Airport
In Uganda most foreign travelers arrive by air at Entebbe international airport. There are quite a number of favorable hotels around the airport in Entebbe where you can book and stay for a while, if you are interested or you can take a drive which is approximately 60 minutes from Entebbe to Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.
We can make arrangements for any transport means for any number of travelers.
Airlines and Visas
In Uganda most foreign travelers arrive by air at Entebbe international airport. There are quite a number of favorable hotels around the airport in Entebbe where you can book and stay for a while, if you are interested or you can take a drive which is approximately 60 minutes from Entebbe to Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.
We can make arrangements for any transport means for any number of travelers.
Tourist visas are available on arrival at Entebbe airport priced at USD $50 and at the land borders.
We recommend foreign travelers to obtain the visas on arrival.
Security
Precautions should be taken as in any major city. Though some hotels provide storage boxes for essential documents, always carry travel documents, money and other valuables with you at all times. If you leave your travel documents behind, travel with a photocopy of your identification documents.
We recommend that you do not walk alone especially late in the night. and always keep watch of your valuables as much as possible.
Travelers will have a variety of accommodations facilities of different standards.
Electricity and piped water supply may not always be available, although accommodation facilities have water backup reserves to keep the water flowing and generators to have electricity for the travelers.
We are responsible for traveler’s accommodation booking considering your budget. Hotel or lodge reservations should be made in advance to avoid disappointment.
Currency
Currencies used are shillings and Rwandeese Fungs. All foreign currencies have to be
changed to local currencies to pay for services or products in most areas in East Africa
US dollar, GB Pound and EURO are readily exchangeable around Kampala. Currency exchange
rates vary and are posted at all banks and forex bureaus around Kampala and on bank websites.
There are no restrictions on other international currencies.
All banks and forex bureaus have no legal restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and
foreign currency is easily convertible.
It is recommended that you change money in Kampala prior to safari where more
favorable rates are offered. Attempting to change money upcountry can be
frustrating as thre might not be relaible forex bureaus or the exchange rates not being favourable.
ATM machines are available in Kampala and most offer access to international banks/cards.
You may need to carry your VISA or Debit cards to use the ATM machines
Credit Cards
VISA and MASTERCARDs are accepted at some
establishments in Kampala and some upcountry hotels and lodges.
But the credit cards are not widely accepted and most organizations
reserve the right to levy a surcharge on credit card transactions on top of any service or product cost.
Banking
A variety of international banks operate in Uganda including Stanbic, Standard Chartered,
Eco Bank , Barclays , UBA Bank and DFCU bank.
Most of the banks' operating hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Saturday
Health requirements
Certificates may be required for vaccinations against yellow fever.
Ugandan immigration will always test for Ebola at the airport on arrival as
its a serious epidemic in West Africa although there hasn't been any case mentioned in East Africa
Malaria risk is general, and anti-malaria tablets should be taken.
It is advisable to start anti-malarial medications 8 – 12 days prior to arrival and
continue with the same medication for 15 - 20 days after leaving East Africa.
Anti-malaria tablets and mosquito repellents are essential. Seek advice
from your home medical personnel about malaria vaccination and inoculation requirements.
A yellow fever card by law in Uganda is required, although yellow fever is not always checked by Ugandan
immigration on arrival, we recommend any traveller to get a check up and have a card
to avoid inconveniences.
Most adventurous activities such as white-water rafting and canoeing may pose some
risks and they should be taken with care and caution.
Clients must be in good shape or healthy to participate in such activities.
Travellers with signs of a communicable disease such as colds, flu and other airborne diseases
will not be permitted to go for gorilla trekking and chimp tracking.
National park authorities have the right to deny access to individuals they consider
unfit to go for gorilla trekking and chimp tracking and related activities.
Please bring all personal medications required. Medical services and
facilities are basic. Travellers are advised to secure adequate
medical insurance.
East African countries have an extensive road infrastructure
including national highways and secondary roads.
The road networks are generally in good condition.
Four-wheel drive vehicles will be required for rural areas, especially in the national parks to avoid
inconveniences during the rainy seasons. We have a fleet of all types of vehicles available from which we select
any that favours a required tour.
Climate
The East African countries being in the Equatorial region
have a favourable climate with little variation.
Mean temperatures are between 20ºC and 32ºC all year round.
There are less rainy seasons from March to April and October to December. This lowers temperatures
but which aren't harsh though travelling is often slower in the rainy season.
Mountainous areas tend to be much colder than the plains and receive more rain
with temperatures going lower as 11°C in certain months.
Telephone and Internet
Uganda has a good mobile phone network
throughout most of the country and local SIM cards can be purchased throughout
the country. The cards can be used to make international calls but communications are good
in Kampala than the rural areas
Internet services are widely available in Kampala through local internet
providers and they also have good network coverage in most major towns,
although the quality and speed of the connection varies.
Clothing
Light summer cotton clothing and sweaters or
jacket should be sufficient all year round East Africa.
Informal dress is usual, although
Ugandans appreciate modest dressing. simple comfortable
walking shoes are recommended on safari and
don’t forget to bring sun protection gear like hats
because temperatures tend to be high in most cases.
You can request additional details from our enquiry form.
Photography
Though some types of cameras and films are sold around some shops in East
Africa, it is advisable to bring your own cameras, films and batteries with
you or to purchase them in Kampala before we sent off to remote areas like game parks.
A pair of binoculars will be extremely useful for a keen game viewer
or birder. Hotels and lodges have provisions of charging camera battery packs.
Food and Drinking Water
A variety of fresh dishes, both traditional and international,
are served in the hotels and restaurants. In case of any dietary restrictions of any traveller,
you are advised to inform the tour guides to help you out on what dishes to have and not have.
Tap water is potable. However, we recommend that you do not drink tap water.
Most hotels and restaurants provide several brands of mineral water so
its recommended for you to carry a bottle of mineral water
when moving to rural or remote areas
Language
The official language is English, but
over 50 local languages like Kiswahili and Luganda are commonly spoken
throughout the East Africa
