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Uganda
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About Uganda

Rather like its neighbour, Rwanda, Uganda has shrugged off the dark shadows of the past and grown into its deserved title as the "Pearl of Africa". Often overlooked as a safari destination, this small, landlocked country packs one hell of a punch when it comes to bucket-list experiences.Probably most famous for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking (and justifiably so, with the world’s highest concentration of primates inside its borders), a Uganda safari may also include tree-climbing lions, enormous herds of elephants and sightings of more than 1000 species of birds. And then there’s the scenery – pounding rivers and serene lakes, misty mountains and savanna plains. This is a magical place with enough to keep even the most indomitable travellers enthralled.

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Where to go in Uganda

Why you'll love it

Uganda is a compact country brimming with experiences. After all, there are not many places in the world that can offer gorilla trekking, chimpanzee viewing and a traditional safari (tree-climbing lions included) without having to cross a border.


Off the beaten track

Make the effort to get to Kidepo Valley in the country's far north and embark on a walking safari through its astounding landscapes. It’s the furthest from civilisation you may ever get.


Something to think about

Tourism is a relatively new concept in Uganda, so its infrastructure is definitely less developed than that in other countries in East Africa. But don’t let that put you off – the rewards at the end of (and during) a long car journey are more than worth it.

When to go on a Uganda safari

Like most of East Africa, Uganda is warm and dry from roughly June to September and then again from mid-December to the end of February, and these are probably the best times to visit. The game viewing in the national parks is marvellous from June to September and gorilla trekking in these months is lovely thanks to slightly cooler temperatures. December, January and February are just as good for both (perhaps a little hotter) and sometimes quieter which can be a bonus. In the in-between months (November; March to May), you can expect more humidity and rain showers. You can absolutely still visit but there may be less choice in accommodation as some of the more remote places become inaccessible. Zanzibar and the Kenya coast follow Uganda’s dry seasons so if you’re visiting at this time, a beach break at the end is a good addition!

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Uganda Safaris and Holidays - Need to know

Essential information before you leave

Getting to Uganda

Uganda has one international gateway for arrival by air, Entebbe International Airport (EBB). It is near the town of Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria, and approximately 40.5km (25 miles) by road south-west of the central business district of Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda.

Depending on your arrival time you may have to overnight before catching your connecting flight to your first safari camp the next day.

International flights
We would recommend booking your flights online in order to get the best rates. If you need any help or advice please let us know.

Domestic flights and transfers
Connecting between all the locations on your trip may necessitate a variety of modes: light aircraft charters, domestic commercial flights and road transfers. Please review the inclusions and exclusions on your specific trip page for details. If you need help understanding the best flights to book, please let us know.

From the moment that you land in Uganda you will be greeted and assisted to your onward connections. You will be looked after from that point on until you are transferred back to the airport in time for your departure flight.

Health & Safety on a Uganda safari

Please consult your personal physician and/or a travel clinic preferably 6 weeks prior to your departure. Vaccine requirements vary based on your country of origin and your travel itinerary and your previous vaccination history. It is best to consult with your physician or the CDC website for guidelines.

Important vaccinations to consider and which may either be required or recommended are: Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B and Cholera, among others. Please always carry your "International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)" (or "Yellow Card") with you.

Malaria
We advise that you consult a medical practitioner at least six weeks prior to travel. Malaria is present in Uganda and it is strongly advisable to take malaria prophylactics before, during and after your visit. Please consult a medical professional regarding which prophylactics will be suitable for you.

In addition to the recommendations of your travel clinic or physician, you may also consider the following proactive preventative measures:

● Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Recommended repellents contain 20-35% DEET but it is a very virulent repellent, and should be used cautiously.
● Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants at dawn and dusk, as well as closed shoes.
● Use a mosquito net if your tent or room isn't screened or air-conditioned; and spray insecticide or burn a mosquito coil before going to bed.

If you come down with flu-like symptoms either during or within four to six weeks after your visit to a malaria area, seek a doctor's advice immediately and let him/her know that you have been in a malaria area.

You can also visit www.malaria.org.za for more information.

