Uganda Travel Advice: Safety Information For Travelers To Uganda.
Do I Need a visa to enter Uganda?
1. You are required to process a tourist visa prior your entry into Uganda. Tourist visas can be bought in advance via the embassy or consulate in your country or simply purchased upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport or at any overland border. Photos are not required and a single entry tourist visa costs US$ 100 per person for up to 90 days stay in Uganda.
2. If you are planning to combine Uganda with a visit to Rwanda or Kenya it is advisable to request for the East African Tourist Visa instead of a single entry visa. This special visa costs US$100 per person and allows 90-days multiple entries to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Regretfully, Tanzania is not (yet) a member of the East African community and therefore not part of this special visa arrangement.
3. For most nationalities, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland, 90-day tourist visas can be purchased on arrival at Entebbe airport for $100, or at the Ugandan Embassy in your home country prior to departure.
4. Your passport must be valid for at least six months following the date of entry.
5. As visa regulations change frequently, please check with the Ugandan Embassy in your country before departure.
What language is spoken in Uganda?
1. English is the official Language, and then Kiswahili is the second national Language.
2. English is widely spoken, especially in Kampala and by those working in tourism.
3. Of over 50 local languages, Luganda is most common in central Uganda but Lunyakitara in western part of Uganda. Swahili is also spoken by many people as a second language.
Is Uganda a safe country for tourists?
Uganda is a very safe country to visit. Although Uganda has lived through an unstable history, the country is safe, stable and hospitable. Ugandans’ hospitable nature is legendary! You will be warmly welcomed wherever you go by the country’s friendly residents.
The most popular National Parks are situated in the south (west) of Uganda and are safe to visit. The border area with Rwanda and DRC remains stable and all National Parks and wildlife reserves are well protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s rangers. Tourism is hugely important for Uganda’s economy and a Tourism Police force has been created to protect visitors.
What other health risks are there?
• Even if you are taking anti-malaria medicines, you should still wear insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and closed shoes. This will also help protect you from other diseases. A number of different vaccinations are recommended and/or required before entering Uganda.
• A certificate proving you have had the Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda. Immunizations against DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio) and Hepatitis A and B are recommended as well.
• Besides bringing mosquito repellent, we also advise you to carry any medications as may be required/advised by your home consulate. All accommodation in high-risk areas will have mosquito nets – be sure to use them.
• Swimming in Uganda’s water bodies( lakes and rivers) is not advised but may be at your own risk –because some carry a high risks of disease like bilharzia.
• Tap water is not suitable for drinking, though bottled water is readily available throughout the country.
• Mountain climbers should familiarize themselves with the symptoms and treatment of altitude sickness. Above 2500m, altitude sickness can affect anyone, irrespective of age, fitness or previous experience. The risk is reduced by slow ascents to enable acclimatization, while the most effective treatment is immediate withdrawal to a lower altitude.
What is the currency?
• The Ugandan Shilling (UGX) is the currency used in Uganda, But the US dollar (USD) is widely accepted and used at shopping areas and Tourist facilities.
• Please note: US dollars bills issued before 2006 are NOT accepted in Uganda. Exchanging low denomination dollar bills (anything less than a USD100 bill) attracts a lower exchange rate
Is Kampala a safe city for tourists?
Kampala is one of the safest capital cities in (East) Africa – although, as anywhere, petty rascals may try and take advantage of people who leave phones and valuables unattended to. Your driver guide will give you all the information you need to make sure your trip is safe and incident-free. Feel free to ask questions in the due course of the Journey.
Should I bring any specialist equipment?
This depends on your interests – for photography, birding and wildlife enthusiasts we recommend the following:
Binoculars1: Waterproof binoculars are great in Uganda as they are also dustproof. For most travelers, stick with 8 or 10 magnification and 32 objective. These will be lighter than the 42 objectives which are heavy to carry all day.
Cameras: Look for something which you know you can handle – a heavy camera with many settings will be off-putting for some people to use. For good wildlife shots, get at least 8x optical zoom. Six to eight megapixels is fine unless you want poster-size photos. Bring a lens cloth to remove dust and several changes of batteries ( you can use rechargeables – not all sites have power points) also take several 1GB memory cards instead of one large one, to avoid losing all your photos if something goes wrong.
What is the best time to travel in Uganda?
• Uganda’s dry seasons are from December/January through to mid-March and from June through to mid-September. These dry months are the most popular with tourists, with July and August and Christmas and New Year being the peak seasons.
• Most rain falls in October-November and April-May. However, this doesn’t mean that it rains all day, nor does it mean it will rain every day. Usually there’s a tropical shower at night or a shorter shower during the day, but in Uganda you can trust that after rain comes sunshine!
• The weather is no reason to avoid travelling in the wet season – you might even consider it because of the easy availability of gorilla permits.
• As in the rest of the world, the East African climate is changing, making it more difficult for us to predict the weather during your safari. However, in Uganda the temperature is very stable and pleasant, with sunshine almost 365 days a year. Duringthe day, the temperature averages between 23 and 27°C, although in some places it can be quite cool at night.
• Uganda enjoys a tropical climate, though the heat is tempered by the altitude, as much of the country is more than 1000m above sea level. Rainy seasons are from March to May, and September to November Dry seasons are from December to February and mid-June to mid-August Average temperatures range from about 16°C (61°F) in the southwestern highlands to 25°C (77°F) in the northwest; but in the northeast, temperatures exceed 30°C (86F).
• One remarkable aspect about Uganda safaris is that whether you travel in the dry, dusty months or in the wet season, you will never find the crowded tourism like in the rest of the East African Counties. If you spot a lion or leopard, it is very likely that you will be the only one to see it – even in peak season!
What is included in the price of my Ugandan or East African safari?
Beyond the sky prices are inclusive of:
• Ground transport in a comfortable four wheel drive (4WD) safari vehicle.
• A visit to all places detailed in the programme.
• The service of an experienced English speaking driver/safari guide
• National Park entrance fees
• Activities as detailed in the itinerary (except for those that are marked optional)
• Overnight in the named accommodations, based on sharing a twin or double room
• Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Government taxes
• Park ranger fees
How can I pay for my safari?
• Once you have confirmed the final itinerary with us, you will be asked to pay a deposit of 30%. Gorilla permits must be paid for in full at the time of booking this is because they are highly demanded and therefore need an advanced purchase. Note that availability of accommodation and permits is not guaranteed until officially confirmed by Beyond the Sky. Accommodation, permit and activity reservations will be made as soon as payment has been received on our account.
• For your convenience, the balance payment of 70% should be settled before the start of your safari. We accept payment by VISA debit or credit card and bank transfer in either US Dollars to our bank account in Uganda. Please note that all bank charges are at the expense of the client.
Clothing
Ugandans and Rwandese appreciate those who dress modestly. Cotton clothing is the most comfortable during the day. Uganda and Rwanda are warm in the plains but often cold in the hilly and mountainous areas; a rain jacket, heavy sweater and boots are therefore essential.
Electricity/Adaptor Plug?
• While most urban areas have electricity, several other areas outside the towns and cities that may be worthy to visit, have limited access to power electricity. Lodges in rural areas will usually have solar panels or generators. This may mean that there is only power at certain times of day, or that plug sockets are limited. Throughout the country, there are could be regular load shedding to keep up with the demand for electricity. These may occur several times a day, and vary in duration – it is recommended to bring a flashlight and a portable power bank. Load shedding will not affect the lodges with solar panels or generators.
• Uganda uses a 240 volts AC 50 Hz square-pin plug, the same as the UK and Ireland, 3-pin (square) sockets.
• Rwanda: 230/240 volts at 50 Hz. 2-pin (round) sockets. It is best to travel with your own adaptor. In all the accommodation facilities we partner with; some of these are provided. Most camps/lodges, even if they do not have power, can make arrangements for recharging batteries. Please consult your guide.
What is EXCLUDED in the price of my Uganda or East African safari?
Beyond The Sky Tours and Travel prices do not include:
International flights (Can be arranged upon request)
• Tourist visa (available at the airport)
• Meals and snacks that are not mentioned in the itinerary
• Beverages (other than the bottled mineral water provided in the safari vehicle)
• Tips and gratuities for safari guides and/or park rangers
• Laundry
• Gorilla trekking or chimp trekking permit
• Optional activities that are mentioned in the program
• Items of a personal nature (toiletries, camera batteries, souvenirs)
• Travel insurance (can be arranged in advance.)
• International payment transaction costs
In most cases, we will specify the extra charge of optional activities in your itinerary. If not, or if it is not clear to you, please contact Beyond the sky tour and Travel Bureau so we can confirm any additional fee(s).
If you have any other Uganda travel advice questions, please contact Beyond The Sky Tour and Travel via email or on Facebook or Follow Beyond on Twitter.
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