Uganda Traveler’s Tips

UGANDA TRAVELLER’S TIPS

1. Capital: Kampala              Dialing code: +256              Currency: Uganda shilling

• Getting There; By air, Entebbe international Airport is available. It lies about 45km from the capital Kampala and serviced by a number of international airline. And by land Uganda can be reached from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.

• Passport and visa: A valid passport is mandatory and visas can be purchased upon arrival at the airport or at the border.

• Language. The official language is English, Luganda and other 30 indigenous languages are used including Kiswahili.

• Health. A certificate of yellow vaccination is required. All visitors should take malaria preventive medicines and it’s advisable to drink bottled rather than tap water while on the visit.

• Money/currency. The unit of currency is the Uganda shillings, available in 50,100,200, 500, 10000, 20000 and 50,000 denominations. The exchange rates do very but always displayed by all financial institutions.

• Foreign Currencies. All major currencies are accepted although the US dollar, pound and the Euro are mostly used. Cash or travelers cheque can be exchanged for local currency at banks, bureau the change and some hotels in large towns. ATMs or many types of credit cards can also be used.

• When to Visit. Uganda can be visited at any time throughout the year. Although Mountain bikes, Gorilla tracking and other forest works are more challenged during the rains.

1. Clothing. Come with light clothing for the warm to hot day time temperatures, a sweater for cooler conditions at high altitude and abrupt rains should be prepared for by a water proof jacket. Don’t forget at least a hat, sunglasses and solid walking shoes.

• What to bring. Please come with a valid passport, vision Binoculars, a zoom lens for wildlife (70 -300m). Developing and print films are available in large cities. Toiletries and other essentials can be found in the cities.

• Driving. We drive on the left in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya while in Rwanda, and Burundi on right hand side, visitors without experience of African roads are advised to organize a vehicle with a driver rather than self-drive.

• Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory at all places, but it will be appreciated and tips to guide and drivers are always wonderful.

• Accommodation. International quality hotels exist in most large cities and national parks and budget accommodation is available in all tourist centers. Like Sheraton hotel, Protea hotel, Serena hotel and Hilton hotel (coming soon), among others.

• Food. A variety of world cuisines exists in Uganda in all major cities. Served basing on buffet, al carte or set price menus. A number of fresh local food dishes are available in most restaurants like maize posh (maize cake/ stiff maize porridge, mashed Matooke (cooked Banana) Or ask our chef while on a camping safaris for varieties.

• Safety and security. Uganda is very secure day and night but you’re advised to move in groups at night with a guide and other precautions can be given by the guides on arrivals.

• What to buy. A wide range of handicrafts are available for those interested in souvenirs made from local woods, hides, skins among others. Excellent local basket work paintings, batiks and pottery can also be bought.

• Further information. Guide books are available for purchase in cities and at Entebbe international Airports like Bradt, spectrum, the eye, lonely planet plus others in various languages. More information can be found at the Tourism Uganda website (www.visituganda.com) and even from our guides.

• Financial institutions. These are available in all types from international banks to locally rated financial institutions, like standard chartered bank, Barclays bank, Diamond trust bank, Cairo bank, Tropical African bank, forex bureaus and other financial institutions.

• Luggage. Luggage allowance due greatly vary from Air-line to Airline but it normally ranges from 20 -40kg or two pieces of luggage on most flights or depending on the class of ticket. But we advise you to come with a reasonable sizable luggage due to the space in our vehicles most especially when it comes to group tours.

• Photography. Various films and batteries are available but it’s advisable to come along with spare batteries and films. There is no restriction on photographing accept in military/ security places. It’s also advisable to ask for permission before taking some one’s photography. No charge for photography camera and personal videos but a charge is available on commercial cameras in some places. So we advise you to contact one of our guides.

• Sports facilities. A variety of sports exist like, hiking, mountain climbing, abseiling, canoeing, tennis, swimming, among others. It’s just a matter of inquiring about it and we tailor make the itinerary to shoot your interests.

Note: Please for further information visit the country’s website.

YOU’RE WELCOME TO THE PEARL OF AFRICA