In 2012, Lonely Planet officially ranked Uganda as the #1 travel destination in the world, citing its unmatched natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural richness. “Nowhere our too little can take you too far”—is poetic truth from Sir Winston Churchill, Uganda’s compact size hides vast diversity, making it possible to go from rainforest to savanna, from alpine peaks to crater lakes, all in a single journey. The destination has Perfect Climate with average temperatures around 28°C year-round thus offering a perpetual spring—ideal for travel any time. There’s no substitute for experiencing Uganda firsthand- It’s not just a destination. it’s an experience. From the mighty source of Nile flowing from Lake Victoria offering world-class white-water rafting ever all seasons, Nile forcing itself through a 6-meter gorge and plunging 45 meters deep creating Murchison falls the most powerful waterfall on Earth. A rare and humbling magical encounter in Uganda- at Bwindi impenetrable forest a UNESCO World Heritage site a sanctuary for over half of the world’s remaining 53.9 % population of mountain gorillas additional to 90% Albertine rift endemics among over 1000 bird species in Uganda is a travel key to unlock what is missing on your travel bucket list. Conquering the Rwenzori Mountains-Known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” boosting 5 of the top 10 Africa’s highest peaks, with snow-capped summits straddling the equator is a thrilling exploration for seasoned climbers. Cross culture encounter of a living museum of authentic African heritage and its cultural richness isn’t just something to admire from afar; it’s your invitation to experience Africa through its people promoting a responsible Travel where travelers engage directly with local people in meaningful, respectful ways
Uganda General Information
Visa-All visitors who require an entry visa must apply through online application system
Prior to being granted boarding to Uganda.
https://visas.immigration.go.ug.
On completion of online, you will receive barcoded email notification, print out this email and bring it with you to Uganda. Upon arrival at any border (point of entry) you must present the barcoded email. The immigration officer will scan the barcode, take your finger prints and photo and ask for cash payments for Visa (Please note that Uganda accepts USD bill dated 2006 or newer and in excellent condition), Avisa sticker will be printed with your photo and placed in your passport.
Note: Passports must be valid for 6 months or more, from the date of entry into Uganda.
Uganda Tourism Visa-Single Entry
This Visa is granted to travelers coming to Uganda for tourism, medical treatment, family visit etc. This is single entry visa and can be granted up to three months.
Entry requirements- The WHO defines areas with risks for YF virus transmission as countries or areas where YF virus actively has been reported currently or in the past and where vectors and animal reservoirs exist.
Unless issued a medical waiver by a yellow fever vaccine provider, travelers must comply with entry requirements for proof of vaccination against yellow fever.
Vaccination recommended for all travelers of 9 months old and above going to areas with endemic or transitional YF risk, as determined by persistent or periodic YF virus transmission.
Should you need one, this must be done no later than 10 days prior to your departure. If you have history of liver disorders (hepatitis) you must consult your physician first.
Malaria Prophylactics are must on your travel to Uganda and can be purchased from your local pharmacy but you have to consult pharmacist/ doctor.
Mountain Gorillas and chimpanzees are highly vulnerable or susceptible to human diseases including colds &flu. You should be free from contagious diseases whenever you plan to participate in these activities and remember you are checked at the start of the trek by park officials-if they are in any doubt of your medical condition-they reserve the right to prevent you from continuing to the trek.
Road Conditions/Distance/Vehicle.
Distances covered to different tourism destinations in Uganda can be long and hectic but can be enjoyable since you encounter beautiful and breathtaking sceneries across the countrysides.
Remember there is also good selection of scheduled flights available which we recommend for some of the routes.
While using road means through Uganda, there will be a variety of tarmac and dirt roads-we use safari vehicles which are optimum vehicles for the road conditions, our vehicles have been modified for comfort and game viewing/drives. They seat between 4-7 person depending on seating configuration (arrangement/order) and have opening roof Hatcher’s and large windows for optimal game viewing.
Your safari vehicle is generally used throughout the safari for traveling between destinations as well as for game drives and other activities around the destinations.
Due to space limitations in your vehicles, it is imperative that luggage be kept to a minimum. We suggest a barrel or soft bag (15kg maximum) for your main gear, plus camera bag or small day pack for inside the vehicle-suit cases are not suitable as it makes packing difficult.
If you are doing international travel with one, we suggest you repack your safari items into your soft bag, before the safari and then leave your hard suit case at your return point in Entebbe.
Domestic flight luggage allowance-If you are travelling on a light aircraft within Uganda. Then the luggage restriction is dependent on combined client and luggage weights and varies from one plane to another and routing but usually only up to 10-12 kg per person in soft bags and strictly adhered to for safety reasons. Please check your personal allowance on confirmation of itinerary and aircraft.
On safari-Bush gears i.e. hard-wearing clothes, no wearing bright colored clothes. Green, khaki and similar neutral clothes are recommended. In day time, generally shorts or light weight trousers, t-shirts, huts, sun blocks are recommended because of fairly warm temperature 24-30°c.
Avoid wearing dark colours &blue to avoid tsetse flies, they are often attracted to these colours especially in Murchison falls park
We suggest to take something warm e.g. truck suit, fleece or sweater in mountainous area. It is at higher altitude and will therefore be cooler in the evening. A rain jacket is also suggested as it rains regularly in the rain forest areas especially in Bwindi and Mgahinga, even in dry months.
Long trousers and sleeved shirts are recommended for general evening use to assist in the prevention of mosquito bites and also as it’s generally cooler than during the day.
Track suit pants often get caught in bushes, thorns etc. and jeans can get very heavy when wet. Gloves are highly recommended-just cheap gardening gloves will do-This will prevent your hands from vegetable scratches.
Tuck your long pants into shows to avoid biting insects especially safari ants. Your clothes will in all likelihood get very muddy and may not recover to their original state. Therefore, take old clothing for Gorilla tracking. A poncho or light weight rain jacket is useful and day pack to carry your lunch, water and camera gear in.
| Packing list for Day pack for primates tracking | |
| ✓Plenty of water-1-2 litres per person
✓High energy snacks in addition to your packed lunch provided by the lodge/camp ✓Waterproof bag to protect photographic equipment ✓A hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent ✓A light weight water-proof jacket/poncho | ✓Gloves (gardening type are good)
✓Walking sticks are made available at the start of the trek for some of the steeper and more slippery tracks and may prove to be very handy ✓Binoculars are not generally needed for Gorilla viewing but very useful if you are a keen birder. |
