Travel Tips
Getting there:
Uganda’s main international gateway is the Entebbe International Airport. It is located some 40km south of Kampala, the Capital, in the lakeside town of Entebbe. A number of International and regional carriers operate regular flights in and out of the country.
Scheduled airlines flying to Entebbe include: Air Burundi Air Rwanda (to/from Kigali), Air Tanzania, British Airways, SN Brussels, East African Airlines, Emirates, Gulf Air, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Rwanda air Express, Egypt Air, Eagle Air, Ethiopian airlines and United Airlines both Direct flights from Europe and from other African countries.
International Carriers SN Brussels flies four times a week from Brussels direct to Entebbe. British Airways flies three times a week from London. From USA, there are flights to Entebbe London or Brussels, or alternatively clients can fly from New York or Atlanta to Johannesburg with South African Airways and then take a connecting flight.
From other parts of Africa Clients can fly into any of the listed African cities and then connect to Entebbe. Ethiopian Airways provides connections from Addis Ababa. Kenya Airways flies daily from Nairobi. South African Airways provides connections with Dar-es- Salaam and Johannesburg. Egypt flies weekly from Cairo, to Entebbe. East African Air provides connections from Nairobi, and Johannesburg. Air Tanzania provides connections from Dar-es-salaam. Emirates flies twice a week from Dubai, to Entebbe.
Over land:
There are land borders with Kenya, Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zaire. Bus services operate from all the capitals to Entebbe. Drivers require a valid international driving license, and must carry their vehicle log books. They will be expected to show adequate third party insurance, and pay a temporary road license.
Arrival by Water:
Ferry services operate from Tanzania, Mwanza to Port Bell, on Lake Victoria. Weekly services to Port Bell from Mwanza in Tanzania are normally provided by Tanzania Railways Corporation in conjunction with Uganda Railways Corporation. The MV Victoria operates on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday between Mwanza, Bukoba and Port Bell. It leaves Mwanza on Sunday at 14.00hrs and arrives at Port Bell at 07.00hrs. It then departs at 16.00hrs same day.
Domestic Air Services: Some attractions such as Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Kidepo in Uganda are far from Kampala/Entebbe, covering long distances of up to 500km and more with approximate driving time of 8-11 hours.
It is advisable, where funds allow, using air charter to these far away locations. Apart from the weekly and sometimes scheduled flights to Arua, Adjumani and other parts of the North where there are only some attractions, only non-scheduled, chartered aircraft can be used to fly to the other destinations, especially in the Western part of Uganda where most tourist attractions are.
Bus and tax Services:
Buses and Taxis are available from the airport to the city. A wide network of buses/taxis runs throughout the country connecting almost every town. Within Kampala, taxis, special hire taxis and motor bikes provide transport within the city and its suburbs. These are found on major roads in the city center, as well as the 2 taxi parks.
Visa Requirements:
A visa to Uganda is issued at Uganda missons abroad and entry points. All countries that require visas for Uganda are also visa prone in Uganda. A visa application form can be downloaded at the following embassy website.http://www.ugandaembassy.com/visa.pdf
Visa Fees
Climate:
Uganda has got a tropical climate, which varies according to altitude. During the year the hottest months are from December to February when the temperature reaches 29 degrees Celsius. The rainy seasons are from April to May and October to November, with the wettest month being April, but it can rain at any time of the day, especially in forest ecosystems.
Despite the location to the equator, temperatures in some parts of Uganda can be quite cool owing to the countriesƒ?T high altitude. The mountain areas become much cooler and the top of Mount Elgon and the Rwenzoris are often covered with snow. Other parts of Uganda are much warmer.
Weather:
Uganda is near the Equator. As a result the climate does not change much and this pearl can be visited throughout the year. Travel can be slower in the rainy season but the views are often better. Gorilla tracking can be muddier but it can certainly be done. In the mountainous areas it is much colder than on the plains and the rainfall is greater. The temperatures on the plains tend to be between 21AøC and 30AøC and in the mountainous areas they can go down to 10AøC in certain months. So our advice is to travel when it is most convenient and usually the rain, which is often for short periods, is part of the great experience.
Clothing:
Travelers especially women should dress modestly and decently since Uganda has a wide range of cultural differences and morals.
Lightweights and rainwear, with warm wraps, especially in mountainous/hilly environments, for the evenings are advised. Uganda has mild winters and the summer days can get quite hot. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings.
On safari keep clothes to a minimum and mostly of neutral colouring - khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant are essential. Local persons appreciate those who maintain a sense of decorum, avoid short-shorts and exposing much of your body in public. It is considered irreverence in some cultures.
What to Carry:
You need to carry what is necessary for a trip and can fit on a safari vehicle. A hand bag for tracking and keeping valuable documents. Do not forget to carry a hat, swim suite, binoculars, sunglasses, sun protection products, torch, rain jacket and insects repellent.
Food and Drinks:
A country gifted by nature is blessed with fresh food, vegetables and fruits country wide. Both traditional and Inter-continental dishes are served in different hotels and restaurants. For specific dietary requirements we advice you conform in advance. It is advisable to drink only boiled or bottled water
Health:
Most Tropical African countries are having problems of yellow fever and cholera. A valid International Certificate of Vaccination may be required. Air travelers who only pass through the airports of a yellow fever and cholera zone are exempt from the requirement.
It is also advised that all travelers be vaccinated against Meningitis, Typhoid and Hepatitis. Malaria is prevalent in Uganda and it is advisable to take anti-malarial and mosquito repellents. For your own comfort take a mosquito repellent, Mosquito nets are provided in most hotels, lodges and camps. Precautions should be taken against malaria both when visitors are in the country, and when they return home. It is advisable to drink only boiled or bottled water and avoid swimming in ponds and still water pools.
While doctors and dentists are available throughout many areas of the country, the major hospitals are located in the main towns. Bring any special medication you may need, and carry medical insurance. Most chemists in the major towns are open from 08h30 to 12h30 and 14h00 to 17h00 Monday to Friday and 08h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays. There are no emergency chemists open after hours or Sundays.
Uganda has several health facilities that provide quality health care services like:
International Medical centre: 041-341291, 342608
For emergencies call,
077-741291, 077-200400/1
Kololo Hospital Tel: 231935
Angelica Medical Services Tel: 077 610831
Bugolobi Hospital Tel: 222354
Case Medical Centre Tel: 077 522681
Fort Lugard Medical centre: 041257329
JODA Clinic Tel: 230864
Kadic Hospital: 041-543723, 543726, 077-406612
Sas clinic: 041-345325
KIM’s Medical Centre: 077 500601
Kampala Medical Chambers: 041-348846, 077-505013
Mayo Clinic Tel: 077 403760
The Surgery: 041 256003, 075-756003
Medical Insurance should be purchased before you leave your own country and should include emergency air evacuation coverage if youƒ?Tre spending any time in remote parts of the country. The company will not be held liable for sickness of a client as a direct or indirect consequence of traveling.
Insurance:
Evacuation insurance Clients are advised to purchase evacuation insurance before traveling. This covers evacuation in case of an accident, health difficulties, etc. Evacuation insurance for mountaineering in the Rwenzoris is covered in this package.
Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking that all clients must have, and demonstrate to the company prior to their departure, adequate insurance for the duration of the tour. Such insurance should fully cover death; personal injury, loss, accident, medical expenses, repatriation in the case of accident, illness or death, cancellation or curtailment of the tour by the company or client, and loss of, damage to, or theft of the clientsƒ?T personal property. Activities with a greater inherent risk, such as mountaineering, animal tracking, water rafting, swimming in lakes, should be covered.
Traveling With Children:
Visitors to Uganda should inform the Airlines in advance incase they are traveling with a baby or toddler. There is plenty to interest children in Uganda. Several activities will keep children entertained like wildlife spotting, Ballet and Modern Music schools, Horse riding lessons, Jumping jacks and squad Biking. Facilities should also be checked when booking Airlines because these vary in each Aircraft.
Uganda has few special facilities for disabled travelers. Several places have special facilities for the disabled like hospitals and some Hotels like Sheraton Hotel. Wheelchairs are difficult to accommodate on public road transport, and private hires will normally need to be made. However, this should not discourage disabled travelers.
Student travelers:
Student travelers get no special discounts on facilities except students from international Air travel. The rates advertised for Parks or Museums as student prices only apply to Local students and not international students.
Language
There are over 56 dialects spoken in Uganda which is a reflection of Uganda’s multi-tribal society. English is the official language. Kiswahili is widely spoken. In Kampala the native language spoken is Luganda although their other different Bantu and Nilotic language because of the many ethnic tribes being the capital city inhabits from all regions.
Communications:
Postal services are fairly well organized in Uganda. You should have no problem sending or receiving letters. International call facilities as well as fax facilities exist at the main Post Office and in many Secretarial bureaus. International telephone communication is very good from Kampala. From some upcountry areas it is a little difficult. The mobile telephone network is good and rapidly expanding. There are Email and Internet access services in Kampala, Entebbe and in some towns upcountry.
Courtesies:
Recognition of traditional courtesies is important when visiting another country. A handshake greeting is normal and unsuitable clothing such as brief shorts or swimwear is not acceptable in towns and villages. Shoes are taken off before entering sacred places.
Media:
Uganda is awakening to reading and writing. A number of Newspapers are published in Kampala. The quality of the news content reveals Ugandaƒ?Ts ever prestigious quality education and training which has been a source of envy in the whole of Africa. International newspapers and magazines are available in major hotels, restaurants, government and travel agencies.
Safety Tips:
Theft:
Traveling is better done during Daylight hours, since most thieves operate during the night. Please avoid being driven by a drunk driver. Be quite awake when walking around carrying anything of value.
Jewellery of financial or sentimental value should be left at the hotel/accommodation facility, as most major hotels have safety boxes and safes.
