Uganda Pearl of Africa

Uganda has been called the “Pearl of Africa” because it truly is one of the continent’s most beautiful and precious jewels, with its spectacular scenery – dramatic, majestic mountains, lush tropical rain forests, magnificent waterfalls, glassy lakes more than 1000 feet deep – as well as an incredible diversity of wildlife, including more than 1500 species of mammal and 1,000 species of birds. It is also home to 13 types of primates, including our closest relative – the chimpanzee- and more than half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. For many people, the main reason for visiting Uganda is to come face-to-face with a gorilla in the wild, undeniably one of the most profound and thrilling wildlife experiences on the planet.

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 

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 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