As you prepare for your journey, we invite you to take a moment to review the essential travel requirements associated with your itinerary. Thoughtful preparation in advance will ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience from the moment you depart.
Please be aware that passport validity, visa requirements, and entry regulations vary by country and nationality and are subject to change. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure that all necessary documentation is in place prior to travel. We strongly recommend confirming requirements directly with the relevant authorities well ahead of departure.
Your itinerary may include scheduled charter flights and light aircraft transfers. As such, luggage restrictions apply, and strict weight limits are often enforced. Soft-sided luggage is required on these flights, and careful packing is essential to avoid inconvenience while travelling.
We do offer guidance wherever possible, responsibility for compliance with passport, visa, and luggage requirements rests with each traveller. We encourage you to review these details carefully to ensure your journey unfolds with ease and elegance.
We look forward to welcoming you on a beautifully curated African experience.
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.
