UGANDA TRAVEL INFORMATION

Kampala, capital and largest city of Uganda located 35km from Entebbe International airport. It occupies a series of hills at an elevation of about 3,900 feet (1,190 metres) and is situated in the southern part of the country, just north of Lake Victoria- the second world’s second biggest frsh water lake. Kampala lies just north of Mengo, the capital of the kingdom of Buganda in the 19th century. We recommend you to take a city tour of Kampala to see the day and night life

Uganda has been a cultural melting pot, as evidenced by the existence of more than 50 different indigenous languages belonging to 5 distinct linguistic groups. Having the reputation as ‘Africa’s Friendliest Country’ stems partly from the tradition of hospitality common to its culturally diverse populace and partly from the remarkably low level of crime and hassle directed at tourists.

By Air

Entebbe International Airport is the main access point to Uganda, you can get there by a number of International airlines, including Royal Dash Airlines (KLM), SN Brussels, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. Turkish Airlines, South African Airways, Uganda Airlines (international flights coming soon) Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Rwanda Air, Egypt Airways and Ethiopian Airways

By Land

Uganda can be reached by land boarders from Rwanda through the Cyanika Border post with only 3hours from Kigali and Gatuna boarder with only 1.5 hours from Kigali.

Kenya through the Busia Boarder and Malaba border, Tanzania through the Mutukula border, you can easily link your East Africa tour by both land and air

The best way to travel and see the beautiful landscapes of Uganda is by road but there some long distances where we encourage you take light aircraft flights, the light aircrafts are the also the best way to link one destination to the next if you’re on a short visit- Refer to our flight schedule – Link a flight schedule for Aero link

All visitors to Uganda require a valid passport for at least 6 months from date of entry

All visitors to Uganda have to apply for their visas online by following this link https://www.visas.immigration.go.ug/ and pay online $50 for a single visa valid for 3 months, if travelling to more than one East African country you can get an East African Visa which allows you to move between Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda on one Visa. Please get in touch with use for more information for all your travel information

The unit of currency is the Uganda shilling you will see this coming in notes of UGX 1000, UGX 2000, UGX 5000, UGX 10000, UGX 20000 and the biggest note being UGX 50000, coins are issued too in UGX50, UGX 100, UGX200, UGX 500 and UGX 1000.

US dollars is the currency used by most tourist services, for example your Permits are paid for in USD, hotels and other excursions are quoted in USd, but Euros and Pounds are also widely accepted, we encourage you to mainly travel with USD $cash in good condition no older than 2009 with no tear or writing, your currency can be changed at a Forex Bureau located at the airport and all large towns around Uganda, cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala.

If you need to purchase something in Uganda Local currency can be drawn against VISA at selected ATMs in Kampala, at Entebbe International Airport and in a few other large towns, credit cards can only be used in big shops in the city, your upcountry hotels and city hotels, the only credit cards accepted are Visa, Mastercard and American express

Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, which is the official language. There are over 50-plus different indigenous languages, Luganda is main local language spoken in the city and other big towns. As you will experience most traders and locals are fluent in it

A valid yellow fever and Covid vaccination certificate are mandatory, Anti-Malarial and mosquito repellent are essential, it’s also advised to drink bottled water and not tap water, we recommend you consult your doctor before travel

Uganda is as safe as can be in these globe-wide turbulent times, and there are no major security issues. We have tourists travelling all over the country every day, especially to the national parks and although one cannot guarantee security, we can assure guests we have no issues of concerns

The best game viewing months in Uganda are during the 2 dry seasons that are June, July and August as well as December, January and February. Primate walks in the forest are a big part of any safari in Uganda. The habitat of rainforests is, by default, very wet and one can't avoid rain completely however after the rains the skies clear to a bright sushine. With Uganda lying on across the Equator the temperatures don’t really change with 24°C to 30°C 24 which makes it an all year round destination- Link this to Best time to visit

With Uganda lying on across the Equator the day temperatures are generally warm to hot but at night the temperatures drop, we recommend you carry a couple of light clothes for day, light shoes, shorts and light jackets or fleece for the night, if you intend to hike Mountain Gorillas you will need to pack strong hiking boots, socks long enough to tuck in your trousers, Long sleeved shirts to protect from stinging nettles, water proof jackets, don’t forget your hat and sunglasses- please visit our pre- arrival information- should have a link going straight to the agents corner

Driving is on the left side. We don’t recommend self-drive tours, Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to stick to the drivers & vehicles organized by our company.

How much to tip in Uganda depends entirely on your level of satisfaction of course, but even a small tip to show your gratitude will be highly appreciated, You might consider USD10- 15 per day, Tipping for Gorilla tracking and Chimp tracking guides recommended is USD 15 per guest, Gorilla tracking porters is $20, Tipping for Safari guides is USD 10 or 20 per person per day for exceptional guidance, Lodge staff tip is $10 per person for excellent housekeeping, laundry and meal services, waiters and waitresses tip 10% of the total bill at restaurants that are not part of main lodges/hotels, we recommend to leave a hotel’s tip box usually located at the reception. In larger groups, you can pool your tips and distribute them evenly among guides and rangers

Tourist oriented hotels and restaurants serve good western style meals, with a wider range of cuisine available in the capital and some larger towns. Local restaurants serve Ugandan dishes, typically ugali (stiff maize porridge) or matooke (cooked bananas) eaten with stew.

Uganda’s standard voltage is 240 voltages power with a 3 pointer plug charger system, for Countries with a standard voltage of 220-240 voltage you will be able to use your appliances, if th standard voltage in your country is 100- 127 voltage for example countries in North and South America you will need a voltage converter to be able to use hair dryers or electric razors, we suggest travelling with an adaptor, consult us before your travel to advise you more.

Generally soft sided luggage is required, travelling light is best with duffle bags and a small backpack should do –contact us to get a full packing list and detailed pre arrival information