‘The Pearl of Africa’.” Winston Churchill (My African Journey – 1908)
Best time to visit: The climate is good in Uganda all year round – hot and wet, daytime temperatures are generally between 22-27 C. It cools down at night; enough for a jersey but woolens are not necessary. The rains come twice a year, in October/November (short rains) and Mid-march to end of May. Rainy season is no reason to postpone your travel however, as generally it rains for an hour or two and the rest of the day is clear and sunny.
Preparing for your Trip to Uganda; Coming to Africa, coming to Uganda, takes a bit of preparation, a bit of planning and it is best to use the services of a tour company such as ENSI Safaris that will assist you to make your time in Uganda a pleasure. Read up about Uganda, both our ENSI website has lots of helpful information about Uganda which will be most helpful. However read out local newspapers, join us on facebook for daily updates about the Pearl of Africa. Traveling to Africa is unlike any other trip you have ever taken, it is best to be prepared. Read books, read local newspapers, watch a few National Geographic Films, you might want to watch Gorillas in the Mist, or Out of Africa to get you ready for your Safari in Africa.
Packing for your Trip to Uganda: Practical Advice for Packing for Uganda- and the most practical is that you do not pack the kitchen sink – keep it down to the essentials starting with the reason you are coming to Uganda for. That can determine even the type of suitcase that you will need and use. If you are coming for a Safari – you will need to pack differently than if you are coming as a volunteer or business visitor – however every visitor while visiting Uganda should make plans to spend a few days in the African Wild even on a mini-safari. How much you can pack is determined by which region of the world you are flying from since different regions have different allowances for suitcases. Packing wisely is the key and if you are coming for a Safari or as a volunteer pack with purpose and pack some things such as deflated footballs, books, dolls, no sweets please, stethoscopes, blood pressure kits and more pack wisely.
When packing for your Trip to Uganda – do not leave Common Sense behind: Africa is different any part of the world, quite different from anywhere else in the world and it takes practical common sense in order to get the most out your time in in Uganda Nothing is predictable but the wonders of Africa. Often the African ways may frustrate a Westerner. Things like lack of customer service – something improving, the indifference of wait-staff, hotel management at times can drive a visitor crazy. Just before you lose your patience or sense of human – take a deep breath and realize that in many ways we may do things differently, but we’ll have similar dreams of tomorrow
Rely on your practical Common Sense along with a dash of adventure and awe along with a sprinkle of patience and a sense of Humor
Flying to Uganda: Entebbe Uganda – The Gateway to Uganda for visitors from abroad; Getting here has become easier and more and more airlines have added Entebbe international Airport to their African Destinations. Each year more and more visitors are arriving in Uganda – They come for many reasons, volunteers, business, leisure travelers with a Safari on their mind wanting to see our Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Wildlife, Birds, White Water adventure, Scenic Wonders.
Not only can you fly to Uganda – you can fly between parks within Uganda. Flying in Africa tends to run higher than in places like Europe and North America especially flying between countries and connecting with Tanzania – Kenya – Rwanda and other places in Africa. Flying to Uganda has not only become easier with more airlines coming here – it is also become lower in price due to increased competition which you benefit from.
Entebbe International Airport – Arrival – Departure Information
Flying to Rwanda – Trek Gorillas in Uganda:
Uganda Tourist Visa: As of July 22- 2016 Uganda Tourist Visas are 50 usd. As of August 1 -2016 you can apply for a Tourism Visa online – or get your visa on Arrival. The Tourist Visa has been a rather fluid thing in Uganda in 2016 – as of August 1 -2016 entering the country has been made easier. The focus is you, the visitor to Uganda. We update our visa information for Tourists as it changes that you will not be caught unaware when you reach Entebbe International Airport
For those who want it all out-of-the-way, there is the online application, for others there is the on arrival Tourism Visa and on top of that is East African Tourist Visa covering Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. East African Tourist Visa
Money Advice and Tips for Uganda Travelers:
Here you will find the most Advice and Tips regarding using money in Uganda including money safety and security tips for Uganda. Uganda is cash based society where the US dollar reigns as the currency of choice, where the use of credit cards is limited, because Traveler Cheques are not accepted everywhere and it is a cumbersome process to get them exchanged into Cash. Credit Cards can be be used but normally there is a 5% fee when you use a credit card. ATM machines are found in major towns, have a Visa ATM Card – Master Card can be used at limited banks, forget American Express Cards with ATM machines. In Uganda it is about Cash and here is the information you need in order to make right money choices. Credit Card information for Uganda.
