Uganda Travel Tips

Pace of Life:

Uganda is somewhat new tourism destination compared to Kenya and Tanzania. The infrastructure, accommodation and quality , availability of services and facilities are basic if you are to compare them to the western standard. The pace of life recedes more slowly on the African continent.

With all the assurance that we will be at your service, we tailor make our tour  to ensure you have the most enjoyable and comfortable trip, however unforeseen stoppages and difficulties may be experienced from time to time.  Please be enduring and enjoy the more relaxed rhythm of life. After all you’re on holiday!

Roads:

Recent road works have much enhanced the road network in and around Kampala and most main roads are good. However, Secondary roads vary in quality and may be poorly maintained.  Get ready for long and sometimes bumpy car journeys and big potholes in some areas which one of our clients called ‘a crater lake’ because it had rained that day. We call it 'African Massage'!

Accommodation:

Since Uganda is still a developing tourism site, the seasoned traveller will find that many lodges and camps are not as luxurious as in some African countries, then other properties may exceed expectations. There are accommodations of different standards throughout the Country.

Electricity and piped/mains water supply may not always be available, though clients will always find a hot shower waiting for them after a long days trek in most upmarket lodge.  In some remote locations, long-drop or compost toilets may be found.

Uganda safari

Food could be basic, but you are guaranteed of natural fresh produce and a variety of tropical fruits which taste so much better than imports in the Western world!

The more up market lodges and hotels are, the more excellent facilities on par with most tourists sites.  However, since it is a developing economy and expectations should not be unrealistic –some one shouldn’t expect a ‘Seychelles hotel’ at the Ssese Island

We  take care of your accommodation  bookings and ensure that you get the best available for your budget .  Our packages begin from Kampala however, since we tailor make our tours to our clients’ need, the tour can begin from any where in provided you let us know as soon as possible so that we communicate the extra costs if needed.  If you require pre or post-safari hotel bookings in Kampala please advise us and we will make the necessary arrangements. Reservations should be made in advance to avoid disappointment.
Drinking Water:
We recommend that you do not drink tap water.   If you wish to do so, please ensure that you  have boiled it at 100oC. Hotels and restaurants provide formerly boiled drinking water, or you can opt from several brands of mineral water.

 Foods:

Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables abound throughout the country.  A wide range of dishes, both traditional and international, are served in the hotels and restaurants.  If you have any dietary restrictions, please advise in advance.  And if you have to have yellow mustard or black pepper to enjoy your meal, bring it with you.
Health Requirements:

Certificates may be required for vaccinations against yellow fever.  Check current medical advice on typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. But these diseases are NOT common, so do not feel obliged to spend hundreds of dollars on injections. Malaria risk is general, and a prophylaxis should be taken.  It is advisable to start anti-malarial medications 10 – 14 days prior to arrival and continue with the same for 14 - 21 days after leaving East
Africa.

 Health/Medical:

It is highly recommended that you drink bottled or boiled water only – Tapped water is not safe or ready for drinking, it must be boiled first if you are to drink it.  Sodas, beer and alcoholic beverages are generally considered safe. Coffee and tea, as well as fresh fruit juices, are prepared with boiled water.
Given the fact that medical services and facilities here are basic, you must come along with all your essential medications required including the necessary anti allergies that you use. Any one visiting Uganda is fully responsible for securing adequate medical insurance which should include evacuation cover.

 Most adventurous activities such as gorilla trekking and chimp tracking, canoeing mountaineering and hiking, white-water rafting, and kayaking may mock additional risks and should be undertaken with care and caution.   For these activities, you must be fit and healthy.

Gorilla and Chimp tracking are not legitimate to those individuals who have signs of a communicable disease such as colds, flu and other airborne diseases.  Chimps and gorillas are highly prone to human diseases and it is consequently essential that you assert all infirmities and seek our advice if you are unsure. National Park Authorities preserve the right to deny right of entry to folks they consider frail to accompany any of these activities

Anti-malaria tablets and mosquito repellents are crucial. Look for advice from your home country on vaccination and inoculation requirements. Uganda is part of the Yellow Fever belt and even though not always checked by Ugandan Immigration on arrival, a Yellow Fever card is required by law.

