Staying in Touch While on Safari in Uganda.

Heading on safari in Uganda is an unforgettable adventure—tracking gorillas, spotting the Big 5, and soaking in the beauty of the African bush. But while the wilderness is a perfect place to disconnect, we understand that you may still want to keep in touch with family and friends back home. Here’s our guide to staying connected while on safari with Msafiri Tours.

Mobile Phone Networks in Uganda

Uganda is well-connected, with major providers including MTN, Airtel, Africell, Uganda Telecom, Smile Telecom, Vodafone, and Smart Telecom. Coverage is good in towns and many national parks, but can be patchy in remote areas.

• Roaming: Most international networks work in Uganda, but roaming charges can be high.

• Local SIM cards: A budget-friendly option is to buy a prepaid Ugandan SIM card (your phone must be unlocked). Load airtime for calls or data bundles as needed.

• Phone rentals: If your phone won’t work, you can rent a handset locally.

Tip: Uganda uses 220V electricity and UK-style 3-pin plugs—bring the right travel adapter.

Internet, Wi-Fi & Social Media

• Wi-Fi: Most lodges and hotels offer Wi-Fi, though connections may be slow. Remote safari camps may be deliberately off-grid, so check in advance if constant access is important.

• Social Media: WhatsApp, Instagram, and Zoom work well. Facebook is blocked in Uganda but can be accessed with a VPN.

• Best Practice: Use Wi-Fi where available and keep mobile data roaming turned off to avoid costly bills.

Staying in Touch with Family & Friends

• WhatsApp & Skype: The cheapest and easiest way to call or message home when connected to Wi-Fi.

• Email: Make sure you have a web-based email account (e.g., Gmail) for easy access.

• Blog Updates: On some trips, Msafiri Tours provides a shared blog where friends and family can follow your safari updates.

Tech-Free Safari?

One of the joys of safari is the chance to switch off and fully immerse yourself in nature. The rumbling of an elephant’s stomach is far more memorable than your ringtone! That said, if you need to stay online, here’s how to do it responsibly:

• Use Wi-Fi only in designated lounge/dining areas—don’t turn them into offices.

• Keep your phone on airplane mode during game drives or gorilla treks.

• Step away from other guests if you need to make a call.

• Set expectations with friends and family that replies may take longer than usual.

Safety & Back-Up

Even in remote places, your Msafiri Tours lodge or camp will always have a working phone in case of emergencies. Before you travel, leave a copy of your itinerary and Uganda’s international dial code (+256) with your family at home so they can reach you if needed.

Final Word
Staying in touch in Uganda is easy if you plan ahead—whether it’s by picking up a local SIM, using lodge Wi-Fi, or embracing the adventure of a digital detox. Whichever you choose, Msafiri Tours will help you stay connected when it matters most, so you can focus on what really counts: the wildlife, the landscapes, and the unforgettable moments.