Travel Tips: Uganda

BORDERS                 :    Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
CAPITAL                   :    Kampala
LANGUAGES             :    English and Luganda
CURRENCY               :    Ugandan Shilling UGX
COUNTRY CODE       :    +256
NETWORKS              :    Orange, MTN, Airtel, Warid and UTL (Uganda Telecom Limited)
MUST TO SEE & DO  : Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
                                        Murchison Falls National Park Safari
                                        Chimpanzee Trekking
                                        Mountain Gorillas at Bwindi National Park
                                        Source of the Nile –Jinja
                                        Lake Bunyonyi
                                        Rwenzoris Mountains
                                        Grade five white water rafting on the Nile
CLIMATE                   : Rainy (March – May), (October – November)
                                      Dry (December – February), (June – September)
ELECTRICITY            :    East Africa has a standard electricity voltage of 230/240 with 3 pin square sockets, (British standard).

 

GETTING THERE
All depending on which country you are coming from as to what form of transport you take. Here is a guide to help your planning go more smoothly:

By air:
A number of international airlines fly into Entebbe International Airport:

• British Airways
• Kenya Airways
• KLM
• Emirates Airlines
• Qatar Air
• Air Uganda
• South African Airways
• Brussels Airlines
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Egypt Air

Arriving:
You arrive at Entebbe International Airport, on arrival you are expected to complete a landing card. Usually they are given to you onboard so you can complete before landed, but sometimes the Airlines aren’t given the landing cards in time.

Once landed and with your completed landing card, you need to make your way to one of the 3 lines ahead of you, they are “Visa required”, “No visa required”, “EA Travellers”.

You can apply for a 3month visitor’s visa on arrival, they cost $50us, make sure you have a $50US note printed after 2006.

From there it’s straight forward, collect your bags and proceed to the arrivals hall. NOTE::: once you leave the arrivals hall and proceed outside you cannot return in the same door. You have to go around and recheck in through security. So if you’re looking for the personal collecting you, we advise you stay in the arrivals hall and phone them before proceeding outside.

By road:
Uganda can be entered by road from Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan, Rwanda and DRC. Immigration should be processed at land border stations. Three month visitor visas are available at all boarders for $50US.

By rail:
There are no passenger trains operating in or out of Uganda.

VISAS
Visitors to Uganda are required by law to have passports with validity of not less than six months and prerequisite visas. You can obtain your visa at the Uganda High Commission or at the border. Single entry costs $50USD.  If you are planning on staying past 3months you will then need to visit the Department of Internal Affairs and complete the appropriate paperwork to extend your stay in Uganda. If this is the case, make sure you have an up-to-date police check from your home country.


CURRENCY
Uganda’s currency is liberated therefore money is freely changed at banks, forex bureau, and at the Hotels. It is advised that you check exchange rates regularly, and that you exchange your currency at banks or licensed foreign exchange bureaus – avoid street dealers altogether. Major Credit Cards arewidely accepted and Banks at international airports operate 24-hour service.

HEALTH
You need to have yellow fever vaccination and proof of it when you enter any border. However, they do not always ask for proof on entry. Carry along some anti-malaria tablets. Avoid foods and drinks from backstreet vendors. Only drink bottled water with the seal still in tacked.

SECURITY
Uganda, like any other country, has its share of crime and there are a few basic rules you can observe to avoid unpleasant situation(s). Avoid carrying large sums of cash and do not display jewellery or valuables. Do not walk through unlit areas at night. If you are using private taxi hire agree on the price BEFORE getting into the car. Keep up with the news, if you hear of any unrest ie: riots or demonstrations keep well away from the areas affected.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
If you need to contact the Fire department the number is 112, for Ambulance and Police the number is911.

HOSPITALS& CLINICS
If for any reason you find yourself at Mulago Hospital, find a way out. There are a couple of good private hospitals in Kampala.
IHK – 031 220 0400
The Surgery - +256 752 756 6003
Case Medical Centre – 031 225 0362

UGANDA GOVERNMENT
Government offices operate from 08.00 to 17.00 hours from Monday to Friday, but are closed on weekends and public holidays.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Restrain from taking photos of people without permission and government installations filming is prohibited. You may bring any reasonable amount of personal effects together with cameras and any amount of film duty free. Film is usually available at most game lodges but stocks are usually few and of the common sizes and brands. Ensure you have a good supply of batteries for your camera, as these are seldom available when on safari.

TIPPING
A service charge is usually included in all tariffs, however tipping for exceptional service is always appreciated and is largely at your discretion. Customary tips for bar service and room porters are 10% whereas restaurant tariffs that exclude service charge will anticipate a 5-10% tip.

TELECOMMUNICATION & ELECTRICITY
East Africa has a standard electricity voltage of 230/240 with 3 pin square sockets, (British standard). Telephone and faxes services are available at the hotel rooms. Charges can be exorbitant.

CLOTHING
Dress decently to keep up with African culture and traditions, dress warmly for cold weather and light at the coast.

CODE OF CONDUCT
Feeding and smoking
Never feed animals at your place of stay or in the wild since it upsets their diet and leads to unnecessary dependence on people. Smoking while on a game drive is highly discouraged and always dispose of cigarettes carefully while at camp. Careless disposal of a burning cigarette can start a wildfire that will cause damage to vegetation and suffering to wildlife and people.

Litter
Litter and garbage in nature-viewing areas is unsightly, affects your enjoyment and threatens the survival of wildlife. It can also cause accidents to people and marine life.
Water sports
Enjoy water sports at designated points. Please practice water safety at all times. If you are not a strong swimmer then keep close to shore.

Souvenirs
It’s illegal to collect or buy souvenirs such as coral, shells and starfish, as it contributes to the degradation of the reef and marine life. All environmentally conscious visitors can participate in, or help to organize environmental awareness campaigns e.g. beach cleaning, tree planting, conservation publications and also contribute financially to local .Products made from any part of the Elephant, Rhino, Sea Turtle as well as Ostrich Eggs (unless you have certificates from registered farmers) are also illegal.

 

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS& BUSINESS HOURS
This is only a guide, as some dates change from year to year.
New Year’s Day                             1st January
Liberation Day                               26th January
International Womans Day             8th March
Good Friday                                 **
Easter Monday                              **
Labour Day                                   1st May
Martyr’s Day                                 3rdJune
National Heroes’ Day                     9th June
Eid-al-Fitr (end of Ramadan)          **
Independence Day                        9th October
Eid-al-Adha (fest of the sacrifice)   **
Christmas Day                              25th December
Boxing Day                                   26th December
**Dates and month changes from year to year

Ugandan Business Hours
Government offices and businesses in Uganda are generally open between 8.30am and 4.30pm or 5.30pm, with a short break for lunch sometime between noon and 2pm. Most shops and banks do not break for lunch, but some banks close early at 3.30pm.
Local restaurant hours are 7am to 9pm, and international-type restaurants are open 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 10.30pm.

 

*please note all information in travel tips is only a guide, we advise that you also do your own research as dates and information changes without warning.