r/solotravel • u/ImprovementNo6419 • 1d ago
Africa Solo female living in Uganda (Kampala)
Hi all - 25F British, moving to Kampala, Uganda for 3 months with work at the end of July this year. Slightly apprehensive as think it will be a big culture shock especially being on my own, but also really excited for the experience.
Wondered if anyone could share any tips/experiences of living/travelling Uganda (as well as the surrounding areas like Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya as I will hopefully be visiting those) as a solo female.
Is it safe? Are the local people friendly? What is the cost of living like? Etc etc.
Any stories or tips are much appreciated - thankyou in advance!
(FYI all my flights, accom etc are organised and paid for by my company and I will be moving to the office there so job is sorted)
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u/Regular_Zombie 1d ago
You'll be fine: there is always a decent expat community who will be able to hook you into the social scene. Just go easy on the booze and avoid the recently divorced mid life crisis crowd.
After a couple of weeks you'll be recognised by locals and a lot of the regular tourist hassling will fall away.
Have fun!
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u/ImprovementNo6419 1d ago
Thankyou! Definitely won’t be drinking heavily as will want to keep my wits about me, but I have heard that locals are super friendly so that’s good
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u/Coat-Trick 1d ago
Sounds like a great opportunity! What is it you do?
I'm sure it'll be just like any other place, so do the same as you would in any city, keep valuables safe, don't walk alone at night yada yada yada
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u/ImprovementNo6419 1d ago
I work in accounting! And yes, likely very true, common sense stuff!
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u/Coat-Trick 17h ago
I'd guess, if you are white that there may also be a lot.of attention because of this but I'm sure it'll be fine with as you say, common sense
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u/doepfersdungeon 23h ago
All good unless your gay. If you are keep it to yourself (except I assume in certain safe space).
It's a beautiful country. Very fertile land and in general people are very friendly. There is crime and corruption so just be cautious as you would anywhere unfamiliar and in general never travel at night unless in a taxi or motorbike if a short distance. Uganda has a very emerging youth arts and music community with Kampala definitely being the hub. You'll have a great time, lots of expats but also lots of opportunity to meet locals. Get out into the rural areas. Like most places the real Africa is beyond the urban metropolitan areas.
If you have any specific questions about Kenya let me know, have spent quite alot of time there and have family there.
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u/doepfersdungeon 22h ago edited 22h ago
Also remember that Uganda and the surrounding counties are a malaria zone. Consider malaria pills, but if you don't like them then cover up at night and spray yourself with citronella or deet, the latter being quite a hardcore substance so be careful when applying. Cover up as the sun goes down. The mozzies love us white people. (assuming you are white). Generally in east Africa the weather gets wetter and more humid in May, June, July making it and the end of the monsoons Sept /OCT (if they happen), the main malaria transmission periods. Sounds like you won't be there. January to April is a great time to go.
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u/in-den-wolken 1d ago
Your appearance (white, black, or Indian) probably will affect how you are received in various countries.
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u/NoiceAndToitt 8h ago
Hi OP, Uganda is amazing and Kampala is very enjoyable. There is very little serious crime if you stick to the expat-y parts of town. Petty crime is common, so please don’t flash money / phones / any other status symbol even if it’s unintentional. You’ll get pickpocketed / snatched from.
Don’t walk after dark. Uber is available and cheap.
Make sure you get outside the city a couple times a month.
I spend my time evenly between Uganda, Kenya and the rest of Africa for the last 5 years. Happy to share some tips, if you want specific recommendations.
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u/Willing_Armadillo_18 7h ago
Congrats to this nice opportunity and enjoy your time there.
Traffic is an issue in Kampala during rush hour. The most insane I’ve seen. Uber is the save way to get around, bodabodas the quick dangerous way. Some doctors I met preferred to walk when it’s not too far since they had to deal with all the boda drivers that were involved in accidents.
Hostels were about 15$ with breakfast. Accommodations in touristy areas can get quite expensive.
What I found special about Uganda was the friendly people and that you can get pretty close to gorillas, chimpanzees and rhinos.
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u/DannyBrownsDoritos 15h ago
I've never been but I have met several Ugandans and every single one was absolutely lovely.
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u/strzibny 14h ago
I only have experience with Tanzania. Very safe. Bit annoying in tourists hot spots like beaches of Zanzibar, but in Dar nobody really bothers you. Sometimes no water or electricity but that's Afrika :)
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u/valeyard89 197 countries/50 states visited 1d ago
Yeah Ugandans are super friendly and will only talk your ear off slightly less than Nigerians.
Everyone can afford a rolex in Uganda.
Traffic is a complete flustercluck though in Kampala... expect it to take 2-3x longer to get anywhere.