Uganda
![[Country map of Uganda]](images/ug-150.gif) Your
Uganda travel vacation is ideal for a voyage of
discovery into the most enthralling continent in
the world. The country presents a captivating
combination of the wonders of nature,
traditional customs and modern attractions.
To most visitors the attraction of Uganda is the
chance to experience, at first hand, the sights
and sounds often glimpsed on the TV screen; its
shimmering lakes and lofty mountains, the
mysterious forests and game parks teeming with
birds and increasing concentrations of all kinds
of wildlife.
Travel to Uganda and see a captivating
combination of the wonders of nature,
traditional customs and mordern attractions. But
above all other attractions is the welcome that
comes from the heart of Uganda people.
An now you can even explore the river banks of
the White Nile on horseback with Hidden Trails.
This is Uganda....."The Pearl of Africa!!"
Uganda is a landlocked treasure seated on the
world's second largest fresh water body, Lake
Victoria. Bordering Rwanda and Tanzania to the
south, Kenya to the east, Sudan to the north and
Zaire to the west, Ugnda is truly worth a visit.
Oral tradition describes several African
Kingdoms in the area, most of which are still in
existence today. Uganda is filled with
magnificent scenery, including snowcapped
mountains, thick tropical forests and semi
desert areas truly making it, as Winston
Churchill described, the "Pearl of Africa".
Lakes cover more than a sixth of Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable
National Park
 This
park is home to more than half of the world’s
wild mountain gorilla population and was
declared a Natural World Heritage Site in
December 1994. World Heritage Sites are
internationally recognized as natural features
of outstanding beauty or scientific value.
The landscape here is rugged, with deep
valleys running between steep sided hills and
ridges with barely a square kilometer of the
park flat. There are continuous stands of both
lowland and montane rainforest with a dense
undergrowth of herbs, vines and shrubs (hence
the name impenetrable).
This area is regarded as one of the most
biologically diverse forests in Africa with the
richest faunal community in East Africa. There
are estimated to be 120 species of mammals (more
than any other national park in Uganda except
Queen Elizabeth) and is the only park where
chimpanzees and gorillas co-exist together.
There are an estimated 360 species of birds,
including 23 localized species found only along
the Albertine Rift Valley and 14 found nowhere
else in Uganda.
The pristine rainforests of this park, one of
the largest natural forests in East Africa, are
home to approximately 300 species of butterfly
(including two endangered species of
swallowtails), 200 native tree species and many
species of reptiles and amphibians (including
one species of frog that may be new to science).
The rugged terrain makes gorilla trekking
strenuous work and visitors should be prepared
for up to 8 hours of hiking (good physical
condition is a must). A maximum of only 16
permits per day are available for advance
booking, so confirmation 4-12 months in advance
is required to avoid disappointment. Some
permits are available on short notice-please
inquire with us.
Distance from Kampala: 550km; estimated transit
time: 9 hours
Murchison Falls
National Park
This is the largest park in Uganda, covering
over 4000 sq. km, and is one of the most
spectacular parks in all of Africa. Renowned for
its scenic beauty and the spectacular falls from
which it gets its name, Murchison Falls NP
supports an abundance of flora and fauna to
delight the visitor. From rolling savannah and
tall grasslands to thick bush and woodlands, the
diversity of this park never ceases to amaze
visitors and residents alike.
No visit to Murchison Falls would be complete
without a visit to the magnificent falls. They
can be viewed from the top where the Nile River
narrows from 50 meters to crash through a
7-meter gorge, falling 45 meters to the rocks
below. The three-hour cruise to the base of the
falls is also unforgettable. One can experience
the majesty of the Nile while onboard, viewing
abundant wildlife along the banks. The more
adventurous traveller may want to hike the
trails around the falls, while the avid
birdwatcher will want to seek out some of the
424 species identified in the park. Fishermen
can test their skills above and below the falls,
waiting patiently for 20-100 kg Nile Perch.
Other game fish found in the Nile include Barbel,
Electric Catfish and Tiger fish.
While on game drives, Cape buffalo,
Rothschild's giraffe, Uganda kob, hartebeest and
waterbuck are commonly seen. You may also spot
oribi, bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, the shy
sitatunga, bush duiker, warthog and bushpig.
Large carnivores found in the park include lion,
leopard and spotted hyena. Chimpanzees and olive
baboons head the list of six species of primates
found in the park. Crocodile and hippo will be
seen along the banks of the Nile. Some of the
more common birds that can be seen include
Goliath heron, Egyptian geese, pelican,
bee-eaters, kingfishers, hornbill, cormorant,
saddle-bill stork and the rare Shoebill stork. A
boat cruise to the delta is a highlight for the
avid birdwatcher.
