Thinking of heading to Uganda for a gorilla trekking adventure and safari holiday? Wondering what vaccinations, you might need and what you can expect of the local food? Look no further than our Top Travel Tips which provide a wealth of information on all the essential need-to-knows.
What vaccinations do I need for Uganda?
You should seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before travelling to Uganda and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Polio, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A & B and Tetanus are strongly recommended. Rabies and Meningitis are also recommended.
Following an outbreak of yellow fever in April 2016, the Ugandan Ministry of Health now requires all travelers provide proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Do I need anti-malaria tablets for Uganda?
There is a high risk of malaria in Uganda so it is very important to check with your doctor before you go, to see whether malarial medication is required for the areas you are visiting. Generally, it is good practice to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeved, light colored clothes and wearing a mosquito repellent that contains at least 50% DEET. For more information on the malaria risk in Uganda visit the NHS Fit to Travel page or the CDC Traveler’s Health page.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Uganda?
All tap water in Uganda should be treated as if contaminated and avoided at all costs unless it has been purified or boiled before consuming. Bottled mineral water is widely available and cheap so be sure to stock up on this.
Uganda wooden masks
WOODEN MASKS MAKE GREAT SOUVENIRS WHEN VISITING UGANDA
What souvenirs can I shop for in Uganda?
Traditional African handicrafts can be found throughout Uganda at very reasonable prices and make great souvenirs. Buying carved wooden masks and sculptures made by local artists is a good way to support the community and make sure you go home with something unique and authentic. There are plenty of other items on offer that will jazz up your home such as bowls, batik paintings and woven baskets.
Those looking to spice up their wardrobe needn’t look far whilst in Uganda. Bright fabrics with stunning African patterns can be easily purchased and either taken home as they are or turned into clothes by one of the local tailors. Once again, you will be providing valuable income for locals by getting your own custom-made clothes and you can be sure no-one will walk around wearing the same thing as you back home.
Is bargaining acceptable in Uganda?
In proper shops in Uganda’s big cities, such as Kampala, most items will have fixed prices and will not be up for negotiation. Stalls, markets and family-owned stores, however, tend not to have any price labels and it is here that you will be able to engage in a bit of bargaining. The most important thing to remember while haggling is to make sure both buyer and seller are happy at the end of the transaction. It is also good form to remain in good humor and not to treat the situation as hostile.
Is it safe for solo female travelers in Uganda?
Foreign women, and particularly white women, attract a lot of attention in Uganda so be prepared for people to want to talk to you, touch your skin and invite you to their house. For the vast majority of the time, this attention stems from pure curiosity and is not meant in a threatening or harmful way. Occasionally men might pester you but giving the cold shoulder or a firm ‘no’ will usually do the trick and get them to leave you alone.
In Africa it is very uncommon for women to walk around alone so in some cases it might better simply to say your boyfriend or husband is meeting you somewhere. A photo of a man in your purse and a fake wedding ring are useful for adding credibility to your story. It is also advisable to avoid being out alone at night as muggings are not unheard of.
How about as a member of the LGBT community?
Currently, homosexuality is illegal in Uganda, and sexual activity with someone of the same gender is punishable with prison. It has been known for Western members of the LGBT community to be attacked and harassed. This is largely because of the strict Christianity of the country, homosexuality is simply not accepted as a part of Ugandan society. Whilst an outdated view, this does not mean that Ugandans are inhospitable or unfriendly people. In fact, Uganda is generally a very welcoming country, homosexuality is just not accepted like it is in other parts of the world today.
Any LGBT traveler wishing to explore Uganda would be best to behave with discretion and not to engage in any flirting or sexual activity with anyone of the same sex whilst visiting the country. As long as travelers act with discretion, there is no reason to expect any problems.
What is the duty free allowance for Uganda?
Travelers over the age of 18 are permitted to bring the following into the country:
250g of tobacco products
1L of spirits or 2L of wine
500ml of perfume and eau de toilette, of which up to 250ml may be perfume
Goods up to the value of US$500 (for returning residents)
The following are banned from being imported into Uganda: narcotics, pornography, counterfeit items, cultural artefacts and explosives are not permitted. Some medication may also be restricted – check before you travel.
You must obtain a permit to import hunting weapons, live animals, fruit, flowers, cuttings or seeds.
What is the currency in Uganda?
The official currency in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling. Check OANDA for the latest exchange rates.
Euros, British Pounds, US Dollars, South African Rand and other major currencies can be exchanged locally or in advance of departure. Additionally, exchange facilities are available at various bureaus de change and banks in major towns have ATMs. It’s advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities.
Traveler’s Cheques are not recommended as they’re often difficult to exchange and incur high fees.
Uganda tea room
YOU’LL FIND INEXPENSIVE TEA ROOMS ALL OVER UGANDA
What do things cost in Uganda?
