Travel to Uganda Guide

Uganda Travel Tips

Best time to visit Uganda:
The general climate condition is good in Uganda all year round with dry and wet seasons, temperatures range between 22 and 270C during day and a little low at night. Light clothes and 1 or 2 jackets can be carried because even when it rains the weather is not that harsh and it rains for an average of one hour. However the western part of the country especially Kabale and Kisoro Districts are some how colder.

Visas:
Visas are necessary for most foreign entrants however they can be obtained either prior to travel or at your point of entry.
Visas can be obtained at the following fees:
Student visas                                        US $ 20
Single entry                                          US $ 50
Multiple entry 6 months                      US $ 100
Multiple entry 1 year                           US $ 200
Inland transit                                       US $ 15


Health/Insurance:
Health Certificates are required on entry, the diseases in question include Yellow Fever and malaria for which vaccination should be taken prior to travel in order to avoid inconveniences. Most Malaria prescriptions can be bought affordably and with ease over the counter in Kampala. For the insurance part, clients are advised to take their Personal insurance.

Official Language:
English is the National language and is widely spoken however, Luganda, Swahili and many other local languages are spoken.

Air Transport
The country’s main hub is Entebbe International Airport. A number of international Airlines operate direct flights to Entebbe, these airlines include, British Airways, SN Brussels, Kenya Airways, KLM, Emirates, South Africa Airways, Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airways, and Emirates. Other Airlines include the Domestic and regional operators. These have scheduled and charter flights to most areas of the country and East Africa as a region.  There are 13 operational Domestic Airfields manned by Civil Aviation Authority and other private Airfields in major towns, and protected areas.

Currency:
Ugandan Shilling is our National currency. However, other currencies like the US dollars, Euro, British Pound or Travelers’ Cheque are acceptable in some places especially hotels and other tourist facilities. Forex Services are available all around town (Kampala) in Forex Bureaus and Banks. Bank and ATM services are provided widely in the Capital and Upcountry, Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, international banks and some restaurants but not widely. You are advised to carry local currency upcountry as you may not get forex services. NB: Old and small bills are charged highly and bills issued before 2000 are not acceptable.

Clothing:
Light clothing, hats, and sturdy shoes are what I can advise you to carry. The sun tends to be in favor for sleeveless tops before and afternoon and long sleeve shirts can save the evening. A sun cream and an insect repellent will be of great help and for those interested in Gorilla Tracking you will be required to have long pants (Jeans) and long sleeved shirts and blouses, rain gear- water proof jacket or rain coat that will protect your cameras from rain. Rain in Bwindi Forest daily is almost a must therefore sturdy shoes are recommended for the steep terrain.

The Uganda travel guide : Facts About Uganda

Uganda is a small land locked East African country located west of Kenya and north of Tanzania, east of DR Congo and South of Sudan. Uganda covers 236,040 sq km of both land and water area. It enjoys a tropical type of climate with abundant rains and two dry seasons (December to February, June to August); semiarid in northeast, the terrain is mostly plateau with rim of mountains. Its elevation extremes go for 621m at Lake Albert as the lowest and the highest point at Margherita Peak on Mount Rwenzori at 5,110m.

Population is estimated at 31,367,972 as per research carried out in July 2008 est. The country is made up of a number of ethnic groups the most used languages are Luganda and English, 66.8% of the population can read and write.

It got its independence on 09th October 1962 and its capital city is Kampala, it survives on $ 29.13 billion GDP with Agriculture has the highest income earner. It has its main Air terminal in Entebbe (Entebbe International Airport), and the National Army is Uganda’s People Defense Force.

Travel to Uganda Guide