10 Things to Know Before You Travel to Uganda

There are many reasons that travelers pack for Africa. One of them is its appealing travel destinations including Uganda which tends to attract a lot of attention in the form of luxury vacation packages and honeymoon deals. With its incredible natural wonders, this hub of unmatched draws is located in the Eastern region of the Continent.

It shares borders with Kenya in the East, Rwanda in the Southwest, Democratic Republic of Congo in the West, Sudan in the north, and Tanzania in the South

Uganda is one of the most visited African travel destinations and receives not less than a thousand trippers per year. Diverse types of tourists, including those who fly into private jets and those who sail on cruise ships, are known to visit Uganda to get a glimpse of the beautiful sights. That said, are you wondering how much does a private jet flight cost? Why not check out the webpage of Jettly and its likes? Hold on, are you a fan of sailing? Then, you can just look for boat cruises in Uganda on the Internet.

Anyway, if you are one of those who are planning to soak up this country’s unending charms, make sure to know the points listed below before you visit the place.

If you are a traveler at heart, then you know that discovering new places to go to can ignite that passion for exploring inside you. However, some of us are stuck in a constant loop of timeshare vacations (sound familiar?) so if that’s you, then looking into something like timeshare exit companies can help you get free and get ready to travel to our amazing country for some culturally beautiful vacationing.

How to get there

For those who are traveling from countries that are outside of East Africa, you can only get to Uganda by plane. Multiple flights come from various parts of the World to Uganda’s Entebbe landing strip daily. If you are traveling with kids from a different continent, ensure that you have the proper gear for the baby to keep them safe and comfortable for the long duration of the flight.

Travelers from East African countries like Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and DR Congo have an opportunity to travel to Uganda by Car if you can’t afford air transport. Road tripping is cheaper but needs more time than air travel.

Things needed for Entry permission

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, only three documents were needed for entry. These included a valid passport, yellow fever vaccination card, and a tourist Visa.

For now, there is an addition of a PCR COVID-19 test done within 72 hours of your arrival. These results must be negative and conducted from a legit laboratory recognized by your departure destination.

Getting from the Airport.

There are several ways to get from Entebbe Airport such as pick by a local tour operator, a friend, relative, or book a private cab. If you are arranging a tailor-made safari with a tour company, this service is included in the trip package.

For those who wish to explore Uganda on their own, you can easily shift from the airfield by a taxi to your hotel in the ebb town or Kampala city (the capital).

One of the best agencies for Airport Pick up from Entebbe is Airport Express. This company offers transportation from the air station to other parts of the country including major cities like Jinja, Mbarara, Mbale, Masaka, Gulu to name but a few.

How to travel around Uganda.

Traveling around Uganda is easier when you choose one of these three options. The list embodies hiring a Special Taxi in Kampala, a Car for self-drive, or planning your travel with a tour agency.

A special taxi is perfect for traveling around the city or nearby towns. For adventure upcountry, you either choose to rent a car for self-drive holidays or enjoy the impeccable services of a travel agent. If you are traveling with family and kids, consider getting kids’ essentials such as a car seat and stroller as well. If you want to reduce your expenses on such items, you can also rent these items online (click here to learn more) and get them delivered to your house before you take a flight to Uganda. In this way, you can return baby travel gear once you are back from the trip.

Is Uganda Secure?

With its strong people’s defense force (UPDF), it is no surprise that Uganda is named amongst the safest travel destinations in Africa.

This country is free from any threats of attack. All its borders to insecure countries like DR Congo are monitored by the army to ensure that no rebels can enter the country.

Accommodation & Food.

Whether you are after the budget, mid-range, or deluxe lodging facilities, Uganda has it all. Cities like Kampala are home to hotels, motels, and guesthouses.

If you need to unwind in a setting that is girded by nature and fresh air, no place in Uganda is great than lodges in National Parks, Sanctuaries, and other protected areas.

Besides that Uganda’s cuisine is a must for someone who is a foodie. Other than local food, multiple eateries in different locations of the nation serve international dishes like Chinese food, Viet specialties, European cuisine, and more.

Currency used.

The country’s national currency is Uganda shillings but other foreign currencies like US dollars, Euro, and pounds are used. For those who expect to make payments like in the local markets, restaurants, and retail shops, make sure to have some shillings.

Most services are charged in local currency except for some facilities such as high-end hotels, luxurious eateries, and goods in chic retail shops.

Online payment is accepted but not widely used by service providers. Before you opt for it first inquire to know whether your provider supports it.

Language used.

Uganda is recorded with over 54 tribes. Locals speak different languages in various parts of the country, but the official one is English inherited from the colonial period.

People in the central region including the capital use English and Luganda (belongs to the Buganda kingdom and the widely used local language in the country).

Must go places.

Interesting places in Uganda are countless, but what you shouldn’t ignore are the national parks, game reserves, and Sanctuaries especially for those who are Wildlife enthusiasts.

Other must-see spots are historical sites, beaches, and cities like Jinja, Fort portal, Kampala, and more. There are over ten Parks that dot the different regions of the country.

Most of these protected areas are found in western Uganda like Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Mgahinga Gorilla, Semliki, Kibale Forest, and Mountain Ruwenzori National Park.

For a person who loves to see Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitats, Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park are for you. Kibale and Budongo Forest are ideal for Chimpanzee lovers.

If you prefer the African Big Fives than primates, parks like Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, Semliki, and Kidepo Valley must be included in your itinerary.

Mountain Ruwenzori and Mount Elgon remain the only options for travelers who visit Uganda to challenge their hiking skills.

Besides that, historical sites like the National museum, royal palace of Buganda kingdom, martyr’s shrines Namugongo, Kasubi tombs won’t fail to appeal to those who are up to immersing themselves in the country’s rich history and culture.

Must-do activities

For an exceptional experience on your Uganda Safari be sure not to omit these pursuits.

The list comprises Gorilla trekking, White water rafting, game drives, nature walks, launch trip cruise, Chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, mountain hiking, Golden monkey tracking, Batwa trail experience, mountain biking, zip-lining, culinary adventures, and Rhino tracking.

If you hear about Uganda and still doubting all its spectacular highlights, endeavor to visit this incredible destination once in a lifetime. You will have a phenomenal adventure with never-ending memories.

Our Reporter