Uganda

Uganda, named by Winston Churchill as the Pearl of Africa, lies on the equator in East Africa. Its charm lies in its astonishing diversity of the East African Savannah and the West African Jungle. Home to the big five, half of the World’s remaining
Mountain Gorillas, Uganda is the only safari destination whose range of forest primates is as impressive as its selection of plains antelope. This biodiversity is attested to by Uganda’s status as by far the smallest of the four African countries whose bird checklist tops the 1000 mark!

General Information

The largest part of the country forms a hilly, green plateau of the African continental shelf and is over 1000m in altitude. On the Western border of Uganda runs the Central African rift valley. Throughout the year Uganda receives abundant rainfall, so the country is always green. 

There is more to Uganda than wildlife;- The mighty River Nile, offering some of the World’s most thrilling 5- grade white water rafting, punctuated by the Spectacular Murchison Falls, The impressive snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori, which provide a challenge to even the most dedicated mountaineers, The Virunga Volcanoes and Mount Elgon, both of which offer highly rewarding hiking opportunities through un imaginable highland scenery, Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest fresh water lake, as well as several crater lakes that stud the rift valley floor and escarpment around Fort Portal. 

Derived from the traditional hospitality, the people of Uganda are referred to as "Africa's friendliest people." English is the official language of Uganda but also Swahili is commonly understood. Wherever one goes, whether local or foreigner, you are greeted with a friendly smile. 

General Facts:

Size:
Total: 241,038 sq km – 149.75 sq mile
Country comparison to the world: 81 (Slightly smaller than Oregon)

Population:
34,758,809 (July 2013 est.)

Border countries:
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania

Elevation:
Lowest point: Lake Albert 621 m
Highest point: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley 5,110 m

Religion:
Roman Catholic 41.9%, Protestant 42% (Anglican 35.9%, Pentecostal 4.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.5%), Muslim 12.1%, other 3.1%, none 0.9% (2002 census)

Language:
English (official national language, taught in grade schools, used in courts of law and by most newspapers and some radio broadcasts), Ganda or Luganda (most widely used of the Niger-Congo languages, preferred for native language publications in the capital and may be taught in school), other Niger-Congo languages, Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili, Arabic

Uganda’s Culture:
Uganda is a country with many diverse but rich, unique cultures. 
In pre-colonial times the country was divided into kingdoms and chiefdoms stemming from 4 Ethnic groups. Bantu, which is the largest group originated from the Cameroon highlands, the Nilo-Hamites from the Ethiopia, the Luo from southern Sudan and the group from West Nile sometimes referred to as the sudanic group. 
The different Ethnic groups form close to 62 tribes with each Tribe having features that vary like the traditional names, ceremonies, dances, staple foods, economic activities, languages, the dressing, art and crafts, just to mention but a few. 

Currency:
The currency in Uganda is the Uganda Shilling. The current price is approximately 1 EUR per 3.500 Uganda Shilling. 1 US Dollar per 2,600 Uganda Shillings. You can change all major currencies at banks and bureaux de change, the rates often fluctuate. Note that you get a better exchange rate for larger bills. Generally US dollars are widely used as an alternative to the local currency. One should carry US dollar bills series that are not older than the year 2003.

Tipping:
To tip in Uganda is generally not "mandatory", though it is often taken and appreciated. You may consider 5%-10% of the bill, but generally as you may feel.

Clothing:
All clothing is acceptable but descent non-revealing clothing is generally worn.
In the evening it can get cold, so you may consider warm clothing. Being an equatorial region, Uganda has mosquitoes. Therefore it’s advisable to wear clothes that cover most of the body (long-sleeved shirts) especially in the evening.
It’s recommended to carry appropriate mosquito spray you everywhere.
Although the sky is often covered, the sun can be strong thus a hat or cap is recommended. For your trekking we recommend a firm and comfortable footwear.

Security:
Traveling within Uganda is safe. Caution should be taken though for petty pick-pocketers as is the case everywhere. As a traveler you can move freely in all the villages as well as Kampala without problems. However, you should not be tempted to disregard applicable safety precautions in developing countries: valuables should be kept in bags, carry your money on you. Though Uganda is at the bottom line in terms of crime, precaution should always be taken.