Distance from Kampala: 300km; estimated transit
time: 5 hrs.
Queen Elizabeth
National Park
As one of the outstanding treasures of
Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park has
recently been designated a Biosphere Reserve for
Humanity under UNESCO. It is the most popular
and easily accessible game reserve in Uganda.
The park covers 2000 sq. km and includes a
remarkable variety of eco-systems, from
semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows,
savannah and swamps. A total of 95 mammal
species has been recorded here, the highest for
any Ugandan national park. It is the home of the
famous tree-climbing lions, the Uganda kob and
other antelope species, as well as elephant,
buffalo, hippos, baboons and chimpanzee.
A total of 547 confirmed and 15 unconfirmed
bird species have been recorded in Queen
Elizabeth. This is one of the highest totals in
the world and is truly remarkable for such a
relatively small reserve. Species recorded
include the Shoebill stork, black bee-eater, 11
types of kingfishers and a variety of raptors,
including several falcons and eagles. In the
crater lakes, spectacular flocks of flamingos
gather, creating the image of a moving pink
carpet. The launch trip along the Kazinga
Channel between Lakes George and Edward is a
memorable way to view the abundant game in Queen
Elizabeth and to see an astounding number of
bird species.
In the eastern section of the park is
Kyambura Gorge where visitors can climb through
a tropical forest in hopes of catching a glimpse
of a variety of primates, including chimpanzees.
In the more isolated Ishasha sector of the
park, visitors can move through the woodlands in
search of tree-climbing lions perched on the
boughs of ancient fig trees. T the southeast,
travellers can explore newly opened trails in
the Maramagambo forest.
Distance from Kampala: 440km; estimated transit
time: 6 hrs
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Health
Visitors over 1 year of age from yellow fever
infected areas require yellow fever
international certificate of vaccination.
Exemptions are made for visitors arriving from
non-endemic areas such as Europe, North America,
Australia and New Zealand. Visitors from
non-endemic areas, if traveling outside urban
areas are encouraged to obtain a vaccination.
Cholera is a serious health risk in this country
and precautions are called for. Typhoid is also
widespread and immunization is advisable.
Malaria is widespread throughout the country
including urban centers such as Kampala, Fort
Portal, Jinja, Mbale and the Kigezi area.
Visitors are strongly advised to take
anti-malaria medication commencing two weeks
before travel. Note that resistance to
chloroquine has been reported. Bilharzia is a
risk and you are advised not to swim or paddle
in fresh water lakes and rivers. Swimming pools
in good hotels and clubs are usually well
chlorinated and maintained and are safe.
Tuberculosis and hepatitis (A, B & E) are
present in Uganda.
HIV-AIDS is prevalent in the country and
needless to say prudent measures are necessary.
Good hospitals, health facilities and chemists
are only to be found in the main towns. Medical
facilities for advanced treatment including
surgery are scarce even in Kampala.
Visas
Passports valid for 3 months from date of entry
are required of all visitors. All visitors
require a visa except for citizens of some
Caribbean and African countries. There are also
exceptions for citizens of Cyprus, Fiji, Malta,
Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu and a
few other countries.
Some visas may be issued on entry into the
country. It is however advisable to obtain
visa's in advance from Ugandan Embassies and
High Commissions as some airlines may require it
before allowing you to board. Entry may be
refused to travelers with no proof of sufficient
funds and return or onward tickets. Visa
requirements vary from time to time and you are
advised to check on prevailing status well ahead
of travel.
Peoples & Culture
Uganda's people are complex and diverse. Bantu
speakers, widespread in east, central and
southern Africa, include the Baganda and a few
other tribes. In the north, the Acholi and Lango
are Nilotic speakers and have much in common
with natives of southern Sudan. The Teso and
Karamojong found in the east are related to the
Maasai found in Kenya and Tanzania. In the west,
the Ankole and Toro are culturally close to the
natives of Rwanda. The famous Pygmies are found
in the forests of the west.
As a nation, Uganda is an amalgamation of
ancient kingdoms and independent chieftains.
Among the indigenous kingdoms are the Baganda,
Bunyoro, Toro, Ankole and Busoga. The Kingdoms
were suppressed in the times of the troubles
that razed the country in the two decades after
1967. Today they have been restored with their
ancient privileges shorn and play only a
ceremonial role in the life of the nation. The
Baganda king, the Kabaka, whose domicile is
Kampala has historically been the most
prominent. His lineage stretches back to the
14th century.
Swahili, the language originating from the east
African coast is widely spoken though not as
well as in Kenya or Tanzania. Luganda, the
language of the Kabaka, is also widely spoken.
