UGANDA TRAVEL TIPS AND ADVICE FOR VISITORS

UGANDA TRAVEL TIPS AND ADVICE FOR VISITORS

Are you planning to go on a Uganda safaris adventure to trek mountain gorillas or for wildlife viewing and you are not sure of what your safari may require or what to expect? When planning a trip to Uganda it takes a process and a lot more is needed if you are to make a successful safari. To achieve this informed decisions must be made and before you make any trip to Uganda the pearl of Africa, keep in mind these travel tips and you will be enriched with a wealth of information on all that you need to get to know this magical country.

Why visit Uganda

Uganda is remarkably one of Africa’s most biodiverse safari destinations making it a few leading travel destinations. It is dubbed the pearl of Africa the fact that it holds nearly all that Africa has to offer to the world a reason it shouldn’t miss out in your travel plan. Uganda is a host to diverse wildlife species including the rare mountain gorillas which today remain not more than 1004 individuals, half of which thrive within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. While on Uganda safari, you also have opportunity to catch a glimpse at the big African game-the African elephants, Cape buffaloes, Rhinos, Leopards, Lions plus tree climbing lions as well as giraffes, zebras, warthogs, over 5000 chimpanzees, antelopes, birds that make up about 10 percent of world’s incredible bird species. Besides, don’t miss to explore the mighty source of the Nile at Jinja and be part of the adrenaline adventures. Due to its strategic location a stride equator, Uganda also has the best climate that makes it an all year round safari destination.

How to prepare for a safari to Uganda

Planning for African safari to Uganda requires you to prepare adequately and you can make things easier for yourself by contacting reservationist at Maranatha Tours and Travel and your dream will come true. Before embarking on safari, make sure that you do some reading as a way to get some knowledge about where you are heading to or spare some time and watch some wildlife views for instance Gorillas in the Mist. While on Uganda safari, there are a number of things for to enjoy and they include mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, birding, nature walks, golden monkey tracking, cultural tours, city tours a mention but a few.

Safety tips

Staying safe while on a Uganda safari is something very significant for every traveler. Keep in mind that regardless of the fact that peace and security has prevailed for long in Uganda, you have to be very keen on what is in and around you. Avoid as much as possible walking at night/dark corners. Keep your valuables safe and at a hotel then carry the amount you know you can spend in a day. Do not display your money and don’t go for self-drive on bad roads.

How to get to Uganda

Entebbe International Airport is Uganda’s main entry point and the interesting part of it is that there are many airlines that serve this airport. From here, you either set off by road or by air to your dream destination. By air, you can take a flight from Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe Airport and land into airstrip near your dream destination in Uganda. If your plan is to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park then you can land into Kisoro or Kihihi airfield. For wildlife enthusiasts on Uganda wildlife safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park the nearby airstrips include Kasese/Mweya and many others.

Packing list for Uganda safari

Depending on what your travel interests are in Uganda, you are required to pack appropriately for your safari holiday. If you are heading off for a gorilla tour, the following items should be a must in your packing list; waterproof hiking boots, insect repellent, gardening gloves, long sleeved shirt/t-shirt, hat, first aid kit, sun screen, camera with no flash light, day pack, sweater, sun glasses and many others.

Uganda tourist visa

A visa is one most significant travel document any intending traveler should have if you are to pay a visit to Uganda. You can obtain one on arrival at Entebbe Airport which is the main entry point. You can apply for one online before embarking on actual trip. You may also need the East African tourist visa is a single entry visa that allows you to explore at least two or more East African states while on safari.

Money tips

For any plans to visit Uganda take note that this is cash based country and Uganda shilling is its currency that is commonly used. However, other currencies are also accepted for instance the US dollar, Pound among others. The most important bit of it is that there are many forex bureaus in and around town areas for you to exchange your currency into Uganda shilling to ease transactions especially when you are in local market or when you need to purchase some products along the way. On the other hand, credit cards are allowed but not commonly used and so are travelers’ cheques. The Visa ATM Cards/Master Card can be of use but in only few banks. What you ought to bear in mind is that, Uganda is cash based.

Health tips

There are no health cases registered for visitors on Uganda except intestinal discomfort. However, you need to take note of the set precautions prior embarking on actual trip and after your safari. You may need to have yellow fever immunization certificate and also immunize against other diseases like Hepatitis A and B, Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria and others. You also need some anti-malarial tablets and avoid taking tap water as much as possible.

Where to eat out

Not everything should be eaten and not every place is worth eating from. But most importantly, there are many restaurants and good hotels in and around Kampala and classic lodges in national parks where you can eat from while on Uganda safari.

Tipping

Tipping isn’t a crime and despite the fact that Uganda doesn’t have that culture of tipping, your tip therefore means a lot to a person who receives it. Your tip plays a significant role as it helps such persons to meet some of their basic needs the fact that what they earn at end of the month or in a day isn’t sufficient to cover all the basic needs back home. While on Uganda safari, you can tip the waitress, waiter, driver guide and any service provider that made your trip to be successful.

Electrical current

Uganda uses 240 volts and this means that you will need UK plug. A converter plug can be bought and should be fitting locally. For power issues, it is advisable that you spend a night in a hotel or lodge with stand by generator to avoid any kind of disappointment when it disappears.

In conclusion, Uganda is one of the most sought after safari destinations in Africa and to make your holiday successful, the above tips should be put into consideration.