When To Visit Uganda, Travel Tips and Guide
Lying astride the Equator, in the heart of the African continent is the landlocked country Uganda. Landlocked it may be, but this country is wonderfully molded and booms with plenty of unexplored natural richness. Uganda is comparatively new on the international tourism scene. This factor has benefited its natural environment, image and economy at large. Uganda has avoided the mass tourism markets. Instead, it is trailing the path of Eco-tourism, which is beneficial to the community, sustainable maintenance of the environment and interest for the growing visitor numbers. Visitors can access nature’s wonders under strictly controlled conditions, which reduces habituation and familiarization of the animals to humans. Tourism in such conditions is made more pleasant because animals are viewed in their most natural setting.
Touching to the heart is the traditional hospitality of the Ugandan populace. Uganda is a country with many people of different tribes. All these are united in providing a homely welcome to our guests.
International Airport:
The principal gateway is Entebbe, which 4 kilometers from the center of Entebbe town and about 40- minutes’ drive from Kampala the main city. For passengers on private charter, immigration clearance is done in advance, saving time by flying directly into the tourist region. Chauffeur driven taxis are available if a hotel shuttle, local tour operator or friend is not meeting you.
A departure tax of $20.00 is charged.
International Air Services:
A variety of international flights operate within Uganda. British Airways, Sabena. The destination can also be reached via other African states – Kenya Airways – KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Regional Air, Emirates, Egypt Air & South African Airways.
Passports / Visas
A valid passport is required from every visitor. Please check with the local Uganda Diplomatic Mission for the latest information.
Health / Immunization:
Vaccination against yellow fever and cholera are strongly advised. Malaria is encountered at certain times in the year. You can carry anti-malarial tablets. Carry mosquito repellants for your comfort and any other medication you may need. Good medical facilities are available in major cities, but insurance should still be taken before departure.
Bilhazia is present in some lakes and swimming is recommended in only designated areas. We recommend that only bottled or boiled water be drunk. In hotels and lodges, flasks of drinking water are provided.
Time:
Uganda is GMT + 3 hrs.
Equipment:
Camping, mountaineering and fishing gear may be available for hire in some places. For convenience you can carry your own. In addition your camera, plenty of films, binoculars and a birding guide for avitourists. Special arrangements are made for filming.
Accommodation:
Be assured of some form of either luxury or comfort accommodation in any of our National Parks and major cities. These range from 5* hotels, Lodges, Guesthouses, Inns, Tented Camps to African Homesteads in form of bandas [modernised huts].
On Safari
Game Parks are home to wild animals. Visitors should not leave their vehicles incase they break down. Those on safari alone should make sure someone knows about the region they have headed for. It is advised to have a game ranger escort you on both a walking safari and game drive. Respect the famous motto – ‘take nothing but a photograph and leave nothing but a footprint’.