- HEALTH AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- A valid passport is required and visas are required by some nationalities. We recommend that clients check requirements with visa authorities well in advance.
- South African Contact: Ugandan High Commission
- Pretoria: Tel +27 (12) 342 6031/2/3
- email: ugacorner@mweb.co.za
- www.uganda.org.za
- Note: A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. Hepatitus A, Typhoid, Meningitis and Tetanus vaccinations recommended. It is advisable to drink bottled rather than tap water.
- INSURANCE:
- Please note Flame of Africa strongly recommends you take out a full insurance policy that covers the duration of your stay. Please contact your local insurance agency.
- CLOTHING AND CLIMATE:
- Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and a waterproof jacket.
- TIME DIFFERENCE:
- GMT +3
- DIALING CODE:
- 00256
- PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
-
- 01 January
- 26 January
- 08 March
- 09 April
- 12 April
- 01 May
- 03 June
- 09 June
- 09 October
- 25 December
- 26 December
- CURRENCY:
- The unit of currency is the Uganda shilling. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference, but Euro and Pound Sterling are also widely accepted. Hard currency cash can be changed for local currency at banks and private bureaux de change in all large towns, but travellers’ cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala. Local currency can be drawn against Visa and other major credit cards at selected ATMs in Kampala, at Entebbe International Airport, and in a few other large towns.
- LANGUAGE:
- Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, which is the official language. Of 30-plus different indigenous languages, Luganda serves as something of a lingua franca.
- WHEN TO VISIT:
- Uganda can be visited at any time, though mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rains, which generally peak over mid-September to November and March to May.
- WHAT TO BRING:
- A valid passport is mandatory, and visa requirements should be checked before you travel. To make the most of the game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides. Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or similar). Print film and developing is available in Kampala. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.
- DRIVING:
- Driving is on the left side. Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to organise a vehicle with a driver rather than self-drive.
- TIPPING:
- Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist-oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers should always be tipped.
- GORILLA TRACKING:
- Gorilla tracking is a very captivating activity; it involves walking in the wilderness in search of these great apes. It can be a changelling activity, therefore ensure physical fitness. Six people are permitted per group per day and a total of eighteen (18) people is taken in Bwindi, while six (6) people are allowed for Mgahinga. There are three groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, (Mubare,Habinyanja, and Rushegura) and one (Nyakagezi) in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- NATIONAL PARK, RIVER USAGE / PERMITS AND ENTRANCE FEES:
- Unless otherwise stated, National Park, Lake and River usage, Permits and entrance fees, are not included in the package price and will need to be paid on arrival at all National Parks
