Traveling in Uganda is relatively safe and easy, but planning ahead will help you make the most of your holiday. Here you will find practical travel information on Australian visas and entry requirements, customs and quarantine regulations, and accessible travel in Uganda. There’s also information to help you plan your trip including travel agents that specialize in Uganda holidays, getting to and around Uganda, tours that you can do while you’re here and places to stay. We’ve also provided some helpful tips on travelling in remote locations, tips, hazards to watch out for and who to contact if you need emergency assistance while you are here.
Practical Tips for Uganda Tourists
Planning to travel to Uganda? Uganda travel tips page is all you need before you visit Uganda. Tips to visit Uganda are rare to get if you are not informed before you travel.
This page will guide you hand in hand on all you need to know about your holiday travel in Uganda.
- Car rental deals in Uganda
- Cheap Travel to Uganda
- Entebbe airport car rentals
Getting There
Entebbe International Airport, which lies 40km from the capital Kampala, is serviced by a number of international airlines, including SN Brussels, British Airways, South African Airways,Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Rwandair Express, Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines. Uganda can also be reached overland from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
On Arrival
Customs and immigration officials are polite and efficient, and a visa – for those who require one – can be purchased on the spot at Entebbe International Airport or at any overland border.
Foreign exchange and ATM facilities are available at the airport, which is also serviced by several shops and restaurants. Most midrange to upmarket hotels in Kampala and Entebbe will arrange airport transfers by request, as will any tour operator based in or around the capital.
Health travel tips for Uganda Tourists
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. It is advisable to drink bottled rather than tap water.
Money tips in Uganda
The unit of currency is the Uganda shilling. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference, but Euro and Pound Sterling are also widely accepted. Hard currency cash can be changed for local currency at banks and private bureaux de change in all large towns, but travellers’ cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala.
Local currency can be drawn against Visa and other major credit cards at selected ATMs in Kampala, at Entebbe International Airport, and in a few other large towns.
Uganda Language tips
Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, which is the official language. Of 30-plus different indigenous languages, Luganda serves as something of a Lingua Franca.
Tips on When to Visit Uganda
Uganda can be visited at any time, though mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rains, which generally peak over mid-September to November and March to May.
Tips on What to wear in Uganda
Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too.
Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and a waterproof jacket.
Tips on What to Bring to Uganda
A valid passport is mandatory, and visa requirements should be checked before you travel. To make the most of the game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides.
Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or similar). Print film and developing is available in Kampala. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.
Driving and road safety in Uganda
Driving is on the left side. Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to organise a vehicle with a driver rather than self-drive.
Tips on Tipping and appreciation in Uganda
Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist-oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers should always be tipped.
Social Conventions
Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Casual dress is usual for most occasions in the daytime or evening. Ugandans have adopted a socially conservative culture and homosexuality and drug abuse is illegal and widely condemned. Photography: Since 1992, photography has been allowed in all areas with the exception of airports or military installations. However, some areas are still sensitive and it is advisable to take local advice. Commercial photographers should consult the Ministry of Information for a permit.
Tipping
It is customary to give waiters, waitresses, tour guides and taxi driver’s tips. But it is not a MUST and depends on the curtsey of the tourist or the guests otherwise their expenses are fully covered by the tour company.
Photography
Photography is not allowed at military installations. In places of tourist attraction, visitors are permitted to take pictures. Ask permission to take photographs of the local people. The tour guides will help tourists to communicate with the locals. Tipping is necessary depending on how the service you have been rendered is satisfactory.
Healthy and Safety
Visitors are advised to carry along with them anti-malaria drugs, insect repellants, sunshine lotion, light clothing, rain jackets, jungle-boots, binoculars while conducting your Safari.
Caution: Although Uganda has registered low prevalency rates in the past years, AIDS threat is still rampant in the county, so you should take a lot of care as you travel around. Always abstain or use a condom in case need arises.
Necessary commodities are available in supermarkets, shops and local markets countrywide. Roadside markets offer a variety of fruits like bananas, mangoes, oranges, avocado, pawpaw, apples, carrots etc. Make sure that you wash the fruits thoroughly before eating, however, you can enjoy roasted chicken, goat meat and banana (gonja) on the spot.
Accommodation
Uganda has a variety of Luxury/Up market, classic and mid range Hotels/Lodges/Resorts/Camps providing descent accommodation, delicious cuisines, swimming pools, physical fitness and above all most hospitable staff. They help you carry your luggage during check in or check out. For appreciation of any service rendered, a tip is necessary.