After the rescue of American Kimberly Sue Endicott and her tour guide, who were ambushed and kidnapped Tuesday in Uganda, tourists may be asking themselves: Is it safe to travel there?
For at least one travel agency, they're not willing to take the risk where the kidnapping took place.
"Following the abduction and rescue of an American tourist and local guide in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park on April 2, G Adventures has proactively taken the precaution of rerouting a scheduled tour in April to avoid the area," according to adventure travel company G Adventures. "Instead of exploring the park, guests will enjoy a guided lake cruise and safari drive in the Lake Mburo region, followed by a visit to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Lake Victoria."
The U.S. Department of State has Uganda at a level 2 travel advisory − last updated Dec. 17, 2018 − meaning travelers should "exercise increased caution."
"To give perspective to this rating, most European countries are only a level 2 as well," explained Kim Steiger, a certified travel specialist with Travel Leaders.
The Department of State's highest travel warning is a level 4, or "do not travel."
The advisory for Uganda cautions travelers: "Violent crime, such as armed robbery, home invasion and sexual assault, is common, especially in larger cities including Kampala and Entebbe. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crime."
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The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu told USA TODAY: "This incident, regrettable as it is, is an isolated incident. The country has been secure for the last three decades. An incident of this kind, we have not experienced in recent times."
The U.S. government offers several tips for safe travel in Uganda.
- Keep your group of friends close in public
- Have a copy of your passport and visa on hand
- Don't leave food and drinks unattended (in particular at local clubs)
"I have clients that have, and continue to travel, to this part of the world without incident. It is important to always stay alert to your surroundings and to use reputable providers within the country," Steiger told USA TODAY.
