Classic Uganda - 6 nights

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'.

VISA

It is the responsibility of the client to obtain their own visas.  Please apply for the online visa between 1 – 3 months before departure (not earlier).

A visa is required to enter Uganda, the cost is USD55.00 for a single tourist visa.    Please click on the following link to apply for the online evisa - https://visas.immigration.go.ug

You are required to upload clear copies of your current passport, yellow fever certificate and a passport photo

Note:

1. Evidence of Yellow Fever immunization will be requested to enter Uganda – please ensure you are carrying your Yellow Fever certificate
2. It is a requirement that you have a validity of 6 months on your passport at the time of travel and your passport must have a minimum of at least two full clear pages for visas and stamps.
3. Only Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted for visa payments.  Once payment is made, the system will process your application and send you a barcoded email. Print out this email and bring it with you to Uganda. Upon arrival you should present the barcoded email to the immigration officer, who will scan the barcode, take your finger prints and photo and place a visa in your passport.  

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. Other international currencies may also be accepted in some places in the major cities, although visitors may struggle with other currencies in

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 08h30-14h00, Sat 09h00-12h00. Forex bureaux are open until 17h00 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.

Aerolink (www.aerolinkuganda.com) offer scheduled and charter internal flights.

Self-drive and hiring a private car with a driver are other options. International hire companies are based near Entebbe International Airport and in the centre of Kampala. A four-wheel drive is recommended for rural areas. The speed limit is 80kph (50mph) or 100kph (62mph) on highways. Most car hire companies include breakdown cover. The Automobile Association of Uganda (www.aau.co.ug) can provide information and assistance. An International Driving Permit and adequate third-party insurance is required. Drivers must carry their vehicle log books and must pay for a temporary road licence.

Whist some major roads are paved, the majority of minor and side roads are unpaved and can be bumpy and pot-holed, so drive with caution, especially in the rainy season.The roads are of variable quality and radiate from Kampala, although the network is sparse in the north. Whist some major roads are paved, the majority of minor and side roads are unpaved and can be bumpy and pot-holed, so drive with caution, especially in the rainy season.  Note that there are still some army and police checkpoints on roads. Always keep vehicle doors locked and valuables out of sight.

Private taxis are identifiable by their black and white stripes. Don’t be afraid to ask your driver to slow down if necessary as accidents are common.

Cycling in Uganda requires nerves of steel; many roads are dusty or under construction and motor vehicles rarely allow cyclists room. Always wear a helmet and use rear-view mirrors. Avoid cycling at night.

Medical requirements:

Please consult your General Practitioner or nearest Traveller’s Medical Centre for advice on medical issues relevant to your destination. For additional information please consult the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

COMMUNICATION

All camps have 24 hour radio contact with their base support headquarters, and each game-drive vehicle has radio contact with camp.

The daily camp tariff includes an amount for emergency evacuation insurance, and in the event of a medical emergency evacuation will be arranged to the nearest town. This is where your own insurance cover will begin.

CELL PHONES

Quad-band cell phones on global roaming generally work from all major urban centres. They do not, however, work from many of the safari camps due to limited reception.

WI-FI / INTERNET

Internet access is limited throughout Africa and varies from camp to camp. Please refer to the camp information for specific details.

TRAVEL ADVICE & WARNINGS

We strongly recommend you review the current travel advice for your country/countries of destination before booking and ensure you remain up to date with this advice before travelling.

Australia: http://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/Pages/default.aspx

UK: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

REGISTER YOUR TRAVEL

We recommend that you register your travel with your local authority. These services are free and help locate you in case of an emergency. Updates to travel advice are also provided through the subscription service.

Australia - Smart Traveller service - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pages/

USA - Smart Traveller service - https://step.state.gov/step/

All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit should be peeled.

Ugandan cuisine draws on English, Arab and Asian – especially Indian – influences and uses home-grown local produce including plantains, sweet potatoes, corn, beans and cassava. It’s easy to eat cheaply almost anywhere in the country. International restaurants can be found in larger towns, with Indian, Chinese and Italian being the most popular.

Traditional foods include ugali (solidified maize meal porridge) served with a stew of groundnuts (peanuts), beans, chicken or meat such as beef, goat or mutton. Game can be found on menus in some restaurants and at safari lodges. Fish including the tiger fish, mukini, mputa and tilapia are popular.

Vegetarians may struggle outside of major towns, but Uganda’s Indian and Chinese restaurants generally offer a selection of vegetarian dishes. Traditional desserts include mandazi, a doughnut often served with cinnamon or sugar.

Although always appreciated, tipping is not standard practice. It is normal to tip 5 to 10% at tourist-orientated restaurants.