If you plan on doing gorilla trekking during your time in Uganda, be aware that a permit can cost anything upwards of about USD $600. As for other expenses, a mid-range hotel room will usually cost between USD $30-50 per night while dorms are around USD $8-10. Street food is incredibly cheap, costing less than a dollar in some cases, and sit-down meals can be found for between USD $5-10 for a feast of African or Indian food.
When it comes to going out, a pint of beer won’t cost more than USD $2 in a bar and will be even cheaper in a supermarket. Transport isn’t usually too expensive with matatu (mini bus) rides often costing around 50 cents or less. Private taxis are more expensive and can set you back up to USD $10.
What sort of plugs do I need for Uganda and what is the voltage?
Standard voltage is 230 – 240 volts. Primary sockets generally require the three square-pin variety, similar to the United Kingdom sockets. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.
Is WiFi widely available in Uganda?
You will be sure to find a WiFi connection in the majority of hotels, restaurants and cafes in Kampala but more rural areas are much less connected. Be aware that frequent power outages can disrupt connectivity and surges may damage electronics.
What time zone is Uganda on?
Uganda is 3 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight savings.
Traveling in Uganda
CAR HIRE IN UGANDA
We are so fortunate to possess 4 x 4 convectional vehicles that offer you the utmost comfort as you journey through your Ugandan safari. Among the cars are land cruisers, tops and self-drive saloons as well as transfers to and fro the airport. All our cars are widely insured.
AIRLINE RESERVATION & TICKETING
We have several experienced staff to assist you in routing as well as ticketing to which ever destination you prefer in the world. We handle client transportation by air through offering the most suitable yet affordable airfares for the various itineraries. We pride in our outstanding working-relationship with the various airline companies. Basing on the preferences of our clients, we arrange both local and international flights. We pledge travel ticket confirmation, payment as well as reservations.
Gorilla Trekking Tips
Gorilla Trekking Tips to help you plan your gorilla safari to Uganda or Rwanda.
For most travelers, trekking the Gorillas ranks among one of the absolute highlights of a trip to Uganda, and the awesome feeling that you get being before these creatures is indescribable. Gorilla tracking is a thrilling experience as the guide leads you through the gorilla’s world, explaining aspects of their ecology and behavior along the way. Tracking times do vary and can be anything from as little as 30 minutes to 7 hours! But your efforts will be rewarded when you finally come face-to-face with one of nature’s greatest animals.
Information on Mountain Gorillas shows that the endangered Mountain Gorillas won’t be found in any zoo in the world (they do not survive in captivity and there are no surviving mountain gorillas in zoos), you can only find them and see them in Africa, in the countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to census data released by the recent census by the Uganda Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities -, there are only about 880 Mountain Gorillas left in the world and over 400 of those live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest alone. Others can be found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Let us visit some of the gorilla trekking tips or guidelines to make your trip a success.
The Way to the Gorillas
A maximum number of 8 visitors may visit a group (family) of habituated Gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioral disturbances to the Gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
Always wash your hands before you head out to the Gorillas.
Do not leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back with you.
You will be taken to where the guides left the gorillas the day before. From there you will follow the Gorillas’ trail to find them. Look out for the gorilla’s nesting sites along the way.
When you approach the Gorillas, the guides will inform you when to get your cameras ready.
Please always keep your voices low. This will ensure that you will be able to observe the beautiful birds and other wildlife in the forest.
When You Are With the Gorillas
Keep a minimum distance of 7 meters (21 feet) from the Gorillas. (This reduces the risk of transmitting diseases between humans and Gorillas.
Keep your voices low at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
Do not eat or drink while you are near the Gorillas.
Sometimes the Gorillas charge. Follow the guide’s example by crouching down slowly, and do not look at the Gorillas in the eyes. Wait for the gorilla to pass you by and do not attempt to run away (this will increase the risk of attack).
Flash photography is not permitted, when taking pictures, move slowly and carefully.
Do not touch the Gorillas. They are wild animals.
The maximum time visitors are allowed to spend with the Gorillas is one hour; however, if the Gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will end the visit early.
After the visit, keep your voices low until you are at least 200 meters away from the Gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking Tips
Momma gorilla sniffing baby while auntie looks on, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
General Health Rules
Gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following guidelines are to ensure that you minimize the risk your visit might pose to them.
Respect the limit imposed on the time that visitors are allowed with the Gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
If you are feeling ill, or have a contagious disease when you are already at the park, please volunteer to stay behind. An alternative visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded (as per the gorilla reservation guidelines).
If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the Gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or germs.
Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away from the Gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
Do not leave any rubbish e.g. food wrappers in the park. Such items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole. Fill it out when you have finished.
What to Bring
Given that Gorilla tracking involves a lot of walking on rough, mountainous terrain, a tracker is advised to:
Bring shoes with good traction, suitable for steep muddy slopes.
Carry rain gear, sunscreen, and a hat, as the weather is unpredictable.
Carry enough water and food.
Carry binoculars
Carry a good camera that can take photographs of black animals in dim light without a flash. A monopod can also be very helpful.
