Staying in Touch While on Uganda Safari

Staying in Touch While on Uganda Safari/ Uganda tours and trips

If you’re a first-time Msafiri Tours traveller or visitor to Uganda, it’s natural to want to check out the country’s media and communication environment and find out how you can keep in touch with family and friends while on your tour with us. This guide will take you through the basics of staying connected while you’re in Uganda.

Mobile Phone Networks in Uganda

In recent years, Uganda’s economy and tourism have received a big boost, in part thanks to the rise of mobile satellite networks. There are currently seven companies providing mobile services in Uganda including MTN, Airtel, Africell, Uganda Telecom, Smile Telecom, Vodafone, and Smart Telecom by Aga Khan Fund. It’s rare to find a Ugandan citizen without a mobile phone.

When traveling to Uganda, if you bring your own device, you can take advantage of international roaming services on a local network, but this may get pricey. However, with every phone able to connect to Uganda’s mobile Internet receiver, you can easily access the Internet. You can also connect to free Wi-Fi at hotels with the exception of the safari.

Don’t forget to pack your phone charger and travel adapter – Uganda’s electricity runs on 220 volts. In case you plan on roaming, make sure that your home network has an agreement in place with a Ugandan network and that your phone is compatible with the 900/1800 MHz networks. Finally, make sure to load up on sufficient airtime credit if you’re a prepaid customer.

When you arrive in Uganda, your phone should automatically select a network. If it doesn’t, simply select “search manually” on your phone.

Social Media, Internet, and Email

Staying connected with loved ones back home through social media chat or email is a hassle-free and affordable alternative to international calling. Though Facebook is temporarily unavailable in Uganda due to community law violations, you can still access popular communication channels such as WhatsApp and Instagram. If you need to access Facebook, you can make use of a reliable VPN service as locals do. Whether you already have existing email or chat platforms like Skype, WhatsApp, Zoom, or Facebook Messenger, or if you need to use Msafiri Tours’ blog address set up exclusively for your Uganda safari trip, staying in touch with family and friends is easily accessible. Our tour emphasizes immersing you in the natural surroundings to truly experience the sights, sounds, and vibrations of the wildlife, making it an ideal retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle. 

Video Calls

Using apps like Skype and FaceTime to video call while on a trip to Uganda is not only free but it’s also an awesome way to stay connected with others. Not only can you talk to them but you can also see them through your screen. This will help alleviate any worries your people may have about your well-being.

Using your cell phone in Uganda

Two-thirds of Ugandans are thought to own a mobile phone, and mobile signals are available in most major Ugandan towns and cities, though coverage can be patchy in remote places.
Call your provider to ensure your phone will work in Uganda and that international roaming is enabled, but be aware that they may charge exorbitant fees even for a quick call or a text. Instead, larger companies have special international packages that you can sign up for in advance. Specify that you are travelling to Uganda, ask for details on rates and find out if it will cost extra for your friends and family to call and text you.
In general, most of Uganda – including the Queen Elizabeth National Park – has good cell coverage, and Uganda is generally well-connected.

Going Local on the Phone

If you’re only planning to use your phone for emergencies or a quick call or two, you could buy a pre-paid phone card or a local Uganda SIM Card which provides you with a local phone number and can be topped up with credit as you need it. Your phone will need to be unlocked – check with your provider in advance.
If you know you’ll be making daily calls you can rent a phone – either in your country before you depart with a company or once you’re in Uganda. You can hire an unlocked local phone and buy a sim card.

Using Wi-Fi

The cheapest and safest way to ensure you don’t run up a large phone bill is to turn off your mobile data roaming before you get to Uganda and stick to Wi-Fi instead.
Some accommodations and hotels have good Wi-Fi, but usually, connectivity will be slow and intermittent – you’ll be able to check emails or send the odd text but not much else; wait to upload your photos until you get home. Note that some accommodations and lodges are deliberately off-grid, so check in advance with Msafiri Tours if it’s a vital requirement for you to be online.

Msafiri Tours Travel blogs

Travel blogs are a wonderful way to keep your loved ones abreast of your travels, as long as you don’t mind sharing the content of your blog. It’s a fast and affordable way to stay connected, and our travel stories are sure to captivate everyone back home, possibly making your friends envious!

All-around peace of comfort!

Staying connected with loved ones while exploring Uganda helps you create meaningful bonds and feel more at ease during your African adventure. Plus, it brings comfort to your friends and family. And hey, if your parents still have concerns, why not guide them to our helpful advice for parents section? It’s sure to soothe any lingering worries!