General Travel Information on Uganda

Capital City:                           Kampala.

Commercial Centers:            Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja.

International Airport:            Entebbe.

Airport Departure Tax:          Payable for all international Flights, currently US$ 20 - 00 per person, payable on final departure in CASH. There are also domestic flight taxes (Average US$ 3,--per person).

Note: 100,--US$ notes are not accepted older than 2000.

National Carrier:Uganda Airlines is the national carrier. Others Servicing Uganda regularly are British Airways, Sabena, Alliance Airlines, Air Tanzania, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, Inter Air, Kenyan Airways, Royal Swazi Air and Air India.

Language: The official business language is English though Luganda and Swahili is commonly spoken in most parts of the country.

Time:   GMT + 2.

Currency:  The Shilling is the currency issued in Denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000
10,000 and 20,000. Exchange rate to a dollar is Approx. Ushs. 1500 =US$ 1.

Currency Regulations:Foreign currency may be exchanged at the central Bank, Commercial banks, forex bureaus, licensed Hotels or tour Operators. The exchange rates vary, but are obtainable at the forex counters of the Banks. There is no limitation to the amount of Foreign currency brought into the country and Shillings may be reconverted into foreign currency At any commercial bank or foreign exchange Bureau. We recommend travelers’ cheques in US Dollars or  Pound Sterling.

Business Hours: Monday – Friday     08h00 - 12h45, 14h00 - 17h00 Banks: Monday - Friday 08h30-14h00 Some banks open on Saturday from 08h30-12h00.

Visa/Entry:  The Government of the republic of Uganda has Decided to reinstate the visa requirements for all Foreigners Traveling to Uganda, with effect from 01 march 1999. Citizens of the following countries will However continue to be exempted: Angola, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize Burundi, Comoros, Cyprus, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Italy (Only Diplomatic Passports).

Passport:  A passport with a validity of more than 3 months from date of entry into the country is required.

Climate: Uganda enjoys ideal weather conditions ranging from the warmth of the lowland areas to the coolness of the Kigezi Highlands.  Mean annual temperature ranges between 21 – 25oC.

Wet seasons: March - May and October – November, but variable.

Clothing: Light summer clothes all the year round, For gorilla trekking and On-foot safaris study walking shoes are essential.

Inoculations: Yellow fever is mandatory. Malaria prophylaxis, Typhoid, Cholera and hepatitis inoculations are Recommended. Check current medical advice.

Drinking water: We recommend that you do not drink tap water. Most Hotels and restaurants provide previously Boiled drinking Water. Mineral water is also Available.

Food:There are abundant fresh tropical fruits and Vegetables Available in the city centre markets. A Wide range of Dishes, both traditional and International.

Alcohol:  Bell, club and Nile Special are excellent beers Produced Locally. Most spirits and wines are Imported and readily available at reasonable prices.

Transport:  The roads are generally in bad condition. Four wheel Drive vehicles are necessary in the game parks or up Country travel during the rainy season. Domestic Airlines are servicing all important domestic Destinations.

Luggage: Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to a medium suitcase or hold all per person plus a reasonable hand baggage including photographic equipment.
There is a baggage weight limit when flying in a small Aircraft of 12 – 15 kilos per person and with soft- sided baggage. Most hotels will store luggage whilst clients are out on
Safaris.

Gorilla Trekking:  There is an age restriction for gorilla trekking. Children less than 15 years of age are not allowed to trek gorillas and children under 12 years are not allowed to Trek Chimpanzees.

Traveler’s Insurance:  It is advised to buy travel insurance through you travel Agent before coming to Uganda, however local evacuation coverage is available in the unlikely event
Of A medical Emergency while out in the bush. Please Request this at time of booking.

Photography:   Its is advisable to bring enough film material and Batteries With you or buy them in Kampala, as most of The lodges only Keep a limited stock of such items.