Uganda Travel Tips, Travel Tips in Uganda

1. Passport: Remember to carry along a valid passport with at least six months validity otherwise you won’t be given a visa with an old passport.
2. Entry Visa: You are advised to consult the Ugandan embassy in your home country and acquire an entry visa. However, a visa can also be obtained in Uganda upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport. It is advisable that you obtain sufficient information early enough prior to departure.
3. Back up all your documents such as passport, visa, certificates, and photos so that in case of anything you have an alternative. Avoid keeping all your valuables in one place.

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 that you limit the weight of your bag/ suitcase to 15 kg.

1. Currency: The currency that is mainly used in Uganda is the Uganda shillings and US dollars. The current exchange rate is: $1 is equal to UGX 3700. However, this varies over time therefore you have got to inquire and get the appropriate rates.  Be informed that US Dollars before 2009 are not accepted in Uganda and also notes that are written on or very old are always rejected. When exchanging money, bigger notes of $50 and $100 are exchanged highly than small notes.
2. Credit cards: These are allowed and can be accepted in major companies and big hotels.
3. Cash: It is important that you travel with sufficient cash and there are many forex bureaus in Kampala and other major towns to facilitate you change your money to the local currency

PAYMENTS: These are made by electronic bank transfer and our Bank account details will be provided upon request.  It is always important to make payments for accommodation and some activities as will be advised in time to avoid disappointments.

CREDIT CARDS: ARC accepts payment by credit card which you can do immediately upon arrival either at your hotel or at the company offices. This is applicable for balances on safaris and car hire otherwise clients are required to confirm safari bookings with payment.

GORILLA PERMITS:

This activity is highly competitive hence requires six months advance booking. It is upon your booking that the gorilla permit is purchased. There are 12 gorilla families in Bwindi that are habituated for gorilla tracking – giving tourists greater chances of tracking them. Tourists are guided in groups of 8 per gorilla family per day. Kindly pay early enough to be guaranteed a permit.

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING: This mainly takes place on the Rwenzori Mountains, Mt Elgon with the largest caldera in the world then Mts Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga. You need to prepare appropriate clothing for this activity and climbing gear. However, climbing gear can be hired locally. You only need to communicate with us accordingly.

1. Mobile phones: Uganda’s telecom sector is very vibrant with several telecom companies from which you can get services. You could also access loaming facilities on your phones as there is mobile telephone coverage in the major tourist attractions.
2. Internet: About 30% of Uganda’s population can access the internet. With the latest phones that have applications that enable internet usage, one can access it from most parts of the country. However, one has got to subscribe to a local provider that has stronger coverage in attraction areas.
3. Post mail: the Uganda post office situated in the middle of the city offers postal services for those who may wish to send passels and registered mail.

CLIMATE: Uganda has friendly climatic conditions all through the year with temperatures ranging between 16°C – 28 °C. On rare occasions, temperatures could rise up to 33°C mostly in the north and northeastern semi-arid areas of the Karamoja region. Uganda experiences wet seasons in the months of March-May then October – December. Whereas it is conducive to travel during the dry season, the wet periods are not so grave to deter you from enjoying your trip.

ROADS: The road network from Kampala city to the major towns is mostly tarmac. Well-maintained marram roads connect you to and within the National parks.

SECURITY: Uganda is generally secure across all regions. The insurgency in the Northern Uganda region ended and there is rehabilitation and reconstruction going on. People have returned to normal life.

There are police stations across different corners of Kampala city and the metropolitan. In case you encounter any challenge as you mingle around the city, ask for the nearest police post and you will surely get help. In addition to this, in our national parks, we do have the tourism police that is always at your service.

While moving in the city, be careful not to carry sensitive belongings to avoid heavy losses in case of pickpockets. Make sure that you hold your bag firmly on your belly.

FACTS ABOUT UGANDA’S POLITICAL LEADERSHIP

The country had a history of political instability in the 1970s under Idd Amin and other leaders. But since 1986, a new leadership under the visionary president Yoweri Museveni ushered in peace and security plus the freedom of expression. The country’s national army is highly disciplined and citizens are peaceful with it

1. In the city: Dress informally while moving around Kampala. For ladies, the African culture seems still sensitive to exposure of a woman’s body. So prepare and come in clothes that cover you below the knees. Avoid wearing your expensive jewelry while walking on Kampala streets as it could be grabbed from you. This is not to say that Kampala city is a hub for thieves but simply to caution you because such incidents occur occasionally.
2. While on Safari or Tour: depending on the day’s weather, you may need to wear casual and warm clothing in the early mornings and evenings. While in Bwindi for gorilla tracking, gloves too would be helpful as you trek holding onto stems for support. In other parks such as Queen Elizabeth and Murchison falls, light casual clothing is relevant. So you have to prepare for both warm and cold weather conditions as it changes as you move from one part of the country to the other.

