Uganda Travel Guide – Everything to Know about Uganda
The Uganda Travel Guide by Jewel Safaris – Everything to Know about Uganda
Visitor Information:
Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Car Hire | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance
Introduction on Uganda Guide
Uganda is located in east-central Africa, situated north and northwest of Lake Victoria. It is a landlocked country bordered by Sudan on the North, Kenya on the east, Tanzania on the South, Rwanda on the southwest and Zaire on the northwest.
The greater part of Uganda consists of a plateau about 4,000 ft in height. Along the western border of the Ruwenzori Mountains reaching heights of over 16,000 ft, while on the eastern frontier Mount Elgon rises to 14,178 ft. By contrast, the Western Rift Valley, which runs from north to south through the western half of the country, is as low as 3,000 ft on the floor of Lake Edward and Lake George and 2,000 ft on the flow of Lake Albert.
The White Nile River has its source in Lake Victoria.
CLIMATE
Although Uganda is located on the equator, its climate is warm rather than hot, and temperatures vary little throughout the year. Most of the country receives an annual rainfall of at least 30 inches. In the Lake Victoria region an annual rainfall of 59 inches is distributed throughout the year and the average annual temperature is 21.6°C (71°F) with a daily range of 7 – 9°C (13-16°F). Further north rainfall averages about 35 inches, with a pronounced dry season in June and July. The mean annual temperature in this region is 15.5°C (60°F) with a daily range of 11-13°C (20-23°F)
Climate Chart for Entebbe
Climate Chart
For today’s weather forecast see CNN – Africa Weather Forecasts
LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE
Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department – Travel Warnings
Uganda safari tours
VISAS & IMMIGRATION
Visas are required by all except nationals from Angola,. Antigua, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Comoros, Cypress, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Italy, (only Diplomatic passports), Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Singapore, Tonga, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe These can be obtained from Uganda’s Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad.
It is possible to get issued a visa on arrival at Entebbe Airport as long as one satisfies the entry requirements. However, it is advisable that you get your visas before you embark on the trip to Uganda to avoid unnecessary paper work at point of entry.
On arrival in the country, you may be asked to show you have sufficient funds to support your stay and that you have an onward ticket.
Tourist Offices and Embassies located around the world
MONEY
Official Currency: Uganda Shilling
Current Exchange Rate: Today’s Exchange Rate
Banks and forex bureaus are available at the airport, and in all towns. Visitors may bring in as much foreign currency as they wish. Credit cards arc accepted in the main hotels, but not in outlying areas. Visa is the most commonly accepted credit card. Traveler cheques are best taken in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling and Rands
Barclays Bank Cash Machine Locations
BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS
Banking: Monday to Friday: 0830-1400
Shops: Monday to Saturday: 0830-1800
LOCAL TIME
Uganda is three hours ahead of GMT
TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
Air:
International Flights to Uganda
Click for flights from Europe with KLM
34 51 Click for flights from Europe with British Airways
Domestic Flights
Air Uganda offers a domestic service to some of the major towns. Air Charter is also available. Usually you will be required to pay for flights in hard currency.
Train: There are services from Kampala to Kasese and Tororo but the service is slow, uncomfortable and erratic.
Lake Ferry: Lake Victoria has a ferry service which connects Port Bell and the Ssese Islands.
Bus:
Bus services connect all the main towns but they can be slow, crowded and they make frequent stops. Minibuses and shared taxis are a good way of getting around. They have fixed rates and leave when full.
Scandinavia Express Services
Cross border Bus Service between Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia
Self Drive / Car Hire:
Uganda Map
The Africa Guide’s recommended Map
Uganda Nelles Map
(amazon.com) – USA (amazon.co.uk) – Europe
Over 44 full-color street maps for Cairo, with clear indexes for streets, cultural centers, embassies, hotels and other points of interest. Includes the principal areas of metropolitan Cairo and Giza. This work is presented in an easy-to-use format.
Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
Most the roads between main centres in the south are connected by sealed roads, but in the north roads are in a poor condition, often very badly potholed and sometimes during the rains they are impassable. Driving is on the left hand side and a national driving licence is required. There are a few hire car companies but often these will hire on a car with driver option.
Click to Rent a car in Uganda
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1st January New Year’s Day
26th January Liberation Day
8th March International Women’s Day
1st May Labour Day
3rd June Martyrs Day
9th October Independence Day
25th December Christmas Day
26th December Boxing Day
Moveable Holidays Good Friday and Easter Monday
Variable Islamic holidays
ELECTRICAL POWER
Electric Power is 240V running at 50Hz. The Plug type used is:
Rectangular blade plug – view
TRAVEL INSURANCE
If you need medical care whilst in Uganda, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country’s local embassy or representative.
To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.
It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.
Edinburgh Car Rental; Rental Cars UK car will not only get you to your hotel room or other accommodations, but you’ll have a comfortable, safe way of getting around for most of your journey to the area.
