Visas
Single entry tourist visas are available on arrival at Entebbe airport priced at US$50 and at the land borders. We recommend clients obtain them on arrival.
Uganda follows a policy of reciprocity (if your Country requires a Visa for Ugandans to enter, Uganda will impose the same). Irish Nationals do not require visas.
Roads
Main roads are generally good and recent road works have much improved the road network in and around Kampala.
Secondary roads vary in quality and may be poorly maintained. Be prepared for long and sometimes bumpy car journeys.
Climate
Uganda is on the Equator which gives it an ideal climate with little variation. Mean temperatures are between 21c and 31c all the year round. There are two rainy seasons from March to April and October to November. Travel is often slower in the rainy season and trekking more difficult. Mountainous areas tend to be much colder than the plains and receive more rain. Temperatures in mountainous areas can go down to 10°c in certain months. Lodges and other facilities are open all year round.
Clothing
Light summer cotton clothing supplemented by a sweater or jacket should be sufficient all year round for most of Uganda. In the hilly and mountainous areas, waterproof jackets or ponchos, strong waterproof walking boots and warmer fleece or heavy sweaters will be required in the evening. Informal dress is usual, although Ugandan’s appreciate modest dressing. Cotton slacks and flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari. Do not forget to bring a hat and sun protection, along with your swimsuit.
Request additional details at the time of booking for specific requirements tied to adventure or activities.
Security
Occasional security issues may arise as in any other developing country. We maintain up-to-date information on all parts of the country and will advise clients accordingly at the time of booking if any risks appear to be present. Basic precautions should be taken, as in all countries, and common sense should be used. It is not advised to display expensive jewelry, leave bags unattended or money lying around.
Most hotels and lodges have safe deposit boxes available. We recommend that you leave original travel documents and passports in the safes (if you wish) and travel with photocopies. East African residents will need to show copy Passports and Work Permits to obtain resident discounts. If in doubt please ask us and we will advise you.
Photography
No photographs of, or near, military buildings or soldiers are allowed. It is only polite to ask people before taking photographs. Film is available in Uganda. Fast film (400-1600 ASA) is recommended for gorilla tracking and forest walking. For digital photography, we recommended you bring extra batteries and a car / solar charger.
Begging/Donations
We do not recommend clients give money to beggars or street children as this only lends to the culture of begging and dependency. Donations can be made to established international and local charities that work with the homeless, street children or orphans. We can arrange visits to local projects or institutions on request. If personal donations are preferred, we would suggest exercise books, pens or pencils are useful gifts.
Gratuities
Ugandans tip according to level of service and there are no fixed or assumed rates. Culturally people may not feel it appropriate to outwardly show their appreciation for money given, however salaries are generally low in Uganda compared to neighboring tourism destinations and all tips will be greatly appreciated. On average tips are in the region of: 5-10% in restaurants; US$5-10 per day, per client for safari driver/guides and US$5-10 per client, per day for
Ranger Guides; US$5 per day for porters on mountaineering/hiking safaris and US$3-5 for Forest
Walk guides. Tips are very personal and this is only a guide. Feel free to ask for advice.
Notes on Gorilla Tracking
This is a strenuous activity and one should be physically fit to enjoy this safari. Professional guides will accompany groups but no porters are available to carry personal belongings. Minimum age is fifteen years. Anyone with signs of communicable disease will not be allowed to trek.
While possession of a gorilla permit is a guarantee of trekking, it cannot be a guarantee of sighting. However the chance of sighting is high – 95% or more. Maximum time allowed with the gorillas is one hour at a minimum distance of 7 meters.
No flash photography is allowed and fast film is therefore recommended (minimum 400-1600 ASA). Personal DVD recorders are allowed. Bring film and batteries from Kampala. Special arrangements need to be made for professional film makers and filming permits are required for commercial photography and filming.
For Gorilla Tracking, we strongly recommend a breathable and lightweight rain jacket or poncho, a warm jacket or fleece for overcast days and evening, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, sturdy waterproof walking boots (seasoned or well worn footwear), leather gardening type gloves, sunscreen, cap or sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, comfortable day pack for carrying water and minimum amount of personal items.
Please note that Gorilla tracking is date specific, so you will need to advise exact dates of travel for us to go ahead and advise availability. A maximum of only 24 permits per day are available for advance booking, so confirmation 4-12 months in advance is required to avoid disappointment. Occasionally, permits are available to us at short notice.
Permits are only purchased upon receipt of your deposit, after confirmation from you. Gorilla permits are booked on a “first come first served” CASH basis and therefore can be purchased by others on your behalf. Please do make a decision as soon as you can in order to avoid disappointment.
This information is provided in good faith for the use of tourist and business travelers visiting Uganda. It is deemed to be accurate at the time of presentation, but conditions are subject to change. This is after all, Africa, a fantastic continent still growing and developing in many areas.