Uganda: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

Uganda: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About Uganda

Overview

A country full of natural wonders, majestic wildlife, and bustling cities, Uganda has something for everyone. Sign up for a trek amongst gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or explore Kampala trying new cuisines, you can't go wrong!

 

Capital City: Kampala

Population: 45.74 million (2020 est)

Currency: Ugandan Shilling

Time Zone: East Africa Time (GMT +3)

Emergency Number: 112

Outlet: Type G

Uganda-Monkey
Elephants in river

Packing List

Speak the Language

Language: English and Swahili are the official languages of Uganda.

 

  • Hello - Hello
  • Goodbye - Kwaheri
  • Thank you very much - Asante (sana)
  • Do you speak English? - Unaongea kiingereza?
  • I don't understand - Sielewi
  • How are you? - Habari Yako?
  • I'm fine, thank you - Niko sawa, asante
  • What is your name? - Jina lako nani?
  • My name is ____ - Jina langu ni ____
  • Sorry - Samahani
  • Where is the bathroom? - Bafuni iko wapi?

  

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click here

Uganda-National-Park

Weather

KAMPALA WEATHER

Culture Notes

  • Malaria does exist in this area of Eastern Africa, and hotels will have mosquito nets equipped to protect from bites. Before going to sleep please ensure that the nets are covering the bed completely, with no gaps for mosquitos to get through.
  • Prevent getting bitten by wearing clothes that cover your bare skin. Long shirts, socks, shoes and long pants after dark – most mosquito bites occur below the knee. Speak to your doctor about options for antimalarial tablets.
  • Insect repellent is the single most important line of defense. Make sure you bring enough of an effective (preferably stick or lotion) repellent and that you use it liberally and frequently!  You need to look for the active ingredient (DEET) on the bottle.

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides USD $5-10 per person/per day
Drivers USD $3-4 per person/per day
Restaurants(full service)  10% if total bill

 

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety? Check out the US Department of State's website for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

To minimize the risk of pickpocketing it is recommended to be discreet: don’t flash anything of value, keep a firm hand on your camera, and carry shoulder bags slung across your body. Overall it’s a good idea to avoid badly lit areas completely at night and deserted inner-city areas by day.

 

Is the water safe to drink? Tap water should be avoided by travelers. You should also avoid brushing your teeth with tap water when possible. For drinking water, make sure to drink treated water which can be found at all lodging accommodations.

 

Do I need a Visa? For Visa information, click here. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

What about vaccines? For vaccination information, click here.

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, worldnomads.com or from a provider of your choice.

 

How much should I pack? As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

What does public transportation look like? There are local taxis and mini buses available in the main cities. Public transport becomes harder to navigate in the more rural areas.

 

Is Uber or Lyft available? Uber is available in Kampala.

Luggage Restrictions

Luggage Restrictions purple
Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1

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