Have you ever planned or been planning to get on a safari to Africa more so Uganda the pearl of Africa in particular? Uganda is the friendliest, safe, welcoming and joyous country in Africa being gifted with a number of tourist attractions and beautiful sceneries. Our dream planning team has come up with a number of travel tips any traveller or visitor to Uganda should observe before setting off and here are a few tips for you.
GETTING THERE
Not all or too many airlines serve the country and you may have to hop a few airports to get there. Uganda has a national passenger and cargo carrier that provides scheduled air transportation services in East Africa and near-international markets like Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Juba, Bujumbura, and Mogadishu. Visitors from these mentioned cities can easily board on Uganda Airlines.
Outside these cities, you are entitled to using other national carriers that land into Uganda.
VISA
Uganda introduced the e-visas in June 2016 that functions efficiently. You can get a multiple entry visas at the country’s embassy in your country. There is the option of visa-on-arrival too; you get only single entry though at the airport. The process is quite efficient taking only a few minutes and costs USD 100 although there has been news of this being reduced to USD 50 to boost tourism inflows.
YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION
This is mandatory. For your sake more than anyone else’s. Get this in your home country and carry the certificate with the passport at all times. It is valid for 10 years so you don’t have to get one every time you visit countries that require you to.
CURRENCY
The local currency is Ugandan Shillings; the exchange rate approximation is USD 100 = UGX 360,000. Yes, you read that correct. You can change money in towns easily but not so in remote areas including forest reserves. US dollars are commonly accepted but you should carry small bills as change can be a problem.
ACCOMMODATION
The country is gifted with a number of accommodating facilities ranging from budget to luxury. If you are on Uganda safari, we would recommend spending a little extra for a better lodge. Not only do you need the comforts, but the location and staff can make a big difference to your experience.
GETTING AROUND
The country boasts a vast network of quality roads; a car is the most enjoyable way to get around. You can pick a self-drive or one with a driver. It is a small country and most tourist attractions are only a few hours from each other. There are planes to take you to national parks with strips in the bush but these are small ones with 12-14 seats.
SAFETY
It is natural to fear for one’s safety in foreign lands, especially when you are in continents like Africa with a disturbed past. Uganda is very safe in fact, even more than some of its more popular neighbours. Of course, like anywhere in the world, don’t throw caution to the winds and you will be fine.
CLIMATE
No one cannot love the climate of Uganda. The country is an endless landscape of rolling hills and forests with temperatures often in the mid-20s (Celsius) or mid-70s (F); an occasional shower can surprise you without warning any time. It is never too hot or too cold there. April and May are the wet seasons officially but life and game drives continue as usual.
PACKING
Dress for warm weather but do keep a light jacket, raincoat and umbrella handy at all times. Wear sturdy shoes and a hat when out for activities during the day. Carry a tuck of munchies and chocolates as these may not be easily available when you are on the highways or in forests.
COST OF LIVING
Uganda is not an expensive country for your daily needs including food. Since tourism is an important source of income, your outings in the wild may be expensive by some standards. But then again, this is one way of keeping such tourism sustainable.
LANGUAGE
English is spoken commonly especially in cities and by people in touch with tourists. The country has many local dialects. Ugandans have to speak to one another in English sometimes because they do not understand each other’s dialects.