UGANDA TRAVEL GUIDE

TRAVEL INFORMATION

 Although life in Uganda has returned to normal after years of instability, Tourism is still in its infancy compared to Kenya and Tanzania and the infrastructure, the availability and quality of services is widely basic. This picture is not only depicted in Uganda but in Africa as a whole. However, We at Abacus African Vacations will do everything possible to ensure that you have the most pleasurable and memorable vacation, even though unforeseen hitches may be experienced from time to time.  Please keep it up and enjoy the more relaxed side of life as it is holiday time!

 

Gorilla Tracking:
This is an exhausting experience and one should be fit to enjoy it and strong walking shoes are recommended. Anyone with signs of communicable diseases like flue, cough or other air-borne diseases will not be allowed to track.
Guides will accompany groups but no porters are available to carry personal belongings. While possession of a gorilla permit is a guarantee of tracking, it cannot be a guarantee of sighting. But the chance of sighting is high - 95% or more. Maximum time allowed with the gorillas is one hour at a minimum distance of 7 meters. Minimum age is fifteen years. 


Flash photography is not permitted so fast film is recommended (minimum 400-1600 ASA). Personal DVD recorders are allowed. Special arrangements need to be made for professional film makers, and filming permits are issued for commercial photography and filming. In Gorilla country, it rains often unexpectedly so we suggest that you bring along, a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, a warm jacket, a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, leather gardening-type gloves, sunscreen, cap or sun hat, insect repellent, sunglasses comfortable day pack for carrying water and minimum amount of personal items.  Cameras and video cameras are allowed, but bring film and batteries from Kampala.

 

Accommodation:

There are accommodations of varying standards throughout the Uganda however the country is still relatively new to international tourism and the experienced traveler may find many hotels, lodges and camps not as luxurious as in some other countries.
Electricity and piped or main water supply may not always be available, though clients will always find a hot shower waiting for them after a long days trek.  In some remote locations, Pit latrines or compost toilets may be found.

Food may be basic, but you are guaranteed of fresh food and a variety of tropical fruits right from the garden which taste so much better than supermarket imports in developed countries.

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ABACUS takes care in booking the best accommodation available for your budget. Most of our prepared itineraries start from Kampala. If you require safari lodge or hotel bookings in Kampala please advise us and we will make the necessary arrangements. Reservations should be made in advance to avoid disappointment.

 

Health and Medical Care:
You must be fit and healthy as more adventurous activities such as white-water rafting mountaineering and hiking, gorilla and chimp tracking, canoeing and kayaking may pose additional risks and should be undertaken with care and caution

Gorillas and chimpanzees are highly vulnerable to human diseases and it is therefore important that you declare all illnesses and seek our advice if you are not sure. National Park Authorities reserve the right to deny access to individuals they consider unfit to participate in any activity.

Anti-malaria tablets and mosquito repellents are essential. Seek advice from your home country on vaccination and prevention requirements. Uganda is part of the Yellow Fever belt and although not always checked by Ugandan Immigration on arrival, a Yellow Fever card is required by law.

 

Medical services and facilities are basic so please bring all personal medications required. Clients are fully responsible for securing adequate medical insurance which should include evacuation cover.

It is recommended that you drink bottled or boiled water only. Sodas, beer and alcoholic beverages are generally considered safe. Coffee and tea, as well as fresh fruit juices, are prepared with boiled water.

 

Airport:
Most guests arrive by air, landing at Entebbe International Airport.  The drive to or from Entebbe and Kampala City is approximately 45 minutes. We can organize transfers to and from the airport for any size group.

 

Airlines:
Several airlines fly to and from Uganda regularly including Rwandair, Air Tanzania, British Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, South African Airways and Brussels Airlines. There are several reputable East African based companies offering internal and domestic air services including Air Uganda, Precision Airlines, Mission Aviation Fellowship, Royal Daisy and Eagle Airlines.

 

Visas:
Tourist visas are available on arrival at Entebbe airport or at the borders at USD $50 for single entry. We recommend clients obtain them on arrival. Uganda follows a policy of reciprocity that is if your Country requires a Visa for Ugandans to enter, Uganda imposes the same. Irish Nationals do not require visas. Contact the airline or your travel agent or please inquire from us at the time of booking to avoid inconveniences.

