Frequently Asked Uganda Safari Questions

Frequently Asked Uganda Safari Questions

Frequently Asked Uganda Safari Questions. As a tourist or traveler, you may want to visit a destination with a variety of cultural, primate, and wildlife encounters. Then, Uganda is the destination you are looking for. Therefore, there might arise questions regarding your potential travel to Uganda. Don’t worry, in this article, Safari Vacations and Travel Services will answer all your questions. And, below are some of them;

Can I stay in touch with my people at home whilst on a trip?

If you have a compatible cell phone, you can always purchase an inexpensive SIM card widely available throughout the country. Uganda’s international dialing code is +256. Also, many lodges where you’ll be staying have an internet connection. This will thus help you stay in touch with your loved ones via social networks.

Is Uganda a safe Country?

Generally, many have realized that Uganda is a stable and safe country with low crime rates. However, travelers should avoid getting closer to the borders say DR Congo and Southern Sudan. This is due to the clashes that happened before.

What is the best time to visit Uganda?

You can visit the country can be visited at any time of the year. However, excursions like mountaineering and gorilla tracking can be challenging in the rainy seasons. Also, valley parks for example Kidepo and Semuliki let alone roads to Kitgum, Kagadi, etc can be impassable during the rainy season.

How big are the travel groups?

Each vehicle can take a maximum of 7 people but for comfort, the number is 6 people per vehicle. Also, we can always schedule another car for numbers 8 and above. If you don’t have a problem with it, you can travel with a safari van or minibus carrying more than 10 people. But, luxury safari vehicles have a limit of 7 individuals to carry.

As a single client, can I go on a trip alone?

Yes, a single client can travel alone for as long as he/she wishes. If you are an introvert or one that prefers privacy, you can do a tour. However, single clients can also join any of our available groups. This helps him/her to reduce costs as the group shares the costs of car hire, fuel, and driver guide fees. This therefore makes the trip not only much more affordable but better still, interactive!

What type of vehicles do you offer for travel?

All our tours are planned using 4×4 open-roof Toyota Land Cruisers or safari vans in very good and working condition. The vehicles get bigger depending on the size of the group traveling. However, we can always arrange for 4WD open-roof Land Cruisers at a little additional cost, if it is your wish.

How do I pay for my trip?

To confirm your trip, you need to make a bank transfer through our bank account or pay by credit card. Therefore, after getting a quote for your requested dates and activities and confirming that you’d like to proceed with the tour, we’ll send you an invoice with the details.

What are the requirements for Gorilla tracking?

A gorilla tracking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority with an official stamp is the first requirement. Also, You need to be in good shape physically and mentally. You also need a passport copy, drinking water, and a small bag to carry your picnic lunch. Again, you need Good, comfortable, and proper hiking shoes, Rain gear, Long-sleeved shirts, and long trousers. You may as well carry Sun screen sunglasses, a hat, and Hand gloves. Gorilla tracking can sometimes become hectic so it is advisable to hire a porter or two to take care of your stuff/backpack.

Is tipping a must?

The issue around tipping is kind of complex. As a custom, there is no set or standard amount that one should give as a tip. This is regardless of the respective destinations of visit. however, it is usually expected as a sign of appreciation for good service in lodges, bars & restaurants, and permanent tented camps. Also, safari guides depend on tipping for a large part of their income. So, be sure to bring extra cash for tipping your guide at the end of your safari.

Are there further health concerns?

Travelers should carry their drugs and preventive medicines. We suggest that you carry Anti-malarial tablets are highly throughout the Country. Chloroquine does NOT protect against malaria in Uganda. We recommend that you bring medicine for diarrhea and also carry sunblock and sunglasses for protection from harmful sun rays and anti-bacterial hand wash/wipes. Please purchase travel insurance before you begin your trip, including medical evacuation in case of an emergency. Avoid swimming in Uganda’s lakes as they carry a high risk of bilharzia.

Do I need any vaccinations for my visit?

