Uganda Travel Information, Traveling in Uganda, Where to stay in Uganda

Where to Stay: In Kampala, Uganda’s capital, there are diverse classes of accommodation; from the renowned top range establishments to the reasonably priced outlets for the budget traveler. Across the entire country and in the National Parks are hotels and resorts that offer quality service. To meet the needs of the budget traveler a number of campsites are also available in most of the tourist circuits.

Airport: For those travelers who arrive in Uganda by air, they land at the Entebbe International Airport, which is approximately 45 minutes drive from the Capital Kampala. From the airport there are taxis and other vehicles on hire to take you to the city. The airport tax is incorporated in your tickets.

Airlines: Uganda Airlines is the national carrier but others servicing Uganda regularly include: Air Tanzania, British Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, Inter Air, Kenya Airways Sabena and South Africa. There are daily connections to and from Nairobi. There are also several reputable domestic charter companies to choose from.

Banking: Several International banks operate in Uganda including Barclays, Standard Chartered and Stanbic. Many local banks and forex bureaus also operate across the country. Generally the banking hours are 8:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., Monday to Friday, though some institutions are open for longer hours and on Saturdays. There are no longer restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and currency is easily convertible. Use only Uganda shilling dated after 1990.

Climate: Uganda enjoys ideal weather conditions ranging from the warmth of the lowlands to the coolness of the highlands. Mean temperatures are between 21° C and 31° C all the year round. Wet seasons are March to May and October to November.

Clothing: Light summer clothing supplemented by a sweater or jacket should be sufficient all year round. Usually dressing is informal. Cotton slacks and flat-heeled comfortable shoes are recommended on safari. A hat for sun protection and a swimsuit would be ideal. Umbrellas and windbreakers are recommended in the wet seasons. Request additional details at the tome of booking.

Credit Cards: AMEX, Visa and MasterCard are only accepted at a few choice establishments in Kampala and some lodges.

Currency: The Uganda shilling is the currency used. It is used in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000 Uganda shilling notes. The rates vary from time to time but are readily available from banks and forex bureaus.

Drinking Water: We recommend that you do not drink tap water. Most hotels and restaurants provide previously boiled water. Mineral water is also available.

Foods: Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables are plentiful throughout the country. Wide ranges of dishes, both traditional and international are served in the hotels and restaurants.

Health Requirements: Certificates are required for vaccination against yellow fever. Check current medical advice on typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. Malarial risk is general and prophylactics should be taken. It is advisable to start anti-malaria medications 10 days prior to arrival and continue with the same until 14 days after leaving East Africa.

Language: The official language is English though Kiswahili and Luganda are commonly spoken throughout the country.

Photography: Though some types of film are available in many of the lodges, it is advisable to bring films and batteries with you or to purchase them in Kampala. A pair of binoculars will prove extremely useful for the keen game viewer. There is no charge for coming into the country with photography cameras but there may be a charge for video cameras in some places.

Security: Precautions should be taken as in any major city. Unless safety deposit boxes are available in your hotel or lodge, always carry travel documents, traveler’s Cheques, cash and other valuables with you at all times. We recommend that you do not walk late in the night but instead take a taxi.

Sports Facilities: There are a variety of sports available in the Kampala and Entebbe City centers – Squash, golf, tennis etc Fishing on Lake Victoria or the Nile River and White water Rafting from Bujagali falls is also popular. Arrangements can be made for these activities depending on individual interests.

Transport: The roads are generally in good condition. Four wheel drive vehicles may be required for upcountry use, especially in the national parks during the rainy seasons. Vehicles for hire are available only in the major cities on both self-drive and chauffeur driven basis. Please inquire for further details and tariffs.

Visas: All PTA countries, EEC countries, Japan and USA are exempt from Visas. Visas are generally available at all entry points including Entebbe airport.