Uganda is one of the open destination for travelers planning to take safaris in Africa, with top safari activities to be enjoy on private Uganda Safaris like gorilla trekking in Bwindi, wildlife watching in over ten national parks & game reserves.
Here is the complete guide for sole travelers visiting Uganda for holiday tour or volunteering in local community projects.
Uganda is a free country! There is no much hustle on how to connect to Uganda. The Ugandan people are friendly, accommodative and welcoming to foreigners. You will feel at home while in Uganda. The country is also English speaking and it has been ranked among the best English Speaking countries in the world. Though solo travel seems scary while in Africa, visitors to Uganda should have less worries.
However there are other important tips to take note of;
How to get There
Uganda is in Africa, East African region, it is accessed by international flights at its airport, Entebbe international airport, planning to visit Uganda you will need to book flight with the following British airways, KLM, Kenya airways, emirates air, Ethiopian airlines and south African airlines.
How to Get Around
You can easily get around Uganda. Most of the major towns and cities are connected by a fair road transport system. With a rental car, you can choose to travel Uganda either on a guided safari or a self drive trip!
Entry requirements
You’ll need a valid passport and attain visa before visiting, the good news is that you can also acquire it on arrival at Entebbe international Airport.
When to visit
In case of chance of visiting Uganda it is advisable and better to visit during the dry season as you will be able to enjoy more outdoor activities than visiting during the wet months of April, May, October and November.
Currency
Ugandan Shilling are mostly used, therefore it’s better to visit a forex or bank and exchange for easy transaction however a few malls, hotels and lodges use credit cards and accept payments in dollars. Be aware of counterfeit so visit a genuine forex or walk into the bank for safety. Avoid moving with lots of money for safety purposes.
Avoid walking alone in dark corners and carrying along precious jewelry and gadgets as it may attract wrong characters around you.
Tipping
It’s not mandatory to tip, however in case of need to tip, usually ranges from 10- 20 dollars and above as pleased.
Packing
Uganda has moderate climate, and more so depends which activities you are engaging in to guide on what to pack and these include Headscarf – particularly for dusty dry regions.
T-shirts and long sleeve to protect your shoulders from the sun. Shorts for getting in and out of game drive vehicles.In case one is planning for gorilla trekking experience, budget for 600$ minus other expenses.
Health and safety
Most African countries lie in the malaria zone and require Yellow Fever vaccination before you entry. However you are also advised to check with your doctor to rile possible illnesses. Other medications to pack for emergency are Anti malarial medication, Antibiotics, Painkillers, Antihistamine, Insect repellent. Always communicate with your guide or hotel of accommodation of any chronic illness to create awareness.
Accommodation
From tailor made safaris to arranged safaris, Africa got you covered, accommodation range from camping, back packer and high end visitors. No needs to worry you will always something within your means.