 Airport:

Controlled by the Civil Aviation Authority, Entebbe Airport is the only international   Landing field where most Visitors coming to Uganda by air land.

 Most visitors will be interested in heading to Kampala the capital city of Uganda on arrival because it is the centre point that links the rest of the parts of the country.

The drive from Entebbe Kampala stretches to 35km and it takes 45minutes to 1 hour putting other factors constant. We can organize transfers to and from the airport for any size group.
Airlines:

Several airlines service Uganda regularly including Air Uganda, Kenya Airways,  Rwandair, Air Tanzania, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines Emirates Airlines, South African Airways, British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Brussels Airlines. There are several reputable East African based companies offering domestic and internal air travel including Air Uganda , Percision Airlines, Eagle Airlines , Daisy airlines and Kampala  Aeroclub offer domestic service.

Visas:

Single entry tourist visas are available on arrival at Entebbe airport priced at USD $50 and at the land border while Multiple entry Visas cost US$ 200 and these rates are subject to changes  so We recommend inquire about the rates just to be sure . Visas can be obtained easily  on arrival

Uganda follows a policy of reciprocity (if your Country requires a Visa for Ugandans to enter, Uganda will impose the same). Irish Nationals do not require visas.

Visa Fees
Single Entry  US$50
Multiple Entry 6 months  US$200
Inland Transit  US$50
Direct Airside  US$30

Countries Exempted from Visa requirements to Uganda
COMESA Countries  Others
Angola  Antigua
Comoros  Bahamas
Eritrea  Barbados
Kenya  Belize
Malawi  Fiji
Mauritius  Gambia
Madagascar  Grenada
Rwanda  Jamaica
Seychelles  Lesotho
Swaziland  Malta
Tanzania  Sierra Leone
Zambia  Singapore
Zimbabwe  Solomon Islands
St. Vincent
Tonga
Vanuatu
Italy (only Diplomatic Passports)
Cyprus

 Climate:

Lying astride the equator , Uganda  gets an ideal climate with little variation. Mean temperatures are between 19ºC and 31ºC all the year round. There are two rainy seasons from March to April and October to November however, it might not rain so much in any of the season given the recent changes in the climate that have been caused by the global warming. Travel is often slower in the rainy season and trekking more difficult and slippery in mountainous areas. Mountainous areas tend to be much colder than the plains and receive more rain. Temperatures in mountainous areas can go down to 10°C in certain months. Lodges and other facilities are open all year round. Each time is good time to visit the country however you are required to book your tours in advance given the fact that most nice facilities are sold out fast.

Gorilla Tracking:

Once you are physically fit for gorilla trekking your chances of seeing the gorillas are 97%.  Professional guides will accompany groups but no porters are available to carry personal belongings. People above 15 years are allowed to do the trek.  Anyone with signs of infectious disease like cough or runny nose will not be banned from  trekking until it cures. While possession of a gorilla permit is a guarantee of trekking, it cannot be a guarantee of sighting. However the chance of sighting is high - 97% or more. Maximum time allowed with the gorillas is one hour at a minimum distance of 7 meters.
Flash cameras are not allowed during the activity and a fast film is therefore recommended (minimum 400-1600 ASA). Personal DVD recorders are allowed. Special arrangements need to be made for professional film makers, and filming permits are required for commercial photography and filming. 

For prerequisite, we sturdily counsel a  lightweight rain jacket or poncho, a warm jacket or fleece for overcast days and evening, leather gardening-type gloves, sturdy waterproof walking boots (seasoned or well worn footwear), long-sleeved shirt and trousers, cap or sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, comfortable day pack for carrying water and minimum amount of personal items.  Cameras and video cameras are allowed, but bring film and batteries from Kampala.

