What to Know before Traveling to Uganda?

What to Know before Traveling to Uganda?

Uganda is one of the greatest destinations for safaris; this beautiful country was called “the Pearl of Africa,” and he wasn’t wrong. Uganda is an incredible country with lush, green landscapes and has some of the friendliest, most welcoming people you will ever meet.

Traveling to Uganda is pure magic; the golden light and stunning landscapes with a gorgeous mix of greens and oranges everywhere you look in Uganda will leave you intoxicated.

As you are planning to travel to Uganda, we have created a helpful guide with lots of information to help you.

Capital: Kampala City

Currency

Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

Banks and foreign exchange bureaus are available in Uganda’s cities, including Kampala—the capital city. Also, most hotels and lodges accept Visa and MasterCard

In addition to credit cards, travelers should bring US dollar cash. Small denominations are recommended.

US dollars are widely accepted; however, older or high-denomination notes may not be accepted.

Languages

There are around 70 languages spoken in Uganda. The most spoken language is Luganda, but English is the official language and is widely spoken. Other languages include Lusoga and Swahili; however, Swahili is associated with the military/rangers and is often used as an intimidating language.

Safety

• It is advisable to check with your travel guide/consultant; they will know if there are any potentially unsafe areas you should avoid.
• Avoid deserted areas, particularly at night. Dress down (that is, don’t wear excessive jewelry) when exploring the city. Concealed travel wallets are recommended.
• Ugandans are very warm and hospitable nation; please do not hesitate in asking for assistance at any time
• Avoid taking pictures of anything connected to the government or the military, including army barracks, land or people close to the army barracks, government offices, post offices, banks, ports, train stations and airports.

Health

Before traveling to Uganda, please consult your physician before you travel to Africa for advice on precautions against malaria. Uganda falls into the Yellow Fever Region in Africa.

It is imperative that you obtain a Yellow Fever Vaccination no less than 10 days prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

It is essential that adequate travel insurance be taken out prior to departure. This should cover any medical situation, such as hospitalization, as well as cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and baggage. When you travel with African Vacation Safaris, you’re automatically covered by our emergency evacuation insurance.

This guarantees emergency evacuation to the nearest hospital should you suffer either severe illness or injury. This does not cover the cost of treatment once in hospital and in no way replaces your normal travel insurance. There are certain medical exclusions.

Please advise us of any existing conditions in advance in order to arrange cover, subject to our insurer’s approval. Please contact us for more details about travel insurance.

Main Airports

Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe) is the main entry airport for all international travelers to Uganda. It is also possible to travel to Uganda’s Lake Bunyonyi and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; you can land at Kigali International Airport.

Photography

Be sure to bring sufficient memory cards and batteries, as these are not readily available in Uganda. Before taking a photo or video of any residents, please ask for permission.

Please be advised that the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) is not allowed in any of the conservation areas in Uganda until such time as their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching initiatives can be assessed. This rule will apply throughout Africa.

Passport & Visa Requirement

Passports are required by all foreign visitors and must be valid for 6 months after the intended length of stay. Ensure that you have at least 2 consecutive blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) in your passport. We recommend 3 to 4 blank pages if you are traveling through more than one country.

If there is insufficient space in the passport, then entry could be denied.

It is imperative to check visa requirements with the Ugandan embassies, as they may vary according to your nationality. Where a visa can be obtained at the port of entry, fees are payable in USD (cash only) and we recommend small denominations, as officials are not in a position to give change.

It is recommended that travelers obtain their visas prior to arrival, as there is a likelihood of queues at all airports.

What the Experts Say

• Cotton clothing is the most comfortable during the day.
• Please take note of specific packing guidelines for gorilla trekking

  

• Only a limited number of permits are available for each gorilla trekking park, which are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• Only a limited number of permits are available in each gorilla park; therefore, it is essential to book well in advance.

Best Time to visit Uganda

The best time to visit is during the dry seasons between June and August and December and February. For gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, March to May and October to November are the wettest months, making trekking quite difficult. Some of the dirt roads become very difficult to drive on during this time too. Murchison Falls National Park is generally good to visit all year round. Temperatures are generally steady all year round.