Travel Info
Getting to Uganda and the rest of east Africa is easy it can be accessed by air as there are many direct flights to Entebbe International Airport and by road from all around the east African countries
Visas
Entry tourist single entry visa is issued directly at the Entebbe airport as long as you have a valid passport at a fee of $50 per person lasting 90 days stay .and if you intend to travel across East Africa it’s advisable to request for the East African Visa which is $100. The following link to https://visas.immigration.go.ug
Currency and credit card usage
Credit card use growing widely but there are few banks that accept them though with limited withdrawals per day mainly with in Kampala. Banks like Standard chartered bank, Barclays, Stanbic Bank, Equity Bank ATMs accept credit card use.
Payments by credit card come with charges between 5–10%, may be more depending on the bank .it’s advisable to carry cash on you and have it changed upon arrival and pay for expenses like the visa and any other tourist activities .most used foreign currencies are US dollars ,Pound sterling ,Euro are easily changed .
Please note: US dollars bills issued before 1999 are NOT accepted in Uganda. Exchanging small dollar bills anything less than $ 50 attracts a lower exchange rate.
Climate
The best game viewing months in Uganda are during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. Primate walks in the forest are a big part of any safari in Uganda. The habitat of rainforests is, by default, very wet and one can’t avoid rain completely. However, after heavy rain, the skies often open up to bright sunshine that’s why it’s the Pearl of Africa.
With global warming, East Africa climate is changing, and hence climate predictability getting more difficult, Uganda’s seasons have not changed much it has remained relatively stable which means you can always take your safari throughout the year with no worry of crowds.
June to August and December to February (All parks)
June to September (It’s rarely crowded, but you’ll need to book your gorilla permits long in advance)
March, April, May, October, November (Some lodges and camps in high rainfall areas close down; roads and forest trails can be in poor condition)
June-July and January-February (Little rainfall)
March, April and May (Peak of wet season)
Accommodation
Most accommodations form between Budget, Mid-range and Comfort or luxury .the budget are basic rooms, dorms, and tents, usually with twin beds and bathrooms are usually shared
The mid-range and Comfort are 3 star, 4 star and 5 five star accommodations five star luxurious hotels most are equipped with the wireless internet, gym, sauna, and bars with a wide selection of wines and spirits, business centers plus conference facilities. Most hotels the rooms are air conditioned and self-contained, equipped with LCD TV screens. Most have Free Room Service and for five star hotels Valet Cleaning Service, 24hr Security, Ample parking space for trucks, salon cars and all sorts of other vehicles, Mosquito Nets will be provided in most hotels.
Climate
Note: The Electricity sockets in Uganda are the British type with three entries. You might need to bring a converter. All lodges and hotels up country have generators or solar panels, although some small lodges and hotels a power might be disconnected between 10-11 pm so it’s advisable to carry a torch.
You need to consider tipping the guide after the trip if you are satisfied with the service. For the gorilla safari, rangers and porters are expecting tips from the whole trekking group. In hotels and lodges, you might give tips to the personnel and porters helping you with luggage or serving you. We recommend the tips being in local currency.
Clothes
It is recommended to wear comfortable and smartly too about protecting yourself against insects, thorns, nettles, pesky branches, soldier ants. Be cautious and carry the following
Insurance
It’s recommended that you have travel insurance covering medical conditions, accidents, cancellations and other casualties. However we can offer insurance packages on demand don’t hesitate to contact us.
Vaccinations
A number of different vaccinations are recommended and required before starting your safari. It’s mandatory to have a yellow fever certificate proving you have had the vaccination. Other Immunizations such as Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Hepatitis A are highly recommended as well.
Malaria is present but it’s important you take anti-malarial tablets before; repellants and long clothing for the evening are recommended. Mosquito nets are provided in all hotels and lodges.
For latest travel information contact us Phil of Africa Safaris we will gladly give you all the info on Uganda freely.