Uganda Gorilla Fly-In

Uganda, or the “Pearl of Africa” as it was famously dubbed by Winston Churchill, is characterized by relatively dry and flat savanna in the north, with verdant mountains in the West, and vast dense and remarkably lush forests in the central region. The nation is home to an astonishingly diverse range of African wildlife, including the highly-endangered mountain gorilla which can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. A popular spot for wildlife watching is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which hosts four of the Big Five, a flock of flamboyant flamingos and the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Outdoor enthusiasts can get their adrenaline fix with plenty of whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, quad biking and horse riding facilities on offer. Add to this some friendly locals, a burgeoning cultural scene, and a capital city full of lively bars, clubs and restaurants, and it is easy to see why Uganda has gained itself a reputation as “Africa's friendliest country.”

You must have a passport that is valid for 6 months after your return date and have at least 2 blank visa pages per country to be visited (amendment and endorsement pages or inside back cover cannot be used for visas). Airlines will deny boarding if you fail to have necessary requirements. Proper travel documents are the responsibility of each traveler.

Visas are required for tourist travel to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Kenya and Uganda both offer E-visa’s which need to be applied for before you travel. You will then receive an email confirmation that needs to be printed and brought with you.

Current single entry tourist visa costs for US passport holders: (subject to change)
Kenya US$50.00
Tanzania US$100.00
Rwanda US$30.00
Uganda US$50.00

The East Africa Visa is an option for travelers visiting any combination of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. The current cost is $100USD/person and is purchased upon arrival into one of these countries.

Tanzania and Rwanda visas can be purchased upon arrival, at the airport or border or you can obtain them in advance via the country Embassy or our preferred visa expediter, CIBT. Click HERE to visit CIBT VISA SERVICE: http://cibtvisas.com/tourkits.php?bookmark=1&login=50029

Borton’s site at above CIBT link will have all necessary forms for pre-arranging your visas thru CIBT visa service. NOTE – if you opt to obtain your visas upon arrival at the airport, these forms and photos are not necessary.

Currency

The local currency is the Uganda Shilling (UGX). Notes are in denominations of UGX50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of UGX500, 200, 100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1. However, UGX1,000 notes are soon to be replaced by coins. Try not to accept very old or damaged notes where possible, as some places may refuse to take them.

The US dollar, euro and pound sterling are all recognised currencies in Uganda, and both euros and dollars are now widely accepted for cash payments. It has become very important to take bills that are no older than 5 years and are not ripped or torn. You will want to have a supply of small denomination cash notes to use for tipping and small purchases. Cash works best in the African marketplaces and with vendors along the road, where bargaining is expected.

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. Import of foreign currency is unlimited if declared upon arrival. Export of foreign currency must not exceed the amount declared upon arrival.

Foreign currency may be exchanged at the Central Bank, commercial banks and foreign exchange bureaux. Be aware that dollar notes from before 2006 will not be accepted for exchange.smaller towns.

Banking

Banking hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1400, Sat 0900-1200. Forex bureaux are open until 1700 and able to do electronic transfers to and from overseas.

American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are sometimes accepted but not widely used. Some large hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and shops in urban areas accept credit cards.

ATMs are available in the larger cities but ATM services in smaller towns and rural areas are limited. It is advisable to check with your bank to see if your card is compatible with Ugandan ATMs.

Traveller's cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. It is advised that travellers bring sufficient US dollars in cash in case of emergencies. Higher denomination bills usually give a better exchange rate than smaller notes.

Air: 
Main airlines: Uganda Airlines 
International Airports: Entebbe International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Various 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Limited 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: No 

With proper precautions, travel to East Africa is very safe. As in any developing country, you want to be careful of what you eat and drink if you explore beyond the safari lodges. Protect yourself from the equatorial sun, stay well hydrated, and remember to wear mosquito repellent.

We cannot give you specific medical advice regarding what medication to take and you must check with your physician or travel clinic for any specific personal conditions that may require extra attention.

Malaria is present throughout East and Southern Africa and prophylaxis is recommended, either Larium (mefloquine), atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone) or doxycycline.

A Yellow Fever vaccine is required for entry to many East African countries if you are arriving from or transiting an endemic country. Check with your travel clinic or CDC for latest yellow fever requirements as these change often. The vaccine must be received at least 10-days prior to entry and is now good for life. Proof of receipt of this vaccine is recorded on a Yellow Fever Certificate, which will you will be required to show to the health officer at immigration upon arrival.

It is a good idea to have a prescription of Cipro along in case of an intestinal or other infection.

As immunization requirements change, you should check with your travel clinic or check with the Center for Disease Control for the most current information. Their website is www.cdc.gov.

If you do become ill after you return home, be sure to tell your physician that you have been traveling in East Africa as this will alert your physician to possibilities that may not otherwise be considered.

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Ugandan cuisine reflects a mix of indigenous tribes and foreign influences. Staple foods include Matooke (cooked green bananas), Posho (maize meal), and Rice. Common dishes are Luwombo (steamed stew), Rolex (chapati with eggs and vegetables), and Nyama Choma (grilled meat). Ugandan cuisine is rich in flavor with a variety of spices and herbs. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Waragi (banana gin), Tonto (local beer), and Malwa (fermented beverage). 

Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, typically 5-10%. 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging around 1200 mm 
Average temperature: 23°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 27°C 
Average lows: 16°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 26°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, when the weather is cooler and ideal for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. 

Internet Availability 

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Yes 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes