Travel Advice Uganda

To many the African continent is still a little bit of a mystery, as they don’t exactly know what to expect when travelling there. If you’re one of them, we can already tell you: no worries! Many African countries are safe to explore and so beautiful that they should be explored! To put your mind at ease , we’ve put together some tips for first-timers as well as experienced travellers. This way we can make sure you step into the plane with a good feeling only looking forward to the beautiful wildlife and views you’re about to see!

Your safety is everything

Uganda is a safe country to visit (yay!). Especially if you want to join organised game drives with private guides, as you will do with us. There are, of course, some places to avoid in big cities like Kampala or Entebbe. But – as with everywhere else in the world – you’ll be fine by taking some precautions. Just some examples to be on the safe side (pun intended): don’t explore the city at night without a driver or guide, keep your valuables close to you, avoid wearing big and visible jewellery and leave some things like passports in the hotel safe.

The essentials

To enter Uganda you need a passport which will still be valid for at least six months after your return. You also need a valid visa, for which you can apply on the official Uganda immigration website. The visa for Uganda is single entry, valid for three months and costs 51.50 USD.

Stay healthy

Uganda is a tropical country and some vaccinations are compulsory to enter. For example the yellow fever vaccination for which a certificate is required from the age of one (also when travelling to or from Kenya or Tanzania over land).

In addition to standard vaccinations such as MMR and Tdap, the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation recommend further vaccinations for Uganda, such as Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Rabies, meningitis and typhoid vaccinations are also recommended depending on your activities and the season.

Unfortunately Malaria is present in the whole country. Thankfully there is preventive treatment, which you should make use of. Also, make sure to pack some long-sleeved tops and trousers in case you want to be outdoors at night. All lodges are equipped with mosquito nets to protect you from these little buggers.

And last but not least the most valuable tip: talk to your doctor about any specific precautions you should take.

 

Excuse me, what time is it?

Uganda is GMT + 3. To put that into terms we all understand without having to calculate too much, simply check the time difference from Uganda to LA, New York, London and more below.

Los Angeles: -11 hours
New York: -8 hours
London: -3 hours
Berlin: -2 hours
Hong Kong: +5 hours
Tokyo: +6 hours
Sydney: +8 hours
Auckland: +10 hours

Money matters

The local currency is the Ugandan shilling, although dollars and euros are also accepted in most places. One euro is approximately 4,000 Ugandan shillings, whereas one dollar is approximately 3,800 Ugandan shillings.

Words can speak volumes

The official national languages of Uganda are English and Swahili, with English being most popular and most used – mainly because the country was a British protectorate until 1962. This means almost everyone in Uganda speaks English!

It’s always a nice sign of respect using at least some words in the local language when travelling in a foreign country. Check out some basic Swahili terms which will make both the locals and you smile:

• Hello > Hujambo
• How are you? > Habari Gani?
• I am fine > Sijambo
• Nice to meet you > Nafurahi kukuona
• Goodbye > Kwa heri
• See you later > Tutaonana
• Thank you > Asante
• No, thank you > Hapana asante
• Yes > Ndiyo
• No > Hapana

 

Still have questions? For more information you can always contact us.