 

Roads:

Main roads connecting major towns are generally in good condition and regular road works have somewhat improved the road network in and around Kampala. Rural feeder roads however vary in standard and are sometimes not well maintained. Be prepared for long and sometimes bumpy journeys- ‘the African Massage’!

 Four-wheel drive vehicles are required for use up-country, especially in the parks and wildlife reserves during the rainy seasons.  We have a fleet of saloon cars, mini-buses and four-wheel drive vehicles, available on chauffeur driven basis.  Self-drive vehicles other than saloon cars are hard to get. Please ask us for further information and costs. 

 

Climate:

 There is virtually no bad time around the year to visit. Uganda lies on the Equator which gives it an ideal climate with minimal variation. There are two rainy seasons from March to April and October to November. Travel is usually slower in the rainy season and trekking even harder. Temperatures are between 21ºC and 31ºC all the year round. Mountainous areas tend to be colder and receive more rain. Temperatures in these areas can go down to 10°C in some months. However Hotels and other facilities are open through out the year.

 

Clothing:
Light cotton clothing with a sweater or jacket is enough all year round for most of Uganda. In the hilly and mountainous areas, waterproof jackets or ponchos, strong waterproof walking boots and warmer clothing or heavy sweaters will be required in the evening. Informal dress is not unusual, although Ugandans generally prefer modest clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari.  Don’t forget to bring a hat and sun protection, along with a swimsuit if need be. Please ask for further details at the time of booking for specific areas.

 

Security:
Occasional security issues may arise as in any other developing country. ABACUS maintains up-to-date information on all parts of the Country and will advise you at the time of booking if there are risks in particular areas. Basic caution should be taken as in all places it is not wise to leave expensive jewelry, money or bags unattended to. Most hotels and lodges have safe boxes available for use. If safely boxes are unavailable, always carry your documents, traveler’s cheques, cash and other valuables with you at all times or leave them in the possession of ABACUS AFRICAN VACATIONS. If you leave your travel documents behind, always move with a photocopy. Also we can arrange the safe custody of your passport and Air-ticket in our offices on request. 
We strongly recommend that you do not walk alone late in the night, but instead use a taxi. Guard yourself and your valuables as you would anywhere else in the world.

 

Photography:
It is only polite to request people before taking photographs however it is not permitted at any time to take pictures of, or near, military buildings or soldiers.
Film and other photographic accessories are available in Uganda. Fast film (400-1600 ASA) is recommended for gorilla tracking and forest walking. For digital photography, it is recommended that you bring extra batteries and a car charger. If you have special requirements, then we suggest that you come with the necessary equipment.

 

Most Hotels and Lodges will have facilities for battery recharging of visual and audio equipment. Feel free to confirm in time. Some types of film are available in many of the lodges but we recommend that you bring films and batteries with you or buy them in Kampala. There is no charge for photography cameras and personal video recorders, but there may be a charge for commercial filming and photography in some places. ABACUS is not responsible for such fees. High-speed film is recommended for gorilla photos and high altitude filters are best during mountaineering. 

 

Binoculars:

A pair of binoculars is quite useful for up close game viewing or bird watching so do not forget to carry them.

 

Internet and Telephone

Internal and international telephone communication is good from Kampala but can be problematic in some rural areas. Uganda has a good mobile phone network in most of the country though the network can be weak in some remote areas nonetheless local SIM cards can be bought throughout the Country. Also, international roaming facilities are available.
Internet services are widely available in Kampala at internet cafes, and most major towns will have access, although the quality and speed of the connection may vary. All our drivers and guides have mobile phones and keep in touch with the Head Office throughout the safaris. Airtime can be purchased for your use or the driver/guides' mobile phones if need arises.

 

Electricity:

Uganda: 240 volts. 3-pin sockets. We suggest that you bring your own adaptor. Most hotels, camps and lodges can make arrangements for recharging batteries. Please ask us on booking if you have any specific requirements.

 

Alcohol:

Several brands of local and international beer are available, leading local beers include: Bell, Club, Pilsner and Nile Special beers while Guinness, Heineken and most spirits and wines are imported and are readily available. However drinking and driving is prohibited and purchase and use of alcohol under the age of 18 years is also illegal.

