Things To Do
in Mbarara

Locally-reared Ankole cattle supply flavorful beef often grilled (nyama choma) or stewed; try it in local restaurants or roadside jikos (charcoal grills).

Must-Try!

A staple mash of maize flour (posho) served with stewed beans or greens — filling and widely available at local eateries and food stalls.

Steamed plantain (matooke) often served with a rich peanut (groundnut) sauce — a common homestyle meal found in family-run restaurants.

Fresh milk and clarified butter (ghee) from Ankole cows are specialties; try fresh milk, sour milk (lait) and ghee at markets and farms near Mbarara.

The city’s main market: vendors sell fresh produce, local dairy, cooked food and snacks. Try roasted maize, samosas, grilled meat skewers and fresh fruit juices here.

Scattered stalls offer chapati, samosas, rolex-style eggs and chapati, and local tea — perfect for quick, inexpensive meals while exploring.

Polite greetings are important—start interactions with a friendly hello and a handshake. In rural areas more formal greetings and inquiries about family may be customary.

Dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites or rural homesteads; avoid very revealing clothing.

Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly in markets and villages; a small tip or showing the photo encourages goodwill.

Show deference to elders and community leaders; public displays of impatience or confrontation can be considered rude.

Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. For good service in restaurants 5–10% is common, small tips for hotel porters (500–2,000 UGX) and drivers are welcome. Guides and safari drivers often receive a tip at trip end; group tipping is acceptable.

Cash (Ugandan shilling) is widely used; ATMs are available in Mbarara but may be limited outside business hours. Mobile money (MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money) is very common for local payments. Credit cards accepted at some hotels and larger restaurants but expect to rely on cash for markets, taxis and small eateries.

Expect heavy rains, muddy rural roads and occasional disruptions to park access; scenery is lush and green and wildlife viewing from vehicles is still possible but walking safaris may be limited.

Cooler mornings and clearer skies make this a good time for wildlife viewing and hiking; roads are generally easier to navigate and rivers are lower.

Intermittent rains can make afternoons wet; the countryside is green, fewer tourists around, and birding can be excellent.

Warmer temperatures and clearer roads; agricultural activity peaks and town life can be busier. Early dry-season conditions may make some viewing or walking pleasant, though temperatures can be warm by midday.

Vegetarian options exist (matooke, posho, beans, vegetable stews), but restaurants often default to meat dishes—ask for vegetable-only preparations and rely on markets for fruit and cooked veggie plates.

More limited: request vegetable stews without ghee or dairy, eat fresh fruits and beans. Clarify cooking fat and sauces as ghee/butter are common.

Staples like posho (maize) and matooke (plantain) are gluten-free; however, be cautious with fried street food that may be coated or cross-contaminated.

Carry a translated allergy card; peanut (groundnut) sauces are common so always ask about ingredients if allergic.