Uganda Travel Tips, Uganda Safari Advice, Uganda Safari Information.
REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELING TO SAFARI IN UGANDA
Visas for Uganda – do you need a visa to enter/tour Uganda?: Uganda entry, exit, and visa requirements
Passport
Any world traveler interested in a Uganda safari or a Uganda tour is required to be in possession of a valid passport issued by the respective country of origin. Uganda immigration Authorities require that the passport copy should be 6 months valid and must have at least one page where the stamp can be put.
Regarding the citizens of the East African Community, it can be noted that they do not require passports to enter Uganda. They can travel under the admissible temporary document and use their national identification cards for identification.
Visa; where to get Uganda Visa? Do I need to buy Visa to Uganda?
Uganda like any other sovereign country requires one to be in possession of her visa if he/she is to enter into her boundaries except the nationals of the Visa-exempt countries. Uganda Visa is secured online https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ at $50 per person and through her foreign embassies and consulates in the respective countries.
The foreign residents in the East African Community do not require payment for the Uganda Visa just like the East African Community Citizens.
Visa Exemption; who is not supposed to pay for Uganda Visa? Am I exempt from buying a visa to Uganda?
Uganda exempts the nationals of the following countries from buying her Visa. These are in three categories;
The first group comprises countries under the East African community arrangement namely; Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya
The second group comprises countries under the COMESA arrangement namely; Angola, Eritrea, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, and Zimbabwe.
The third group comprises of other friendly countries including; Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Ghana, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, and St. Vincent-Tonga.
By exemption, it means that the nationals can travel to Uganda without applying for Visa.
Visa Duration: How long the Uganda visa last? How long can I stay on tour in Uganda with my Tourist Visa?
The Uganda Tourist Visa lasts for 3 months – 90 days and is only limited to leisure and recreation and visiting friends and family other than work.
Vaccination: Which Vaccination do I need to take when planning a Uganda Safari Tour?
Uganda requires that you get vaccinated against Yellow fever and proof of yellow fever certificate is always presented as a must upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
You can always check on the Uganda Immigration website above for any updates regarding Uganda travel information.
Traveling around Uganda during Uganda safaris
Safari Cars Available For Hire in Uganda
Travel in Uganda during Uganda safaris is comfortable when traveling with us in our 4×4 safari Land cruisers and Safari Vans. The major routes connecting to various parts of the country are tarmacked. Murram roads then connect from the nearby towns where the tarmac stops linking to the Uganda safari destinations. These roads can be rough at times. However, efforts are being made to replace the old roads with new ones. Because of the varying landscape and the nature of the connecting murram roads at times, it is not advisable to drive yourself for the first time. Prime Uganda Safaris has expert driver guides who offer the themed interpretation and take you through the challenging road sections carefully and safely as they have the expertise in this. Our Uganda safari vehicles all with 4WD feature the strength to negotiate the challenging landscapes including the Kigezi highlands and Karamoja landscapes. This is a lovely attempt that will offer you a safe and trusted leisure and educational lifetime experience on Uganda safaris exploring the Pearl of Africa in detail.
Uganda safari companies: which safari company to travel with
Considering the above attractions, undertaking a Uganda safari offers you an opportunity to explore all these attractions ranging from classic wildlife safaris in Uganda, gorilla trekking in Uganda, chimpanzee tracking in Uganda, bird watching safaris in Uganda, sightseeing, and community and cultural tours in Uganda, to mountain hiking safaris in Uganda and you would definitely require an esteemed Uganda safari company to travel with, we are certainly available for serve you beyond your expectation.
Location of Prime Uganda Safaris & Tours Ltd.
Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd has positioned itself to make your safari in Uganda a memorable adventure of a lifetime by organizing a wide range of packages ranging from short to medium and long safari company with some featuring specialty attractions while others are intermixed and surprisingly at an affordable price in any category that you wish to travel in ranging from Luxury to Mid-range and Budget that you can hardly find elsewhere and yet without compromising the quality of the experience as seen from the reviews of the traveler that have opted to use its services in the past. You can check out our reviews on our Trip Advisor Page.
Explore the unknown, spend less, enjoy the best service right from the booking to the vehicle, lodges, and the expert guides with Prime Safaris and Tours. Please feel free to contact us at any time.