 

Currency:

The currency used is the Uganda Shilling (Ug.shs). Coins are issued for smaller denominations of 50, 100, 200 and 500 shillings. Bigger amounts of 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 Uganda Shillings are issued in notes. 
US dollar, GB Pounds, EURO and Yen are readily exchangeable. Large US dollar bills attract the best exchange rates. Currency exchange rates are not constant and are posted at all banks and forex bureaus around Kampala, in major up-country towns and in the local newspapers.  The rate as of Feb 2010 was US$1 = 2000 Uganda Shillings and GBP1 = 3091 Uganda Shillings.  There are no restrictions on other international currencies. We recommend that you change money in Kampala prior to your safari where more favorable rates are offered. Trying to change money upcountry can be frustrating and the rates are low.
ATM machines are available in Kampala and most offer access to international banks and cards. You may need to have your PIN number, so do not forget it.

NB: US Dollar bills pre-2000 are most often not accepted in Uganda or are exchanged at a less favorable rate. Old foreign currency notes may be rejected. Please ensure you bring with you new or notes in excellent condition with no stains or tears.

 

Traveler’s Cheques:

These are accepted in Kampala, but at a less favourable rate than cash.  Most hotels and lodges up-country will accept TCs although rates are generally poor.
Abacus African Vacations does not take Travelers Cheques for services but banks and forex bureaus do accept them; thereafter you pay cash to our office.

 

Credit Cards:

VISA MASTERCARD and AMEX may be accepted at a few establishments in Kampala and some up-country hotels and lodges. Kindly note that credit cards are not widely accepted and most organizations reserve the right to levy a surcharge on credit card transactions, usually 7 - 9% on top of the original cost. ABACUS accepts only VISA cards and levies a surcharge of 5% in addition to the cost to be paid BUT this Visa Transactions are accepted only for safaris that are to start in 2 weeks time!

 

Banking:

Several international banks operate in Uganda including Barclays, Standard Chartered, Stanbic, and Citi Bank.  Many local banks and forex bureaus also operate across the country.  Generally the banking hours are 8.30 am to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday.  Some institutions are open longer hours and on Saturdays 8.30 am to midday. 
There are no legal restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and currency is easily convertible. 

 

Begging/Donations:

It is not recommended to give money to street children beggars or beggars as this only worsens the culture of begging and dependency. Donations can be made to established international and local charities that work with the homeless, street children and orphans. We can arrange visits to these local projects and organisations on request.

 

Tips/ Gratuities:
Ugandans tip according to level of service and there are no fixed or assumed rates. Culturally people may not feel it right to openly show their appreciation for money given, however salaries are generally low in Uganda compared to neighboring tourism destinations and all tips are greatly appreciated. Tips are very personal so feel at ease to ask management for advice.

 

Drinking Water:

For your health, we strongly recommend that you do not drink spring or tap water.  Most restaurants and hotels provide boiled drinking water, or you can alternatively choose from several available brands of mineral water. 


Foods: 
Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables are plenty throughout the country.  A wide range of dishes, both traditional and international, are served in the hotels and restaurants.  If you have any dietary limits, please do advice in advance.  And if you need to have yellow mustard or black pepper to enjoy your meal, you can buy it in large supermarkets around Kampala. 

 

Health Requirements:

Certificates may be required for vaccinations against yellow fever. Check current medical advice on typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. But these diseases are not very common, so do not feel obliged to spend a lot of money on injections. The malaria risk is general, and prevention measures should be undertaken. It is advisable to start anti-malarial medications 10 – 14 days before arrival and continue with the same for two- three weeks thereafter. 

 

Language: 

The official language is English but Kiswahili and Luganda are commonly spoken.  Actually in Uganda over 40 languages are spoken!

 

Luggage:

Airlines will offer you 20-40 Kgs, or two pieces, of luggage on most flights. It is preferable for you to use soft luggage as space in vehicles is limited. If you come with winter clothes, we can arrange for their storage for you will not need them on safari.

 

Sports Facilities: 

There are a variety of sports available in the Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja, Mbarara, Mbale city centres – squash, golf, tennis, Football etc. Fishing on Lake Victoria or the Nile River is popular.  White water rafting, Kayaking and canoeing have been introduced on the River Nile.  Whitewater rafting on the Nile from Jinja is considered the best one day trip. 

Mountain climbing:
Climbing and hiking are popular in the Rwenzori Mountains and on Mount Elgon. Keen climbers will want to check out the Virunga Volcanoes and Mount Moroto. You can bring your own climbing equipment or hire on site. For special interest itineraries, please do not hesitate to inquire from us.