Accommodation
In Kampala a number of good hotels are available to choose from, so as to fit every budget. Elsewhere across the country and in national parks, hotels and inns are generally available. All our prepared itineraries start from Kampala and if you require pre or post transfers to or from Entebbe Airport please contact us so that we can make these arrangements for you. Reservations should be made in advance.
Transport
The roads are generally in good condition. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be required for upcountry use, especially in the national parks. We maintain a fleet of saloon cars, minibuses and four-wheel drive vehicles. Domestic airlines service all important domestic destinations. Please inquire for further details and tariffs.
CLOTHING
Light summer clothes all the year round, supplemented by a sweater and rain coat/ poncho. For gorilla trekking and on foot safaris sturdy walking shoes are essential.
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. Citizen 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 Island, ST Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe Italy and diplomats.
PASSPORT
Passport with a validity of more than 3 months from date of entry into the country is required.
CURRENCY
The Uganda shilling is the currency used. It is used in denominations of 1,000/=, 5,000/=, 10,000/= 20,000/= and 50,000/= Uganda shillings notes. Coins are available for smaller denominations of 50/=, 100/=, 200/= and 500/= Uganda shillings. The rates vary from time to time but are posted at all banks and forex bureaus .The rate as of 12th /10/2004 was $ =1750 Uganda shillings and GBPI =3100 Uganda shillings.
BANKING
Several international banks operate in Uganda which include; Barclays, Standard Chartered, Stanbic, and CitiBank. There are also a number of local banks, which operate across the country. Generally the banking hours are: 8:30 are to 4: 00pm, Monday to Friday. Some institutions open longer hour and on Saturdays half day. There are no legal restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and currency is easily convertible. Use only United States dollar notes dated after 1990. Also note that dirty and torn dollar notes are unacceptable in most lodges and hotels.
CREDIT CARDS
The Amex, Visa and Master cards are only accepted in few choice establishments in Kampala and up country
FOOD
Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables are abundant throughout the country. A wide range of dishes both traditional and international is served in the hotels and restaurants. If you have any dietary restrictions, please advice in advance.
DRINKING WATER
We recommend that you DO NOT drink tap water. Most hotels and restaurants provide previously boiled water or you can opt for several brands of mineral water.
MOUNTAINEERING IN RWENZORI
Rwenzori Mountain National Park was re- opened for tourism activities on 2nd July 2001. The packages cover trekking on the central circuit for 7 days / 6 nights. Note that extra days on the mountains will call for extra charges. The kind of accommodation available is basic; mountain huts with no other facilities except shelter. You are advised to carry your own equipment. If you would like to camp make bookings for tents well before arrival.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Though some types of films are available in many of the lodges, it is advisable to bring films and batteries with you or purchase them from Kampala. A pair of binoculars will prove extremely useful for the keen game viewer or birder. There is no charge for taking private photos and videos but there may be a charge of commercial cameras in some places. Clients are responsible for any such fee. High-speed film is recommended for gorilla photography and high altitude filters are best for climbers.
INOCULATIONS
Health certificates may be required for vaccinations against yellow fever. Check current medical advice on typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. These diseases are not common in Uganda. Malaria risk is general and a prophylaxis should be taken. It is advisable to start anti malarial medications 10-14 days prior to arrival and continue with the same for 12 days after leaving east Africa.
LUGGAGE
Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safaris is limited to a medium suitcase 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 when clients are out for safaris
ALCOHOL
Several brands of local and international beers are available, including leading local beers like Bell, Club, and Nile special beer. Most spirits and wines are imported. There are no legal limitations on drinking of alcohol in Uganda.
TRAVELLERS INSURANCE
It is advised to buy travel insurance through your 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.
CLIMATE
Uganda enjoys ideal weather conditions ranging from the warmth of lowland of the coolness of highlands of Kigezi that means temperatures are between 21 and 31degrees centigrade all the year round. Wet season are March-May and October- November. There is no bad time to visit Uganda.
AIR PORT
Most guests arrive by air landing at Entebbe International Airport; which is approximately 45 minutes drive to the capital Kampala. Transfers to and from the airport are available for any size group.
SAFETY
As regards safety of your property 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 alone late in the night, but instead take a taxi. We can arrange the safe keeping of the passport and ticket in our office upon your request.