Travel tips

Travel Tips to Uganda

Getting to Uganda

Entebbe International Airport is served by several international carriers, including Uganda Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Sabena, British Airways, Air France, Egypt Air, Emirates, and Alliance Express, Regional Air and Ethiopian Airlines. Uganda can be reached overland from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Passports and Visas

A valid passport is mandatory. Visa requirements sometimes change, so check before you travel to Uganda. Visas can be purchased upon arrival at the Airport or Land border.

Health

A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. Visitors should take malaria precautions. It is advisable to drink bottled mineral water, available throughout the country, rather than tap water.

Money

The unit of currency is the Uganda shilling (UGShs). All major currencies are accepted, although the US dollar is the most common. Cash (US Dollars, Euros, Pounds…) can be changed for the local currency at Banks and Bureaux de change in all major towns. Traveler’s cheques are not widely used outside the city.

Language

Uganda has a diverse culture with well over 30 different indigenous languages. English is the official language. Ruganda which serves as something of a lingua franca is widely spoken as well as Kiswahili in most towns.

When to visit

Any time, though mountain hikes, Gorilla tracking and forest walks are more challenging during the rains, which generally peak over mid-September to November and March to May.

Weather and What to wear

Day time temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring enough light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes, so carry some light sweaters as well. Those who want to hike in the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Jungle boot shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and waterproof rain gears.

What to bring with you

To fully enjoy life in the wild, with African wild animals, carry Binoculars, field guide books. Photographers will need powerful zoom lenses with enough, high speed films for wildlife photography. Printing of films and developing is available in Kampala. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought anywhere in Uganda.

Transportation

Our tours and Safaris are by 4x4 Safari vehicles with experienced tour guides/drivers throughout Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.

Accommodation and food

International quality hotels exist in most large towns and national parks. Comfortable mid-range and budget accommodation is found in all main tourist centres. Tourist hotels and restaurants serve good western food, though in the capital a wider range of cuisine is available. Local restaurants serve Ugandan dishes, typically posho (stiff maize porridge) or matoke (cooked banana) eaten with stew.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory, but a small gratuity is always appreciated.

For further information contact;

Hamlet Birding Tours & Safaris Ltd.

Eco-Tour Leader in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda

Plot 802, Mitala Rd

Po Box 26436,

Kampala-Uganda

East Africa.

Tel. +256 (0) 414 576 336

Mob +256 (0) 772 362 917

Mob +256 (0) 702 362 917