Climate
Uganda’s temperature ranges amid 16o and 20o at night and 26o and 30o during the day and with the hottest months being January, February and December. Unlike some parts in the northern Uganda that get typical annual rainfall as low as 100mm, the rest of the country is green all the year with a yearly rainfall between 1,000mm to 2,000mm with the coolest season being March to May and mid-September to November. Read More
Health in Uganda – Is your health safe while on a tour in Uganda
Uganda has medical facilities are close to western standards in Kampala her capital city. The upcountry towns feature basic medical services and can ably treat average sickness. Uganda like other destinations have got health recommendations which travelers can give attention before they set off for a tour to Uganda. Uganda requires Yellow fever certificate on entering the country. Besides that, the travelers can consider the vaccines which are not mandatory but essential to keep him / her safe on the visit; these include; the Hepatitis A, Malaria, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis B, Meningitis (Meningococcal disease) and Rabies especially for those interested in plenty of outdoor activities and thus prone to animal bites. The dangerous diseases like Ebola and Marburg tent to breakup in remote areas on the country but Uganda has demonstrated highest degree of skill in containing such diseases. And respective guidelines are put forward once there is break out. Thus the grater part of the year, Uganda has no such alarming health issues that should prevent the travelers from visiting Uganda. The country features a range of travel insurance companies including the International Air Ambulance (IAA) which can settle your health insurance if you are interested.
Time in Uganda while planning a Uganda tour
Uganda features no time difference arising from season changes like summer or winter. Uganda is only three (+3 GMT) hours ahead of GMT the popularly known Greenwich Mean Time which is also referred to as the Prime Meridian. Read More
Which Currency to expect in Uganda during Uganda tours
Uganda’s national currency is called Shillings which is abbreviated as UGX and features a shilling sign of /=. However, other foreign countries can still be of use in the country especially the United States Dollars. In fact, you exchange part of your money to Uganda shillings and also remain with dollars so as to avoid inconveniences because at some stations, payment may be required in Uganda Shillings strictly other than dollars and vice versa. Uganda Shillings can be acquired at Entebbe International Airport on arrival, from commercial banks in Kampala and Entebbe or a range of foreign exchange bureaus in Kampala and Entebbe. In the up country areas, the foreign exchange services are limited to the big towns there and the exchange rate tends to be low compared to those in Kampala and Entebbe. Read More
Language in Uganda – what language to use when on a tour to Uganda
Uganda is a heterogeneous nation and thus there is no majorly accepted local language country over. In Uganda people speak English and it’s the neutral mode of the communication in a country with over 65 tribal groups. Apart from English, Luganda is the dominantly used local language in Kampala, the Runyankole – Rukiga also take considerable percentage especially to the south west of Uganda, the Runyoro – Rutooro is among the Banyoro and Batooro, the Itesot in the east, Lumasaba, in Mbale region and the Luo languages of the north. Kiswahili is the second official language in Uganda and since Uganda is among the countries that form the East African integration, Kiswahili is increasingly taking ground as a language that can be incorporated in daily speeches. Specialized French, Chinese, Russian, Germany, Italian and Spanish interpreters are all available in Uganda. The travellers on tour in Uganda who are not good at English can pick any these for a customized interpretation on the Uganda tour.
Uganda’s International Dialing Code – which code to put while making a call to reserve your tour in Uganda
Uganda’s International dialing code is +256 and this is followed by the respective number one intends to call. Uganda features a range of Telecommunication companies that offer telecommunication services including the South African Based MTN, Airtel, Uganda Telecom, Orange Telecom and the local K2 Telecom. Read More
Food in Uganda – What food to expect on a Uganda tour
Delicious local food that you can enjoy while on a Uganda tour
The Ugandan food varies from the ordinary to good. Uganda features a wide range of cuisine that one would wonder to encounter. Uganda features specialty restaurants that serve specialized food items including the Chinese food, the Indian cuisine, the Italian Cuisine, Irish, African contemporary, the Afro Caribbean, Belgian, Continental, Eritrean, Ethiopian, German, Fusion, Iranian, Indian North, Japanese, Mexican, Korean, Nigerian and Middle Eastern. Besides a diverse capacity handle a range of dietary interests of Uganda tour undertakers from different parts of the world, Uganda has its traditional cuisine which differ per tribe spread in different parts of the country. In central Uganda, the local delicacy is called Luwombo and the local restaurants feature it on their menu. This for both food and sauce and the food is boiled matooke plantains which are prepared in banana leaves. The sauce whether chicken or any other sauce also put in the banana leaves which are first sun dried or roasted a little to prevent them from tearing. In South Western Uganda, among the pastoralist Banyankole, there is Eshabwe which is a sauce that is made without fire. It’s made out of cow ghee. The cultivators have their fine Karo – millet bread which is very delicious. In the mid-west of Uganda, the Batooro prepare the unique Firinda sauce which is made by removing the bean outer layer. In the East of Uganda, the Itesot prepare the Atapa which is made out of cassava and is also impressive to consume. In the north of Uganda, there is a sour vegetable known as Marakwang which is exciting to taste on. They also have a lot of Sim-Sim. Uganda also features a wide range of fruits that are organically and freshly grown including the Mangoes, Oranges, Ovacadoes, the Jack fruit, Pineapples, the guavas and Passion Fruit and Water melon which are sold in different markets in Kampala especially Nakasero Market, the along the major routes that connect to Kampala and even in the up country areas.
