Uganda Travel InformationDetail about Visiting Uganda an Uganda travel informationWe have made a big website full of Uganda travel information for visitors and travelers and on this page we have decided to give whoever wants this information in brief. While other websites give scattered information, we have made ours brief, concise and accurate. But if you want it in full just follow our left navigation bar and enjoy yourself to the fullest. Uganda Top-Rated Hotels 3. Sambiya River Lodge Murchison Falls National Park 4. Hotel Le Petit Village Kampala List of Other 450 Top Rated Hotels in Uganda Uganda Top-Rated B&Bs / Inns 1. Mamba Point Guesthouse Kampala List of All Top -Rated 400 B&B / INNS in Uganda Uganda Top-Rated Things To Do 1. Adrift Adventure Raft on the Nile Jinja 2. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Uganda 3. Source of the Nile Speke Monument Jinja List of All 120 Top Rated Tourist Activities in Uganda Uganda Top Rated Restaurants List of All other 105 Top Rated Restaurants in Uganda Cheap Airfare To Uganda Your List of Cheap Airfare to Uganda Uganda Hotel Deals Your List of Uganda Hotel Deals Uganda Vacation Packages And Hotel Deals Your List of All Uganda Vacation Packages and Hotel Deals Uganda Travel Forum Uganda Visitors and Travellers Forum / Uganda Travel Experts Uganda Travel - Before You Go Uganda Travel Travellers and Visitors Guides Uganda Travel Photos Share on Our Uganda Photos and Images Uganda Travel Videos Law and order in Uganda When you are traveling as a visitor, the laws of Uganda apply to you too. Never assume that because you are a foreigner, you are immune to Ugandan laws. In fact as soon as you land in Uganda ,you are subject to the Uganda’s laws, rules and regulations. Arrival and departure at Entebbe Airport: You will arrive by air, landing at Entebbe International Airport where you will get into a taxi or a public matatu.If you book in advance you will be able to get somebody to wait for you at the airport. Click here for more information on arrival and departure from this airportUgandans are friendly, they will take you as long as you know how to haggle for the price. Accommodation: Of recent Ugandans have embarked on construction of good structures for tourists.A number of good hotels are available to choose from to suit every budget. Elsewhere across the country and in the National Parks, hotels and inns are generally available, but quality of service and quantity of rooms vary greatly. On this website we have managed to grade them in different categories and for you information the price varies, so don’t get worried because these accommodations match whichever budget. . For more information on Uganda hotels just click here Airlines: General Flights Tips: You must check in early to avoid unavoidable circumstances.Get the seats you want by checking in at the earliest time given by the airline. Hand Luggage: If you know your medical conditions, it will be better to keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag and even if you know that you are fine ,don’t take it for granted because anything can happen. On long flights with multiple stopovers (especially if flying via London, L.A. or other major airports), packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags tend to get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don't want to end up stuck without medication, clothes or your important papers even if it is just for a few days. Packing for the flight: Unless you are not a frequent traveler, but if you are one, I’m sure it has ever happened to you. So Split up your valuable bank cards, cash, travellers' cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won't be strapped for cash (unless you have all your bags AND your wallet stolen of course!)Which I think it is impossible..But suppose it happens………. Drinking Water: To be on the safer side, we recommend that you do not drink tap water. Most hotels and restaurants provide previously boiled drinking water. Mineral water is also available. Money and Banking: Don’t be worried for where to get and keep your money, several international banks operate in Kampala including Barclay's bank, Standard Chartered bank and Stanbic bank. Many local banks and foreign exchange bureaus also operate across the country. Generally the banking hours are 8.30a.m to 4:00p.m - Monday to Friday, though some institutions are open longer hours and on Saturdays. There are no longer restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and currency is easily convertible. You can change dollars or pounds into local shillings very easily. And if you come with your ATM especially Visa, you will get money on any machine because other international cards are less recognized in Uganda. Credit Cards: AMEX, Visa and Master Card are only accepted at a few choice establishments and in banks in the cities; you can now use your visa card to draw money from your account in Europe or America. We however advise that you take cash to be on the safer side. Currency: The Shilling is the currency used in Uganda but some hotels will take dollars and pounds in cash. The exchange rates vary from time to time but are readily available from banks and Forex bureaus. Clothing: Light summer clothing supplemented by a sweater or jacket should be sufficient. Usually dressing is informal. Cotton slacks and flat-heeled comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari. Don't forget to bring a hat for sun protection and a swimsuit. Umbrellas and windbreakers are recommended in the wet seasons. Generally Ugandans like decent dressing. You will get much attention from people if you put on transparent dresses especially ladies. Miniskirts are allowed but expect to bear the wrath of onlookers. Don’t move with slippers because Ugandans know that slippers should stop in bathrooms and toilets for that matter you will hardly find any Ugandan on Kampala streets wearing slippers. Foods: Street Vendors Cross country Safaris There is no way to enjoy Ugandan nature without going for a safari .In Uganda we have many tourist attraction .Do you like mountaineering bungee jumping, white water rafting or kayaking. We have a full page about Uganda safari attractions just click here On safari, your meals will be included in your package. Advise us about what you will and will not eat, if you're a vegetarian or have food allergies. The main complaint on most safaris is that the food is so good travelers end up gaining weight. Don't just stick to the Western-style food served in reputable hotels. Know your region's specialty so you can sample it while there. Uganda offer German and Indian,chinese foods as well as great meals made from fresh foods.Click here for more information on Ugandan food Health Requirements for Ugandan travellers: Certificates are required for vaccination against yellow fever. Check current medical advice on typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. It is advisable to start anti-malaria medications 10 days prior to arrival and continue with the same until 14 days after leaving East Africa. Ugandan guests are also encouraged to take make their own insurance arrangements for the time they will be in Africa. You need to consult with your local Doctor for advice on Medication. A well-stocked, sterile medical kit, including painkillers, blister ointment, and adhesive tape is vital. If you're on an adventure trip, such as river rafting on the River Nile, mount rwenzori mountaineering,consider getting basic first aid training first. Language spoken in Uganda: Don’t be confused by anyone there, the official language is English and most people use English to communicate especially to visitors and travelers to Uganda. Though Swahili and Luganda are commonly spoken throughout in Uganda but this is for those who can speak it and the citizens only. Tipping to Ugandans Ugandans are not greedy people and we categorically disagree with those who say that Ugandans like to be tipped. But anyway who doesn’t like free things. Our general recommendation is to tip moderately - in accordance with the level and quality of service provided. The following guidelines are generally accepted practice (per person): Safari guide(s) - US $5 -$10 per day; Camp staff - US $3 - $5 per day, as a pooled tip to be shared among the housekeepers, waiters, bartender, etc.; driver/guides - US $2- $5. For porters and waiters at hotels and for taxi drivers in cities, the customary tip is approximately 10%. (Tipping in US$1.00 bills for porters and waiters is greatly appreciated). The traditional gratuity to safari guides or camp staff is not included in the price of your tour but is completely discretionary. As every good side of people must have some elements of bad people, beware of unscrupulous people who try to exhort extra payment from unwary passengers and travelers just for shuffling their bags around. Photography: The following are our photographic taking tips. Ugandans generally like visitors but when it comes to taking there photos; they start to worry why you want those photos. Before you come you should know that although you may get whatever you want to take photos, and that some types of film are available in many of the shops in the cities, it is advisable to bring films and batteries with you. Do you like birding; a pair of binoculars will prove extremely useful for the keen game viewer. There is no charge for photography cameras but there may be a charge for video cameras in some places like national wildlife education center in Entebbe. Uganda photo taking tips The people you will meet are very friendly and welcoming people but they are extremely sensitive if people take their photograph. We advise that you always ask before you take anyone's picture. Pack lots of film: Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, whose natural resources are rapidly depleting so photograph it while you still can. Pack your favourite ASA100, 200, or 400-speed film. Fuji chromes, because of the heightened Japanese cultural sensitivity to colours and quality. If you are able to, bring at least two cameras: Blowing sand in harsh desert conditions can severely scratch your lens. Plus, if you lose one camera, you'll have a backup. To protect your equipment at all times. Use a zoom-in lens: You won't want to miss close-ups of East Africa's wildlife in its natural habitat. Use 80-400 millimetre lenses with a stabilizing unit built into it if you can. Bring a flash: Night drives through game reserves like the one that is done in Semliki game reserve in western Uganda, afford some of the best pictures, because that's when many of the large predators are most active. Research your destination's culture, history, environment, and geography before you go: You can never know enough. The better you understand a subject, the better you'll be able to capture it in a meaningful way on film. People like Bakiga tribe in southwest Uganda don’t like photo taking so when you take their photos first ask them.In fact they are friendly if you ask they will allow but don’t take their photos without their consent. Rise early and stay out into early evening: Uganda still run on solar rhythms, so the day begins before dawn, fades in the afternoon, and has a second wind in the evening as things cool off. Interact with the locals: By gaining their trust, you will be much more likely