Safari Tips and Advice: Safari Tips that are practical and that will avoid potential grief and frustration. We do not just sell safaris we inform you as to what is best while on Safari with us in Uganda. Know before you go is best here, packing the right things without over-packing. Knowing what to wear for various activities and choosing where to stay while on Safari and of course what to eat. There are tips and advice for most anyone, even Vegans and Vegetarians. After all we do not want you to go hungry. Be informed before you go.
Picking the right Uganda Top Hotels and Lodges for your Safari: Just because President Clinton stayed there, does not mean it is a good hotel. I recently reviewed comments on the Internet and found one hotel where President Clinton stayed on a visit and found that the majority of comments were extremely negative. No mosquito nets, no hot water, and more. Book your hotel through ENSI safaris in Uganda who understands the Ugandan market and also knows your expectations and your stay will be pleasant at an affordable price. The choices range from Shoestring to Luxury Accommodations, from hotels that look like they came from the old Soviet Bloc to lovely Tented Camps.
Eating out in Uganda – Restaurants: Most likely you will not be cooking on your own unless you are like me and live here. If you are going to cook for yourself I can tell you where you will find butchery and bakery that is reasonable and cuts meats in western ways. As far as eating out, there are some basic precautions that one must use in order to stay healthy. Avoid food that is brought to you and is not hot, avoid buffets where candles are used for sauces, this is especially the case with some sauces that will attract all kinds of micro-organisms, avoid fruit salads, green salads, ice cubes, juices where water has been added unless it has been bottled or boiled water. Spicy food does not mean you will not get sick. Avoid Street Vendors.
Getting a Good Cup of Coffee while visiting Uganda: Here is some simple and practical abut important to coffee lovers advice visiting Uganda. Call it a survival guide for those coffee lovers needing that just right cup of morning joy. Great coffee may be easily gotten in your country, but in Africa, in Uganda where coffee was born and is grown it is not always the easiest. Some simple practical advice for coffee lovers that you may be glad you read before coming to the Pearl of Africa.
Can a Vegetarian find what to while Visiting Uganda?: Can a Vegan or Vegetarian survive visiting Uganda? This question is frequently asked. Ugandans are not Vegetarians by choice, but by the limit of their financial resources that make buying meat, fish, and poultry expensive and it is to vegetables and fruit that they turn to. Uganda – has lots of fruit to choose from – vegetables such Broccoli, Cauliflower that were not readily available, great dark green Salad greens are now available here and there and loges are growing their own. We have had many vegetarians on vegans on Safari with us in Uganda and they all had a delightful time and we were able to able to create an itinerary for them that including Hotels and lodges where their dietary needs were met in a most satisfactory manner.
Tipping in Uganda: Uganda is not a tipping culture country – however your tip will be gladly accepted by a waiter, waitress, driver-guide, lodge or hotel staff during your time in Uganda. What might surprise you is how much of an impact your tip left behind will have. It is also most appropriate to tip your driver-guide while on Safari and those leading you on gorilla tracking or chimpanzee tracking and wildlife Game Drives. Tipping may not be common in Uganda but as an ambassador of your country is a good thing to practice. The tip does not have to be large – keep in mind the low salaries that a waiter or waitress receives here in Uganda.
Safety and Security Advice and Tips for Uganda: Be sensible and practical. Would you do this back in your own country? Uganda, for the most part is safe and enjoyable. Safety and Security is one of the things on the minds of travelers as they approach journeying to Uganda.
Uganda is one of the safest countries in Africa and Kampala one of its safest Capitals; however it will be prudent to be wise especially when it comes to money handling.
Health-Staying Well in Uganda: When it comes health – most travelers do not become ill while in Uganda besides maybe some intestinal discomfort, none of our clients have ever come down with malaria for example. There are precautions to take before you arrive here and some things to do after you get here. Most visitors to Uganda will get some immunizations prior to coming here and purchase a malaria regiment. If you are coming from another country where there is yellow fever present you will need a yellow fever immunization.
The Staying well in Uganda page has health tips and advice that you will find practical and make your trip to Uganda more enjoyable.