Clothing:

Flimsy summer cotton clothes in addendum to a sweater or jacket should be adequate all year round for most of Uganda. In the hilly and mountainous areas, waterproof jackets or ponchos, strong waterproof walking boots and warmer fleece or heavy sweaters will be required in the evening. Casual dress is usual, although Ugandan's appreciate modest dressing. Cotton slacks and flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari.  Don’t forget to bring a hat and sun protection, along with your swimsuit.  Feel free to appeal for extra minutiae at the time of booking for specific areas.

Security:

Sporadic security issues may occur as in any other developing country.  Our company maintains up-to-date information on all parts of the Country and will advise Clients consequently at the time of booking if any risks appear at any tourists site and it is rendered un safe to visit at  any time. Fundamental safety measures should be taken, as in all countries, and common sense should be used. It is not advised to display expensive jewellery, leave bags unattended or money lying around.  Most hotels and lodges have safe deposit boxes available.

We advise  that you let your  original travel documents and passports remain with us in our safe (if you wish) and travel with photocopies. East African residents will need to show copy Passports and Work Permits to obtain resident discounts. If in hesitation , please ask us and we will counsel you.

 Photography:

No photographs of, or near, military buildings or soldiers is allowed. It is only polite to ask people before taking photographs.Film and other photograhic equipment/supplies are available in Uganda. Fast film (400-1600 ASA) is recommended for gorilla tracking and forest walking. For digital photography, we recommended you bring extra batteries and a car charger. If you have special requirements, then we strongly suggest that you come with the necessary equipment.

Most accommodation will have facilities for recharging batteries used by audio/visual equipment. Feel free to confirm in advance.
Telephone/Internet:

International telephone communication is good from Kampala but more difficult in some rural areas. Uganda has a good mobile phone network throughout most of the country and local SIM cards can be purchased throughout the Country. International roaming facilities are available.  Since Celtel cover’s the whole of East africa, you find that its net work is stable.

Internet services are widely available in Kampala through internet cafes, and most major towns will have access, although the quality and speed of the connection varies.

All our drivers/guides have cell phones and maintain contact with the Head Office throughout safaris. Airtime can be purchased for your use or the driver/guides' mobile phones if necessary.
Electricity:

Uganda: 240 volts.  Most common are 2-3-pin (square) sockets. It is recommended that you bring your own adaptor. Most hotels, lodges or camps can make arrangements for recharging batteries. Please ask us on booking if you have specific requirements.

 Though some types of film are available in many of the lodges, it is cheaper to bring films and batteries with you or to purchase them in Kampala.  A pair of binoculars will prove extremely useful for ht keen game viewer or birder. There is no charge for photography cameras and personal video recorders, but there may be a charge for commercial cameras in some places. Clients are responsible for any such fee. High-speed film is recommended for gorilla photos and high altitude filters are best for climbers. Check with your photo shop.

Security:
Safety measures should be taken as in any major city. Unless safety deposit boxes are available in your hotel or lodge, always carry travel documents, travellers cheques, cash and other valuables with you at all times or leave them with us. If you leave your travel documents behind, travel with a photocopy.

We recommend that you do not walk alone late in the night, but instead take a taxi. We can arrange the safe keeping of your passport and ticket in our offices upon request.

Guard yourself and your valuables as you would anywhere in the world. Stay aware of your surroundings and be cautious but friendly where possible.
Sports Facilities:

There are a variety of sports available in the Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja city centres – squash, golf, tennis, etc.  Fishing on Lake Victoria or the Nile River is popular.  White water rafting and flat water canoeing have been introduced on the River Nile.  Whitewater rafting on the Nile from Jinja is considered the best one day trip in the world.  Mountain climbing and hiking are popular in the Rwenzori Mountains and on Mount Elgon.  Avid climbers will want to check out the Virunga Volcanoes and Mount Moroto.  For special interest itineraries, please request.

