Planning to travel to Uganda? Here is all the information you need to get started with planning your trip to Uganda.
Getting There
Entebbe International Airport, which lies 40km from the capital Kampala, is serviced by a number of international airlines, including SN Brussels, British Airways, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Rwandair Express, Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines. Uganda can also be reached overland from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
On Arrival
Customs and immigration officials are polite and efficient, and a visa – for those who require one – can be purchased on the spot at Entebbe International Airport or at any overland border. Foreign exchange and ATM facilities are available at the airport, which is also serviced by several shops and restaurants. Most midrange to upmarket hotels in Kampala and Entebbe will arrange airport transfers by request, as will any tour operator based in or around the capital.
Passport & Visas
Check the passport and visa requirements for the countries you are visiting/ transiting in/on your planned journey – make sure you apply for them well in advance of your date of travel.
Don’t forget your passport and visa on the day of travel.
If you lose your passport or visa please contact the embassy or consulate immediately in the country you are traveling in.
Check the validity of your Passport and Visas.
If you are holding traveling documents of your country please inform us before booking because some airlines don’t allow passengers holding traveling documents to transit in their respective gateways. Passengers holding traveling documents should prefer direct flights in most cases.
Tickets
Check the ticket for Flights details & accuracy as soon as you receive it.
Keep your tickets with your passport and visas and do not forget them on the day you travel.
Please don’t try to amend/alter any thing on the ticket.
In case of date change or first name change please contact us and we will try our best to help you out.
Baggage & Packing
Check with the airline you are traveling with on the stipulated baggage allowances
Ensure that your hand baggage allowance does not exceed the level enforced by the airline you are traveling with.
Pack the night before you travel, to save rushing and being late for your flight.
Try to leave plenty of time for checking in at the airport.
Check Duty Free allowances carefully particularly on EU destinations.
Health
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. It is advisable to drink bottled rather than tap water.
Check the inoculation and health requirements for all of the countries you are visiting on your journey. Please be aware some vaccinations need to be administered 4-6 weeks before travel.
If you are carrying medicines or medications with you please keep a note of your condition and the medication you require somewhere handy e.g. a piece of paper in side the cover of your passport, where it can be easily found in an emergency.
Ensure you take extra supplies of medication in case you get delayed abroad.
In case of pregnancy more than 26 weeks by time of departure please make sure you have gynecologists advice recommendation with you.
Do not drink too much before boarding the aircraft, as alcohol and cabin pressure cause enhanced dehydration. You are also unable to use the toilets until the aircraft is airborne and at a safe altitude for the seat belt sign to be taken off.
Try to drink plenty of water whilst on the aircraft as this helps to counter dehydration.
Check in flight magazines, for gentle exercises to do whilst on board to stop stiffness and tiredness of joints.
Eat a light meal onboard as easier to digest, avoid excessive carbohydrates and fats.
Money
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 wear
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.
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.
Security during traveling
Never leave your luggage unattended at airports, this creates a high security risk.
Put a luggage strap around your case for easy identification and extra security.
Never carry luggage/packages from/to any stranger.
Please make sure you are holding valid items in hand carry.
Weigh your both luggage twice and make sure that is free from any restricted or explosive item.
If you use life saving drugs please take with you. Medicines with high potency should be followed by Registered Medical Receipt.
Further information
Uganda: The Bradt Travel Guide is one the most detailed guidebooks in print. Other guidebooks are produced by Lonely Planet, Footprint Guides and Spectrum Guides. The Uganda Tourist Board website (www.visituganda.com) contains information about Uganda’s national parks and tourist areas.