Uganda

Uganda - Tour Highlights & Travel Tips

Uganda was given the title of 'Pearl of Africa' by Winston Churchill for the simple reason that it presents some of the most unique sights in the African continent, despite its relatively small size. A nature lover’s paradise, Uganda is particularly famous as home to Lake Victoria, the largest tropical lake on the planet. The African Great Lakes also ensure the presence of all kinds of landscapes and wildlife and Mount Elgon affording those on a trip to Uganda views to die for. The country has managed to emerge from the dark and transformed into one of the most beautiful countries of Africa. It still gets a rap for its anti-gay sentiments, but the country is still among the safest travel destinations in the continent.

Uganda - Tour Highlights & Travel Tips

• Look for gorillas in Bwindi National Park
• Straddle the equator in Kayabwe
• Go white water rafting on the White Nile
• Experience the breathtaking rapids of Bujagali Falls
• Go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
• Canoe from island to island across Lake Bunyonyi

Uganda - Travel Tips

• Be prepared to pay for your entry tourist visa to Uganda, which costs about USD 50. The visa can be paid upon entering the country, or online before you travel.
• The term “mzungu” means ‘white person’, and any white-skinned visitors to Uganda should expect to hear this called out to them regularly as they roam the streets. This is not necessarily a sign of disrespect, and should be embraced!
• Uganda is a fairly conservative country. Avoid touching members of the opposite sex in public, and women should dress modestly when holidaying in Uganda. This is especially true in busy cities.
• Be sure to ask your doctor for malaria tablets before travelling to Uganda to avoid being exposed to the mosquito-borne disease.
• The use of credit cards is limited in Uganda. If you’re lucky enough to find a shop that allows card payment, expect to pay a fee of around 5%. Be sure to always carry some cash, US dollars being the currency of choice.

2. Wildlife & Animals – Uganda

Uganda is a unique destination offering a wonderful mix of savannah and forest parks. Gorilla and chimp trekking are highlights, but many smaller primates can be seen as well. Uganda also offers great savannah safaris, and all of the Big Five are present. Lion is quite common in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Kidepo national parks, where they can often be found hunting Uganda kob.

Primates are especially well represented in Uganda. Patas monkey, red-tailed monkey, l'Hoest's monkey, golden monkey, Ugandan red colobus and Uganda mangabey are some of the specials. The black-and-white colobus is widespread throughout the country. Uganda is home to a wide variety of antelope species. The Uganda kob, the national antelope, is locally common, while the rare sitatunga antelope is found in six national parks in the country but rarely seen.

The best time for wildlife viewing is in the dry season (December-February and June-September). Some of the roads are impassable during the rainy season (September-November and March- May). Gorilla can be tracked year round, but the experience can be spoiled – to some extent – by heavy rain in the wet season.

3. Best Time to Visit – Uganda

The best wildlife viewing months in Uganda are during the Dry seasons from June to August and December to February. Primate walks in the forest are a big part of any safari in Uganda. The habitat of rainforests is, by default, very wet, and one can't avoid rain completely. However, after heavy rain, the skies often open up to bright sunshine.

June to August and December to February – Dry Season

• This is the best time for gorilla trekking because these are the drier months
• In the savannah reserves, vegetation is less and animals gather around water sources, making wildlife easier to spot
• Even during the high season (June to September) the parks don't feel crowded
• The skies are clear; there is less rain and more sunshine
• Gorilla permits need to be booked very far in advance

March to May and September to November – Wet Season

• The scenery of the savannah reserves is greener – it's low season, resulting in lower rates
• Although wildlife in the savannah reserves is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
• There are many newborn animals
• Some of the roads get very bad and cars often get stuck; forest trails can become slippery and challenging
• You won't be able to change your expensive gorilla permit if it pours with rain; departures go as scheduled

4. Getting There – Uganda

The main entry point for flights into Uganda is Entebbe International Airport (EBB) located near the town Entebbe, about 46km/29mi from the capital, Kampala. Uganda is a relatively compact country and further transportation within the country is usually done by vehicle, though more upmarket safaris increasingly tend to include one or more flights. In most cases, your local tour operator will collect you from the airport or hotel and further transportation will be part of and costed into your safari-package.

Passport, Visa and Other Entry Requirements

Entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Uganda Embassy to verify the information below is current.

• A passport is required for all foreign visitors and has to be valid for at least six months.
• Passports must have a clean and full visa page for endorsement.
• All visitors traveling to Uganda must have a valid yellow fever certificate, which will be required as part of a visa application, and may also be required at the port of entry.
• Tourist visas are available for Uganda only, or East Africa (which covers entry to Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda) for the same cost.
• Citizens of most countries require a visa. A list of countries that don't need a visa is available.
• Visas are best obtained in advance through an official online visa-application portal, but they can also be obtained through your local Uganda Embassy or high commission. At present visas on arrival are still being issued alongside the online application process, but this is meant to be phased out so enquire about this before opting to go this route.