Transport:

The roads are generally in good condition. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be required for up-country use, especially in the national parks during the rainy seasons.  We maintain a fleet of saloon cars, mini-buses and four-wheel drive vehicles, available on chauffeur driven basis.  Self-drive vehicles other than saloon cars are hard to come by. Please inquire for further details and tariffs.

Luggage:

Airlines will offer you 20-40 Kgs, or two pieces, of luggage on most flights. It is preferable for you to use soft luggage as space in vehicles is limited. We can arrange the storage of “winter” clothes that you will not need on safari. 

 Alcohol:

Several brands of local and international beer are available, including leading local beers: Nile Special lager,  Bell, Club Pilsner , Pilsner Lager, and. Most spirits and wines are imported and are readily available but it is advisable that you purchase your wines from Kampala when going to national parks because those at the lodges are quite expensive.

Drinking alcohol then driving is prohibited and purchase of alcohol under the age of 18 years is also illegal.

 Currency:
The Uganda Shilling is the  used currency in Uganda.. It is issued in denominations of 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 Uganda Shillings notes while   Coins are available for smaller denominations of  5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 cents.

US dollar, GB Pounds, Souyth African Randas, Rwandeese Franks, Kenyan Shillings, Japaneese yens and EUROs are readily exchangeable. Large US dollar bills attract the best exchange rates. Currency exchange rates vary and are posted at all banks and forex bureaus around Kampala and in the local newspapers.  The rate as of  as per October 2008  is US$1 = 1900 Uganda Shillings and GBP1 =  2690 Uganda Shillings.  There are no restrictions on other international currencies but subject to changes.

It is recommended that you change money in Kampala prior to safari where more favourable rates are offered. Attempting to change money upcountry can be frustrating and the rates are not good while  making payments in any exchange rates that a company dis not set prices is subject to the company’s exchange rates.

Automated Teller machines (ATM) are available in Kampala and most are helpful to international Visa or debit cards. .

NB: US Dollar bills  of series of manufacture  below the year-2000 are most often NOT accepted in Uganda or are exchanged at a less favourable rate or subject to a 20% surcharge or more..  Damaged washed or dirty  foreign currency notes may be rejected. Please make sure that  you bring with you new or notes in excellent condition with no stains or tears.

Travelers Cheques:

TCs are accepted in Kampala, but at a less favourable rate than cash.  Most lodges and hotels up Country will accept TCs although rates are generally poor.

We do not accept them but we can direct you to where you will exchange them to get cash out of them.

Credit Cards:

VISA, American express, and MASTERCARD may be accepted at a few choice establishments in Kampala  like Hotels and some up-country hotels and lodges. Kindly note that credit cards are not widely accepted and most organizations reserve the right to levy a surcharge on credit card transactions, usually 7 - 10% on top of the original cost given the extra services attached to the transactions like Telephone calls etc.

Banking:

Several international banks operate in Uganda and these include;  Barclays, Standard Chartered, Stanbic, and Citi Bank.  Many local banks and forex bureaus also operate across the country.  Generally the banking hours are 8.30 am to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday.  Some institutions are open longer hours and on Saturdays. There are no legal restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and currency is easily convertible.
Begging/Donations:

 We can arrange visits to local projects or institutions on request. If personal donations are preferred, we would suggest exercise books, pens or pencils are useful gifts.
Gratuities:We do not recommend clients give money to beggars or street children as this only lends to the culture of begging and dependency. So instead of going to school ,they end up being on the streets to beg money because they think is the best way of earning a living.. Assistance can be made to established international and local charities that work with the homeless, street children or orphans. Tipping is at your own discretion.Ugandans tip according to level of service and there are no fixed or assumed rates. Culturally people may not feel it suitable to ostensibly show their appreciation for money given, however salaries are generally low in Uganda compared to neighbouring tourism destinations and all tips will be greatly appreciated.

Tips are very personal and this is only a guide.  Feel free to ask management for advice.

 Language:

The official language is English. Kiswahili and Luganda are commonly spoken throughout the country. We actually speak over 40 languages in Uganda!

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