Travel Information To Uganda

Unlike other typical Savanna Safari destinations, Uganda offers a wider range of experiences from Savannah Game drives and Boat Safaris to mountain Hiking, beautiful sceneries, Cultural tours, primate Safaris including Gorillas, Chimps and Golden Monkeys.

Uganda is located on the Equator presents an awesome weather for all visitors all year around, In The south, combined with high altitude ensure a pleasant, temperate year-round climate. Temperatures therefore hardly vary throughout the season, with an average of 25°C during the day and slightly cooler at night.

However, it is a little Cooler in the southern parts of Uganda and hotter in the northern parts of Uganda. The climate in the southern Uganda which is also the mountainous areas range between 13 in the most cold and 28 in the hottest. In the northern you could experience about 30 degrees to maximum while on a Uganda safari.

The Long rainy season takes place from March till May and there is a short rainy season around October-November and a little of December. Jan and feb is a little humid dry than most months of the Year.

Best time to travel to Uganda

Uganda safari can perfectly be visited during all seasons and throughout the Year while the weather is perfect all year around. Please keep in mind though that July and August are peak season for tracking the mountain gorillas and therefore gorilla permits are more difficult to obtain.

The Dry season months are also good to visit for wildlife viewing as the grass is short and animals are easier to find. Gorilla trekking is also rewarding in the dry season as the terrain is manageable for both cars and trekking experience.

Visa Requirements

Most nationals will require visas for Uganda. The cost is USD $50 per person per entry. We recommend that you apply and acquire your visa in advance, at least a week to arrival. Please follow the link below to apply for your Uganda visa https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/help/visa. Visas can only be obtained on line.

For clients entering Uganda from Rwanda, you will need to apply for East African tourist visa on arrival in Kigali at USD 100. Insist on East African Tourist Visa.

Health

Please ensure you consult with a travel clinic or your physician for the appropriate medication. Usually, this prescription starts a couple of weeks prior to your arrival, and continues for a couple of weeks after your return. Simply put, if you aren’t bitten – you can’t catch malaria. Wearing long sleeved shirts and long trousers after dark will reduce the possibility of being bitten.

Vaccinations and Yellow Fever

We recommend that our guests consult the closest Uganda embassy for current requirements. Your travel clinic or physician can brief you on recommended vaccines. The rules for Yellow Fever vaccination state that entry to Uganda from a Yellow Fever Endemic Zone requires a vaccine. Persons older than 60 or younger than 1 are exempt. Anyone with a letter from a doctor saying that they are unable to take it are also exempt. If entry into Uganda is direct from a non-endemic zone (e.g. Europe, USA, Australia) then no vaccine is required.

Insurance

When making your deposit payment, we strongly recommend obtaining insurance simultaneously to safeguard against unforeseen cancellations, medical evacuations, and luggage loss. Equally crucial is ensuring that your health and life insurance provides adequate coverage for the duration of your safari, including emergency evacuation or repatriation if needed. Currently, we do not offer travel insurance, so it’s necessary to obtain this coverage in your country of origin

Language

English serves as Uganda’s official language, with Kiswahili and Luganda also widely spoken across the nation.

Money matters

Uganda operates on the Uganda Shilling as its primary currency in a predominantly cash-based economy. While US dollars are widely accepted, major credit cards are only accepted at select establishments, primarily larger shops, hotels, and lodges. ATMs are accessible in larger cities nationwide, albeit less common in remote regions and national parks

Where to exchange money

Exchange money only at authorized outlets such as currency Forex bureaus, banks and hotels. Only exchange what you feel you will need while on a Uganda safari. Save all receipts from any currency transaction. You may be asked to produce them when you exit the country, and they are required if you intend to reconvert local currency.

We suggest traveling with some U.S. dollars to be exchanged for local currency and at least two major credit cards. Because of Uganda’s cash-based economy, we suggest you bring enough cash in USD $ (in smaller denominations), to finance your gratuities, purchases and other incidentals.

Which currency rules Uganda

The regulated currency is the Uganda Shilling (ush). Notes are 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20000 and now 50,000, we have coins from a 50,100,200 and 500 and 1000. At this writing, the exchange rate was about ugx 3850 for US$1.

Please avoid bringing US dollar notes printed older than 2009. Uganda does not accept older, written on, or torn notes. Most major hotels in Uganda accept US dollars, Euros, and Uganda shillings, and they also accommodate all major credit cards with a surcharge of 5% to 10%.

Safari guide

Our driver/guides are well-versed in the experience, information, and knowledge of all the areas you’ll visit during your safari. Feel encouraged to ask them numerous questions and engage in conversation about any aspect of your safari journey.

Tipping In Uganda

In Uganda safaris, tipping isn’t customary, but it’s based on your satisfaction. Even a modest tip to express gratitude is greatly appreciated. If pleased with your safari guide’s service, consider

USD10 – 15 per day, and USD 5-10 at upmarket hotels.

Packing List for Uganda/ Gorilla Safaris. Recommended packing list for your Gorilla Trek.

  1. Long Sleeved Shirts
  2. Long Trousers
  3. Waterproof Hiking Sturdy Boots as well as Comfortable Safari Shoes
  4. Sturdy Gardening Gloves
  5. A Rain Jacket/ Poncho
  6. A Safari Hat
  7. Insect Repellent
  8. Warm Sweater
  9. Sun Blocker cream
  10. Walking stick (Normally provided at the park or at the Lodge Free of Charge)
  11. Safari Socks
  12. Hand Wipes
  13. Sun glasses
  14. Anti-Malaria Tablets such as Malarone or Doxycycline.
  15. A pack of toiletries
  16. Batteries for Cameras or Power banks for Phone charging
  17. A small back Pack for your packed Lunches and mineral water while you head for the trek