Mobile – Cell Phones in Uganda: You can bring an unlocked International Quad cell Phone with you and purchase a Ugandan Sim Card from MTN, UTL, AfriCell or Airtel. International phone calls are at 20 cents a minute to places such as Europe, Asia and North America, at times there are country promotion such the US or UK, other times India and Pakistan. You can even buy a local phone with sim-card for about 8 USD and give as a gift when you leave Uganda. Phones can also be used to send or received money both in Uganda and Internationally – the latter uses Western Union which does have a price – in order to use the phone for sending or receiving money – an account is easily set up with your phone provider.
Internet Access in Uganda: You can access at one of the many Internet cafe’s that you will find in Kampala and larger Ugandan cities. Many hotels and guest houses will have internet access. WiFi is becoming more common and there are hotspots in Kampala. Some restaurants such as coffee shops will offer WiFi for their customers. More and more Ugandans are accessing the Internet with smart phone and you can purchase data time for your smart phone or tablet. You can use your laptop and purchase a 3 or 4G USD dongle and if you are with a group you can even purchase a low-cost router that can facilitate up to 5 devices. Speeds can be up to 4G depending on the Network provider – MTN and Airtel are the two best providers.
Electrical Current and Plugs: 240 volts is the voltage in Uganda and you will need a UK plug. You can buy a converter plug that will make your appliance fit locally. Power supply is iffy in Uganda – therefore it is best to stay in a hotel that has a generator system in place. Uganda can have extended power outages that last up to 12 hours. It is also good if you are using a laptop that you have a surge protector of one kind or another. In Uganda you can easily buy electrical strips with outlets that will work with your devices. If you are staying they might even have a powerstrip that will work your plugin. One thing to keep in mind – you might want to bring a book light since nightstand lamps are often non-existent in Ugandan budget and moderately priced hotel.
What to wear in Kampala – Entebbe: Ugandans in Kampala dress in style There is what you wear in town and what you wear on safari As Ugandans say “You are looking Smart” When you come to visit Uganda one of the things that will amaze you is to see how well Ugandans dress in towns such as Kampala. Short skirts such as mini-skirts – are not recommended -the style of dress for most of Africa is smart but conservative and that applies to women and men. Shorts – in Uganda the only people you will find in shorts are school-boys – though if you are a visitor – no such thing would ever be said. It is good to have one more outfit with you for functions that you might attend such as church – a special dinner, etc.
Weather and Climate in Uganda – East Africa; Uganda’s year around Holiday Weather – Is just another plus to visiting Uganda. The Weather and Climate in Uganda Best Times of the Year to track Mountain Gorillas would be the dry seasons Uganda has the gift of Holiday weather year around. There are two reasons, one is its location on the equator and the other reason is Uganda’s elevation. We have two rainy seasons, but even during them most would consider it Holiday Weather all – year long.
One of the nice things about Uganda is that the sun will come out even during the rainy seasons of the year. For the most part we do not have dryers, or even washing machines – normally all laundry are done by hand and dry within hours when hanging on the line. North of Masindi it is 5 degrees hotter than in Kampala, however in the Southwest of Uganda such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest it can get quite cool at night and lodges give their guests hot-water bottles for a comfortable sleep.
Getting around Uganda: Getting around in Uganda for Visitors. The various options that visitors to Uganda have as means of transportation. There are mini-bus taxis that serves cities and the countryside. You have Boda-Boda Motorcyle Taxis by the thousands that offer quick, efficient transport, however with some dangers involved. There are long-distance buses in country and beyond to Kigali, Rwanda, Nairobi and even into Tanzania. The best way is to be driven around Uganda on a safari – that is the most comfortable safest way to see Uganda.
Top Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda: Here are the Top-Tips for Women Travelers to Africa – to Uganda. Tips that will keep you safe and secure while in Uganda on a Holiday. The safest way is for women traveler is to be on a Safari with a company such as ourselves where our Driver-Guides act as almost a guardian-angel to ensure your well-being on Safari. There are many things you might want to know, need to know about Traveling in Africa, it its Pearl as a woman, out site will have most of the information and the tips for women travelers will give you all that you need to make your African Holiday in Uganda safe and secure. Learn about when and where to get your visa for Uganda, what to leave at home and what to bring. Enjoy your time here.