Yellow Fever
There is risk of Yellow Fever in Uganda and all travellers are required to have a vaccination no less than 10 days prior to arrival. It's best to carry your Yellow Fever card with you at all times.

Certain medicines that are legal in your country of origin may not be in Uganda, so it's best to consult your local GP.

It is advised that you stick to drinking bottled water at all times, which is readily available at all hotels, lodges and restaurants.

Communication
Uganda country code: +265

Calling overseas from Uganda:
From a landline dial 00 followed by the country code plus area code and number.
e.g. USA: 00 1 910 795 1048

When calling from a cell phone dial + prefix followed by the country code plus area code and number. e.g. USA: + 1 910 795 1048

Money & Gratuities in Uganda

Money
The currency of Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). You can convert money to Shillings at a bank or Forex Bureau, or withdraw from an ATM, all found in the larger airports and cities. Please check with your bank for charges and advice when using international ATMs. Major credit cards are widely accepted at most high-end hotels and establishments, however there may be a surcharge levied. It is advisable to have some cash (either Ugandan Shillings or US Dollars) for smaller shops and stalls. It is advisable that you do any necessary banking in Entebbe or Kampala.

IMPORTANT: When bringing foreign currency (e.g. USD, GBP, EUR) into the country, be sure to have the latest format with no damage or marks. In terms of US Dollars, no bills printed before 2013 are accepted.

Gratuities
Gratuities are not compulsory; rather it is a reward for excellent service. If you are pleased with the service you have received, you are more than welcome to tip your guide or the staff. Tipping is usually done at the end of your stay. You may tip the staff individually, give the tip to the manager to distribute, or do both. Tips can be made in the local currency (UGX), USD, GBP or EUR.

Gratuities suggestions:
Safari camp or city lead guide: $10 per person per day. If you have a specialist guide accompanying you throughout the trip, this may be increased to $20.
Gorilla / chimp guide: $10 per guest per trek
Gorilla / chimp tracker: $5 per guest per trek
Transfer drivers (e.g. in cities or between the airport and hotel/lodge): $5 per person per transfer
Porter: $1 per bag
Ranger or any “ancillary” guides on ad-hoc basis for a specific activity: $5 - $10 per person per activity
General Camp staff (put in a central box in each camp’s main area): $10 - $15 per person per day
Waitstaff in a city restaurant: 10% - 15% (large group may incur automatic service charge, please check)

Travel Insurance for Uganda

Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities:

Compulsory Insurance:
a. Emergency evacuation expenses
b. Medical expenses
c. Repatriation expenses

Recommended Insurance:
a. Cancellation or curtailment of trip
b. Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

Uganda safari visas

As a general precaution, we recommend you make several copies of your travel-related documents (passport, traveller’s cheques, credit cards, itinerary, airline tickets, insurance cover, visas, etc). Leave one set at home, and bring another set with you, and place it in a location separate from your originals.

Generally speaking, most nationalities do require a visa to enter Uganda and it costs USD 50. It can be applied for online through the Ugandan Electronic Visa System. Passports MUST be valid for at least six months from your departure from Uganda to home. There must be at least TWO (we recommend four) consecutive blank VISA pages in the passport (not endorsement pages). Uganda’s immigration control is very strict, and is known to deny entry to those not meeting the requirements.

It is recommended that you apply for a visa online at this link - https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. Afterwards, print out the approval letter to bring with you.

Visa requirements change regularly and it is best to contact your local embassy regarding the most recent rules. Visa Central is also a good resource.

What to pack for a Uganda safari

Climate
Uganda has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 21-25°C (70- 77°F), apart from in the mountainous areas, which are cooler. The hottest months are January and February when the average daytime range is 24-33°C (52-91°F) with peaks of up to 40°C/104°F in the far north. The south has two wet seasons: from mid-September to November and March to May. Annual rainfall lies between 1,000 and 2,000mm (39.4-78.7in) per annum. The north, including Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley, has one continuous wet season from March to November and a more obvious dry season from December to February.

