DESTINATION UGANDA
Uganda known for its beautiful nature is famously referred to as “the Pearl of Africa” and is a country located in East Africa, bordered by South Sudan 435 km to the North, 765 km Democratic Republic of Congo on the West side, Kenya 933 km on the East, Tanzania 396 km on the South and Rwanda 169 km to the South West. Lying astride the Equator, Uganda covers a total area of about 236,040 sq.kms close to the total size of Oregon State in the United States of America and it’s a land locked country.
Uganda mainly comprises of plateau: - mountainous and hilly in nature and has amazing scenery provided by beautiful landscapes and natural flora that is ever green and even though the country has no sea port, it has a variety of water bodies comprising of rivers and lakes.
The water bodies in Uganda include: - River Nile, River Kagera, River Katonga and lakes such as Lake Edward, Lake George in Western Uganda along with Kazinga channel a stretch of water filled with hippos lying on the banks of the channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyoyi a beautiful serene lake, the deepest lake in Uganda, with an isolated island in the middle of the lake and offers bird watching opportunities.
Lake Kyoga known for its shallow waters of about 3,390 feet above sea level is located North of Lake Victoria in Central Uganda and its known for its swampy and papyrus reed shores and then last but not least Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and the world’s 2nd largest fresh water lake found in Southern Uganda. This amazing and massive lake has its largest portion in Uganda but it’s shared by Tanzania and Kenya.
The country is blessed with a diverse eco-system in terms of fauna and flora and has a variety of unique tourist attractions that make it a safari destination worth visting. Uganda is a home to a variety of endangered game species such as mountain gorillas and a sanctuary for chimpanzees and Colobus monkeys and bird species such as turacos and hornbills found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; - one of the country’s top safari destinations for gorilla trekking.
Mgahinga National Park: Uganda’s smallest National Park covering only 33.7kms and occupying the mountain ranges of Mgahinga, Muhavura and Sabinyo is located in South Western Uganda near the Democratic Republic of the Congo which is next to the boarder of Rwanda’s Virunga National Park and these 2 parks are ideal for combined gorilla trekking safaris together with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
4x4wd self drive car rental Uganda.
KEY FACTS ABOUT UGANDAN POPULATION, UGANDAN PEOPLE AND WAY OF LIVING.
Uganda has a population of about 35 Million people with 85% of its population predominately rural with the highest concentration being in the Southern regions of Uganda. Most of the country’s literate population is found in Kampala city: - flooding with people who visit the city from different rural areas and countries for business, work, leisure and tourism purposes.
Ugandan people are known for their friendliness, happy and welcoming nature. Uganda is home to a number of ethnic groups but none of these ethnic groups form majority of the population.
The largest ethnic group in Uganda are the Bantu with the Baganda found in the Central making up about 18% of this group followed by the Banyankole and Bahima who comprise of 10% and other tribes like the Bakiga, Banyarwanda (6%), Banyoro, Batooro, Basoga (8%), Bafumbira, Bagisu, and Bateso. The Nilotics group mainly residing in Northern Uganda comprises of tribes such as the Langi who make up 6% of this group, Acholi (4%) and then in North- Eastern Uganda are the Karamojong who make up 2% of this group, the Lugbara (4%) and Madis who are part of the Central Sudanic ethnic group are found in North West parts of the country.
In a normal rural and traditional setting, traditional homes made of mud are built with grass thatched or corrugated iron rooftops. In mountainous and highland areas, farming is carried out on a large scale and animal grazing is carried out in the valleys.
Most Ugandans grow food around their homes either on a large or small scale. Most families have banana plantations, cassava and grow other local foods around their homes. Animal keeping comprising of livestock such as cows, goats, pigs and sheep among others are kept either on a small or large scale. Many rural homes also have coffee plantations on a small or large scale as a way of bringing in some money to support the family finances.
The towns/cities mainly Kampala city has a high Western cultural influence and town life and living is much like any normal western country lifestyle.
UGANDAN CULTURE
Uganda has a rich and diverse cultural heritage and this is attributed to the country having over 35 different tribes, all of which have different and unique cultural customs. If you’re therefore looking for a diverse cultural experience, Uganda is the perfect place for you to visit.
The unique diverse cultural aspects range from cultural norms and traditions, languages, cultural rituals, cultural music and dances, mosaic art, antiquates and unique culture artefacts, handmade and hand-woven crafts and pottery cultural pieces and cultural royal regalia among other things.
LANGUAGES IN UGANDA
Uganda’s official language is English. Swahili also widely spoken in East Africa has been adopted as the country’s 2nd official language.
This country is a multi-lingual country with 43 active individual living languages. Luganda is the most widely spoken among these local languages and its 2nd to English followed by Swahili. Luganda is the language primarily spoken by the Baganda mainly found in Central Uganda.
80% of the Ugandan population especially those in Kampala city speak English. English is used as the language of instruction in schools and it’s the official language used in government, parliament, business and offices.
Other local dialects in Uganda include: - Lusoga used by the Basoga, Runyoro spoken by the Banyoro, Rukiga spoken by the Bakiga, Rutooro (Batooro), Runyankole used by the Banyankore people and other languages such as Kaliko, Mvuba, Lugbara, Aringa, Ndo, Pokot, Soo, Luteso spoken by the Bari and Karamojong, Lango spoken by the Acholi, Alur, Adhola and Bari.
The Ugandan Sign Language is also used by the deaf people in the country mainly in urban areas. Uganda was the 2nd country in the world to incorporate sign language in its constitution.
