UGANDA FAQ
Uganda FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Uganda, Uganda Travel Advice, Things worth Knowing about Uganda before you go.
WHY TRAVEL CHOOSE UGANDA OVER OTHER DESTINATIONS?
Known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is one of the continent’s most beautiful countries and for most of the year, the equatorial climate is enjoyable. With over 1000 recorded bird species the country’s species list is one of Africa’s largest. Among its impressive wildlife is a substantial portion of the world’s remaining Mountain gorillas – over 500 mountain Gorilla live In Uganda. There are also habituated chimpanzees and a variety of other primates, as well as mammals not easily seen elsewhere such as Uganda kob and Giant forest hog – So it’s a real wildlife Paradise!
HOW TO GET TO UGANDA
Most airlines can be used to get to Entebbe – home to Uganda’s only international Airport, whether via Nairobi, Dubai, Addis Ababa, Amsterdam or Doha.
HOW DO WE TRAVEL AROUND THE COUNTRY?
All our clients travel in four-wheel drive safari vehicles, some of which have pop tops which allow you to stand up and get a better few of the incredible scenery and are Ideal for photography.
WHAT IS IT YOU THINK I SHOULDN’T MISS WHILE ON MY VISIT TO UGANDA?
Gorilla Tracking! Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla NP. It’s Uganda’s the best-known adventure experience, and a really memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO UGANDA?
Yes, it is safe to visit Uganda. However, there is always petty crime in big cities and we advise people to be careful in the same ways as they would be at home.
CAN I DRINK TAP WATER IN UGANDA?
Tap water is not safe to drink. As with many African countries, make sure that all water has been boiled before you drink it or it is treated with iodine or a water purification tablet beforehand. We all recommend adding vitamin C tablets to hide the taste – it really works. Bottled water is widely available and you should make sure the bottles are sealed when you purchase it.
IS ENGLISH WIDELY SPOKEN IN UGANDA?
Yes, it is. The official languages in Uganda are English with a fraction of Ugandans especially the military using Swahili.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT OF THE HOTELS & LODGES IN UGANDA?
We utilize clean & safe good quality hotels & lodges for all our trips in Uganda. Our offering form accommodation ranges from basic but clean and safe budget lodges, midrange hotels providing ensuite rooms, and very opulent luxurious upmarket lodges the create a lasting memory of good quality lodging in Africa’s wilderness – It all revolves around your interest(s) and budget.
WHAT IS UGANDA’S LOCAL FOOD LIKE?
Very good – there is a strong English, an Arab and Asian influence apparent in the food. You will notice a difference in the traditional meals served depending on the kind of restaurants you visit from ugali or the popular matoke based meals to dishes served with rice and potatoes – the foods will be usually accompanied with a stew (goat, beef, lamb and or chicken). Speak to your guide about trying out the “ROLEX” – Spanish omelet wrapped in salt pancake.
HOW CULTURALLY DIFFERENT IS UGANDA?
For the most part, Uganda is not a culture shock, although some recently implemented legislation that discriminates against same-sex relationships is shocking and offensive to Westerners – But this our recommendation on same-sex travel around Uganda. The treatment of certain marginalized, ostracised and displaced minorities such as the Batwa, does also upset visitors.
HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY & CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES?
We can introduce you to local charities that can be visited during your trip if you would like this. Some clients like to support schools, while others want to help conserve gorilla habitats and support the people who live around the edges of the conservation areas. The Forest Peoples’ Programme, a UK-based charity which has done excellent work in Uganda to assist the Batwa – among other groups of people in Uganda – is well worth supporting. Ask us for assistance if this is something that interests you.
DO I NEED ANY VACCINATIONS AHEAD OF MY TRAVEL TO UGANDA?
Yes. A yellow fever immunization and a certificate is a mandatory requirement when traveling into Uganda. The country suffers malaria – please speak to your doctor about your intentions to travel to Uganda and he definitely will Be of help in advising what vaccines you will need.