English is is understood by good numbers though
only in urban areas. For the most part, local
cuisine consists of matoke (a staple based on
green bananas), millet bread, cassava, sweet
potatoes, chicken, goat and beef stews and
freshwater fish. Ugali, the maize meal based
filler popular in east Africa is used as an
accompaniment for meat or vegetable dishes. You
will easily a decent locally brewed beer.
Popular brands include Bell, Club and Nile
Special. The national drink is however a banana
gin known as waragi. This is a giant killer and
if you imbibe it in immoderate quantities, you
will sooner come to grief.
Communications
Telephone, fax, telegram, post and Internet
services are available in urban centers.
International direct dialing to many countries
is available in the principal towns. In rural
areas telephony services are unreliable. The
country code for Uganda is 256.
Mobile phones are based on GSM 900/1800 network.
Coverage extends to the principal towns. You can
obtain a GSM card that will allow you to make
international calls to any country. The main
network operators are: Uganda Telecom (www.utl.co.ug),
Celtel (www.msi-cellular.com) and MTN Uganda (www.mtn.co.ug).
You will find Internet cafes in Kampala and some
of the main towns.
Money
The local currency is the Uganda Shilling (Ush).
The import and export of local currency is not
allowed. There are no restrictions on the import
of foreign currency provided it is declared on
arrival. On departure, export of foreign
currency is restricted to the amount declared on
entry. Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American
Express are widely accepted at bigger hotels,
restaurants, travel agencies and shops
Travelers cheques can be cashed at major hotels,
banks and forex bureaus. You will do best when
your travelers cheques are denominated in US
Dollars or Sterling Pounds. Foreign currency can
be exchanged at the Central Bank, commercial
banks and forex bureaux. Generally you will get
better exchange rates at forex bureaus. Changing
money in the streets is a bad idea. Street
traders sometimes deal in funny money.
Climate
Uganda enjoys a tropical climate tempered by
altitude. The country is generally flat though
the average altitude is about 1000m. Due to the
rather high altitude, temperatures range between
21 to 25°C. The mountain areas of Mount Elgon
and the Rwenzori mountains are even cooler and
the top of both mountains experiences some snow.
The hottest period of the year is from December
to February when temperature rise 29 degrees
Celsius. The country experiences two rainy
seasons: April to May and October to November,
with April being the wettest month. The north
however has a wet season lasting from April to
October. The best times to visit are
December-March and June-September.
International Travel
Uganda's only international airport is at
Entebbe, 35 km from the capital Kampala. Outside
Uganda, the airport gained fame as the place
where Israeli commandos rescued passengers on a
hijacked plane, back in the days of the infamous
Idi Amin. The dramatic rescue captured the
imagination of the world and is the subject of a
few films. There are few direct flights to
Entebbe from outside Africa and most travelers
from Europe, Asia and North America will arrive
via Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. Daily
connections are available from Nairobi. Airlines
landing at Entebbe include British Airways,
Egypt Air, Emirates, South African Airways,
Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, SN Brussels,
Air Rwanda, and Air Tanzania.
To save on cost, some travelers disembark at
Nairobi and take the overnight bus to Kampala.
There are two overland crossing points from
Kenya: Busia and Malaba. From Mwanza in
Tanzania, you can get to Kampala by ferry. You
can also enter the country from Tanzania through
the Kagera salient between Bukoba and Masaka.
Overland travel through Rwanda, Sudan and Zaire
is uncertain due to security considerations.
Make sure to check the latest situation with the
security authorities before committing to
travel.
Local Travel
Local flights depart from Entebbe to the
principal towns. Charter flights are also
available. There is an extensive service of
minibuses connecting most parts of the country
from Kampala. Bus service is rather unreliable
except for the scheduled service between Entebbe
and Kampala.
Driving in Uganda is on the left, a legacy of
British rule. Rental cars are available at
Entebbe and Kampala. You need to show an
international drivers license to hire a vehicle.
Roads radiate from Kampala and are of varying
quality. In the north of the country the
security situation is still doubtful and so are
the roads. It is a good idea if you are on
self-drive to get local advice about the
condition of the roads you intend to use.
Travel Insurance
Health and the usual travel insurance are
recommended. Check that your travel insurance
Includes emergency evacuation.
What to Wear
Light clothing is generally adequate in Uganda.
But you need warmer wraps and sweaters for the
evenings and early mornings. You are also
advised to carry some rainwear, just in case.
Usually dressing is informal. For both men and
women, cotton slacks and flat-heeled comfortable
walking shoes are recommended on safari. It is a
good idea to bring along a hat and a decent pair
of sunglasses for sun protection.
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