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.
Read MoreThings to Know before Renting a Car in Uganda
Although you can tour Uganda extensively by bus, sometimes renting a car in Uganda is the best way to explore to out-of-way villages, historic sites, and verdant countryside. Here are some useful things to know about Uganda car hire;
- Age Restrictions
Minimum rental ages vary by company and range from 18 years. Rules regarding older drivers also vary from company to company. The rules are usually driven by what insurance provider they use. Maximum age limits, when they are present, vary from 70 to 80. Even when no maximum age limit exists, extra charges may apply or insurance clearance may be required prior to renting. In some cases, that may involve providing a doctor’s certificate.
So if you are a younger or older driver, find out the requirements before you make rental arrangements, and be prepared to shop around.
- Transmission Type
The default for most car rentals in the Uganda is automatic and manual. So feel free to rent out what is more comfortable.
- Filling Up
Rental cars may be fueled by petrol or diesel. So find out which one your rental car uses so you select the correct pump when you refuel. Putting the wrong type of fuel in the tank can cause damage that you may be liable for. Almost every Uganda petrol station is not self-serve, so make sure to pay attention. Note that petrol and diesel in the Uganda are sold by the liter rather than the gallon.
- Roundabouts
Roundabouts, circular intersections in which traffic flows around in Kampala an excellent means of keeping traffic moving, but they can be challenging to drivers not used to them. There are a few basic guidelines for navigating roundabouts.
If you are taking the first roundabout exit to the left, stay in the left lane and signal left. If you are taking an exit to the right or going full circle, signal right and enter the roundabout in the right-hand lane. Keep to the right until you need to change lanes to exit and signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want to take.
- Narrow Roads
But there are a few things you should know before driving on such extremely narrow roads.
First, take it slow. Second, pay attention when you pass a widening in the road or a pullout/turnout. Be prepared to back up to those spots when a car approaches from the other direction.
Similarly, if a car behind you seems to be in a hurry, pull into the first widening you come across and allow it to go on ahead.
Third, approach every curve in the road, especially ones where trees block your vision of what’s around the bend, as if another car is definitely approaching.
Fourth, enjoy the scenery! You can plan your trip to avoid narrow roads, but they are often picturesque, and will lead you to quaint villages with welcoming pubs and inns.
- Insurance
As is the case in many other countries, car rental insurance in Uganda can cost more than the basic cost of the car itself. The insurance terminology used may be unfamiliar to you.
Third Party Liability Insurance, is a legal requirement and is generally included in the baseline car rental. This covers accident-related damage to anyone or anything outside the car. Other insurance coverage’s relate to damages to the rental car itself.
Read MoreEssential Tips for Car Rental Pick-Ups and Drop-Offs
Are you considering renting a car? This article brings you the essential tips to consider when picking-up and dropping-off the Car Rental. Whether you are a first-time customer or frequent Car renter in Uganda, the procedure of picking and dropping off vehicles tends to be tricky sometimes. Therefore, here are the essential car rental pick-up and drop-off tips;
Important tips when picking up the rental car
Carry the essential documents
Regardless of how much money you are willing to pay, the Car rental Company has the right to deny you the vehicle if you don’t fulfill some important requirements. For this reason, don’t forget to carry a valid driver’s license, passport of any other valid ID as well as the Credit Card when picking up the Rental Car.
Read and understand the Car Rental Agreement before signing it
At the time of picking the Rental Car, it is important to go through the agreement and make sure you understand each clause before signing it. In the agreement are terms and conditions of the Car Rental, which you have to understand before jumping into putting pen to paper.
The Reservation voucher
Having booked your Rental car already, one of the most important things to pay attention to is the reservation voucher, which provides detailed information on your booking, pick-up and drop-of day, all required documentation, insurance included and other important information. This Voucher has to be presented at the Car rental office.
Payment of security deposit on the Rental Car
Another essential tip for Car Rental pick-ups is related to security deposits, which is money paid to the Company during the Rental period, for purposes of guarantee. However, this shouldn’t worry you as it is not charged as a purchase and is withheld only when the Car is with the client. The full amount is refunded when the car is dropped to the Car Rental Company in a good condition as it was taken. For clarification on Car Rental security deposits, please don’t hesitate to reach us.
Always sort fuel and mileage before taking the Car
Some Car Rental Companies have full-to-full fuel policies while others don’t. However, fuel tanks can be half full or less hence it is always important to work it out with the paperwork. For this reason, feel free to ask from the Car Rental counter whether the Car uses diesel or petrol. Also, don’t forget to check if there’s a mileage limit because some drivers that don’t pay attention to these details get charged extra for driving over a limit they initially didn’t know about.
