Travel Guidance

We would like to invite you TO READ this section carefully.

Perhaps the less interesting part to the itinerary but it covers IMPORTANT ADMINISTRATIVE, HEALTH and SAFETY topics which should be taken into consideration in order not to spoil the enjoyment of your safari holiday.

Do also note that KAAPSTAD ORG TOURS AND SAFARIS can take no responsibility with regard to the consequences of failing to adhere to any of the advise provided below.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

One requires a valid passport to visit any of the countries in Africa we operate in. As a general rule, your passport should still be valid for a period of 6 months after your anticipated return date.

Do also note that a number of countries such as Botswana and Namibia, require parents travelling with minor children - aged <18 - to be in possession of birth certificates as a proof of parenthood.

For children not travelling with their own parents, please note it is required to have an officially certified authorization letter by the natural parents for the children to travel.

We do invite each traveller to ensure that you have proper documentation at hand to travel to the selected destinations. Failing to have this, you might even be denied boarding the initial flight.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

All the African countries we operate in, require a tourism visa. Which, for citizens of many countries, can be obtained upon arrival in the country of destination. We recommend to check with the Embassy of the destination country for up-to-date information on their tourist visa requirements.

Tourism visa could be free-of-charge depending on your nationality - like in Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa - and issued at the border on arrival. Others - including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe - are payable and fees vary from USD 30.00 per person to over USD 100.00 depending on the duration of your stay and your nationality.

A number of countries such as the Kenya-Rwanda-Uganda trio as well as Zambia-Zimbabwe duo have partnered up and offer the option of a cross border tourism visa - respectively called East Africa Tourism Visa and KAZA UniVisa - allowing the holder to travel for tourism within the borders of the countries part of the visa agreement for a limited duration up to 1 month.

Many destination countries are moving towards offering online applications for tourism visa which we would highly recommend.

MALARIA

Malaria is endemic to most countries in which we operate. This would include Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

Only Namibia and South Africa offer travel options in areas not affected by malaria but this applies to some parts of the countries only. Malaria is endemic in Northern Namibia from the Kunene region all the way to the Caprivi. In South Africa, most of the 3 Eastern Provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo have malaria.

A malaria prophylactic is required when visiting any of the regions or countries where the sickness is present. Please consult your family physician for the right medication.

VACCINATION COMPULSORY

Yellow fever vaccination is required in Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. It might as well be required in other countries when travelling from a country where yellow fever is present. Make sure you have your yellow fever vaccination certificate at hand.

VACCINATION RECOMMENDED

Depending on your type of travel, certain vaccinations might be strongly advised. In general we would advise to be vaccinated against tetanus.

Should you rough it up, stay in budget accommodation in remote Africa or camp in wildlife areas, it might also be advisable to be vaccinated against hepatitis A & B, rabies, meningitis, typhoid fever. We do recommend you consult a travel clinic or your physician in this regard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

At Inspiration Africa, we require all clients to have valid travel assistance insurance cover for the duration of your safari holiday. Please do provide us with a copy of your insurance policy or simply share the details of the policy number and the emergency contact numbers to use should any situation require it.

Should you not be insured, please do let us know and we will gladly subscribe a temporary travel assistance insurance policy to offer you the right cover during the duration of your journey.

Additionally, it is highly recommended to subscribe to a travel cancellation insurance to cover you against any such risks that may occur due to external circumstances beyond our control such as airline delays, flight cancellations, missed flight connections, severe bad weather, etc.

Uganda

Uganda, or the ‘Pearl of Africa’, as it was famously dubbed by Winston Churchill, is characterised 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'.


Banking and Currency

Currency 

Local currency: Ugandan Shilling 
Symbol: USh 
ISO code: UGX 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 shillings 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 shillings 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 


Travel, Transport and Getting Around

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 


Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

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%. 


Climate and Weather

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 


Clothing and Dress Recommendations

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 

  


Internet Availability

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


Electricity and Plug Standards

Plug Type: Type G 
Voltage (V): 240 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 


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