Carry minimum amounts of cash and keep it hidden or in a money belt, if possible. Secure your belongings such as passport or airline tickets and other valuables and documents; use safe deposit boxes where available. For the most part, however, Ugandans are very friendly and helpful. If in doubt seek local advice. For specific questions on current security conditions please contact us.
Most casual thieves operate in busy streets, Markets, Bus and Taxi parks. Avoid having large amounts of money or valuables loose in your daypack or pocket. Keep a close watch on your possessions.
Money and Banking:
Clients are advised not to carry too much money around. Our safaris are all-inclusive and except for a need to tip, buy souvenirs and a few meals in towns, there may be nothing else in relation to your safari that you need to buy. Kampala is well serviced with banks. International Banks include Stanbic, Allied Bank, Barclays, Standard Chartered, and Tropical Africa Bank.
The unit of currency in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling (Ush). There are coins in the following denominations: 50, 100, 200, 500; and notes in denominations of: 1000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000 in circulation concurrently with British Pounds Sterling, US Dollars, German Marks, Swiss Franks, French Francs, Euro, Japanese Yen, SA Rand notes.
Credit cards:
Most hotels, restaurants, banks, travel agencies and the bigger shops will take credit cards in Uganda. The most commonly accepted credit cards are Visa, Master Card, Dinner’s & American Express.
Public Holidays:
These holidays do not affect the operations of travel agencies/tour operators, national parks and other tourism-service providers since Tourism is a year round activity. The following are public holidays in Uganda on which offices, including banks and diplomatic missions, may not open:
New Years Day (1st Jan)
NRM ruling Government Anniversary Day (26th January)
International Women’s Day (8th March)
Good Friday (variable)
Easter Monday (variable)
Uganda Martyr’s Day (3rd June)
National Heroes Day (9th June);
Independence Day (9th October)
Christmas Day (25th December)
Boxing Day (26th December)
Idd-el-Fitr (variable)
Iddi Adhuha (variable)
Getting around
The Business hours for Government offices range from 08h00 to 16h30, Monday to Friday. Shops are generally open from 08h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday and 08h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays; some in Kampala open from 06h00 for up to 16 hours.
Bank hours vary from bank to bank but most are open from 08h30 - 14h30 Monday to Friday. Forex bureaus are normally open till 17:00 and are able to do electronic transfers to and from Overseas.
Main roads are generally good but travel is much slower than on European roads. Secondary roads are of variable standard, often slow and bumpy; some require high four-wheel drive vehicles
Driving:
Visiting drivers must hold an International Drivers License. Driver’s licenses from other countries are not valid. A person driving into the country on business can have their car admitted without having to pay duty, provided they will not use it for hire or commercial purposes. They will also have to show that the car is owned by themselves or by their company. Uganda drives on the left hand side of the road.
Entertainment:
There are a number of Theatres, sporting, dancing and social clubs, and other entertainment in the major towns. Some charge a temporary membership fee. Avoid staying up till late when you are travelling the next day. M
Many of the main hotels have swimming pools, and there are excellent opportunities for golf, tennis and squash in Kampala, and in several other parts of the country. Football, rugby, tennis and cricket clubs are found in the main towns. Sailing and water-skiing are available on Lake Victoria. Fishermen should head for the lakes and the River Nile.
Accommodation:
Uganda has a wide range of standards when it comes to places to stay - from five star hotels and first class luxury lodges, to rustic bush camps, guesthouses and campsites. In towns, accommodation ranges from 3-5 star hotels and guesthouses. Upcountry it is of varying standard, often with no running water and electricity.
Travellers must pay in US Dollars except for the smaller guesthouses where the local Ugandan Shilling and Rwandan Franc dominate. Some extra’s will be added onto your bill, especially in Kampala and in parks - 2-10% service charge and 18% VAT. For those who buy a full safari from us, most of these are covered in the safari cost.
Laundry:
Most hotels and lodges will offer a laundry service. For low budget travellers there are no coin operated Laundromats at all so consider drip dry clothing and be prepared for hand washing. In most places one could hire someone to do your washing
Safari (On safari)
Always remember that while some animals have become accustomed to the presence of people they are still wild animals. Keep your distance. It is illegal to feed any animal, make excessive noise to attract their attention, or to agitate and scare an animal, or deviate from designated roads for that closer photograph.
Photography
Before taking pictures of people it is polite to ask. Photographs should not be taken of people or religious ceremonies without their consent. Photography of the airport or strategic buildings, military installations and soldiers is NOT allowed. Only print film and processing is available in Kampala.
Energy / Electricity:
Local voltage in Uganda is 240volts, 50 cycle AC. 3-pin (square) sockets. Electric switches generally switch on downwards. Local voltage in Rwanda is 220/230/240volts, 50 cycle AC. 2-pin (round) sockets. Electric switches generally switch on upwards. Some camps and lodges upcountry do not have power but management can arrange to recharge your batteries from a nearby town at a cost, or use a safari vehicle for charging.
Time:
Uganda is GMT +3 hrs.
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