1. Facilities: There several health facilities in Kampala and other major towns. The national referral Mulago hospital has of late opened up specialized and well-equipped centers in different parts of Kampala. There are other private players such as IHK, Nakasero Hospital, Kampala Hospital, Novick, extra.
2. Malaria: Given the climate of the region, malaria is common, and mosquitoes. It is important that you prepare, take anti-malarial and carry all necessary medication, mosquito repellants. You may also undertake any other measure against malaria.
3. Hepatitis B: As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure” it would be important to get a vaccination for hepatitis B to avoid any risk. Try and do it early as it is given in three doses at different intervals
4. Yellow fever: Vaccination against yellow fever is no longer mandatory. However, it wouldn’t do you harm if you took the vaccine to guard yourself.

1. Official language: English is the national and official language and is spoken by the majority of Kampala city dwellers and in major towns
2. Luganda: In Kampala, the major spoken language is Luganda. There are many chances of getting a translator in case one needed the services
3. Other languages: Swahili is also spoken on a small scale. Translators can be obtained in the case of other languages

ENTERTAINMENT: There are a variety of entertainment centers such as discotheques and Casinos in the Industrial area, and other parts of Kampala.

1. National Theatre: In the city of Kampala is also the National Theatre with occasional performances. Thursday evenings are popular for the U-turn rib-breaking comedy shows.
2. The Ndere center is a hub of African traditional dances. Don’t miss out on an evening with the Ndere troupe every Wednesday and Friday starting at 7 pm and Sunday family show starting at 6:00 pm.

LIVING LIKE A LOCAL: Be part of the festivals and other activities that locals enjoy such as the Marathons, Carnivals, extra.

1. Marathons: There are seasonal marathons aimed at supporting different causes such as cancer, orphanages. The most popular is the MTN Kampala Marathon and the Mountain gorilla marathon held in the Kigezi every December.
2. Carnivals: Since 2014, every October, Kampala Capital City organizes a city carnival enabling residents of Kampala and the metropolitan to meet in color and lots of entertainment and a variety of foods to enjoy city life.

1. Cameras: carry your good camera to capture photographs of some of these fascinating tourist sites as you will find most of them memorable.
2. Binoculars: For birding tourists, do not forget this vital equipment or else you may not enjoy your birding trip to the maximum
3. Video cameras: you may need a basic video camera to enable you to capture short videos. For those interested in videography, it’s possible but has got to inform ARC early enough to organize.
4. Sunglasses: you will need these to protect your eyes from direct sun rays
5. A hut is also good to protect you against hot sun and dirt

Top ten reasons to visit Uganda

1. Diversity of wildlife hosted in the ten (10) National Parks. Uganda known as the pearl of Africa lies at the heart of Africa’s beauty hosting Africa’s most treasurable attractions
2. The people of Uganda are known the world over to be hospitable so be ready for warm reception throughout your stay
3. Beautiful weather throughout the year
4. Home for half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas
5. The source of River Nile – the world’s longest river with its historical relationship with the Pharoah’s of Egypt
6. Trekking the scenic snowcapped Rwenzori mountains also known as the mountains of the moon with the highest peak Margherita at 5109 m (16,762ft) overlooking the Democratic Republic of Congo. You will be amazed by the vegetation cover that is typical of the Albertine Rift.
7. The massive Lake Victoria the world’s largest lake
8. Cultural diversity: Uganda is diverse in terms of culture with over 15 tribes each with its set of beliefs and traditions in addition to food. You will enjoy a variety of fresh fruits, fresh legumes, Nyama Choma, pork, bananas locally known as matooke extra.
9. Safety & Security: General peace and tranquility throughout the country to enable you to enjoy your safari with minimal disturbance
10. The devil’s cauldron on Murchison Falls. The magical Murchison falls within Murchison falls National Park wonderfully viewed while taking a boat cruise on the River Nile is an experience never to forget.