Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for any traveler who plans to visit Uganda, whether for a safari, holiday, or any other reason. Uganda is a tropical country, and this increases your risk of getting yellow fever, which is a serious illness that can ruin your safari and affect you even after you leave.
This vaccine is recommended for all travelers who are 9 months or older. If you do not have a yellow fever vaccination certificate, you may be denied a Uganda visa when you arrive at the airport or any other entry point. However, some lucky travelers are not asked for this certificate, and some even buy it at the airport for about $50, with or without the actual vaccination — which is not good. I will explain this more later in the article.
Not long ago, I came across a forum post on Lonely Planet where a traveler complained about a $500 charge ($300 for consultation and $200 for the vaccine and certificate) he was asked to pay for a yellow fever certificate.
He suggested getting the vaccination and certificate on arrival in Uganda for a much lower cost (about $50), but the question is: what if you are bitten by a mosquito right after you land or shortly after and get infected? Your health should come first, and you should be ready to pay whatever it costs, especially when it comes to protecting your life.
The yellow fever vaccine lasts a lifetime, so in the long run, it is worth it. Getting vaccinated in Uganda may save you money but will not fully protect you right away. The vaccine takes at least 10 days to become effective.
Also, the national parks where you will go for safaris have many mosquitoes. We advise you to get your vaccination before traveling and keep your vaccination certificate safe, as you will need to show it at immigration before you get a visa.
What if you don’t have the certificate?
I understand that you might fail to get a yellow fever vaccination certificate in some cases. If your safari is short (3 to 5 days), your risk might be lower compared to those on longer safaris. If you choose to get vaccinated at the airport or any entry point, you should take extra steps to avoid mosquito bites. Also, consider taking prophylaxis to lower your risk. Some precautions include:
- Wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts. Choose heavy clothes, as mosquitoes can bite through light fabric.
- Sleep under mosquito nets provided at safari lodges.
- Avoid wearing bright colors.
- Spray your room with insecticide regularly.
- Use strong mosquito repellents on your body and clothes.
Yellow fever is a serious disease that causes between 20,000 and 30,000 deaths each year. In April 2016, Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirmed a yellow fever outbreak in the northern part of the country and became stricter about requiring travelers to have yellow fever vaccination certificates.
Make sure you get the vaccine at least 10 days before coming to Uganda. Don’t just get vaccinated because it’s required for your safari. Do it because it’s your health, and it’s important to take care of yourself by doing things the right way.
