Destination:
Uganda

Overview

A small, landlocked country straddling the equator between Kenya and the DRC in Eastern Africa, Uganda is one of the continent's most beautiful countries, boasting a wide variety of scenery, culture and wildlife despite its modest size.

Its reputation as 'Africa's friendliest country' is not only accredited to its likeable people, but also to its redevelopment as an eco-friendly environment, with the enlightened management of 10 national parks, and its introduction of eco-tourism projects, adventure sports and unique gorilla-trekking opportunities that have put the country back on the tourist circuit.

Not only is Uganda progressive in its development as an environment-friendly destination, but its approach towards HIV/AIDS has been hailed as the most effective in sub-Saharan Africa. After years of misrule, hardship and war under Idi Amin, Uganda is once again receiving positive global interest due to its forward-thinking policies and wealth of tourist attractions. The hardship and war have not been forgotten by the people, but they are memories confined to the past.

Uganda's variety of landscapes is as astounding as its biodiversity. Forested crater lakes on the floor of the Rift Valley give way to typical East African savannah as well as tropical rainforest. The glacial peaks of the highest mountain range in Africa, the 'Mountains of the Moon' or Rwenzori Mountains that mark the country's western border, as well as a number of extinct volcanoes make for world-class hiking and mountaineering. There are several large bodies of water, including the massive Lake Victoria, which it shares with Tanzania and Kenya, and the myriad islands dotting Lake Victoria and Lake Bunyoni are ideal birdwatching destinations. Lake Victoria is also the source of the Nile, the longest river in the world, which passes through the impressive Murchison Falls and creates some of the most exciting white water rafting on earth.

What also makes Uganda a unique safari destination is its remarkable concentration of primates, which is the highest on earth, and people are drawn from around the world to track chimpanzees and to experience the face to face encounter of a lifetime: the massive mountain gorilla.

Basics

Time
Local time in Uganda is GMT +3.

Electricity
Electrical current in Uganda is 220 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin, rectangular blade plugs are in use.

Language
English is the official national language in Uganda. Luganda is also widely spoken and is the most common of the numerous indigenous languages.

Health
Travellers' diarrhoea is the most common complaint for visitors to Uganda. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and typhoid; a Hepatitis E outbreak in northern Uganda since the end of 2007 has killed over 60 people so far and infected thousands more, and visitors are advised to take precautions if visiting the area. All visitors require vaccination against yellow fever. Cholera outbreaks occur occasionally, but most travellers are at low risk for infection; bottled water is widely available. Malaria and HIV/AIDS are widespread. Outbreaks of the plague and meningitis occur and visitors should insure that vaccinations are up to date. A recent outbreak of Ebola has killed 37 people in western Uganda; it is spread through direct contact with blood or secretions of an infected person. Incidents of sleeping sickness are on the rise, carried by tsetse flies. Limited health facilities are available outside of Kampala. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

Tipping
At local hotels and restaurants in Uganda, tipping is not common, but tips of 5-10% are expected at tourist-orientated establishments. It is customary to tip guides and drivers.

Safety
Due to the risk of serious attacks and the killing of foreign aid workers by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), as well as the risk of banditry and attacks by other rebel groups, and tribal clashes; most foreign governments advise against travel to northern Uganda. The Government and the LRA signed a new 'Cessation of Hostilities' agreement in April 2007, but the situation remains unstable. Areas bordering Sudan in the north, the region known as West Nile in the north west (except Arua town, which can be visited by air), and the Karamoja region of north eastern Uganda are insecure and pose a serious risk to travellers. Kidepo Valley National Park should be visited by air only. In November 2005 there was an attack on a vehicle in Murchison Falls National Park (in the north west) and visitors are advised to avoid the park due to the risk of rebel groups in the area. Security has been heightened in both Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in the far south west, bordering the DRC and Rwanda, following the murder of six tourists in 1999 in Bwindi by Rwandan rebels. Most national parks are safe to visit and a holiday to Uganda is generally trouble-free. Kampala, the capital, is a relatively safe city, although visitors should take sensible precautions against opportunistic crime and at night. Theft of EU passports has been on the increase. Demonstrations and political rallies should be avoided in Kampala and the main towns.

Customs
Visitors to Uganda are advised not to take photographs of military or official sites, including Owen Falls Dam. Homosexual practices are frowned upon and public displays of affection should be avoided.

