Please find here some useful practical information for traveling in Uganda. Basic Information Official Name:
Republic of Uganda Area: 236,000 sq kmPopulation: 35.7 million (July 2012 EST.)
Capital: Kampala Largest Cities, with Population (2012)
Kampala: 1,353,000
Gulu: 146,000
Lira: 119,000
Mbarara: 97,000
Religious Affiliations:
Catholic: 42%
Anglican 36%
Muslim: 12%
Other 10%
Uganda Climate.
Uganda is located around the equator. Because of this, the climate is pleasant the whole year through! Traveling in Uganda is, for this reason, not limited by climate! The temperatures average between 22 and 32ºC. In the higher location areas, the temperature drops quite a lot (mainly at night).
This is in areas like Bwindi, Kisoro, Lake Bunyonyi, Mount Elgon, Sipi Falls, and Rwenzori Mountains. Due to climate changes, it’s hard to predict when the rainy seasons will be. However; the heavy rainy season is normally in March-May, the light rainy season is November – December, though there will always be plenty of hours of sunshine.
Anglican 36%
Muslim: 12%
Other 10%
Uganda Climate.
Uganda is located around the equator. Because of this, the climate is pleasant the whole year through! Traveling in Uganda is, for this reason, not limited by climate! The temperatures average between 22 and 32ºC. In the higher location areas, the temperature drops quite a lot (mainly at night).
This is in areas like Bwindi, Kisoro, Lake Bunyonyi, Mount Elgon, Sipi Falls, and Rwenzori Mountains. Due to climate changes, it’s hard to predict when the rainy seasons will be. However; the heavy rainy season is normally in March-May, the light rainy season is November – December, though there will always be plenty of hours of sunshine.
WHEN TO VISIT UGANDA.
The best wildlife viewing months in Uganda are during the Dry seasons from June to August and December to February. Primate walks in the forest are an excellent time for Uganda safari tours. During the wet season or rainy season, primates tend to hide from rain like any other habitant that gives hard time to trek during your safari tour. The best time to visit Uganda is in June to August and December to February, are the perfect time to visit all Uganda national parks. High Season June to September is the time when Uganda receives a big number of tourists all over the world.
Accommodation facilities and gorilla permits are highly booked it’s always advisable to book/confirm your trip early enough in case you are planning to visit Uganda in this period of time. Image Low Season March, April, May, October, November during the rainy season many primates tend to hide and some lodges/camps also close down due to poor roads and forest trails. Best Weather June-July and January-February during these months the country receives little rainfall that can’t prohibit visiting Uganda.
Worst Weather March, April, and May during these months is when almost the whole country receives heavy rainfall. The dry season, June to August and December to February. Marked the best period for gorilla tracking because these are the drier months. In the savanna reserves, vegetation is less and animals gather around water sources, making wildlife easier to spot.
Even during the high season (June to September) the parks don't feel crowded. The skies are clear; there is less rain and more sunshine Gorilla permits need to be booked very early in advance to avoid inconveniences. Wet Season March to May and September to November – The scenery of the savanna reserves is greener – it's low season, resulting in lower rates.
Although wildlife in the savanna reserves is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty, including newborn animals. Some of the roads get very bad and cars often get stuck; forest trails can become slippery and challenging. You won't be able to change your expensive gorilla permit if it pours with rain; departures go as scheduled.
UGANDA VISA.
You can apply for your Ugandan single entry visa or East Africa Visa (Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda) online, through the Ugandan E-visa System via the following link: www.visas.immigration.go.ug/
You will pay the visa fee of USD 50 for a single Uganda Entry visa (or USD 100 for an East Africa Visa) online by credit card.
If the application is accepted, a letter of approval will be sent by E-mail. This letter of approval has to be shown – together with a valid passport and/or travel document - at the point of entry.
You can only apply for the East Africa Visa via Uganda if Uganda is your first country of visit. If you enter East Africa via Rwanda or Kenya, you will have to apply via the E-visa system of the country you will enter first. With your booking, you will receive more information and the necessary documents from Ultimate Wild Safaris for your online application. Please Note: You check with your embassy if any different rules apply.
UGANDA CURRENCY.
The Ugandan currency is the Ugandan Shilling. In Uganda, they do NOT accept US dollars given out before 2006. When you exchange money, use big notes (50 or 100 US dollars). The exchange rate of smaller notes is much lower. Make sure notes are not cut or damaged in any way. They will not be accepted. We advise that you budget your cash needs per person:
Exchange rate
You can change dollars, pounds, and Euros everywhere in Uganda, but the best exchange rates are found in Kampala. It’s good to have some US dollars with you at all times.
ATM & Credit Cards
ATM:
In all cities ad big towns you find ATM machines from Stanbic Bank and/ or Barclays. They accept most international bank cards and Visa. Do realize that the amount you can withdraw per day is limited to about $100,-. Realize as well that ATMs can be empty or not working due to power cuts. Make sure you always have enough cash with you as a backup!
Credit Card:
Credit cards are not yet used much in Uganda. Only at major hotels and up-market lodges this can be used.
Traveler Cheques:
Traver cheques are only accepted in a few banks in Kampala and they will give you an unfavorable rate for it.