Population, Laguage & Culture
Uganda’s population is anticipated to be about 27 million people with 87% living in rural areas. The Country’s population can generally be classified along linguistic lines or groups that reside in the country.
The biggest groups of the Bantu-speaking people are the Baganda totaling to about 82.1% of the population and most of them live in Kampala and other parts of the country like Masaka, Mubende, Luwero, Mukono, Mpigi, and several other parts.
Other most important Bantu-speaking groups are Batooro in western Uganda at the base of Rwenzori Mountains, Bakiga in the southwestern part of the country, and the Banyoro of the Bunyoro-Kitala Kingdom.
The Eastern part of the country has a mixture of people with different languages and culture but the most prevailing are Bantu speaking, Basoga speaking Lusoga language and the biggest ethnic group in the East and directly allied to Baganda. The place being at the coast of L.Victoria, its soils are very lush and agriculture is a main activity.
Uganda’s Natural History
Uganda is an exclusive safari destination from other African countries because of its large forested area with Afro-montane forest found mainly on Mount Elgon, Lowland rain forest and their openness gives you a stunning sight of the forest creatures like gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys, butterflies and birds.
If you go through the country’s National parks and game reserves, you are likely to encounter safari favorites like Lions, Gorillas, leopard, buffalo, elephant, giraffe and other several varieties of animals not found anywhere in Africa.
Uganda has over 10 protected National Parks and game reserves. These protect plain animals, forest environment, Savannah, and the related animals. Nevertheless the current one with tourist amenities include, Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Murchison falls national park, Semliki, Budongo, Kanyiyo and Pabidi forest reserves, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Mgahinga and several others.
Uganda is naturally gifted with water bodies Like Lake Victoria, Albert Kyoga, Edward and several crater lakes. The existence of such water bodies facilitate a moderately wet climate, with the countryside greener and fertile compared to the semi-desert northern side. Around these water bodies are diverse bird species not easily found anywhere in Africa especially the rare shoebill and the papyrus gonolek.
Uganda is covered with a flat terrain at altitudes of 1,000-1200m and by the result of rifting and warping, the East African landscape was formed giving way to the Western rift valley of Uganda and the most gorgeous mountains like Rwenzori Mountains neighboring Congo with Margherita peak 5,110m as the 3rd peak point in Africa. Other main mountains include, Virungas on Rwanda boundary with Muhavura as the utmost of Ugandan peaks at 4,127m, Mt Elgon 4,321m, Mt Moroto3, 084m, and numerous others. All these Mountains are homes to forest habitats and have high grasslands.
Uganda Safaris / Uganda Tours sample packages
Please have a look at our pre made Uganda Safaris & Tours. Kindly note that together with us you can tailor your Uganda safari tour be it to include gorilla trekking in Bwindi, wildlife safari gave viewing in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo & Kidepo, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, mountain climbing/hiking on Rwenzori Mountains/Mount Elgon, the Virungas, Cultural community people visits, fishing, birding, scenery viewing and what ever else you want to do in Uganda for a your Ultimate Africa Safari memories.
Uganda Safari Categories;-
Uganda National Parks | Uganda Safari Destinations – Uganda Safari Parks
Uganda is a member of East African Federation a nd is one of the countries on the African continent that are gifted by nature which prompted the British premier to declare it the pearl of Africa in 1908. It contains ten national parks that are well set to be encountered on Uganda safari.
The amazing experience starts with Lake Mburo National Park – the smallest savannah park in Uganda located along Masaka- Mbarara road in the south west of the country well known for its populations of Impala, Zebra and Eland more than any other park. Proceed to gorilla safari destination of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park the home of the endangered Mountain gorillas well known for gorilla tracking. Find More about Uganda Safari Parks/ Safari Attractions
Read More / Read Less About Uganda National Parks
From there a Uganda safari undertaker can then proceed to the north to encounter Queen Elizabeth National Park – the world biosphere reserve to view the tree climbing lions of Ishasha, the famous boat ride of Kazinga Channel and the game drive along the Kasenyi track. Proceed to the north to encounter the 1,509m Mt Ruwenzori famously Known as Mountains of the moon suitable for Adventure safaris especially mountain climbing.
