Uganda has such a wealth of attractions that a single visit
may not be enough to discover all the attractions that the
country has to offer. Unlike Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda does
not boast of vast wildlife parks however there is magic in
the mountains where mountain Gorilla thrive and a variety of
wildlife in the game parks.
Uganda’s greenery and lush environment offers a thrilling
African safari experience. Take time off to a Uganda Safari,
discover great sceneries enough to evoke memories of African
Jungles.
Not yet discovered by many tourists, Uganda is still
untouched and pure. It is a country of many surprises, with
rolling hills, sparkling crater lakes, abundant wildlife and
of course the endangered mountain gorillas. Moreover, Uganda
is still authentic, lush green and home to the friendliest
people of the continent.
When to
visit Uganda
Generally, Uganda's climate is warm with insignificant
seasonal temperature changes all year through and this is
basically because of its global positioning as it is
situated on the Equator. The major factor to consider when
organizing your safari is the rainfall pattern particularly
if you are preparing to hike Mountain Ruwenzori, or take a
camping safari in any of the country's national Parks. The
months that receive most rainfall are: October, November,
April and May. Throughout these months camping is not very
practical and hiking can turn out to be a stamina test with
some roads being quite impassable.
Visas
People from most countries need a visa to travel into
Uganda. This you should obtain in earlier at the Ugandan
Embassy or the High Commission in your country although it
is easier to purchase the visa on arrival. Visa declarations
are prune to changes so it is safer to check with the High
Commission or embassy before leaving for Uganda. you may
bring in personal items like cameras, binoculars or films
temporarily into Uganda with no a permit but for video
equipment, radios, tape recorders, musical instruments and
slide projectors, a custom bond will be mandatory.
Consumable in minimal quantities will be allowed duty free
such as perfume, 200 cigarettes, quarter Kg of tobacco, 50
cigars or 1 liter of alcohol. Literature that is obscene is
not allowed in the country. Fire arms cannot be brought into
the country without proper import certificate from the
police fire-arms department.
Flying into Uganda
Entebbe is the international airport of Uganda, located
just 40 kilometers from Kampala. People traveling from North
America or Europe will access Uganda via Nairobi in Kenya
which is the main entrance point in East Africa.
Given that your passport is valid and you have a returning
ticket, will; have no delays in going through the
immigration formalities at Entebbe. Visitors are required to
present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. You don't
have it you will be requested to come with it on your next
visit.
A visitor who has traveled by air may be allowed into the
country with no returning ticket because they may be
planning to travel to other African countries. Few travelers
start their expeditions through Africa in Uganda because
traveling from most countries in the world is quite cheaper
to fly to Kenya's capital Nairobi as you will arrive with a
one way ticket. There is a minimal likelihood that will have
a hard time with the immigration officials to be worried
that you may run out funds to purchase a ticket out of
Uganda.
Currency:
All the Major
world currency (United States Dollars, Great Britain Pound,
Euro) are readily exchangeable in Uganda for the local
currency. The currency unit of the country is the Uganda
Shilling which falls in denominations of 50,000, 20,000,
10,000, 5,000, and 1,000 for notes in addition to coins in
500, 200, 50 and100. There are no limitations on the
currency movement in and out of the country for any current
transactions
Health
It is
recommended that all people visiting Uganda receive anti
malarial medication. It is mandatory to use mosquito
repellants in addition to mosquito nets especially if you
are going camping.
Weather
Generally, the country is mainly sunny all year round
and temperature above 29C. the heavy rains are received
between March and May where as the short rains are from
November to December although in between the are always
hours with sunshine.
Language
English is the official language in the country although
Luganda & Swahili are also spoken widely.
Transport
Air
Many companies are presently operating internal flights such as
United Air and Eagle Air. There are also opportunities to
contract a small air craft to fly you to the different airstrips
around the country which are in the north; Soroti, Gulu, Pakuba-to
Kidepo National Park, Lira and Paraa-to Murchison Falls National
Park, south West to Mbarara, East –to Moroto & Tororo, and
west-to Queen Elizabeth National Park. A popular Ugandan safari
company- AA Safaris and Tours is operating chartered flights for
tourist, companies and individuals to visit the various national
parks in Uganda.
Road Transport
The train manages only freight services. There are well managed
roads along the main routes for easy and swift travel. It is
rather safer to use buses although they are slow but cheaper
compared to other means. Vans locally called taxis are also
available. Minibuses too are found in the taxi parks. These are
very convenient for short journeys and usually available in the
big town. It is recommended that that you agree on the taxi fare
before boarding. The buses and matatus in most cases won't move
from the stage before they are fully boarded. On Sundays and
public holidays, the buses take a long time to fill up but if
you are rushing somewhere you can always take a motorcycle which
locally referred to as boda boda although they are slightly
costly than public-passenger service vans. But if you rather
travel privately then you can take a small cab which in Uganda
are locally referred to as 'special hire'; they too are
expensive but can take you to which ever destination you want as
long as you make full payment. Furthermore are several types of
cars offered by the numerous car hire companies but remember
drivers are an asset in case of mechanical breakdown.
Law and General Conduct
Visitors are required to respect the president, other leaders
and all uniformed officials under the public service. It is an
offence to tear or burn a presidential portrait. Avoid breaking
the law particularly the Foreign Exchange-Control Act,
anti-prostitution laws, traffic regulations, drug trafficking
and taking or abuse of drugs. Foreign law breakers are usually
charges and fined or compelled to leave Uganda. Smoking cannabis
sativa/ Bhang or opium is forbidden and any individual got
importing it in his luggage is headed for serious problems.
Communication
There are numerous telephone services prevalent through the
country with some mobile-phone countries running 'rent a phone'
service for limited durations. in large town you can get
internet or email services.
Culture and Etiquette
Uganda has a diverse culture that it would be overwhelming to
list all the norms down. But nevertheless visitors are
recommended to request for information on some of the cultural
patterns that they are prune to encounter such as the greeting,
bargaining, eating, and dress code together with other practices
and common beliefs. The way people greet is a very vital thing
for successful communication with the natives at whatever social
level, be it in the market, offices, over phone calls or the
streets.
It is not allowed for visitors to move in public places
while in swimming wear because this is against the tradition
culture and greatly offends the natives. Ugandan people greatly
honor decent behavior and hate any degenerate morals.
Beach Holidays
