Entry Requirements.
A valid passport and a visa are required. Visas may be obtained online at http://visa.immigration.go.ug or you can approach your nearest Uganda Embassy.
Time.
Uganda is GMT + 3 hours.
Climate.
Uganda enjoys ideal weather conditions, ranging from the warmth of the lowland areas and lakeshores to the coolness of the highlands. Temperatures range between 21C and 25C. The rains are mainly between March and May, and October and November.
Currency.
The currency of Uganda is the Uganda Shilling (Shs). US Dollars are also widely in use. Pound Sterling and Euros are also easily accepted by Banks and Fore-bureaus.
Health/Immunisation.
Good medical facilities are available in main cities and towns, but we recommend that medical insurance is taken out before arrival. Bring any special medication you may need. Malaria is encountered at certain times of the year, and it is advisable to take the usual prophylactics. For your own comfort bring along a mosquito repellant. We recommend that only boiled or bottled water is drunk. Consult your physician or local medical center prior to travel regarding the necessity for vaccination for Yellow fever.
What to wear.
Uganda is informal and for daytime wear, men only need sports shirts and slacks. On our tours, we recommend cotton clothing which is light and easy to wash. Bright colours are not recommended if you want to blend in the landscape. Ladies need little more than light cotton dresses, skirts and tops. Make sure you bring a strong pair of walking shoes/boots. Do not forget sunglasses and a hat as protection against the equatorial sun.
In the evening you may need a sweater and in the cities a little more of formality is required. Do not forget your swimwear – many hotels and lodges have pools.
What to bring.
Don’t forget to bring your camera as well a good pair of binoculars.
Eating and Drinking.
Uganda is incredibly bountiful country. The range of foodstuffs grown or caught and eaten is enormous. You will want to try Matooke (plantains) – often baked in their skins or in banana leaves, Yams, Sweet potatoes, delicious fat tiny bananas, small white aubergines, legendary Nile Perch and Tilapia fish. Banana wine is the local brew ad local beers are also very good.
In major cities there is very good international food on offer, from Chinese and Indian to Greek, Italian, French, American and British.
What to buy.
A souvenir is an essential purchase during your visit to Uganda, to bring back many happy memories when you get home, and some wonderful handcrafts can be found all over the country. In every village local people are skilled in creating colourful arts and crafts, both traditional and modern, which are hand worked to a very high standard. Many of them are useful, but all of them are items of beauty with patterns that reflect the local cultures.
Crime and Violence.
After thirty years of stability, Uganda is now a relatively safe country. However, it is sensible to take the same precautions that you would in any foreign country where you are a guest.
Do not carry large rolls of money. Do not walk in deserted areas at night. Be aware of potential dangers. You will be expected to be civil and respectful.
Please remember.
Our country and our profusion of wildlife is not only our heritage and responsibility – it is yours. Please take great care to respect the environment which we are all privileged to enjoy in “The Pearl of Africa”