Dress Code
Conservative/casual clothing is advisable in the bigger towns and cities in Uganda. Generally speaking, light layers of clothing in neutral safari colours of green, khaki and beige are the best items to bring with you. Dark colours such as navy or black can attract tstese flies and are best avoided, as are bright colours like yellow, red and purple if you are going on safari.

Gorilla Trekking Guidelines
• No spitting in the park
• No littering in the park
• No coughing in the direction of the gorillas
• Only speak in whispers
• Do not point at the gorillas
• Movements around the gorillas must be unthreatening
• No venturing behind thick shrubs, you may surprise a gorilla
• If a nettle stings you, do not cry out, scream, shout-out loud or make any sudden moves
• If a gorilla charges or vocalizes, do not look directly at it - stand perfectly still unless the guide asks you to crouch or move back
• Keep a minimum distance of 7 meters from the Gorillas

Please note: that children must be older than 15 years of age for gorilla tracking.

What to Pack
• Layers - long and short sleeve shirts and trousers
• A warm fleece or jumper
• A lightweight waterproof jacket
• Comfortable but sturdy shoes (worn-in, ankle-high, waterproof boots for trekking)
• Flip-flops
• Swimming costume (Bathing suit)
• A hat or baseball cap
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen – a must!
• Toiletries – most camps will provide shampoo, shower gel and soap
• A small torch
• Spare batteries, plug adaptors and charging equipment
• A good pair of Binoculars (8x40/8x42 is recommended)
• Books or a fully loaded Kindle / iPad for siesta time
• Pair of garden gloves (1 pair)
• Low ankle gators (1 pair)
• Knee high socks (1 pair)
Tipping for the trek: Porters are hired on the day from the local community. A great way to support local jobs, they will carry your bag and help you on the slippery portions of the trail. $20 minimum plus as much tip as you’d like to offer

Most camps and lodges will have a small medical and first aid kit, but we recommend bringing your own supply of essentials - cough medicine, plasters, vitamins, aspirin and paracetamol, and anything else you use on a regular basis.

Camera Equipment (for the enthusiasts)
• A telephoto lens (200/300mm)
• Flash and fast film (400 ASA) for night photography
• Ample film (64,100,200,400 ASA) if you are using an SLR camera
• Spare memory cards for digital cameras
• Camera cleaning equipment and a good dust proof bag
• Bring spare batteries as although you may recharge your batteries at the camps, charging capacity can be limited

NB: Although plastic bags are banned in Uganda, there is very little clarity as to whether the ban is being actively implemented. We recommend not transporting plastic bags into Uganda if avoidable. Please note, plastic bags are banned in Rwanda and do carry a fine if brought into the country.

Luggage
Please check with your airlines for the specific luggage restrictions relevant to your flight schedule. Many international airlines have a baggage allowance of 20kgs or more per person and commercial airlines generally permit two (2) pieces of checked luggage. The carry-on bag must be of such dimensions and weight as set by the airlines.

Luggage Restrictions on Internal Flights
Please be advised that on domestic flights, luggage is limited to one SOFT duffel bag per person with a maximum weight of 15kg/33 lbs. No hardshell bags are permitted.

Electricity
In Uganda, the standard voltage is 240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Uganda, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you will need an adapter/converter.


What our guests are saying

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Oct 2024 • 17 nights in Tanzania, Madagascar and South Africa
We will definitely use them again! That says it all. Very easy to work with, covered every detail and more. It was... Read more
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We are very happy with Timbuktu and Joanna. Communication is great as was the overall trip. Also, the organization... Read more
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Oct 2024 • 8 nights in Uganda and Kenya
Our trip was tailored to meet our needs and we got to experience all of the things that we were hoping to. Every... Read more
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Oct 2024 • 7 nights in South Africa
From the moment we met Jenna we knew we were in good hands. She caught our vision, created options, worked with our... Read more
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Oct 2024 • 11 nights in South Africa and Mauritius
We were so happy with the services given to us by Annie at Timbuktu. As it was our first time in Africa, she walked... Read more
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Oct 2024 • 21 nights in Botswana and Zambia
Meg once again arranged a perfect trip for us back to some of our favorite areas but filled with new experiences. I... Read more
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