Uganda Travel Tips and Advice for Visitors
Uganda Travel Tips and Advice for Visitors
Are you planning to go on a Uganda safaris adventure to trek mountain gorillas or for wildlife viewing and you are not sure of what your safari may require or what to expect? Planning a successful safari in Uganda requires a process and more than just a desire. To achieve this, make informed decisions. Keep these travel tips in mind before you embark on your journey to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. They will provide you with a wealth of information about this magical country, enriching your experience.
Why visit Uganda
Uganda is remarkably one of Africa’s most bio diversity safari destinations making it a few leading travel destinations. It is dubbed the pearl of Africa the fact that it holds nearly all that Africa has to offer to the world a reason it shouldn’t miss out in your travel plan. Uganda is a host to diverse wildlife species including the rare mountain gorillas which today remain not more than 1004 individuals, half of which thrive within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
On Uganda safari, you also have opportunity to catch a glimpse at the big African game-the African elephants, Cape buffaloes, Rhinos, Leopards, Lions plus tree climbing lions as well as giraffes, zebras, warthogs, over 5000 chimpanzees, antelopes, birds that make up about 10 percent of world’s incredible bird species. Besides, don’t miss to explore the mighty source of the Nile at Jinja and be part of the adrenaline adventures. Due to its strategic location a stride equator, Uganda also has the best climate that makes it an all year round safari destination.Uganda Travel Tips and Advice for Visitors
How to prepare for a safari to Uganda
Planning for African safari to Uganda requires you to prepare adequately and you can make things easier for yourself by contacting reservationist at safari vacations and Travel services and your dream will come true. Before embarking on safari, make sure that you do some reading as a way to get some knowledge about where you are heading to or spare some time and watch some wildlife views like Gorillas in the Mist.
While on Uganda safari, there are a number of things for to enjoy and they include mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, birding, nature walks, golden monkey tracking, cultural tours, city tours a mention but a few.Uganda Travel Tips and Advice for Visitors
Safety tips
Staying safe while on a Uganda safari is something very significant for every traveler. Keep in mind that regardless of the fact that peace and security has prevailed for long in Uganda, you have to be very keen on what is in and around you. Avoid as much as possible walking at night/dark corners. Keep your valuables safe and at a hotel then carry the amount you know you can spend in a day. Do not display your money and don’t go for self-drive on bad roads.Uganda Travel Tips and Advice for Visitors
How to get to Uganda
Entebbe International Airport is Uganda’s main entry point and the interesting part of it is that there are many airlines that serve this airport. From here, you either set off by road or by air to your dream destination. By air, you can take a flight from Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe Airport and land into airstrip near your dream destination in Uganda. If your plan is to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park then you can land into Kisoro or Kihihi airfield. For wildlife enthusiasts on Uganda wildlife safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park the nearby airstrips include Kasese/Mweya and many others.
Packing list for Uganda safari
Depending on what your travel interests are in Uganda, you are required to pack appropriately for your safari holiday. If you are or gorilla tour, the following items should be a must in your packing list;
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Insect repellent
- Gardening gloves
- Long sleeved shirt/t-shirt
- Hat
- First aid kit
- Sun screen
- Camera with no flash light
- Day pack
- Sweater
- Sun glasses and many others.
Uganda tourist visa
A visa is one most significant travel document any intending traveler should have if you are to pay a visit to Uganda. You can obtain one on arrival at Entebbe Airport which is the main entry point. Apply for one online before embarking on actual trip. You may also need the East African tourist visa is a single entry visa that allows you to explore at least two or more East African states while on safari.
Electrical current
Uganda’s standard voltage is 240 volts, requiring a UK plug. A converter plug can be purchased locally for compatibility. To preempt any potential power-related inconveniences, it is advisable to opt for accommodations like hotels or lodges equipped with standby generators. This ensures a seamless experience without any disruptions.Uganda Travel Tips and Advice for Visitors
To sum up, Uganda stands as one of the most sought-after safari destinations in Africa. To ensure a successful holiday, it’s imperative to take the above tips into consideration.
Our guests place their trust in us to deliver enriching off-the-beaten-track adventures, wildlife viewing safaris, and tailored gorilla trekking experiences aligned with their interests, travel dates, and budgets.
Money tips
Visitors to Uganda should note that the country primarily operates on a cash-based system, with the Ugandan shilling serving as the predominant currency. Nevertheless, other currencies like the US dollar and pound sterling are also accepted. It’s crucial to highlight the abundance of forex bureaus in and around urban areas, providing a convenient means to convert your currency into Ugandan shillings for seamless transactions, particularly in local markets or when making purchases along the way. Credit cards and travelers’ cheques are accepted in Uganda, but they are not as commonly used as cash. Visa ATM cards and Mastercard are viable options, albeit limited to a few banks. The key takeaway here is that Uganda relies heavily on cash transactions.
Health tips
There are no health cases registered for visitors on Uganda except intestinal discomfort. However, you need to take note of the set precautions prior embarking on actual trip and after your safari. You may need to have yellow fever immunization certificate and also immunize against other diseases like Hepatitis A and B, Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria and others. You also need some anti-malarial tablets and avoid taking tap water as much as possible.
Where to eat out
Not everything should be eaten and not every place is worth eating from. But most importantly, there are many restaurants and good hotels in and around Kampala and classic lodges in national parks where you can eat from while on Uganda safari.
Tipping
Tipping isn’t a crime and despite the fact that Uganda doesn’t have that culture of tipping, your tip therefore means a lot to a person who receives it. Your tip plays a significant role as it helps such persons to meet some of their basic needs the fact that what they earn at end of the month or in a day isn’t sufficient to cover all the basic needs back home. While on Uganda safari, you can tip the waitress, waiter, driver guide and any service provider that made your trip to be successful.
Safari vacations and travel services designs itineraries in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC with over 10 years of experience and we are proud of our reputation for executing some of the most highly-rated vacation experiences. Our local consultants plan with you your preferred itinerary using expert ground knowledge. We take care of all the local logistics like permits, accommodation, and transport. And also, manage your entire trip, from start to finish.
For inquiries, advice on how to plan for this safari, booking the hiking permits; organizing transport and accommodation, get in touch with safari vacations and travel services, we help you to avoid inconveniences after landing for the safari.