TIPPING.
If you’re happy with the services of your guide and driver then we would recommend leaving a tip for them at the end of your trip. The amount is entirely up to you, but a reasonable amount for a group to tip would be between $150-200 – however, it is not obligatory and if you do not wish to tip then this is up to you.
UGANDA VOLTAGE AND PLUGS.
British-style plugs with three pins: 240 V,50 Hz. as shown in the image on the side. Charging camera and phone.
You can charge your cameras, phones, and other electric items in most hotels/ lodges. Not every hotel/lodge offers charging facilities in the rooms. If that is the case they will offer charging options in the lobby or restaurant. Some lodges Hotels run on either solar power or generator. Those lodges often don't have power all day, but only at specific hours in the morning and evening (when it's dark). If you bring a couple of chargeable items you might consider bringing an extension with extra outlets, since the amount of outlets is often limited. We advise to bring extra batteries for your camera since some hotels don’t have power and power cuts might occur.
PHONE USE.
There are several mobile providers in Uganda. You can purchase a SIM card for a relatively low cost (3 US dollars). SIM cards and airtime for the different companies are available all over Uganda. MTN has the best network. Make sure that your phone is SIM-Lock-Free. You have to bring your passport and a passport photo to sign up. The country code for Uganda is +256.
INTERNET.
Internet cafés are found all around the country and are now even to be found in remote areas. Realize that internet speed is often very slow. Most up-market lodges provide wifi, but not all of them. some mid-range lodges provide wifi as well. If you bring your own laptop you can buy a 3 GB wireless internet stick from MTN. This Internet is relatively quick. The cost for this stick is about 50 US dollars per month (minimum 1 month). This stick can be bought in Entebbe, Jinja, and Kampala and you need to bring your passport and a passport photo to sign up. When you buy a MTN Simcard (register with passport and passport photo) you can use the 4G option to provide internet to your smartphone or tablet.
LUGGAGE.
We request you to bring a bag or suitcase of soft material. Hardcover suitcases are difficult to place in the car and are likely to break on the bumpy roads in Uganda. When traveling in a group or private tour with 4 persons or more we request you to limit the weight of your bag/ suitcase to 15 kg.
SAFETY AND RISKS.
Uganda is in general a very safe country to travel in. Ugandans are considered among the friendliest on planet earth and are very welcoming. Kampala is known for being one of the safest capital cities in Africa. Do feel free to meet and talk to Ugandans, as they will be most honored. Be however always careful with your belongings. Be responsible and sensitive during your tour and use taxis (called 'special hire') when you are going out at night. Traffic in Kampala can be rather hectic and sometimes even dangerous when using Boda Boda's (motorbike taxi's). During Election time it can be dangerous around the city center of Kampala. It's easy to avoid going to the city center, and we strongly advise doing exactly that during election time.
GAY TRAVELERS.
There is an Anti-gay law in Uganda and being gay is absolutely NOT accepted in Ugandan culture. It is very safe to travel in Uganda being gay, but make sure you don’t openly speak about it and surely not show it.
HEALTH TIPS.
Kindly contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country-specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices. Medical facilities in Uganda are limited, particularly outside Kampala. Medical help at the scene of an accident is likely to be limited. In the case of a serious accident or illness, evacuation by air ambulance may be required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Make sure your Yellow Fever vaccination is up to date before arriving in Uganda.
Air Ambulance Scheme.
Medical facilities in East Africa are limited. This is especially true for some of the remote places where your safari may take you. In case of a serious medical emergency, getting to the nearest full-service hospital may mean a long ground transfer over poor roads. For registered clients with AMREF Flying Doctors we may help to contact them in case of any emergency, they will respond swiftly and without delay in the event of an incident and coordinate directly with work with the client’s overseas insurance company (though it is not necessary to have such insurance to qualify for the scheme).
Worst Weather March, April, and May during these months is when almost the whole country receives heavy rainfall. The dry season, June to August and December to February. Marked the best period for gorilla tracking because these are the drier months. In the savanna reserves, vegetation is less and animals gather around water sources, making wildlife easier to spot.
Even during the high season (June to September) the parks don't feel crowded. The skies are clear; there is less rain and more sunshine Gorilla permits need to be booked very early in advance to avoid inconveniences. Wet Season March to May and September to November – The scenery of the savanna reserves is greener – it's low season, resulting in lower rates.
Although wildlife in the savanna reserves is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty, including newborn animals. Some of the roads get very bad and cars often get stuck; forest trails can become slippery and challenging. You won't be able to change your expensive gorilla permit if it pours with rain; departures go as scheduled.
UGANDA VISA.
You can apply for your Ugandan single entry visa or East Africa Visa (Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda) online, through the Ugandan E-visa System via the following link: www.visas.immigration.go.ug/
You will pay the visa fee of USD 50 for a single Uganda Entry visa (or USD 100 for an East Africa Visa) online by credit card.
If the application is accepted, a letter of approval will be sent by E-mail. This letter of approval has to be shown – together with a valid passport and/or travel document - at the point of entry.