to capture the photograph you desire. You can also pick up valuable insights on cultural practices. Walk: On foot it's easier to meet locals and become involved with cultural activities that you want to photograph. Camcorder: You can bring your own own video cameras (or camcorder) to make a lasting record of your trip or Safari experience in Uganda . These days you can get small and amazing video cameras. Video cameras make a great and exciting way to record your good memories of Uganda and all your travels. Travel lightly: Forget the telephoto lenses and backpacks full of gear. Lots of bulky equipment will slow you down and make photographing a burden and you know every minute lost means a lot to a tourist. Choose hotels wisely: If you travel on your own and not with Real Africa Adventures stay as close to the historical centre, major monuments, or markets that you want to visit as possible. The more you can walk, the greater the chance of getting good pictures. Uganda Security tips: Precautions should be taken as in any major city. Unless safety deposit boxes are available in your hotel or lodge, always carry travel documents, travelers cheque's, cash and other valuables with you at all times. We recommend that you do not walk late in the night but instead take a taxi if you have too though Uganda is extremely safe, we can’t garant you safety. Be Safe/Uganda Travel safety Be aware of your surroundings: Ugandans are poor so don’t entice them to steal. Remember that you're a visitor from one of the world's wealthiest countries traveling in one of the poorest places on earth though gifted with all natural beauty that rich countries don’t have, Travel as lightly and as modestly as possible, without flashy expensive jewellery, gadgets and lots of luggage and bags. Don't dangle camera bags or purses on the back of a restaurant chair: You'll invite snatching. Carry only small bags that can be stowed on your lap during dinner or tucked away in your front pants pocket Use a waistband pouch: In pouches you can safely stash money, credit cards, a passport, and airline tickets close to your body, where it's less likely to be snatched. If you lose everything else, you can still eat, get home, and fly without difficulty. Watch your belongings: Most thieves can snatch in seconds. Store equipment on your lap or in a bag with the strap wrapped around your wrist or ankle. Count your bags as they are loaded onto airport vans. Avoid political gatherings or protests: Be smart - even if you're curious, stay away. Both can turn violent quickly. Don't walk around at night with your hands full: Heavy bags slow you down and make you unable to react quickly. Get a trusted local on the safest way to travel at night. Avoid drugs, alcohol, and unprotected sex: Drugs and alcohol hinder your judgment. What's more, unprotected sex - always a serious risk – Uganda in not safe as far as aids scourge is concerned. Any unprotected sex means another step to your grave. Don't hitchhike without a clear guidance: Contrary to advise in some backpacker guidebooks, hitchhiking any African country is a dangerous risk. Only rely on transport recommended or provided by your tour operator or hotel Safari Safety Listen to and stay with your guide: Animals living in game reserves are wild and unpredictable. ● Don't panic: If you come face to face with a lion, don't panic and don't scream. The animals are just as scared as you are if caught off guard. Follow instructions from your guide. ● Don't push your driver to get too close for that last great photograph, he is more experienced than you: ● Don't challenge your driver to prove that it's wise to drive through a pride of lions. Any interference with nature can do you and the animal's possible harm. ● Don't offer a bigger tip to cross that line because that tip can end your life. You must know that “there is no hurry in Africa”.. ● Respect the animals' space: Too many times, the viewers forget that they are the intruders. Stay still and keep the distance instructed by your guide. ● Do not make sudden movements: That can startle a wild animal and charge. Act as your guide advises and keep your movements, slow, controlled, and steady. For more information about wildlife in uganda,here is a book for you that must be read before you go for a wildlife safari Sports Facilities: There are a variety of sports available in the city centres - squash, golf, tennis, etc. Fishing on Lake Victoria or the Nile River, and White Water Rafting from Bujagali Falls mountaineering, bungee jumping is also popular. Arrangements can be made for these activities depending on individual group interests. Climate of Uganda: Some visitors and travelers to Uganda say that it is always summer in Uganda. Uganda enjoys an ideal weather conditions ranging from the warmth of the lowlands to the coolness of the highlands. Temperatures range between 21C and 35C all the year around. You will need to check for up-to-date weather conditions in Uganda on some international weather website. For more information on Uganda climate click here Visas for Uganda: All guests to Uganda must get entry visas make necessary arrangements before they leave their home country. Visas are generally available at all entry points including Entebbe airport but you need to have all the documentation to ease the process.For more information about Uganda visa information just click hereWe have compiled good books about Uganda that you can read to guide you about Uganda and here they are It is a long page but we hope you have found these travel tips useful for you trip to Uganda. Welcome to paradise and enjoy your stay.
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