Uganda Travel tips/ Travel Information

Accommodation
In Kampala, there are a number of good hotels that suit everyone’s budget. Elsewhere across the country and in the national parks, hotels, lodges, bandas and inns are generally available, but greatly vary in quality of service and quantity of rooms. Some of these accommodation facilities however need to be booked 3-6 months prior to the date of travel.

Visas
Visas are required if you are not from the following countries. Angola, Comoros, Eritraia, Kenya, Malawi Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Sychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe,Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Jamaica, Lesotho, Malta, Sierraleone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St Vicent and the Grenadines, Tonga, Vanuatu, Itally (only diplomatic passports) and Cyprus. However visas can be got on arrival at the airport.

Currency
The unit of currency is the Uganda Shiling in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 coins while paper notes are in denominations of 1,000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency in all large towns but Euros and Pound sterling are accepted as well. Traveler’s cheques plus credit cards are not widely accepted outside Kampala save for a few hotels and lodges.

Climate
Uganda enjoys ideal weather conditions ranging from the warmth of lowlands to the coolness of highlands. Mean temperatures are between 21˚C and 31˚C all year round. Wet seasons are March-May, October-November but there is no bad time to visit Uganda.

Clothing
Light summer clothing supplemented by a sweater or jacket should be sufficient all year round. Usually dressing is informal. Cotton slacks and flat-heeled comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sun glasses and sunscreen  for sun protection as well as a swimsuit. For mountain climbers, you will need hiking boots. Umbrella and windbreakers are recommended in the wet seasons. For gorilla and chimpanzee tracking safaris, we recommend that you carry some insect repellants and torches. If you are planning to visit church services or official functions, be recommended to bring some decent and smart cloths.

Credit Cards
 VISA, AMERICAN EXPRESS, MASTERCARD are only acceptable at a few choice establishments in Kampala and some up-country lodges. Most transactions are carried out on cash basis.

Drinking Water:
We recommend that you DO NOT at any time drink tapped water. Most hotels and restaurants provide drinking water, or you can opt from several brands of mineral water. Mineral water is sold in all parts of the country and can be bought on safari at different stop points.

Foods:
Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables abundant throughout the country. A wide range of dishes, both traditional and international is served in the hotels and restaurants. . Don’t miss to try the typical Ugandan food, like Matooke, Posho, Cassava, and sweet potatoes.

Health Requirements:
Certificates may be required for vaccination of yellow fever. Malaria risk is general, and a prophylaxis should be taken. It is advisable to start anti malaria medications 10-14 days prior to arrival and continue the same for 14 days after leaving East Africa. Talk about this issue with your doctor at home and ask him about his recommendations depending on your itinerary and duration of stay.

Language:
The official language in Uganda is English. Kiswahili and Luganda are commonly spoken throughout the country. We actually have over 40 languages in Uganda. However, majority of Ugandan speak English well.

Luggage:
Airlines will offer you 20-40 Kgs in general, or two pieces of luggage in most flights. It is preferable for you to use soft luggage, as space in safari vehicles is limited.

Photography:
Though some types of film are available in many of the lodges, it is advisable to bring film and batteries with you or a digital camera with some spare batteries.

A pair of binoculars will prove extremely useful for keen game viewers or birders. 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. Please always asked people before taking pictures.

Security:
Precautions should be taken as in any major city. Lock up your valuables in the hotel safe. We recommend that you do not walk alone in the late hours of the night but instead take a taxi.

Sports Facilities:
There are a variety of sports facilities available in Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja city centres-squash, golf, tennis, and the Hash House harriers every Monday etc. Fishing on lake Victoria and River Nile is popular. White Water rafting and flat water canoeing is also available on the River Nile. White Water rafting is 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 Mt Elgon.
Avid climbers will want to check out the Rwenzoris and Virunga Volcanoes.

Transport:
Some roads are not in good condition. 4WD vehicles are required for upcountry use, especially in the national parks during the rainy seasons. Traveling in our commuter taxis (matatus) can give a good experience; Boda bodas (motor cycle transfers) can be fun but dangerous especially within the city.

Tipping
Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants and it will be appreciated. It is normal to tip at tourist-oriented restaurants. Drivers and guides should always be tipped.