Uganda travel tips and useful information

Uganda, better known as the “Pearl of Africa”, is a country filled with national parks and game reserves with enticing promises of wildlife sightings. On an Uganda safari, you carve through the wilderness and witness an overwhelming intimacy with splendid flora and fauna the country has to offer.

Kindly read all the information regarding visas, vaccinations, best seasons to visit, must see spots, packing tips and even insights on Uganda culture is here for you to make the most of your Uganda experience. To make things more convenient, we have listed a few specially curated Uganda safari packages from a broad range of prices and luxury.

Wondering how to get to the wonder of Uganda?

Entebbe International airport is the major airport of the country. Other domestic airports that facilitate scheduled passenger service on commercial flights are the Arua airport, the Gulu airport and the Moyo airport.

VISA and Vaccinations

Travellers from most countries require a Visa to enter Uganda. This can be easily obtained on arrival at the country’s international airports (Entebbe International Airport). It is essential that you have a clean and recent US dollar bills to pay for the Visa. Bills that are damaged with tears and holes, or bills dated prior to 2009, may be rejected by customs. Have all your travel documents and confirmations at hand, this will keep the process smooth and quick.

You have the option to choose a “Single Entry Visa” which costs about 50 USD and is valid for a period of 90 days. If you have plans of visiting Kenya and Rwanda, you can opt for the “East African Tourist Visa”. This will cost about 100 USD and give you multiple entry access to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for a period of 90 days.

Vaccinations -

All travellers visiting The Republic of Uganda must have a valid Yellow Fever Immunization card before their arrival. In case you have skipped getting this immunization, you will have to take it at the airport.

Why Visit Uganda

With misty mountain ranges, green volcanoes, dense river banks, open Savannah grasslands, winding rivers, disarming waterfalls, pristine lakes, chilling glaciers, promenades, parks and impenetrable rainforests woven into its design, Uganda is truly a lot in a little. When compared with the rest of the African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda paints the magnificence of the continent with a unique shade of its own. The country is more of a quiet and calm destination that puts your pieces at peace. Being a happy go lucky location detached from boisterous crowds and masses gives it an edge over the rest, for passionate, soul searching expeditions. Like the country itself, the people of Uganda are warm and more receptive in comparison. Also, Uganda is slightly easier on your purse strings when mapped against other travel destinations in Africa.

While it offers game drives and promises of big five sightings, it also lets you chase the wild trail, track chimps and gorillas in pristine valleys, soak in the dense rainforests bathed in the hues of a splendid tropical sun and remain mystified by the mist.

Locations like the Lake Bunyonyi and the Murchison falls have rendered many travel connoisseurs speechless. This little country seems to hold a soul stirring surprise around every corner. Set out for Uganda and let the soaring mountains heal everything sore. Unwind by a still lake that instills a sense of completeness in you and watch all your inhibitions melt away as you lose yourself to the soothing beauty of this endearing land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Uganda suitable for families and single travelers? Almost any type of traveler will find a lot to love about Uganda. Our trips are appropriate for both families and single travelers. However, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has stipulated that gorilla trekking tours are limited to participants aged 15 years and older. How long should I plan to be in Uganda ? Uganda has an astonishing breadth of environments connected by reliable infrastructure, which makes it easy to travel all over the country. We recommend allowing several days to combine a traditional safari experience with an exciting gorilla or chimpanzee trek. When traveling overland, you should also factor in extra time to account for road construction or other delays. Our customized tours range from three days to 11 days in length. What is the weather like in Uganda? Uganda is an equatorial country, which means that weather patterns are remarkably consistent throughout the year. You can expect temperatures from 26 - 28° C(78 - 82° F) in most parts of the country. However,you may experience colder weather during a Uganda gorilla trekking tour, as a result of the higher altitude in places like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Rainfall is also more pronounced in Uganda’ s mountains, so you should pack some waterproof gear for your trek. What languages are spoken in Uganda ? With more than forty spoken languages, Uganda is a country of incredible cultural diversity. However, English and Swahili are the country’ s official languages, so you’ll be able to easily understand locals and make yourself understood— especially in the tourism industry. Learning a few simple words in Swahili is also a fun way to generate goodwill and connect with Ugandans, enriching your cultural experience while you are there. What kind of food will I find in Uganda ? Depending on where you stay, your dining options may range from upscale cuisine to simple meals. When possible, we recommend trying some local dishes. Matoke is a delicious type of banana that’s often served in a spicy curry. Another traditional dish is ugali, which is a Ugandan spin on a corn meal recipe that’s popular across much of Sub-Saharan Africa. Ugandans tend to drink tea at least twice per day, so make sure to try some of their brews spiced with ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. How much money should I carry and spend in Uganda? With prearranged safari activities, you may not need to carry much cash. But it’ s a good idea to bring along some small - denomination notes.This will allow you to shop for souvenirs or incidentals in places where credit cards may not be accepted. If you’ re carrying American currency, make sure your bills were issued after 2006— though it’ s a good idea to have some Ugandan shillings on hand too. How does tipping work in Uganda ? While many of your meals and activities will be booked in advance, you may wish to show your gratuity when dining at a restaurant. A 5-10% tip is generally considered reasonable. An additional tip of $5-10 USD per day is also recommended for your guide or driver during safari or trekking activities. Tipping up to $5 USD for your hotel or lodge staff will also show your appreciation for their work. Please remember that tipping is not compulsory, but you should feel free to reward exceptional service.