Primates in Uganda

Winston Churchill called Uganda "the pearl of Africa", half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population lives here and it has the highest density of bird species in Africa. Other reasons for visiting include; Lake Victoria, the Source of the Nile, Murchison Falls, the Nile River, the chimpanzees and other primates in the Kibale Forest National Park and, although not as famous as their East African neighbors, the wildlife of the Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks.

From the moment you touch down at Entebbe's international airport, with its equatorial location on the shore of island-strewn Lake Victoria, it is clear that Uganda is no ordinary safari destination. Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African tropical rain forest. The Albertine Rift Valley system and its tropical forests are home to 13 types of primates including over half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas.

From Entebbe fly South West along the shores of Lake Victoria, through Lake Mburo National Park touching down amid the Virunga Volcanoes or over the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi to the remote Tea Estate in Kayonza. Continue through Queen Elizabeth National Park spotting the large herds of elephant and buffalo on the open savannah and pods of hippo along the shores of Lake Edward and in the Kazinga Channel. Onwards over the many volcanic crater lakes in the shadow of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the lush forests of Kibale National Park. Flying northwards again through Toro-Semliki Game Reserve follow the Albertine Rift and its dramatic cliffs plunging into the depths of Lake Albert to Murchison Falls National Park and its wide open savannah and the breath taking Murchison Falls.

Now turn east along remote sections of the Victoria Nile spotting hippos and the mighty Nile crocodile before heading across the vast expanses of Northern Uganda to the far NE corner of Uganda, crossing the rugged Morungole Mountains guarding the arid grasslands and forests of Kidepo Valley. Finally head south across the vast wetlands around Lake Kyoga at the heart of Uganda to the Source of the Nile before ending as you started, following the shores of Lake Victoria to your final stop at Entebbe.

Visas

Please contact us for latest update on Entry Requirements 

Types of Visa and Cost

Uganda Single-entry: US$50 (one - three months).

East Africa multi-entry: US$100 (three months). (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda)

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 2009 will not be accepted for exchange.

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.

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

A four-wheel drive is recommended for rural areas. The speed limit is 80kph (50mph) or 100kph (62mph) on highways.

Whilst 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. Boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) are often a cheaper option and, whilst fun, are not for the faint-hearted. 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.

Yellow fever vaccinations are mandatory, and we recommend anti–malaria tablets, especially during the rainy season. Most prescription drugs can be bought affordably and with ease over the counter in Kampala. Personal insurance is strongly advised.

Visitors should bring personal supplies of medicines that are likely to be needed, but enquire first at the embassy or high commission whether such supplies may be freely imported. Comprehensive health insurance is essential and should include cover for emergency air repatriation in case of serious accident or illness. The Ugandan health service has still not recovered from the mass departure of foreign personnel in 1972 and there are medical facilities of a reasonable standard only in large towns and cities.

These uncertain times of COVID-19. We are committed to monitor and adjust the situation regularly in order to provide clients both flexibility and security.

COVID19 Vaccination card

Please enquire closer to travel for updated information

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.

The temperature, usually ranging from 21 to 25°C (70 to 77°F), can be quite cool in some parts of the country owing to the country’s high altitude, despite its position on the equator. The mountain areas become much cooler and the top of Mount Elgon is often covered with snow. Other parts of the country are much warmer. There is heavy rain between March and May and between October and November.

Lightweights and rainwear, with warm cover-ups for the evenings advised.

The climate is good in Uganda all year round with daytime temperatures generally hovering between 24-28°C. It cools down considerably at night, enough to warrant bringing a sweatshirt, fleece or wrap. The rains come twice a year, in October/November (short rains) and late March to end of May. However, rainy season is no reason to postpone travel as it generally rains for an hour leaving the rest of the day clear and sunny.

With regards to clothing you are going to be hot, cold and possibly wet on the trekking. So would suggest light clothing.

Long sleeved-shirts and a sweatshirt or fleece for evenings. Women in rural towns may feel more comfortable wearing clothing that cover their knees and shoulders, but this is not mandatory. It gets quite hot by mid-day, but evenings are always pleasant. Lodges do not have a dress code and for the most part casual. Recommend long sleeves and trousers in the evening

Recommendations for all on-foot activities in the parks (walking safaris, chimpanzee and gorilla treks):

Long sleeve shirts and trousers (old clothes recommended as they can get very dirty and torn from the thorns and jungle foliage). 

Hat and sunglasses

Good comfortable sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support

Long socks to truck your trousers into or gators

Rain jacket

Gloves for trekking (old gardening gloves, just in case the trekking gets extreme though the thick foliage).

Shorts, T-shirts, flip flops.

Camera please note that using a flash is not permitted while photographing the Gorillas.

Waterproof rucksack 

Torch

Insect repellent

Sunscreen

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.