Uganda Travel Advice

Most visitors to Uganda arrive by air through Entebbe International Airport, and from there you can access a cab or meet with the tour driver from Kwanza Tours who transfers you to the hotel. For many of our long tours, airport transfers are included as part of the itinerary.

Entebbe International Airport receives a good number of international airlines, which includes: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Quatar Airways, Emirates Airlines, Turkish Airlines, South Africa Airways, Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Rwanda Air, and Egypt Air. Others are regional airlines, such as Precision Air, Eagle Air, and FastJet.

You require a visa for entry into Uganda and this can be purchased for USD 50 at the airport or prior to flying from the Ugandan consulate in your country. We however encourage our visitors to obtain the visa upon arrival.

For visitors that will be visiting other East African destinations a single East Africa tourist visa was introduced which can be obtained at the any of the East African airports or border crossings. The single entry visa is USD 100 and currently works for Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Tanzania is yet to join, but expected soon.

Uganda follows a policy of reciprocity (if your Country requires a visa for Ugandans to enter, Uganda will impose the same). Irish Nationals do not require visas.

In case of any changes in Visa regulations, you will be informed.

General

Antiseptic hand wash, comfortable day pack for carrying water and some personal items, sunscreen, flashlight, insect repellent, water proof bags to protect digital equipment, electric plug adapters for 240 volts ac 50 Hz, UK-style square-pin in plugs are used.

Clothing

It is preferable for you to use soft luggage as space in vehicles is limited. We can arrange the storage of winter clothes that you will not need on safari. Good walking shoes / boots, sun hat or cap, sandals or other light shoes, waterproof jacket or rain poncho, lighter clothing with layers for evening, warm clothing for mountainous regions, sturdy waterproof walking boots, sunglasses, swimsuit if you will be undertaking a water activity such as rafting.

Equipment

Binoculars — water proof ones, Cameras — bring a lens cloth to remove dust, changes of batteries, several small memory cards instead of one large one to avoid losing all your photos if something goes wrong. In case of sighting Gorillas, no flash photography is allowed and fast film is therefore recommended (minimum 400-1600 ASA).

Currency

The currency in Uganda is the Uganda Shilling. It is issued in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 Uganda Shillings notes. Coins are available for smaller denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings. You can withdraw cash from ATM machines found in most major towns; they accept Visa Debit and Credit cards. You may wish to alert your bank before using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked.

US Dollar bills pre-2006 are most often not accepted in Uganda or are exchanged at a less favorable rate. Poor quality foreign currency notes may be rejected. Please ensure you bring with you new or excellent condition notes with no stains or tears.

VISA and MASTERCARD may be accepted at a few establishments in Kampala and some upcountry hotels and lodges. Kindly note that credit cards are not widely accepted and most organizations reserve the right to levy a surcharge on credit card transactions, usually 7 - 9% on top of the original cost.

Please bring all personal medications required. Medical services and facilities are basic. Clients are fully responsible for securing adequate medical insurance which should include evacuation cover. Be sure to purchase travel insurance including medical evacuation in case of an emergency.

Even if taking anti-malarial medicines, you should still wear insect repellent. Be sure to use the mosquito nets which are provided at your place of accommodation.

Tap water is not suitable for drinking, use bottled water which is readily available in the car.

Seek advice from your home country on vaccination and inoculation requirements.

More adventurous activities such as mountaineering and hiking, gorilla trekking and chimp tracking, white-water rafting, canoeing and kayaking may pose additional risks and should be undertaken with care and caution. Clients must be fit and healthy.

Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccination — bring your certificate with you Also recommended are Hepatitis A & B, meningitis, polio, tetanus and typhoid. Consult your doctor before traveling for more information

Accommodations

The seasoned traveler will find many lodges and camps are not as luxurious as in some African countries but a number of properties may exceed your expectations! We will work with you to find the most suitable accommodation for your needs.

Electricity and piped/mains water supply may not always be available, although clients will usually find a hot shower waiting for them after a long day’s trek. In some remote locations, ‘long-drop’ or compost (eco) toilets may be found.

Roads

Main roads are generally good. Secondary roads vary in quality. Be prepared for long and sometimes bumpy car journeys.

Photography

No photographs of, or near, military buildings or soldiers are allowed. It is polite to ask people before taking their photographs.

Telephone/Internet

International telephone communication is good from Kampala but more difficult in some rural areas. Uganda has a good mobile phone network throughout most of the country and local SIM cards can be purchased throughout the country. International roaming facilities are available.

Internet services are widely available in Kampala at internet cafes, and most major towns will have access, although the quality and speed of the connection varies.

All our drivers/guides have cell phones and maintain contact with the office throughout safaris.