Newsletter: A Personal Ebola Update from Salt Holidays

Newsletter: A Personal Ebola Update from Salt Holidays: Uganda Remains Open, Safe, and Ready to Welcome You

Dear Friends, Valued Guests, and Trusted Partners,

Over the past few weeks, many of you have reached out with understandable concerns following media reports about Ebola in Uganda. As CEO of Salt Holidays, I wanted to address you directly with honesty, transparency, and the firsthand perspective of someone who lives and works here every day.

The bottom line: Uganda is open, our safaris are running as normal, and our guests are travelling safely and confidently.

While international headlines can amplify uncertainty, the reality across Uganda safari circuit tells a very different story one of calm, continuity, and extraordinary wildlife experiences.

The Latest Health Update

On June 11, 2026, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (AfricaCDC) and Uganda’s Ministry of Health jointly announced that the Ebola outbreak is under control. This milestone follows a visit by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who personally commended Uganda for its swift, professional, and highly effective response — praising the country’s contact tracing systems, surveillance infrastructure, testing capacity, and case management protocols.

Uganda has once again demonstrated why it is recognized globally as a nation with strong, experienced public health systems.

What Is the Situation on the Ground?

Uganda remains one of Africa’s most extraordinary safari destinations and for good reason. Our guests currently on safari with us are enjoying their itineraries exactly as planned, returning each evening with remarkable stories and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

It is important to understand the geography of Uganda’s tourism landscape. The country’s premier safari destinations, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park are located within protected conservation areas, often several hours from major urban centers. Visitors spend the vast majority of their time in carefully managed, remote wilderness environments dedicated to conservation, wildlife protection, and visitor safety.

Whether you are tracking endangered mountain gorillas in the ancient forests of Bwindi, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, embarking on a game drive through the savannah, or cruising the Nile beneath the thundering spray of Murchison Falls, you are immersed in one of Africa’s most pristine and peaceful natural settings.

Across every destination where Salt Holidays operates, the atmosphere remains welcoming, vibrant, and focused on delivering world-class travel experiences.

Safety Has Always Been Central to How We Operate

At Salt Holidays, the safety and well-being of our guests are not afterthoughts; they are the foundation of everything we do.

The health and safety protocols we follow today are not emergency measures introduced in response to recent events. They are long-established standards embedded in every safari we operate throughout the year. These include:

• Continuous monitoring of official health advisories, WHO updates, and Uganda travel guidelines
• Close coordination with the Uganda Tourism Board, national park authorities, and accommodation partners
• Ongoing staff training in health, hygiene, first aid, and emergency preparedness
• Rigorous sanitation and hygiene practices across all vehicles, lodges, and guest facilities
• Transparent, timely communication to ensure every guest has accurate, up-to-date information

We remain vigilant, well-informed, and fully prepared to adapt while ensuring that your Uganda safari experience remains seamless, safe, and truly exceptional.

Greater Flexibility for Your Travel Plans

We understand that some guests may wish to monitor the situation before committing to travel dates. We want you to feel fully supported in your decision-making.

For this reason, Salt Holidays is temporarily suspending its standard cancellation policy. We are actively encouraging guests to reschedule rather than cancel, and we are committed to making that process as smooth as possible.

Any affected booking may be transferred to a future travel date, with the full value of your booking remaining valid until 31 December 2027, subject to availability and prevailing booking conditions at the time of travel.

Our team is available to discuss your individual circumstances and help you find the perfect alternative date. Please don’t hesitate to reach out — we are here for you.

The Safari Season Is Looking Truly Exceptional

Beyond the news cycle, nature continues on its own magnificent schedule.

Our expert guides are reporting outstanding wildlife sightings across Uganda national parks from habituated mountain gorilla families and wild chimpanzee communities to lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, and over 1,000 species of birds. Uganda, long celebrated as the “Pearl of Africa”, is living up to that name in every way this season.

The landscapes are lush and beautiful. The lodges are warm and welcoming. And the experiences that make Uganda one of Africa’s most sought-after eco-tourism and wildlife destinations remain absolutely extraordinary.

Every week, guests return from their Uganda safari holidays with life-changing memories, incredible photographs, and stories they will tell for years to come.

A Personal Note

As someone who lives and works in Uganda, I believe there has never been a more important time to rely on verified information and firsthand experience.

Uganda has robust public health systems, a deeply experienced tourism industry, and an enduring dedication to visitor safety and satisfaction. We will continue to monitor all developments closely, communicate openly, and act responsibly in everything we do.

I also want to take this moment to sincerely thank you for your trust, your loyalty, and your patience. Whether you have traveled with Salt Holidays before, are planning your very first Uganda gorilla trekking safari, or are considering rescheduling an upcoming journey, please know that our entire team is here to support you.

Uganda remains the warm, welcoming, and utterly extraordinary destination we are proud to call home. We look forward with great excitement to sharing it with you.

Warm regards and safe travels,

JOSEPH OKIA

Chief Executive Officer Salt Holidays Ltd

“Creating journeys worth remembering with care, integrity, and confidence.”

For bookings, more queries about Uganda Safaris or Safari holidays in Uganda, or travel updates, please reach out to us through info@saltholidays.com or WhatsApp +256700999111