Travel Tips for Uganda Safaris Tours : Considering traveling to Uganda for a safari vacation and a gorilla trekking excursion? Are you curious about potential vaccination requirements and what to expect from the local cuisine when in Uganda safari? Look no further than our Top Travel Tips, which provide a wealth of information on everything you must know before booking and going in your Uganda safari tour.
Uganda is a small nation with a lot to offer and is covered from head to toe in national parks. See rare mountain gorillas deep in the misty forests of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; chimpanzees playing in the shadows of the Rwenzori mountain range; lions prowling the savannah of the Queen Elizabeth National Park; elephants and hippos bathing in the shallows of the Nile River below the Murchison Falls; and more.
The political history of Uganda may discourage visitors to the continent, but peace has returned to “the pearl of Africa,” and with it, tourism is on the upswing. We have put together a list of Uganda safari advice and tips with our partners on the ground in East Africa to make sure you are up to date with the most recent information regarding travel to this varied nation. This will help you explore this country and avoid any “bumps” along the road while having once in a life time adventure.
What vaccinations do I need for Uganda?
Before traveling to Uganda, you should consult your local healthcare provider for medical advice and make sure you have had all the necessary immunizations. As a general rule, polio, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus are strongly advised. Meningitis and rabies are also advised, Travel Tips for Uganda Safaris Tours
The Ugandan Ministry of Health now wants all travelers to show confirmation of yellow fever vaccination following an outbreak of the disease in April 2016.
Do I need anti-malaria tablets for Uganda?
Due to the high danger of malaria in Uganda, it is crucial to see your doctor before traveling to determine whether malaria prevention is necessary for the regions you will be visiting. In general, wearing long sleeves and light-colored clothing as well as using insect repellent that has at least 50% DEET will help you prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes. Visit the CDC Traveler’s Health page or the NHS Fit to Travel page for further details on the danger of malaria in Uganda.
Do I need a visa?
The majority of people with non-African passports will need a visa to enter Uganda. To avoid disappointment, be sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure date. All points of entry into Uganda, including Entebbe International Airport, offer visa services for $50 for a three-month single-entry tourist visa. As an alternative, you can apply for an e-visa online before leaving. Do you wish to linger longer? Don’t worry; $30 visa extensions are available at the Kampala immigration office.
What’s the food like in Uganda?
Ugandan cuisine often consists of stews or sauce dishes with meat as the main ingredient, served with ugali, a thick doughy paste made from maize, or matoke, a cooked and mashed green banana. In addition to meat and vegetables, stews sometimes include beans and ground nuts for texture, and cassava, yams, and sweet potatoes are common side dishes. Ugandans consume a lot of fish, notably tiger fish and tilapia, thanks to the country’s numerous rivers. With a wide range of fruits available, including the well-known jackfruit, Uganda is widely regarded as Africa’s fruit bowl.
Why not try a few deep-fried grasshoppers for something a little different? If you can’t eat these insects, there are several recipes with Indian influences that are served with chapattis. Many locals enjoy mandazi, which is deep-fried flatbread dusted with cinnamon or sugar, as dessert. Grab a glass of pombe, a fermented beer made from millet or banana, to go with your meal, Travel Tips for Uganda Safaris Tours
Safe eating while travelling in Uganda
When dining outside of upscale lodges, use caution because occasionally the meat’s quality and preparation may not be suited for a delicate Western stomach. Be aware that food hygiene standards in Uganda are far lower than you may be used to, so it is best to avoid anything that appears to be dirty, expired, or poorly prepared. Avoiding ice in your beverage and eating salad are also good ideas because these items may have been exposed to contaminated water.
What souvenirs can I shop for in Uganda?
Traditional African handicrafts are widely available in Uganda at extremely affordable prices, and they make excellent gifts. Supporting local artisans by purchasing their carved wooden masks and sculptures is a good way to ensure you take home something special and genuine. There are many additional items available that will spruce up your home, like woven baskets, batik paintings, and bowls.
When in Uganda, visitors who want to spice up their outfit don’t have to search far. Bright fabrics with beautiful African patterns are easily available for purchase and can either be carried home unmade or altered into clothing by a local tailor. By having your own custom-made clothing manufactured, you will once again be helping the community by giving them a valuable source of income, and you can be sure that no one will be wearing the same outfit as you back home.
How will I get around on my Uganda Safari?
The majority of travelers enter Uganda through Entebbe International Airport, which serves as the nation’s international entry point. The majority of Uganda’s major roads are in good condition, but a 4×4 safari vehicle is recommended for exploring the country’s backroads, particularly in Uganda national parks and during the rainy season. You can count on our drivers and guides to speak English fluently, and our “Achieve Global Safaris” Adventurists always make sure that you are driven in private 4×4 vehicles.
Is bargaining acceptable in Uganda?
The majority of commodities will have fixed prices in respectable stores in Uganda’s major towns, such as Kampala city, and will not be subject to haggling. However, stalls, markets, and family-owned shops frequently do not have price labels, so this is where you may start haggling. The most crucial thing to keep in mind when haggling is to make sure that both the buyer and the seller are satisfied with the deal after it’s all said and done. Additionally, it is polite to maintain your sense of humor and avoid acting hostilely.
