Please do note that the below points are shared with you for your reference only. Please use them at your own discretion.
Your Health: It is your (Traveller’s) responsibility is to ensure that you are in good health and medically fit to undertake safari tour. If the tour passes through the malaria area, precautionary treatment is advised. Consultation with medical practitioner/doctor and obtaining prophylactic and precautionary anti-malaria treatment is necessary.
Local Currency: Ugandan Shilling (USh)
As on 23 Dec 2021 1 USD = 3,537 Ugandan Shilling approximately.
- Banks and foreign exchange bureaus are available at capital cities.
- Most hotels and lodges accept Visa and MasterCard.
- In addition to credit cards, travellers should bring US dollars cash. Small denominations are recommended.
- US dollars are widely accepted; however older or high denomination notes may not be accepted.
Helpful items for your packing list:
- Light weight shirts/blouses with long sleeves as protection from the sun and mosquitos
- T-shirts / Shorts / Jeans or safari trousers / Pajamas / Socks /Underwear
- A light weight water-proof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers / Comfortable walking sandals or flip flops for warmer days
- A wide brimmed hat with under-chin tie to prevent it from flying away
Swimsuit
- A warm windproof jacket (winter) / A fleece jacket that will go under the warm jacket (winter) /A warm polo neck shirt (winter) A beanie (winter)
- Gloves (winter) / A warm scarf (winter)
- Sunglasses / Spare prescription eye glasses/contact lenses
Binoculars
- Cameras and related paraphernalia like lenses etc and plenty of memory cards and spare batteries
- A small powerful flashlight and extra batteries
- Travel alarm clock / Small purse size umbrella can come in handy
- Small lint roller / A light packable backpack or tote to carry equipment and stuff on game vehicles
- A supply of Ziploc bags in different sizes may come in handy for dust or water proofing cameras, wet bathing suits etc.
- Chargers for cell phones, iPads, cameras, computers and you may want to invest in a mini travel charger surge protector with dual USB ports and five charging outlets.
Photography: Please be sure to bring sufficient memory cards and batteries as these are not readily available in Uganda and Rwanda. Please ask permission before taking a photograph of any residents.
Please be advised that the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) is not allowed in any of the conservation areas we manage until such time as their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching initiatives can be assessed. This rule will apply throughout Africa, as our partners in various countries and regions have adopted a similar stance.
People and Culture: There are a wide range of ethnic groups in Uganda with many different languages spoken, namely Luganda (most common), English (only a small portion speak it), Bantu, Swahili, Nilotic and Lumasaba. Christians make up 85.2% of Uganda’s population, there are a certain amount of Sikhs and Hindus, and 12% are Muslims.
In a recent survey of African Nations, Uganda ranked in the top ten friendliest and welcoming countries in Africa. Visitors to both Uganda are often concerned are about their safety and well-being. … Visitors often feel safer, more secure, and more welcomed in the Pearl of Africa than in their own country.
Climate: Uganda’s tropical climate is a little different in the north and south of the country. From March to November, the north experiences a rainy and warm Wet season, followed by an almost equally warm Dry season from December to February. The south, on the other hand has a pair of Dry seasons (December to February, and June to July) broken up by a pair of Wet seasons.
Safety and Security: Opportunistic crime like burglaries, muggings, drive-by bag snatches and thefts from vehicles occur in Uganda. There have been a few cases of individuals being drugged and robbed on public transport and in bars. Don’t accept food and drink from strangers. Foreign visitors and residents may be targeted by scam artists. Leaving your belongings unattended is not advisable. Be with your driver / guide and/or group to avoid unnecessary issues.
It is advisable to check with your guide – they will know if there are any potentially unsafe areas you should avoid.
Avoid deserted areas, particularly at night. Dress-down (i.e. don’t wear excessive jewellery) when exploring the city. Concealed travel wallets are recommended.
Ugandans are a very warm and hospitable nation – please do not hesitate in asking for assistance at any time.
Avoid taking pictures of anything connected with the government or the military, including army barracks, land or people close to the army barracks, government offices, post offices, banks, ports, train stations and airports.
Staying safe on Wildlife Viewing Activities: Your safari guide will ensure your safety at all times – listen carefully to instructions and follow the park’s rules at all times. When on a self-drive safari, don’t drive too close to wildlife and only leave your car in designated areas where it is safe to do so.
Elephant, hippo, buffalo and zebra are plentiful in Uganda. Lion, giraffe and white rhino are more localized but easily seen in the right location. Leopard are less certain. The birding is a real highlight with more than 1,000 species recorded. So is the tracking of primates, in particular gorilla and chimp, but there are many other species worth watching. The antelope known as the Uganda kob is found in most savannah reserves and is a favourite prey of lion.
Staying safe in Cities and Towns:
A nationwide, daily curfew from 7pm to 5.30am is in place currently
When in public, anyone aged six or above must wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Inter-district travel by private vehicle is allowed but vehicles can only carry a maximum of three people, including the driver. Public transport can carry 50% capacity. Bodas-bodas (motorbike and scooter taxis) can move until 6pm and can only carry one passenger at a time. Food markets, retail shops, malls, arcades and other business centres are open under strict COVID-19 guidance. All schools are closed. Bars and dance halls remain closed.
Enhanced health screening is in place. If you have COVID-19 like symptoms, you will be placed in a government isolation centre until you test negative for COVID-19. Monitor the media for latest developments on COVID-19 and follow the advice of local officials.
If you’re staying in Uganda:
- follow the advice of local authorities
- make arrangements for an extended stay
- take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19
- stay in touch with friends and family so they know you’re safe and well.