Things To Know When Visiting Uganda
Boasting its distinct array of tourist destinations and diverse experiences, Uganda is one country with plenty for everyone to enjoy. Think of a destination to experience the off-beaten track adventures, and think not beyond Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Think of that one thrilling primate adventure, wildlife expedition or unique cultural experience, and a road trip to Uganda will have you covered. Visit the finest parks in Africa on a Uganda safari, explore great apes from mountain gorillas, and golden monkeys to chimpanzees and combine your primate experience with the big five encounters, watch countless antelopes and diverse bird species.
Visiting Uganda for the first time? Here are some of the most amazing tips to help you enjoy your visit to Uganda, The Pearl of Africa.
Location, Where is Uganda?
Uganda straddles in East Africa, a landlocked country sharing borders with countries like Kenya to the East. To the North, there is South Sudan, to the Southwest find Rwanda, the DRC to the West, and Tanzania to the South. It shares the vast and scenic Lake Victoria with other East African countries including Kenya and Tanzania.
Uganda is situated within the Great Lakes Area, the Nile Basin and experiences the modified Equatorial climatic conditions. 4 major regions make up Uganda, the Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern.
Currency used
The commonly used local currency in Uganda is ‘Uganda Shillings’ with the symbol ‘UGX’ and Bank of Uganda is the only entity mandated to mint, distribute/destroy currency in Uganda. Ugandan currency has different denominations both coins and notes. The coins are available in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shs, and banknotes range from 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20000 to 50000. The currency exchange rate stands at 1 USD =UGX 3680; 1 EUR =4052. The exchange rate varies from one forex bureau to another. Please note, that the best exchange rate is done in Kampala the capital.
Visa and entry
A visa is an essential tool a visitor requires to have access to a country. Like any destination, you need a visa to enter Uganda for your vacation or business and other reasons. A single entry visa is issued at USD 50 per person, and multiple entry visas are issued at USD 100 per person. If you plan to visit more than 2 East African destinations for instance Uganda and Kenya, you can also obtain the East African tourist visa. The East African Tourist Visa allows tourists to visit more than two countries without obtaining another visa.
Language and religion
Over 50 tribes live in Uganda, with diverse languages spoken. There are 4 major ethnic groups living harmoniously in Uganda, the Nilo Hamites, Nilotics, Bantus and Hamites. The Bantu are the biggest tribal group and concentrates around Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro, Tooro, Ankole, Kigezi and Bugwere, etc.
However, the official language is English and currently, there is an addition of Kiswahili. In Central Uganda, Luganda is widely spoken and in Western Uganda –mainly Runyankole and Bakiga are commonly spoken.
Electricity plugs
The plug types in Uganda come in 3 rectangular pins/patterns. The voltage supply is 240V and 50HZ. Uganda’s electricity system is rooted in the British style.
Health tips
A yellow fever vaccination and other vaccines should be taken before you travel for a vacation in Uganda. Aside from the yellow fever vaccination, you also required to vaccinate against polio, chickenpox, hepatitis, typhoid, and others.
Landmarks in Uganda
Uganda is a rich destination with a variety of unique physical features including valleys, forests, mountains and water bodies. The places to visit on a safari in Uganda include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Lake Victoria, and Source of the Nile River, waterfalls and cultural sites.
Amazing experiences to enjoy on a vacation in Uganda: mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, game/wildlife viewing, bird watching, nature walking, mountaineering, hot air balloon, and others.
When to visit Uganda for a holiday?
Uganda is open to guests all year round, but the dry season is the most preferred time. The dry months come with favorable weather conditions, perfect for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, mountaineering, hiking and other primate adventures. The dry season starts from June, July, and August to September.
What to carry
You need to pack right for your vacation and consider essentials first. The packing list for your Uganda safari: light safari clothes (long-sleeved shirts, trousers, rain jacket, socks), waterproof hiking boots or shoes, valid passport, gardening gloves, camera, first aid kit, sunglasses, pair of binoculars, safari hat, and others.
Where to stay/ Accommodation
Regardless of the destination you choose to spend your vacation, there are accommodation options to consider for a night stay. You can book a budget, midrange and luxury safari lodges, hotels and camps. The top lodges to book for overnight stay include Chobe Safari Lodge, Bakers Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Kigambira Safari Lodge, Lake Mburo Lodge, Primate Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge and others.
Getting there/around
Getting around the country is easy with different transport systems from boda bodas, cubs, taxis, and buses to charter flights. These are all good to take you around, but the best way to get around is to rent a car in Uganda and take a road trip. Hire a car that suits your trip type and we have all kinds of rental cars to make your vacation memorable.