Uganda has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 21-25°C (70- 77°F), apart from in the mountainous areas, which are much cooler; the top of Mount Elgon is often covered with snow. The hottest months are December to February. Evenings can feel chilly after the heat of the day with temperatures around 12- 16ºC (54-61°F).

Most regions of Uganda, apart from the dry area in the north, have an annual rainfall of between 1,000mm and 2,000mm. There is heavy rain between March and May and between October and November, when road travel can become difficult in parts of the country. The best time for trekking is during the dry seasons, between January and February and June to September. Wildlife viewing is best at the end of the dry seasons, when game is more concentrated around water sources.

As a rule lightweight, light coloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing particularly if walking.

Suggested packing list:

The following is a guide to clothing and personal items:

• 2/3 pairs of long trousers or shorts, 3 shirts, preferably long sleeved and collared. Clothing should preferably be khaki or neutral colour’s.
• At least four neat casual clothes for evening wear.  Long-sleeved shirt and trousers (and the female equivalent) are recommended for keeping mosquitoes at bay in the evenings
• A light fleece for morning and evening game drives.
• 3 pairs of socks (cotton)
• A lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably GORETEX or the equivalent) in case of rain
• Comfortable closed footwear plus a pair of runners/strapped sandals (in case your regular footwear gets wet).
• 1 pair of flip flops/sandals for the afternoons and evening
• A wide brimmed hat or cap
• 2 Pairs of light pants/jeans
• 2 T-shirts
• Underwear (sports bras recommended)
• Swimsuit
• Fleece and Tracksuit pants for the morning and evening game drives
• Belt
• Scarf & beanie
• A pair of gardening gloves for gorilla tracking. You will walk through some areas of stinging nettles hence wear gloves and long shirts and trousers.
• Sunglasses and an extra pair of prescription glasses
• Binoculars and Camera
• Cash for curios and tips (smaller denomination notes for tipping)
• Travel Insurance information kept on hand

Toiletries as appropriate - soaps, shampoos and body lotion are provided in the camps however some guests like to bring their own.

• Plenty of max factor sunscreen
• Lip balm with sunscreen
• Moisturiser or Vaseline as the air is very dry
• Shampoo, conditioner and liquid soap of your choice (smaller bottles recommended)
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Wash cloth
• Gloves/Hand warmers (optional)
• Razor and Tweezers
• Hairbrush
• Hand/body - face lotion
• Small insect repellent (the camps do have these, but if you want your own)
• Antihistamine cream and tablets
• Paracetamol in case of a headache
• Rehydrate salts
• Hairbrush
• Hand/body - face lotion
• Small insect repellent (the camps do have these, but if you want your own)
• Antihistamine cream and tablets
• Paracetamol in case of a headache
• Rehydrate salts

As a final comment a daily laundry service is provided in most camps (except smalls), and is included in the tariff, so there is no need to pack too much.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Uganda are the "Type G " British BS-1363 type. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Uganda usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Epic highly recommends that clients obtain comprehensive Travel Insurance cover. Please furnish Epic with a copy of your insurance policy prior to travel.  

• Hospitalisation and Repatriation
• Cancellation and Missed flight connections
• Loss of baggage and loss/breakage of valuables en route
• Loss/breakage of valuables such as cameras

PHOTOGRAPHY/BINOCULARS

Digital cameras are the best for wildlife, with a good zoom up to 300mm or more. If you have an SLR it is a good idea to bring a point and shoot as back up. Remember to bring plenty of memory cards, spare batteries and battery chargers (Please check that you have all your chargers for cell phones, iPods, kindles, camera and video batteries).

Binoculars are very useful when looking at wildlife in the distance. We recommend 7 x 35mm or 8 x 32mm as these are a good size with great magnification. If size is an issue then 7 x 25mm or 8 x 25mm are compact and can be put into your pocket. Nikon & Canon are great options. Have a look at the following website for further ideas - www.consumersearch.com/binoculars

GRATUITIES

Although tipping is not compulsory, if service expectations are exceeded, we recommend the following:

• Airport/Hotel/ Porters carriers – USD2.00 per porter
• Professional Guides/Tour Leaders – USD20.00 per group per day
• Safari Driver/Guides – USD15.00 per group per day. This should be handed to the guide personally
• Gorilla & trekking guide(s) – USD30.00 per person per trek (usually they will be 2 guides and trackers the tip is shared amongst the team)
• Porters on Gorilla trekking – USD10.00 per porter per day (optional)
• General Camp Staff – USD10 .00 per guest per day. This can be placed in a communal tip box or handed to the camp manager.
• Community excursions USD10.00 per guest, to be handed to the village leader for distribution

US dollars are generally the most widely accepted tipping currency.  It is best to have a range of denominations to enable tips to be broken out.