Also, always inquire on how to use Car features like GPS, Alarm systems, radio, lights and others in you don’t know to avoid breaking them while trying to forcefully operate them,.
Essential tips for car Rental drop-offs
Rental Car inspection
Before you hand over the rental car, their staff will ensure that it is not damaged, scratched or bent in anyway, compared to when they do during pick-up. For this reason, you also have to be keen on inspecting the car before driving off, with photo evidence to avoid been pinned for something you didn’t do. Make sure that you inspect the car together with the Company staff as proof of its condition (this is especially important during unstaffed after-hours’ drop-offs). If possible, go with the copy of the final conditional report and keep it safely until you have received your credit card statement.
Check the drop-off grace period, if any
Some Uganda car rental companies give a grace period of dropping the Car (in terms of time) and it is important to always check and note it because you might be charged an extra fee for going beyond the indicated time.
Fuel tank
Depending on how your reservation was made (full tank or empty), it is always essential to check the fuel level before dropping off the Rental Car. One important factor to note is that Companies have different terms and conditions, whereby some will require a full tank when the car is being dropped off while others don’t. Just check with the Company’s rules and comply accordingly.
The return receipt
When dropping off the Rental Car, the Company’s staff will also print out a receipt, as proof of returning the Vehicle with the exact dates and time. Make sure that this receipt is kept safely to avoid being implicated later.
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Adventure Uganda on Budget
Being the pearl of Africa, Uganda has the best weather year round conducive for travel from one place to another. Tourist attractions in a few kilometer road distance from the international airport at Entebbe. Beaches, gardens, Lakes, and natural forest reserves are the first spotted even to visitors driving on the highway. Other attractions include the national parks, cultural sites, rain forests, waterfalls, Islands etc. While in Uganda moving from one place to another is mostly by road using public or private means of transport, water by ferry or boat and Air using chatter plains. All transport means are privatized and mostly owned by private individuals. Connections can be made any time of day depending on where you heading. However the cheapest way of travelling around Uganda is by bus and Tax though water crossing journeys can be involved at some point and crossing is by boat or ferry especially if you want to visit a stunning island on Lake Victoria. Only five US dollars can move you from Kampala to Jinja using public taxes which are boarded from Kampala Old Park and still drop you to Jinja town.
As you know Jinja is one of the most visited towns in Uganda with many things to do and experience, white water Rafting, Bungee jumping, source of the Nile visit, birding, community walks and cycling, Quad biking etc. Sometimes you get surprised finding that even the night accommodation goes for only $5-15 dollars in tents and dorms at different campsites around the lake. The town is calm with less traffic and worthy resting when it comes to spending some days out of the city. Despite the new changes of former Bujagali falls, the city still attracts many tourists from all over the globe to engage in different adventures including chilling at the Nile watching local cultural dancers. Different buses offer the same service at the same fee leaving Kampala all day from morning to evening. You can get on and off whenever you want along one of their set routes and you can buy ticket as you get into the bus .However buses to western Districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Kasese, masindi are quite more expensive since they drive for longer hours from Kampala. Many travelers use these buses to connect to Uganda national park especially Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park for Gorillas and wildlife safaris tours.
If you heading to Bwindi forest, it’s advisable to wake up quite early and leave Kampala with the first bus which leaves the terminal at 5.00am arriving in Kabale town late in the afternoon a convenient time for you to get other public means of transport to your lodge of residence. The cost is around normally 15-17 dollars one way. Prior bookings for a Uganda safari are recommended in order not to miss out so booking your bus ticket a day before travel makes sense. Backpackers usually travel light and find this transport option the best and convenient for Uganda cheap holidays. Even for practical travel reasons it’s indeed the best since you get a chance to even visit the local groceries ,markets, taste the local meals like a local hence experiencing Africa as locals do. The best way to travel for cheap is to not pay for it but sometimes it’s risky for foreigners to mix up with people they do not know especially in a public transport mean because some locals have funny characters of taking what isn’t there so a foreigner may lose luggage if he or she travelled with a lot of staff.Still Uganda being aland of lakes and rivers, some National parks and cool Islands can only be accessed by boat and ferry means of transport and the advantage with the ferry travel in Uganda, you move along with your vehicle as well unlike in a bus. Murchison falls National Park and Ssese are the main tourism spots accessed by a ferry. Move and discover most of Uganda main attractions by road and ferry
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