About Uganda

Uganda is a land of great apes and lush forests. This haven is home to the endangered mountain Gorilla, and is one of the most beautiful natural habitats in Africa.

Uganda Budget Travel

Below is a list of Uganda's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Jinja, Kampala, Kisoro, Lake Bunyoni, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Fast Facts

Currency

Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

Dialing Code

256

Airports

Major Uganda airports include: • Entebbe Kampala International Airport

Birdlife

As a country boasting the largest density of birds per square kilometer, Uganda birdlife is rich and diverse. Many species can be found across key wetlands, rainforest, mountains, lakes and woodlands, with a range of endemic and migratory species to be seen. As a birding destination Uganda is one of the most beautiful and popular regions across Africa

Conservation

Uganda conservation is essential to rebuild the city after years of civil war and violence. Key conservation issues include deforestation, habitat loss, poaching, pollution and land abuse. Some of the current conservation projects in Uganda include chimpanzee and gorilla protection programs, protected areas of forest, nature reserves and replanting projects.

Culture

Uganda culture includes the following: • Food and drink is an important social ritual • Music and dance plays a key role in social gatherings and expression • Art is a fairly large cultural pastime • Architecture is an interesting aspect of Kampala and other urban area culture

Health

Uganda health facilities are generally sub-standard, with very limited number of hospitals, plus lack of facilities for serious illness or injuries. Medication is extremely expensive, and many hospitals are over-crowded. It is best to take out comprehensive travel insurance for your Uganda travels, and bring basic supplies such as cold medicine, headache pills or diarrhea pills.

AIDS

Uganda HIV/AIDS basic precautions include the following: • Don’t ever share needles or syringes • Practice safe sex at all times • Equipment should be sterilized • If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles • Avoid tattoos, acupuncture treatment or body piercing from suspect or unsterile operators

Vaccinations

The following Uganda inoculations are required: • Yellow Fever • Hepatitis A & B • Typhoid • Polio • Rabies

Languages

Uganda languages include: • English • Swahili • Luganda

Money

Uganda money and banking information is as follows: • Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 08h30-14h00 • Banks include Citibank Uganda, Stanbic bank, Trans Africa bank and National Bank of Commerce • Transfer services include Western Union, Swift Link and Money Gram • Credit cards are accepted at some hotels or large stores, however not all operators accept cards • It is best to exchange money at the airport as soon as you arrive

Phrase

Uganda local phrases in Swahili include: • Hello/welcome! - Jambo! • No problem - Hakuna matata! • Thank you very much - Asante Sana • What is the price? - Bei gani? • I don't understand - Sielewi

Plants

Surrounded by beautiful rainforests and densely covered mountains, it is no wonder that Uganda plant life is lush, green and plentiful. The country is adorned with a rich array of plant life, making it green and fertile. National parks and lake areas are especially green, with a range of trees, ferns and other leafy plants to be found.

People

Uganda people includes the following groups: • Baganda • Banyankole • Basoga • Bafumbira • Batoro • Bakiga • Alur • Banyoro • Iteso • Acholi

Safety Tips

Uganda safety tips include the following: • Uganda is generally safe for travel, however basic precautions should be taken • Pick pocketing, robbery and muggings have been known to occur, so be on guard • Keep valuables out of sight and secure in a moneybag under your shirt • Avoid travel to areas near borders of Sudan, DRC or other areas • Avoid travelling to northern Uganda, where the Lord’s Resistance Army is in occupation

Religion

Uganda religion groups include: • Christianity 84% • Islam 12% • Traditional beliefs 1% • Judaism, Bahá'í or other religions 0.7%

Transport

Uganda local transport options include: • Boda bodas • Matatu • Special hires • Car • Boat

Travel Books

Uganda recommended travel books include: • Kampala Tourist Map by Tourist Maps • A Strategic Vision for Africa: The Kampala Movement by Francis Deng and I.William Zartman • Divination and healing in peri-urban Kampala, Uganda by Peter Rigby • Rise and Fall of Idi Amin by George Ivan Smith • Townsmen in the Making: Kampala and its suburbs by Southall & Gutkind

Visa Requirements

Uganda visa requirements are as follows: • Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Uganda • Some nationalities may not need a visa, including certain African countries – speak to your local embassy for more information • A valid passport of 6 months minimum is required • Visas are valid for 3 months (90 days) of date of application • Return tickets plus proof of sufficient funds are required to enter Uganda

Wildlife

Uganda wildlife is rich and abundant, with a number of key game reserves found across the country, including the famous Queen Victoria Park. Gorillas are one of the biggest wildlife fascinations in this region, and tourists come from all over the world to see some of the country’s rarest primates. Other game includes elephant, crocodile, lion, leopard, buffalo and many antelope species.

What To Pack

What to pack for Uganda safaris: • Loose, lightweight clothing in neutral colours • Comfortable, waterproof walking or hiking shoes • Camera, batteries, film or memory card and binoculars • Warm clothing for cooler weather plus a raincoat for wet months • Sunglasses, sunscreen and sunglasses

What To Buy

What to buy for Uganda safaris: • Uganda guidebook plus bird and wildlife species guide and map • Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour • First aid box with basic supplies and medications • Plug adapter for UK and US visitors • Insect repellent and malaria medication

When To Go

When to go to Uganda: • The coldest months of the year are June and July • The hottest months of the year are October and February • Rainy seasons are from March to May, and late September to January • It is cheaper to travel during wet months, with many travel discounts on offer • Roads are in worse condition and trekking is often hard during these months however

2010 World Cup

Uganda 2010 statistics are as follows: • The Ugandan national team are called The Cranes • They have never qualified for World Cup finals • The team's best finish in the African Nations Cup was 2nd place in 1978 • Uganda's biggest win was 10 - 1 against Djibouti in 2001 The team's head coach is Bobby Williamson of Scotland