Uganda Travel Information

Travel to Uganda and experience one of Africa’s best travel destinations for all budgets. We believe that a well-informed traveler is a safer traveler. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy to navigate travel information section dedicated to pearl of Africa. we gather advice and up-to-date information on the best-quality guides, new hotels and restaurants, and the most memorable forms of transportation. This article covers your basic travel information for Uganda including visas, health, safety, weather, currency, when to go, how to get there, and local transport options will help ensure you’re properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Uganda for yourself.

Is self-drive safe in Uganda?

Self-drive in Uganda is safe and economical as it is known to be one of the safest countries in Africa, and with very friendly people most of who speak good English and Swahili, and has experienced noticeable improvement in all security categories. Self-drive business in could not be in a country that is not safe.

Visa & Passport Requirements

Every visitor to Uganda must be in possession of a passport that is valid until six months after the initial date of travel, Travelers receive entry for 90 days and visas for onward travel can be obtained in Kampala

When to Go

The climate in Uganda is hot and wet all year round and the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September and December to February, when temperatures are more pleasant and rains are rare. This is also the best time for game-viewing, as animals are drawn to waterholes by a lack of water elsewhere and the roads are easier to navigate at this time, and mosquitoes are less abundant.

Currency

Uganda’s currency is the shillings and travelers can use either currency in shops, lodges, markets and restaurants throughout the country. Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted throughout Uganda though holders of other credit cards are advised to check whether their card is acceptable and ATM machines are widely available in the main cities and towns. Self-drivers should note that credit cards are not accepted at petrol stations.

What to Pack

Temperatures in Uganda vary depending on the region and season but in general days are hot and nights can be unexpectedly chilly, so layering clothing is your best bet on a Ugandan safari. Opt for cool, cotton fabrics in neutral colors for the daytime and a fleece or jacket for morning and evening game drives. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are a must.

Flights & Getting Around

Most tourists fly into Uganda through Entebbe International Airport and is served by major airlines including British Airways, SN Brussels, Kenya Airways/KLM, Emirates, South Africa Airways, Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airways. Emirates with daily flights will fly to Entebbe and will link to the whole world, Charter flights are available with small aviation companies. We arrange them on request privately with those clients that prefer charter holidays like or are limited with time.

Transfers and game drives in Uganda are usually conducted in open-sided 4X4 vehicles. The country’s good infrastructure means that many visitors to Uganda hire a car for a self-drive holiday which makes for independent, flexible travel within the ambit of a pre-planned itinerary. Self-drivers staying at private reserves join the other guests for guided game drives in 4X4s.

Health

Make sure you get travel insurance since quality health care is not cheap. You can drink the boiled water and drinking water straight from rivers can put you at risk of diseases.

Yellow Fever vaccinations are recommended upon entering Uganda to avoid unnecessary inconveniences, Malaria occurs throughout Uganda, and prophylactics are strongly advised in order to avoid infection especially during the rainy season. If you are traveling from a country where Yellow Fever is present you will need to prove you have had the inoculation by presenting a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Both Typhoid, measles and Hepatitis A vaccinations are highly recommended.

Safety

Personal Safety – Crime is only a serious concern in a few specific places, and violent crime against tourists is fairly unusual but you should be careful when changing large amounts of money, make copies of your passport, and keep them in your luggage and just be careful about walking around at night especially in the major cities.

Roads – The roads in Uganda are among the best in East Africa which makes it a good place to rent a car and do some independent sightseeing. Try to avoid driving at night since the roads aren’t well lit and animals tend to venture on to them at will.