You can only apply for the East Africa Visa via Uganda if Uganda is your first country of visit. If you enter East Africa via Rwanda or Kenya, you will have to apply via the E-visa system of the country you will enter first. With your booking, you will receive more information and the necessary documents from Ultimate Wild Safaris for your online application. Please Note: You check with your embassy if any different rules apply.
UGANDA CURRENCY.
The Ugandan currency is the Ugandan Shilling. In Uganda, they do NOT accept US dollars given out before 2006. When you exchange money, use big notes (50 or 100 US dollars). The exchange rate of smaller notes is much lower. Make sure notes are not cut or damaged in any way. They will not be accepted. We advise that you budget your cash needs per person:
Exchange rate
You can change dollars, pounds, and Euros everywhere in Uganda, but the best exchange rates are found in Kampala. It’s good to have some US dollars with you at all times.
ATM & Credit Cards
ATM:
In all cities ad big towns you find ATM machines from Stanbic Bank and/ or Barclays. They accept most international bank cards and Visa. Do realize that the amount you can withdraw per day is limited to about $100,-. Realize as well that ATMs can be empty or not working due to power cuts. Make sure you always have enough cash with you as a backup!
Credit Card:
Credit cards are not yet used much in Uganda. Only at major hotels and up-market lodges this can be used.
Traveler Cheques:
Traver cheques are only accepted in a few banks in Kampala and they will give you an unfavorable rate for it.
TIPPING.
If you’re happy with the services of your guide and driver then we would recommend leaving a tip for them at the end of your trip. The amount is entirely up to you, but a reasonable amount for a group to tip would be between $150-200 – however, it is not obligatory and if you do not wish to tip then this is up to you.
UGANDA VOLTAGE AND PLUGS.
British-style plugs with three pins: 240 V,50 Hz. as shown in the image on the side. Charging camera and phone.
You can charge your cameras, phones, and other electric items in most hotels/ lodges. Not every hotel/lodge offers charging facilities in the rooms. If that is the case they will offer charging options in the lobby or restaurant. Some lodges Hotels run on either solar power or generator. Those lodges often don't have power all day, but only at specific hours in the morning and evening (when it's dark). If you bring a couple of chargeable items you might consider bringing an extension with extra outlets, since the amount of outlets is often limited. We advise to bring extra batteries for your camera since some hotels don’t have power and power cuts might occur.
PHONE USE.
There are several mobile providers in Uganda. You can purchase a SIM card for a relatively low cost (3 US dollars). SIM cards and airtime for the different companies are available all over Uganda. MTN has the best network. Make sure that your phone is SIM-Lock-Free. You have to bring your passport and a passport photo to sign up. The country code for Uganda is +256.
INTERNET.
Internet cafés are found all around the country and are now even to be found in remote areas. Realize that internet speed is often very slow. Most up-market lodges provide wifi, but not all of them. some mid-range lodges provide wifi as well. If you bring your own laptop you can buy a 3 GB wireless internet stick from MTN. This Internet is relatively quick. The cost for this stick is about 50 US dollars per month (minimum 1 month). This stick can be bought in Entebbe, Jinja, and Kampala and you need to bring your passport and a passport photo to sign up. When you buy a MTN Simcard (register with passport and passport photo) you can use the 4G option to provide internet to your smartphone or tablet.
LUGGAGE.
We request you to bring a bag or suitcase of soft material. Hardcover suitcases are difficult to place in the car and are likely to break on the bumpy roads in Uganda. When traveling in a group or private tour with 4 persons or more we request you to limit the weight of your bag/ suitcase to 15 kg.
SAFETY AND RISKS.
Uganda is in general a very safe country to travel in. Ugandans are considered among the friendliest on planet earth and are very welcoming. Kampala is known for being one of the safest capital cities in Africa. Do feel free to meet and talk to Ugandans, as they will be most honored. Be however always careful with your belongings. Be responsible and sensitive during your tour and use taxis (called 'special hire') when you are going out at night. Traffic in Kampala can be rather hectic and sometimes even dangerous when using Boda Boda's (motorbike taxi's). During Election time it can be dangerous around the city center of Kampala. It's easy to avoid going to the city center, and we strongly advise doing exactly that during election time.
GAY TRAVELERS.
There is an Anti-gay law in Uganda and being gay is absolutely NOT accepted in Ugandan culture. It is very safe to travel in Uganda being gay, but make sure you don’t openly speak about it and surely not show it.
HEALTH TIPS.
Kindly contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country-specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices. Medical facilities in Uganda are limited, particularly outside Kampala. Medical help at the scene of an accident is likely to be limited. In the case of a serious accident or illness, evacuation by air ambulance may be required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Make sure your Yellow Fever vaccination is up to date before arriving in Uganda.
Air Ambulance Scheme.
Medical facilities in East Africa are limited. This is especially true for some of the remote places where your safari may take you. In case of a serious medical emergency, getting to the nearest full-service hospital may mean a long ground transfer over poor roads. For registered clients with AMREF Flying Doctors we may help to contact them in case of any emergency, they will respond swiftly and without delay in the event of an incident and coordinate directly with work with the client’s overseas insurance company (though it is not necessary to have such insurance to qualify for the scheme).
