Apps For Travelers In Uganda. 7 apps to have on your phone

Here are 7 apps for travelers in Uganda that will make it easy for you to navigate and stay in Kampala and neighboring Wakiso. Smart phones and apps are a big part of our daily life, and while visiting Uganda, these will help you.

Technology makes life easier. We are able to do much more with our phones than we thought possible some years ago. We feel better when our phones are on, and that is because of the world they open up for us via the many applications.

In the context of traveling, your phone is even more important. I can work as a camera for the selfies, as well as your communication center with emails, video chats and even document storage. A great piece of technology with unlimited use.

apps

As you come to Uganda, you might have to adapt to some local apps for your phone – so that you can enjoy the Pearl of Africa without any hassle. With all the information, services and more at your fingertips.

For the visitor, the apps you might need can depend on how long you are spending here and which places you are staying in. We have put together a small list of useful apps that you should use especially if you are in the Areas in and around Kampala where there are many services to get through the apps.

These apps can help you move around Kampala, Entebbe and Wakiso with ease, as well as help you order some services in the same surroundings.

In upcountry towns of Uganda, these apps for travelers in Uganda will be used or utilized at lower levels. This list mainly focuses on Kampala but the Informational apps are of course viable for all the other areas.

1. Safeboda

safeboda

This is the king of e-hailing in Uganda. Since its first days in 2015, Safeboda has grown to become a household name and boasts more than 10,000 boda-boda riders.

It is credited for its convenience, professionalism and safety. Riders are provided with helmets and affordable prices compared to the usual ‘on the spot-hail’ boda-boda. With new features like cashless payment, package delivery and ordering food – Safeboda keeps innovating and growing to new heights.

2. Uber

Introduced in mid-2016, Uber has steadily grown with impressive feedback on the overall service. Following the same international standards, Uber in Uganda can help you to traverse the various parts of Kampala and the neighboring areas.

Uber Uganda’s other option is Uberboda which utilizes the boda-boda motorcycles to move you from point A to point B on a boda-boda. This is best in cases where all you are carrying is simple luggage (like a backpack).

Best scenario: Uber (the cars) can be great for moving to or from the airport while UberBoda is great if you want to move through Kampala very fast without getting stuck in a traffic jam. These are great options if you are visiting Uganda and not using the services of a tour operator.

Given Uber’s popularity, you might already have the app. In case you don’t, the app is available on Android and iOS.

3. Bolt

Formerly known as Taxify, it globally rebranded to Bolt in early 2019. As a competitor to Uber, Bolt has gracefully been gaining influence and the hearts of Ugandans with their slightly cheaper fares. Drivers follow strict standards and etiquette to ensure smooth rides for all users.

Like Uber, Bolt has both car and boda-boda hailing options. The best scenario is as with Uber above. The Bolt Boda option is however quite more popular than UberBoda. In cases where your UberBoda seems to be far away, it is always a good option to try the competitor app.

4. Glovo

The apps mentioned above are great for moving around and going to restaurants too. Some days, it just feels good to stay indoors and have someone bring you amazing food that is ready to eat.

glovo food delivery

Glovo is a food delivery app that has become quite a favorite stay-in complementary option. The app provides a range of restaurants to choose from highlighting the ones closest to you and indicating the ETA. The app is very user-friendly and helps navigate to your preference.

You can pay cash on delivery or MTN or Airtel mobile money.

5. TripAdvisor

A lot can be found on this app, but mostly the recommendations will help you single out the preferred options for your trip.

Being in Uganda, you might need to narrow down your options of where to eat and where to get resources. This is the best place to get objective reviews (by other travelers) that will make your stay easygoing and above all, fully satisfying.

Talking about Trip Advisor, you can check out our very own listing and reviews for Exclusive African Safaris.

6. MTN & Airtel Apps

For visitors who are staying in Uganda for a short period, it might not be necessary for you to get a local sim card and number.

However, if you are staying for an extended time where you would rather have a personal phone number, these Apps are very helpful. Whichever of the two networks you choose, you will have a great internet connection in any part of Uganda.

The apps help you in making transactions such as buying airtime, buying data bundles and at times using mobile money services.

All these things can be done without using the apps, but it is tiresome learning and cramming all the various USSD text codes to do various things.

7. Your Other Apps

We must also add that your other apps continue to be important. Whether it is the obvious music app or your meditation app.

As long as you have the internet (which is so easy), all your apps will still be useful for you. Using WiFi will probably be best when you don’t have a local number. Your WhatsApp and FaceTime will work okay and you will keep in touch with your loved ones just fine.

Conclusion

As you can tell, guess, there isn’t a huge list of apps for travelers in Uganda. As an English speaking country, most of the apps we use are quite global, and a simple google search will give you a number to call or text via WhatsApp.

Globally popular apps like Google, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Google Maps, Tiktok are largely used and most of your needs will be met.

For someone who is doing all the traveling on their own, these apps are great for ensuring your safety and great services. If you are traveling with a tour operator (us) you will have your driver guide helping you out in most of the situations where you need these apps. Your guide probably already uses these apps and will help you.

With all the food delivery apps mentioned, here are some Ugandan foods you should give a try when you come to visit. Of course, consider your dietary restrictions first and foremost.

There are many aspects to traveling to Uganda. Check out other articles on our blog for helpful insights and ideas. You can also take a look through some of our itineraries to inspire you about what kind of Uganda safari you should take. Here are the Uganda Safari tours you can start with.

You could also just talk to us and get all your questions answered.

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About Us

Exclusive African Safaris Ltd is a Uganda-based company with 15+ years of creating great safaris in Uganda & Rwanda.

Our safaris offer great value for your money – while being good for people and planet.

Our Address

Exclusive African Safaris Ltd

Imani Complex, First Floor,
Suite L2L, Plot 6522.
Mulawa – Kira, Wakiso – Uganda

+256 772 887 484
info@exclusiveafricansafaris.com

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