Is it safe for solo female travelers in Uganda?
Be prepared for people in Uganda to want to chat to you, touch your skin, and extend invitations to their homes because foreign women, and white women in particular, draw a lot of attention there. Most of the time, this attention is simply out of curiosity and is not intended to be threatening or dangerous. You may occasionally be bothered by men, but giving them the cold shoulder or saying “no” firmly usually works to get them to leave you alone.
In some circumstances, it could be preferable to just say that your boyfriend or husband is meeting you somewhere because it is extremely uncommon for women to wander around alone in Africa. For added believability, keep a phony wedding ring and a picture of a man in your wallet. Additionally, it is not a good idea to go out alone at night because muggers are not unheard of, Travel Tips for Uganda Safaris Tours
What is the currency in Uganda?
The Ugandan Shilling is the country of Uganda’s official currency. You can convert major currencies, including Euros, British Pounds, US Dollars, South African Rands, and others, locally or before traveling. In addition, a number of bureaus de change offer exchange services, and large town banks have ATMs. It is advisable to ask for bank notes in lesser denominations because larger notes can occasionally be difficult to change, and smaller notes are useful for tipping and making minor purchases. Traveler’s checks are not advised because they can frequently be difficult to exchange and come with expensive fees.
When should I visit Uganda?
Although gorilla trekking is regarded as a year-round pastime in Uganda, the muddy terrain and humid rainy seasons can make it more difficult and reduce your chances of seeing the gorillas. We advise traveling in the dry months of January to February and June to September to make your trip easier. On your Wildlife Uganda safari, we advise traveling around the end of the dry season when wildlife is gathered around the water sources of the national parks for the finest game viewing.
What about safety in Uganda?
When taking the standard measures, Uganda is a safe and friendly place. Always follow the advice of your knowledgeable guides when you are near animals; keep a torch with you while you are in a wildlife area; and put on a life jacket when you are on a boat, Travel Tips for Uganda Safaris Tours
The most hazardous means of transportation in Uganda is the boda boda, a motorcycle taxi. We advise using a cab or a private vehicle.
The welcoming inhabitants welcome visitors as Uganda emerges from the shadows of its turbulent history. The nation beckons seasoned tourists to discover its varied landscapes and partake in real African adventures. Want to learn more about visiting Uganda? For further advice on a Uganda safari, get in touch with one of our Achieve Global Safaris advisor.
I want to go gorilla trekking? What do I need?
For the daring and physically fit, Uganda is the place to go gorilla trekking. Trekking can be challenging because of the rare Mountain Gorillas’ deep hiding places in the African jungle and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s steep mountain topography.
- The legal minimum age to trek with gorillas is 15 years old.
- Anyone displaying symptoms of a contagious disease will not be allowed entry to the park.
- A gorilla trekking permit must be obtained at least three months before the intended travel date. Each day, only 96 licenses are issued, and the permit costs $600 during peak season.
- In order to maintain the intimacy and control of your Uganda gorilla trekking experience, only eight people can track one gorilla family at a time, and you can only spend an hour with them.
- Keep in mind that although hiking is promised, gorilla sightings are not because this is the wild. You will receive a 50% refund of the permit cost if you are unable to locate the gorillas.
- To prepare for your trekking adventure, take a pair of durable hiking boots, a rain jacket for unexpected downpours, a long-sleeved shirt and pants to guard against stinging nettles, and bug repellant to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Uganda safari budget: How much do I need for Uganda safari tour?
Uganda is not a very expensive country when it comes to eating out and general sightseeing. For at least $6 USD, you can get a decent supper (with beer). Hotels and reasonable lodging will run you about $50 USD for two people. Additionally, you can reserve shared rooms and dorms for less than $10 USD.
Likewise, transportation is reasonably priced. You can use shared rides called matatu, often known as minibuses, for about 50 cents or less. In major cities around the world, private cabs are also commonly available and typically more affordable than you might imagine, Travel Tips for Uganda Safaris Tours
If you want to go gorilla trekking while you are in Uganda, you will need to make advance plans and pay up to USD $600 for a permit.
Keep in mind that there are entrance fees for entering Uganda national parks. These predetermined fees have been established by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Around $40 USD is what you should budget for. In various parks and sanctuaries, they vary.
Uganda Packing list: What to Pack for a Trip to Uganda?
For your road journey to Uganda, don’t forget to pack comfortable, culturally appropriate clothing as well as rain gear. Here are some other items you should pack when visiting Uganda:
- Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight. Nonetheless, long sleeves are great for casual shirts.
- 1-2 bottoms, such as jeans or pants
- 1 long-sleeved shirt, 1 fleece, 1 sweatshirt, 1 sweater, or 1 light jacket
- 2 to 4 sets of socks.
- 2 or 3 pairs of cozy walking shoes.
- During rainy seasons, bring one umbrella, poncho, or raincoat.
- Water bottle.
- Sunscreen
- Do not forget to bring your camera, a backup battery, and electronic device chargers.
- If you enjoy hiking and going on treks, pick out an excellent pair of hiking boots.
- Given the prevalence of malaria in Uganda, insect repellents are advised.
- Although wearing long dresses or skirts or covering your head is not necessary in Uganda, if you wish to avoid unwanted attention, do bring some.
