Travel requirements: Uganda Safari Planning
Uganda is a supreme African safari destination since the Creator generously supplied her with astonishing gifts of nature. Thanks to the conservation efforts that ensure that Uganda’s natural beauty is not adulterated. This natural beauty, cultural diversity and the affectionately welcoming people make Uganda one of the most beautiful and best tourist destination countries in the world.
Visitors to Uganda who have also visited other destinations elsewhere have testified the need to give Uganda the first priority for a second visit. Do not blame them because their reason is really genuine because Uganda is blessed with more than half of the World's remaining endangered mountain gorillas, tree climbing lions, varieties of the wildlife including the big five, over 1,000 bird species, massive lakes including Africa's largest and the World's second largest fresh water lake - Victoria, magnificent rivers including Africa’s longest - the Nile, evergreen virgin and free from pollution rainforests, and the snow-capped Africa’s highest mountain ranges – the Rwenzoris, among other wonderful attractions.
Location and Size
Uganda covers an area of 241,038 square kilometres (roughly the size of the UK), a fifth of this surface area is covered by water. It is one of the East African countries crossed by the equator. Apart from Congo (DRC) in the West and Southern Sudan in the North, Uganda borders with partner countries in the East African Community; that is: Kenya in the East, Tanzania and Rwanda in the South.
When to Visit
Uganda’s location at the equator blesses her with warm climate all year around and you do not have to worry about temperature variations. Your main concern however is the rainfall pattern especially if you intend to have a camping safari or a Mountain Trekking Adventure. The months of April, May, October and November are usually wet and camping or mountaineering can turn out to be very challenging if not completely impossible.
Visa Requirements
You should have a passport that is valid at least for the next six months from the date of entry to Uganda. Currently (2011) a single entry visa fee of US $ 50 is charged at Uganda’s entry point to obtain a visa that will be valid between 1-3 months thereafter. Make sure you get the appropriate visa especially if you are a business traveller intending to make several entries in a single year where a multiple entry visa will be better.
You should however find out from the nearest Uganda mission in your country about visa exemption to Uganda especially if you are a UK citizen or a citizen of any of the commonwealth countries and those countries with reciprocal agreement to Uganda.
Flying to Uganda
There are more than a dozen of both local and international airlines flying into Entebbe airport (EBB) including KLM, British airways, SN Brussels, Emirates, Ethiopian airways, South African airways, air Tanzania, Kenya airways, Uganda air and Rwanda air.
Inter-state buses are also available for on road connections to the neighbouring countries. These include; Gateway, Akamba, Scandinavia, Regional coach, Kampala Coach, Bascar and Falcon; these busses connect Kampala to Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kigali, Bujumbura and Juba.
Accommodation
You have a wide choice from the various accommodations ranging from hotels to apartments, budget or luxury or camping options. Upscale hotels in Kampala include; Serena Hotel, The Commonwealth Village Munyonyo, Sheraton Hotel and Imperial Royal Hotel. Hotel Africana, Hotel Equatorial, and Hotel Diplomat are some of the luxury but affordable accommodations. There are also several other luxury and budget accommodations in the city, city suburbs and in various safari destinations in Uganda.
Security
Uganda is generally a peaceful and secure country. You are however cautioned to guard against pickpockets especially if you have some valuable items like luxury Jewellery, laptops, mobile phones, cameras or iPods. Avoid unguided walks in dark areas and streets especially in the crowded downtown. If need arises, the police emergency number is 999 for landlines and112 for mobile phones.
Health
A yellow fever international certificate of vaccination is required except visitors from Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. Similarly, if you intend to travel to remote areas, you are advised to be vaccinated even when you come from those areas free from yellow fever infections. Be aware of high prevalence of HIV-AIDS in Uganda and as such avoid sexual temptations with Ugandan beauties or the handsome men and if you cannot control the desire, ensure you have protected sex.
Travel Insurance
Make sure you obtain appropriate and adequate travel insurance cover. Take note of emergency evacuation and health cover on your policy. Read the details especially in the small font and inquire from your insurer when you find technical issues.
What to Wear in Uganda
Light clothing is usually adequate since Uganda experiences tropical climatic conditions with warm temperatures most of the day throughout the year. Sweaters and warm jackets are sometimes required in the evening or early morning in some areas of the country. You can also pack or buy locally simple rain jackets and footwear especially if you are planning to go for Primates Trekking or Mountain Trekking Adventures. Casual, beach and simple wear are all acceptable. If your head or eyes are not used to strong sunshine, come along with a hat and a pair of sunglasses. Beautiful, locally woven hats are available in craft shops at duty free prices.
Currency
The Uganda shilling is the legal tender with paper notes in the denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000; whereas coins are in denominations of 50, 100, 200, and 500. Note that small denominations are more practically used for exchange especially in remote areas where big notes can pose a big problem to find the balance. The use of debit cards is only application in big Hotels and supermarkets and most of the local transactions have to be made using hard cash.
Enjoy your vacation in Uganda
For more information on travel tips, tour availability, tour quotation, tour dates or safari booking please write to us through info@safari-uganda.co.uk