Continue to the primate capital of the world – Kibale national Park well known for populations of habituated chimpanzees thus a haven for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda before proceeding to Semuliki National Park well known for its prehistoric tree species and the Sempaya hot springs.
The journey of your safari in Uganda still continues to Murchison falls National Park – the largest protected area in Uganda for the powerful Murchison falls, the big five, Giraffe and Nile River itself. Proceed far north east to Kidepo National Park – one most remaining wilderness parks in Africa to encounter endemics like Cheetah, Kavirondo bush baby, Ostrich among others plus the rewarding landscapes of the Karamoja region that will optimize your Uganda safari memories. Drive towards the south via Mount Elgon – the dormant Volcanic Mountain suitable for Hiking, viewing Sipi falls, the caves and paintings on the mountain side before announcing the end of your Uganda safari tour.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda Gorilla tracking Safari
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda a home to the rare endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda, is strategically located at the edge of the western rift valley (Albertine rift valley), in South Western Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda is shared amoungest Rukungiri, Kisoro and Kabale Districts of Uganda.. Read More about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Mgahinga National Park, Uganda Gorilla trekking, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda only 33 sq km of size, is located in the far southwestern corner of Uganda bordering Rwanda and Congo,14 km from kisoro town in Bufumbira County about 540 km from Kampala-the capital. Mgahinga National Park was gazetted in 1991. Read More about Mgahinga National Park
Kibale Forest National Park Uganda, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Uganda
Kibale National Park Uganda-the major Chimpanzee trekking safari tours in Kibale forest national park destination in Uganda, is located in Kabarole district of western Uganda near Fort Portal and measures 776 sq km in size.It is elevate between 1110 meters to 1590 meters and has a national park since 1993. Read More about Kibale Forest National Park
Semuliki National Park, Uganda Wildlife Safaris in Semuliki National Park Uganda
Semuliki National Park Uganda is impeccable a Uganda safari spot located in the extreme west of Uganda in Bundibugyo district along geo-graphical coordinates 0o 44′- 00 53′ N – 290 57-30o 11’E. It is an eastern extension of the vast Ituri forest, and forms part of the forest continuum during the climatic upheavals of the Pleistocene period. It forms one of the richest areas for both flora and fauna in Africa particularly birds.. Read More about Semuliki National Park
Mt. Rwenzori National Park Mountain climbing safaris & tours in Uganda
A Uganda Safari that features the Rwenzori mountain climbing adventure provides a memorable and rewarding experience but in order to have a smooth flow it should be Well planned and every tour must be well prepared. The central hike circuit can take about six nights/seven days and then reaches an altitude of 14,000ft(4,267m) above the sea level. Read More about Semuliki National Park
Mount Elgon National Park Uganda Mountain Climbing adventure Safari tours
Mount Elgon National Park Uganda is home Mount Elgon a 4,321m high extinct volcano with Wagagai as it`s highest peak,that first erupted more than 24 million years ago and in prehistoric times stood taller than Kilimanjaro does today. Having a 50km by 80km area, Elgon is a great Uganda prime tour-safari destination, possesing the largest surface area of any extinct Volcano in the world but 4th highest mount in E. Africa. Read More about Mount Elgon National Park
Kidepo National Park, Uganda Wildlife safari tour in Kidepo Valley National Park
Mount Elgon National Park Uganda is home Mount Elgon a 4,321m high extinct volcano with Wagagai as it`s highest peak,that first erupted more than 24 million years ago and in prehistoric times stood taller than Kilimanjaro does today. Having a 50km by 80km area, Elgon is a great Uganda prime tour-safari destination, possesing the largest surface area of any extinct Volcano in the world but 4th highest mount in E. Africa. Read More about Kidepo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda wildlife tour safari in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park; With a size of 260 sq km,Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda is situated near Mbarara district and forms Uganda wildlife tours and Safaris destination best for tourists to amazing wild game walks amidst chanting and grazing wild animal and this can be done here in the whole Uganda. Read More about Lake Mburo National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park,Uganda wildlife safari tour in Uganda
Wildlife safari tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda wildlife safari game drives,boat cruises, nature walks,chimpanzee trekking when to visit, how to get there & where to sleep in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda (QENP) is located in the southwest of Uganda near Kasese, covering 1978 sq km. Read More about Queen Elizabeth National Park
Murchison Falls National Park Uganda, Wildlife safari in Murchison Falls Uganda
Here is a guide to Murchison Falls National Park Uganda– Wildlife safari tours in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda wildlife safari game drives,boat cruises, nature walks,chimpanzee trekking when to visit, how to get there & where to sleep in Murchison Falls National. Read More about Murchison Falls National Park
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