Business
Uganda has one of the fastest-growing economies and is one of the most liberal countries in Africa. Agriculture is the largest sector of the economy and coffee the chief export. Uganda is most welcoming for foreign investment and business is steadily on the increase. Appointments should always be made prior to business meetings. Formal dress attire is to be observed, and the shaking of hands is expected on introduction. Business is usually conducted in English. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.

Communications
The international dialling code for Uganda is +256. The outgoing code is 000 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)41 for Kampala. There is extensive cellular telephone network coverage over most of the country with GSM 900, and Internet facilities are available in most large towns.

Duty Free
Travellers to Uganda over 17 years of age do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 227g tobacco, or a combination of 227g tobacco products; 1 bottle of wine or spirits; and 500ml of perfume or eau de toilette.

Currency

The official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency, like US dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling, can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. Travellers cheques are not widely accepted outside of Kampala. ATMs are available in Kampala. Credit cards are only accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants, usually only in the cities.

UGX 1 =

US$ 0.04

£ 0.03

C$ 0.04

A$ 0.04

R 0.34

EUR 0.03

NZ$ 0.05

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Health

Health Overview
Travellers' diarrhoea is the most common complaint for visitors to Uganda. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and typhoid; a Hepatitis E outbreak in northern Uganda since the end of 2007 has killed over 60 people so far and infected thousands more, and visitors are advised to take precautions if visiting the area. All visitors require vaccination against yellow fever. Cholera outbreaks occur occasionally, but most travellers are at low risk for infection; bottled water is widely available. Malaria and HIV/AIDS are widespread. Outbreaks of the plague and meningitis occur and visitors should insure that vaccinations are up to date. A recent outbreak of Ebola has killed 37 people in western Uganda; it is spread through direct contact with blood or secretions of an infected person. Incidents of sleeping sickness are on the rise, carried by tsetse flies. Limited health facilities are available outside of Kampala. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

Visa

Americans


UK nationals


Canadians


Australians


South Africans


Irish nationals


New Zealanders

Passport/Visa Note
All visitors require a passport that is valid for at least six months on entry. Visitors must hold return or onward tickets, and sufficient funds. All nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at a cost of US$50 (single entry) or US$100 for a six month visa (multiple entry) and US$200 for a one year visa (multiple entry).

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Contacts

Uganda Tourism
Uganda Tourist Board, Kampala: +256 (0)41 342 196 or www.visituganda.com

Foreign Embassies in Uganda

Uganda Embassies

Regions and Cities

Kampala

Kampala is Uganda's largest city and its chief urban centre, and is known for its friendly, welcoming people, and beautiful setting. The city is built over seven hills, and stretches to the shores of Lake Victoria.

While the buildings and other vestiges of urban infrastructure may still have a ramshackle quality and an air of neglect about them, aspects of the city are booming: tourism, and the presence of NGOs, has brought new money and fresh ideas to Kampala, reflected in the diverse international cuisine, burgeoning local art scene, broadband Internet facilities, and inevitably, the increasing number of traffic jams to be found there.

Many visitors come overland from Kenya, and find Kampala's relaxed air and reputation for safety a welcome relief from the (comparative) hazards of Nairobi. Perhaps the biggest danger facing tourists to Uganda's capital are the Boda-boda motorcycle taxis - these should not be used, unless one has a burning desire to add the inside of a hospital room to one's Kampala itinerary.

There is little in the way of must-see attractions in Kampala itself: a former key site, the Kasubi Tombs, was extensively damaged by fire in 2009, and remains closed; while the Uganda National Museum is a pleasant afternoon diversion at best. The Uganda Railway Station building is worth a look, as it remains a wonderful example of grand colonial architecture.

Some of the most appealing experiences are to be had in the city's vibrant markets. Owino market is a famously chaotic and eclectic place, with everything from original artworks to charity clothing for sale. The smaller Nakasero fresh-food market is very colourful, with fruit and vegetables from all over the region for sale, much of it unfamiliar to western eyes (and palates). For arts and crafts, the roadside market on Buganda Road rewards those with a keen eye, and robust bargaining skills.

Kampala is typically used as a base by visitors, who are en route to the one of the great natural attractions found in its outlying areas. The most popular of these is undoubtedly the gorilla-viewing experience at Bwindi National Park, closely followed by wild chimpanzee feeding at Ngamba Island near Entebbe. The nearby Nile River also offers numerous activities: rafting and jet-skiing in the headwaters is an exhilarating experience, while an excursion or weekend trip to the Ssese Islands is also well worth the time.