to match data demand during the next few years. Uganda has anticipated the migration to 5G, having held trials in early 2020 though the roll out of 5G is not expected until later in 2022.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/uganda/
Phrasebook
| English |
Swahili |
| Hello! |
Salama |
| Goodbye |
Kwa heri/ Kwa herini (more than one person) |
| Good morning |
Habari za asubuhi |
| Good evening |
Habari za jioni |
| Good night |
Lala salama |
| Please |
Tafadhali |
| Thank you |
Asante |
| Yes |
Ndiyo |
| No |
Hapana |
Source: https://www.tripsavvy.com/swahili-or-kiswahili-for-travelers-1454482
Entry Requirements
Ugandan tourist visa costs $ 50. A valid passport and a visa are required for travelers coming into the country.
Tourist visa applications can be completed and paid for online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/.
Source: https://www.exploreuganda.com/about-us/visa-application
Embassies and Consulates
U.S. Embassy in Kampala
1577 Ggaba Road
Kampala
Tel: 256 414 259-791
Consulate of Canada in Kampala
Jubilee Insurance Centre
14 Parliament Avenue
Kampala
Tel: 256 414 258-141 / 256 414 348-141 / 256 312 260-511
Source: for USA https://www.usembassy.gov/
For Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates
UNESCO Sites
Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi
The Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi constitute a site embracing almost 30 ha of hillside within Kampala district. Most of the site is agricultural, farmed by traditional methods. At its core on the hilltop is the former palace of the Kabakas of Buganda, built in 1882 and converted into the royal burial ground in 1884. Four royal tombs now lie within the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the main building, which is circular and surmounted by a dome. It is a major example of an architectural achievement in organic materials, principally wood, thatch, reed, wattle and daub. The site's main significance lies, however, in its intangible values of belief, spirituality, continuity and identity.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in south-western Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests, Bwindi Park covers 32,000 ha and is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. Many types of birds and butterflies can also be found there, as well as many endangered species, including the mountain gorilla.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa's third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather.
Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/ug
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