A yellow fever vaccine is a requirement and please bring your certificate with you. We also recommend that you bring Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, and Typhoid vaccines. A rabies vaccination is paramount for anyone who expects to be in close contact with animals or a very remote area. Please note that some of these vaccinations take a course of injections yet others take several days to take effect. It is advisable to visit your doctor as soon as possible before travel.

What is the common language to use in Uganda?

British English is the official language spoken and taught in schools in Uganda. In cities and for those working in the tourism industry, most people speak English. Most people speak Swahili as a second language. Also, there are other multiple local languages that Ugandans speak in the country with Luganda being the most common.

Do I need a visa to get into Uganda?

This is one of the Frequently Asked Uganda Safari Questions. You can obtain the visa in two ways. Firstly, by applying for one at the Ugandan Embassy in your home country before departure. Secondly, by purchasing a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport at $50. As visa regulations keep changing, please double-check with the Ugandan Embassy in your country before departure.

Will I have access to Electricity all the time?

Few areas outside towns and cities have electricity. Upcountry lodges normally operate on solar power or generators. So, there is only power at certain times of the day, or that plug sockets are few. Uganda uses 240 volts AC 50 Hz square pin plug, the same as the UK and Ireland. You may also need a surge protector for items like laptops.

How much money do I need to bring on the tour?

Normally for meals, an estimate of $20 pp per day can do. However, you also need some extra cash on you to cater for items of a personal nature like souvenirs to take back home, wines, a little shopping e.t.c if you so wish. The amount to be set aside for such items entirely depends on your budget.

Are credit or Debit cards accepted?

This is one of the Frequently Asked Uganda Safari Questions. Visa is more widely accepted especially in hotels and big shopping stores around the city, followed by MasterCard. Other credit cards are unlikely to work. Alert your bank before using your card abroad to avoid it from being blocked. ATMs are common in major towns although it is advisable to withdraw or exchange foreign currencies whilst in Entebbe or in Kampala where banking services are very reliable and efficient.

What is the preferred currency in Uganda?

The most common currency in Uganda is the Uganda Shillings. Also, please note that the country is a cash-based society and that the Uganda Shilling cannot be purchased outside the country. However, foreign currencies like the US Dollar, GB Pound, and the Euro also work. meanwhile, most hotels, safari companies, and airlines are the ones that accept such currencies. The US Dollar is the most popular foreign currency but please note that Dollar bills should be above the 2003 series. Also, it should have no tears/damage in any way. To keep your money safe, please wear a money belt.

What is Uganda’s climate like?

This is one of the Frequently Asked Uganda Safari Questions that most tourists should reflect on. Uganda has a tropical type of climate whereby it is generally rainy during the year. The country experiences two dry seasons that is from December – February.  Another one runs from mid-June – mid-August. Rainy seasons (long and short rains) are from March–May, and September – November. The amount of rainfall Uganda usually receives is from 100 mm – 200 mm.

Uganda is a landlocked country, which the equator crosses. Uganda has both large and small lakes such as Lake Victoria, Lake Kyoga, Lake Edward, Lake George, and Lake Albert, among others. Average temperature ranges from 16°C in the southwestern highlands to 25°C in the northwest. Temperatures in the northeast exceed 30°C. Therefore, most of the savannah parks receive less rainfall, even during the rainy season. These include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park.

How can I tell that I am expected upon arrival?

After you have cleared all the customs and immigration formalities and also claimed your baggage, please proceed to the exit. As soon as you get through the exit, our representative or your driver guide will be waiting for you. Meanwhile, he’ll be holding a sign bearing your name and the name of the company.

Plan your Uganda Safari

After having adequate knowledge about Uganda travel necessities, it’s time to plan your trip. Do you have an interest in gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, or overall primate trekking? Do you want to visit Rwanda and Uganda on the same trip? Here we’re to help you quench your safari thirst. Contact us for any kind of amazing safari packages at affordable prices. Therefore, book your favorite safari.