Ebola in East Africa: What Travellers to Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania Need to Know Right Now
At Besh African Adventures, your safety is at the heart of everything we do. With an active Ebola outbreak declared in Uganda, and questions naturally arising about the wider East Africa region, we want to give you a clear, honest, and comprehensive picture of the current situation, what it means for travel to our destinations, and how we are responding.
What Is Happening?
The Outbreak Explained
On 15 May 2026, both the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda simultaneously declared outbreaks of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus (BVD), a rare strain for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists. On 17 May, the World Health Organization elevated this to a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), its highest level of international health alert.
The outbreak's epicentre is in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC, where over 381 confirmed cases have been recorded. Uganda's cases, totaling 19 confirmed with 2 deaths as of 5 June 2026, originated from individuals who had travelled from DRC into Kampala. Uganda has since temporarily closed its border crossings with DRC.
It is important to understand that Ebola is not airborne. It spreads through direct contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person. The risk to regular tourists on structured safari itineraries remains extremely low when appropriate precautions are observed.
Destination-by-Destination Status
Uganda has an Active Outbreak, Elevated Caution Required
Uganda is the only Besh African Adventures destination currently reporting confirmed Ebola cases. Cases are concentrated in Kampala and are linked to cross-border movement from DRC's Ituri Province. Uganda's western border with DRC is officially closed. All travellers considering Uganda should consult with us and their home government before making any decisions.
Kenya has No Confirmed Cases, Monitoring Actively
Kenya has zero confirmed Ebola cases. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has issued a formal travel advisory and enhanced health screening is active at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Kenya safari programmes, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and coastal destinations, continue to operate normally.
Tanzania has No Confirmed Cases, Monitoring Actively
Tanzania has zero confirmed Ebola cases. Tanzania's Ministry of Health issued Travel Advisory No. 17 and implemented health screening requirements for arrivals from or transiting through Uganda and DRC. The Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar all remain open and unaffected.
What World Governments Are Advising
United States - State Department & CDC
> Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Uganda citing the Ebola outbreak and security concerns.
> CDC Level 2 "Enhanced Precautions" health notice specifically for Ebola in Uganda.
> Non-US citizens who visited DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days may be denied US entry.
> US citizens who visited these countries are rerouted to designated airports for enhanced screening.
> Kenya and Tanzania are not subject to US travel restrictions related to Ebola.
United Kingdom - FCDO & NaTHNaC
> FCDO has updated Uganda travel advice with specific Ebola health guidance.
> NaTHNaC advises pre-travel health consultation, comprehensive insurance including medical evacuation.
> Tanzania entry requirements updated: heightened health screening for travellers from Uganda/DRC.
> No FCDO advisory against travel to Kenya has been issued in relation to Ebola.
European Union - ECDC
> ECDC is actively monitoring the outbreak and issuing guidance for EU/EEA countries.
> Situation reports and laboratory guidance are being issued continuously.
> EU travellers to Uganda are advised to check their national health authority's guidance.
Kenya - Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
> Formal Travel Advisory issued on the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in DRC and Uganda.
> Enhanced health screening and temperature checks active at Kenyan international airports.
> Additional documentation and health clearance required for arrivals from Uganda or DRC.
Tanzania - Ministry of Health
> Travel Advisory No. 17 issued on the Ebola threat following the WHO PHEIC declaration.
> Health screening and traveller health forms required for arrivals from Uganda and DRC.
> Tanzania has reinforced its border health posts in regions bordering Uganda.
How Besh African Adventures Is Responding
We have immediately activated our internal health and safety protocols and are in direct contact with all clients who have upcoming Uganda bookings. Here is what we are doing:
- Proactively contacting all Uganda-bound guests to discuss their options, including penalty-free postponements and alternative itineraries in Kenya or Tanzania.
- Monitoring WHO, CDC, FCDO, ECDC, and local health authority updates daily, and updating our clients accordingly.
- Coordinating with our ground partners, camp operators, and guides in all three countries to ensure enhanced health precautions are in place.
- Ensuring all clients have access to comprehensive travel insurance guidance, including medical evacuation cover.
- Providing destination-specific health briefings before all departures.
Practical Safety Guidance for All East Africa Travellers
Avoid contact with anyone showing Ebola symptoms: fever, severe headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding. Do not handle bushmeat or come into contact with bats, primates, or wildlife outside designated safari settings. Practise rigorous hand hygiene, carry hand sanitiser at all times. Monitor your health for 21 days after returning from any affected area. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop. Ensure you have travel insurance with full medical evacuation cover before departure. Follow the instructions of your guide and camp management at all times.
Our Commitment to You
Besh African Adventures has been operating high-end safaris across East Africa for years. We have navigated health challenges before, and we do so with transparency, care, and an unwavering commitment to your wellbeing. We will never encourage a client to travel if we believe the risk is unacceptable and we will always give you the honest information you need to make your own informed decision.
If you have any questions, whether you are a booked guest or considering a future trip, our team is available to speak with you directly.