Entebbe International Airport, 40 kilometers from the capital Kampala, is serviced by a number of international airlines including SN Brussels, KLM, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, RwandAir Express, Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines. Uganda can be also reached overland from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Customs and immigration officials are polite and efficient. Visas may be applied for online prior to your trip. They can also be obtained in person at Entebbe International Airport or at any overland border. Foreign exchange and ATM facilities are available at the airport, which is also serviced by the several shops and restaurants. Local time is GM+3.
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. It is advisable to drink bottled water rather tap water.
The unit of currency is the Uganda shilling. The U.S. dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference, but euros and pound sterlings are also widely accepted. Hard currency cash can be changed for local currency at banks and private Forex bureaux exchanges in all large towns, but traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala. Local currency can be drawn against visa and other major credit cards at selected ATMs in Kampala, at Entebbe International Airport, and in a few other large towns.
Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, the official language. Of 30-plus different indigenous languages, Luganda serves something of a lingua franca.
Uganda can be visited at any time, though mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rains, which generally peak mid- September to November and March to May.
Because Uganda is on the equator, temperatures are somewhat steady year-round, but the mid-September to November rains can make temperatures feels cooler. Overall, daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Light layers that can be put on or taken off are best. Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and a waterproof jacket.
A valid passport is mandatory, and visa requirements should be checked before you travel. To make the most of the game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides. Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or similar). Print film and developing is available in Kampala. Toiletries and other essentials can be purchased in the cities.
Driving is on the left side. Visitors without experience on African roads are advised to organize a vehicle with a driver rather than drive themselves.
Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist-oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers should always be tipped.
Tourist hotels and restaurants serve good western-style meals, while a wider range of cuisines are available in capitols and some larger towns. Local restaurants serve Ugandan dishes, typically ugali ( a stiff maize porridge) or matoke ( cooked banana) eaten with stew.
A wide selection of local handicrafts are available as souvenirs. These include musical instruments, such as the hide drums made in the vicinity of Mpigi, as well as excellent local basketwork, paintings, batiks, and pottery.
Guidebooks from Bradt, Spectrum, and Lonely Planet, and a wide range of other books about Uganda, can be purchased at bookstores in Kampala and other country capitols.
We are always available to answer all your questions.
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tours@ruhangaecosafaris.com
