Uganda is a top tourism destination in Africa, often called ‘The Pearl of Africa’, in East Africa. Uganda was nicknamed the Pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill in 1908. Uganda is bordered by Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and the DRC, making it landlocked. Its capital, Kampala, is a hilly city. It is in the Great Lakes Region, home to the source of the Nile. Uganda gained independence from Britain in 1962 under President H.E. Milton Obote. Uganda hosts over 345 mammal species, is home to over 1050 bird species, and its landscape is incredibly diverse, featuring volcanic mountains, tropical rainforests, vast savannas, and wide natural scenery, making it a biodiversity hotspot. Uganda is a vibrant cultural mosaic with over 56 distinct ethnic groups. As you continue reading, below are some of the frequently asked questions by visitors about Uganda as a tourist destination.
How do I get to Uganda?
By air, the main entry point in Uganda is the Entebbe International Airport, where most international flights land. There are several airlines in Uganda, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways, and Rwanda Airways, to mention a few.
By road, you can enter Uganda from the bordering countries, which are Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan, through land borders.
Is a VISA needed to visit Uganda?
Yes, most visitors need a visa, which can be obtained either by applying online via the Uganda e-Visa portal or on arrival in the country. The East African Visa costs approximately 100 and covers 90 days in Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda; it's best for gorilla and chimpanzee combo trips.
Do I need to be vaccinated before visiting Uganda?
A valid yellow fever certificate is mandatory for all travelers aged 1 year and above on arrival in Uganda, or you will be vaccinated at the airport. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B and tetanus, but they are not mandatory.
What is Uganda Known or famous for?
Uganda is famous for several tourist attractions in different categories, like wildlife, where it is famous for hosting over half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, the Big 5 (lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, and rhinos); when it comes to water bodies, the source of the Nile and diverse landscapes, the largest freshwater lake (Lake Victoria), the strongest waterfall in the world (Murchison Falls); when it comes to mountains, Uganda is known for Mountain Rwenzori and Mountain Elgon, to name a few. Vegetation cover such as forests, grasslands, and montane vegetation is also one of the attractions Uganda boasts.
What is the best season to visit Uganda?
Visitors or tourists are free to visit Uganda throughout the whole year, but the best time to visit is during the dry season of the year. The dry season runs from June to September and December to February, when trails are less muddy are best for wildlife viewing, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, to mention a few.
Wet seasons from March to May and October to November are cheaper, with lush scenery, and great for birding.
Are there the Big 5 in Uganda?
Yes, in Uganda, the Big 4 (lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes) of the Big 5 are tracked, spotted, or seen in the wild. The Rhinoceros (white rhino) is the most endangered animal in the Big 5, only tracked or seen at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda.
What currency is used in Uganda?
The local currency is the Ugandan shilling (UGX). USD is widely accepted for gorilla permits, lodges, and safaris.
What language is used in Uganda?
English and Kiswahili are the official languages, with Luganda being the most spoken local language in Uganda. There are over 40 other spoken local languages in Uganda.
What should I pack for a safari in Uganda?
Clothing in neutral colors like khaki or green, long sleeves to protect against insect bites, waterproof jackets for rain, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. Hiking boots, binoculars to see distant wildlife, a camera to take photos, and a backpack to carry essentials, to name a few.
What types of food are in Uganda?
Uganda offers both international and local meals prepared in hotels and tourist lodges, for example, buffets, dinners, and street foods like Rolex.
How much is a gorilla permit?
A gorilla habituation permit is about $700 for foreign residents, about $800 for foreign non-residents, and about UGX 300,000 for East Africans per person per trek. The permit includes park entry, spending about 1 hour in the presence of the gorillas, and a guided trek.
How much is a gorilla habituation experience permit?
A gorilla habituation experience permit per person costs about $1500 for foreign non-residents, about $1000 for foreign residents, and about UGX 400000 for East African citizens, where you spend about 4 hours in the presence of the gorillas, experiencing how they feed and play in their natural habitat.
How much is a chimpanzee trekking permit?
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park costs $250, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park costs $200, and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park costs $100 per person. The activity also includes spending about an hour in the presence of the chimpanzees to observe them feed, nest, and their social behavior.
How much is a chimpanzee habituation permit?
The chimpanzee habituation permit costs about $250 per person, where you spend up to 4 hours experiencing how chimpanzees feed, play, and build nests in their natural habitat.
Which tourist activities are done in Uganda?
There are various activities done on a safari in Uganda, which include gorilla trekking, game drives, gorilla and chimpanzee habituation experience, bird watching, rhino tracking on foot, boat cruise, and white water rafting, to mention a few.
Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Yes, Uganda is one of the safest countries in East Africa for tourists because the tourism areas, like national parks, are very secure with well-trained armed rangers. Travel tips and updates are also provided to keep you informed.
Which payment methods are accepted in Uganda?
Cash in Ugandan shillings and USD are best for markets and tips. Credit or debit cards, bank transfers for booking permits and safaris, and mobile transactions are also commonly used.
Please note that USD notes older than 2009, torn or stamped, are not accepted.
Is Uganda good for wildlife photography?
Yes, Uganda has a variety of wildlife, like gorillas in misty forests and landscapes from Mountains to savanna, giving excellent shots to photographers in the wilderness.
Is travel insurance necessary for a tourist in Uganda?
Travel insurance is highly recommended because they cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and adventure activities like gorilla trekking and white water rafting.
What to wear while on a safari in Uganda?
During game drives, use neutral colored clothing with long sleeves to prevent insect bites and avoid bright colors.
For chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, use hiking boots, garden gloves, long trousers, and long-sleeved shirts, to name a few.
Have sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for sun protection on game drives and nature walks.
Famous Uganda safari tour packages
Each and every day there are a number of different Uganda tour packages that are being developed to by tour operators or tour companies like us inorder to meet their clients , visitors or tourist needs or demands. some of the famous or most sold Uganda safari packages include,
3 Days Double Mountain gorilla trekking Uganda Safari
10 Days Uganda Adventure Safari
8 days Uganda primate safari
6 Days Uganda Primate Safari
5 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari
15 Days Uganda Safari
11 Days Uganda Family Safari , to list but a few.
Here at Ntale Safaris, we make sure that whatever Uganda safari package that you have chosen or booked has or includes all the desired tour activities or travel destinations that you would have wanted or selected to do or visit.