Uganda will hold national elections in early 2026. It is natural that travelers to Uganda — particularly families, senior guests, and multi‑generational groups — want to understand whether this has any bearing on a planned safari.
Is it safe to travel to Uganda in 2026
Yes. With private, professionally guided safaris, travel to Uganda in January 2026 remains safe and well-organized for families and senior travelers. National parks and lodges operate normally, and safari regions are far removed from election activity.
This article offers a clear, experience‑based perspective on what election periods mean in practice for safari travelers. It is written for guests who value safety, comfort, and thoughtful planning, and who prefer facts over headlines.
A Perspective Grounded in Local Experience
This guidance comes from lived experience.
At Nandi Adventures, we live and work in Uganda year‑round. As parents raising children here, and as professionals responsible for guests’ well‑being, we plan carefully around safety, medical access, logistics, and daily routines — especially during sensitive periods such as national elections.
That perspective matters, because elections affect urban life, rural regions, and safari areas very differently.
What Travel Advisories Mean — and What They Don’t
Government travel advisories issued by European countries, the United States, and Canada are intentionally broad. They are designed to cover an entire country and a wide range of travel styles, from independent city travel to business trips and public transport use.
During election periods, these advisories commonly reference:
- Possible demonstrations
- Increased security presence in cities
- Advice to avoid crowds and public gatherings
In Uganda, this guidance applies primarily to specific urban areas, particularly parts of Kampala and a small number of major towns.
Safari travel, however, takes place far from these environments.
Where Election Activity Occurs — and Where It Does Not
Election‑related activity in Uganda is typically localized and predictable, when it occurs at all. It is urban in nature and short‑lived.
By contrast, Uganda’s safari regions — including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park — are remote, protected landscapes governed by conservation authorities and park regulations, not political schedules.
Wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking permits, and lodge operations continue independently of national elections.
Track record matters: Uganda has continued to welcome safari travelers during past election cycles, with national parks and lodges operating as normal.
Is Uganda Suitable for Solo, Families and Senior Travelers in 2026?
Yes — with the right style of travel.
Private, professionally guided safaris offer a high degree of structure and predictability. This is particularly important for:
- Families traveling with children or teenagers
- Senior and retired travelers
- Solo travelers
- Multi‑generational groups
At Nandi Adventures, private travel means:
- No reliance on public transport
- No exposure to crowds or public gatherings
- Flexible routing and departure times
- Carefully paced days
- Guides trained to prioritize safety, comfort, and discretion
For most guests, any election‑related considerations are managed quietly in the background, without impacting the safari experience.
Practical Questions, Answered Simply
Will safaris or national parks be affected?
No. National parks, conservation activities, and lodges operate normally during election periods. Gorilla trekking, game drives, and guided activities continue as scheduled.
What about personal safety?
Safari lodges and protected areas are secure, professionally managed environments. As with travel anywhere in the world, general urban awareness is advised, but this has little relevance to time spent on safari.
Will flights or transfers be disrupted?
Around key dates, experienced operators plan routes carefully, avoid urban bottlenecks, and build in sensible buffer time. Guests rarely notice any changes.
What about communication or connectivity?
As a standard travel best practice, we recommend having key documents available offline and maintaining simple backup communication plans — something we advise for all safaris, regardless of timing.
Why Safaris Are Naturally Insulated During Elections
Safaris are among the most insulated forms of travel during political periods because they are:
- Remote
- Guided
- Logistically controlled
- Centered in protected natural areas
Days are spent in forests, savannahs, and lodges — not city streets. Even in election years, guests consistently remark on the calm rhythm of safari life: early mornings in nature, unhurried drives, and quiet evenings listening to the sounds of the bush.
Thoughtful Planning Makes the Difference
For travelers considering Uganda in January 2026, we recommend:
- Traveling privately with a dedicated guide
- Choosing established lodges with strong safety and medical standards
- Working with a Uganda‑based operator who monitors conditions daily
- Planning itineraries that limit time in major cities
These measures significantly reduce uncertainty and enhance peace of mind.
A Balanced, Reassuring Perspective
Travel advisories are tools for awareness — not travel bans.
With careful planning and local expertise, Uganda remains one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations for families and senior travelers. Its national parks remain tranquil, its wildlife experiences exceptional, and its hospitality deeply warm.
The key is not avoiding an election year, but traveling well.
Final Thoughts
For families and multi‑generational travelers, the question is not simply when to travel, but how.
With private arrangements, experienced local guidance, and flexible planning, Uganda continues to offer safe, enriching journeys — even during election periods.
Most guests leave remembering not headlines, but moments: mist rising over the forest, a child’s quiet excitement during a game drive, and the feeling of being far removed from the concerns of everyday life.
We are always happy to discuss concerns openly and design itineraries that feel right for you and those you love.
Written by Vincent Mugaba
Co-Founder & Safari Specialist
Nandi Adventures – Uganda