Shopping: 
In the capital, Kampala you can almost get everything you know from home. There are several large shopping centres of western style. In the other cities there are also larger supermarkets available. You may even find similar brands and products in the shelves just as home. Highly recommended are the several small local supermarkets, where you can purchase local products at much cheaper prices. You will find these shops abound in all the villages. You will also find numerous stalls of the local population with fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, Gnuts, etc ... you can get a wide selection and freshness of tropical fruits such as pineapples, bananas, mangoes, pawpaw, oranges and much more in excellent quality for just a few cents.

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS:
Ugandan immigration policies are not always consistently applied and may change without notice. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to the validity of their visa or special pass to avoid fines or travel interruptions. A passport valid for six months beyond the date of entry, visa, evidence of yellow fever vaccination, as well as a polio vaccination for children younger than five are required. Visas are available at Entebbe Airport upon arrival or may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda. It is recommended that travelers obtain visas to Uganda in advance of travel, in particular those travelers who will arrive via land. If you plan to obtain your visa upon landing at Entebbe Airport, you should confirm in advance that your airline will allow you to board without a visa. The current fee for a three-month tourist visa obtained upon arrival at Entebbe Airport is $50.00. Travelers entering Uganda via land border crossings may face various entry procedures. In the past, U.S. citizens crossing a land border have been admitted with a special temporary pass and were asked to visit Ugandan Immigration headquarters in Kampala to apply for a regular tourist visa. Travelers should be aware that a visa does not determine how long a person may remain in Uganda. The Ugandan immigration officer at the port of entry will determine the length of authorized stay, which is generally from one to three months as a tourist. Note: Ugandan immigration imposes a fine of up to $30 per day for visa overstays and sometimes detains individuals who overstay their visas until the fine is paid. Extensions of duration of stay may be requested at Ugandan immigration headquarters on Jinja Road in Kampala. Airline companies may also require travelers to have a visa before boarding. Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda website for the most current visa information. Travelers may also contact the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations, New York website. Overseas, inquiries may be made at the nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate
International banks like Barclays, Standard Chartered Bank, Citibank are represented by several branches in Kampala and other major towns. With a credit card (preferably VISA s) and the PIN number you can obtain cash. At banks and near shopping centres, there are also ATM machines, where you can also get cash. Outside of the major towns it may be difficult.
 

When to Travel?

Climate in Uganda:
Uganda has an equatorial climate, with daily temperatures varying between 20°c and 27°c and a minimum average temperature of 18°c, though the temperatures can sometimes dip to 12°c. The highest temperatures are usually in the north of the country while the lowest occur on the peaks of Mount Rwenzori.
Most parts of Uganda receive an average annual rainfall of between 1,000mm and 2,000mm, with the North having some areas with the average annual rainfall as low as 100mm. There are two dry seasons (December to February, June to August); semiarid in northeast.
 

Allthough the rainy months are traditionaly April, May  as well OPctober and November, the road in Uganda can be muddy throughout the entire year.

During the rainy months, lower rates are avialble incoluding disoucnted Trekking Permits. 

Suggested Journeys

  • Uganda Discovery Journey

    10 Days / 9 Nights  •  Daily arrival in Entebbe year-round

    Join us on a journey of discovery like no other, where for few days you can step into the privileged world of earth's greatest explorers and track the Mountain Gorillas in the Mist... Uganda is one of Africa's top destinations and is also the home of the last remaining Mountain Gorillas. Your adventure includes accommodations in cozy lodges that will make you feel at home.

    A journey by private car featuring Entebbe, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elisabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Bhuoma, Lake Victoria & Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Featured Properties

  • Mweya Safari Lodge

    Framed by the spectacular Rwenzori Mountains, the Mweya Safari Lodge is a study in nature-inspired luxury. Enjoy an abundance of amenities, activities and spellbinding views when you visit this stunning retreat.

  • Buhoma Lodge

    A beautifully rustic retreat set in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Buhoma Lodge is a haven for those looking for a comfortable base for watching mountain gorillas.

Photo Gallery

Map