CLIMATE
Uganda in general receives equatorial Tropical climate but its climate is not uniformly distributed. Even though the country receives rainfall throughout the year of about 1500mm, it has two defined dry seasons that is December to February and June to August.
The Northern Part of the country is dry most of the time during the year with Karamoja in North Eastern Uganda having the semi-arid climate comprising of drought sometimes. The Central parts of Uganda receive moderate climate whereas the Southern and Western parts of the country are wetter and receive rainfall throughout the year.
Entebbe located on the Lake Victoria Northern shores receives the most rainfall totals from March and June, September to November. Rwenzori Mountains located in South Western Uganda receive heavy and high rainfall totals throughout the year.
The climate in the Southern, Eastern and central parts of the country is highly dependent and influenced by Lake Victoria and the various water bodies surrounding them. Gulu district in the North experiences a dry season almost year round but is drier from November to February and this is mainly attributed to the dry wind blowing in from South Sudan, dry vegetation and presence of few water bodies.
UGANDA WEATHER
Uganda has moderate weather usually sunny or rainy, even on a day when it rains a few minutes later the sunshine comes up. Uganda lies across the equator and because of this the country has no actual winter or summer.
There are distinctive dry and wet seasons in most parts of Uganda for example the Southern regions of Uganda receive rainfall from March to May and September throughout to December with the months January to February being dry months (with an average day time temperature range of about 24°C-33°C whereas some regions in the Northern part of the country may experience temperatures as hot as 40°C.
The country receives sunshine for the most part of the year especially the central region where the country’s capital Kampala is located. Kampala city receives average temperatures of about 15°C to 29°C throughout the year. Due to their mountainous nature, the Western parts of Uganda are more chilly and colder at night so tourists are advised to carry warm clothing for the night.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN UGANDA
The tourism sector in Uganda is developing at a faster and steady rate as in 2017 Uganda received an annual total of over 1.32 Million tourist arrivals tourists depicting a 4.1% increase as compared to 2016 as reported by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. Tourism is now the country’s 4th largest source of foreign exchange.
Tourism in Uganda is mainly dependant on Uganda’s 10 National Parks including Bwindi Gorillas National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo National Park, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park to mention but a few and it’s also dependant on Uganda’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, its massive water bodies especially Lake Victoria and beautiful Equatorial ever green vegetation and a good example is Mabira Forest in Sothern Uganda.
As per the 2017 tourism report, 64% of the tourist visitors were from the neighboring countries of Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, DR Congo and Sudan followed by Europe (8.3%), Asia (5.5%) and United States of America (5.4 %) with Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mburo National Park being the top 3 most visited tourist attractions in Uganda.
UGANDAN NATIONAL PARKS
Uganda is blessed with 10 National Parks and they are among the top visited tourist attractions in the country.
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Queen Elizabeth National Park established in 1952 is a gazetted National Park and it’s the most visited in Uganda as it can easily be accessed making it a top tourist destination in Uganda. Originally the park was named Kazinga National park, 2 years into operation, it was renamed after Queen Elizabeth 11 after her visit to this park.
This park occupies an estimated total of 1978 sq.kms and it extends South West to cover Lake Edward, extends North East to encompass Lake Edward and connecting these 2 idyllic lakes is the panoramic Kazinga channel offering rewarding views of large hippo populations, elephants and buffalos lined up on the bank of this beautiful river channel.
This park is known for its unique flora (savannah vegetation), it has the Ishasha savannah plains and River Ishasha that act as a haven to birds hence you can enjoy bird watching safaris at this park as the park has over 600 unique bird species. The Ishasha savannah plain fig trees obscure the tree climbing lions that laze on the tree branches to enjoy the early morning through to mid afternoon sun.
Popular safari activities offered at this National Park include: -wildlife viewing safaris and this is the primary activity at this park as the park is home to the Big Fives and to a large population of mammals including: hippotamuses, African buffalo, giraffes, African leopard, Uganda Kobs, zebras, Nile crocodiles, African bush elephants, chimpanzees and has 95 tree climbing lions with the males recognised by their black manes.
Other safari activities offered at the park include:-Hot air ballooning, hiking and guided nature walks, chimpanzee trekking at Kyambura Gorge, enjoy a visit to Katwe Crater Lake famous for salt extraction and remember to tour the amazing Lake Edward and Lake George.
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Located 30kms from Mbarara town in Western Uganda, this amazing National Park offers bird watching and wildlife viewing as its home to over 300 bird species such as the rare Shoebill stork and has a huge animal population in its extensive wetland and these include :- Impalas, Zebras, topi, elands and wild buffaloes. Lake Mburo National Park offers guided nature walks and provides accommodation at a good number of luxury tented camps.
RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Home to Margherita (standing at 16, 763 feet tall) the 3rd highest mountain peak in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, Rwenzori National Park is famous for its growing eco-tourism and amazing flora (plant life). This National Park started operation in 1991 and it’s a World Heritage site situated in the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains in South West Ugandan on the East side of the western Albetine Rift valley.
This park offers excting and exhilarating mountain trekking and mountain climbing opportunities and it has spectacular waterfalls, several tiny lakes, picturesque snowfields, over 6 beautiful glaciers peaks including; Mount Speke, Mount Stanley, Mount Emin Pasha, Mount Luigi da Savoia, Mount Gessi, and Mount Baker that are snow-capped and the summit climb to the top offer rewarding panoramic views of the underlying valleys.
Rwenzori National Park harbours over 70 mammal species, 19 Albertine rift endemics, over 215 bird species of birds and it’s also credited for having the rarest vegetation species in the world.
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Established in 1952, this National Park is among the top 10 National Parks in Uganda. Also known as Kabarega National Park, its located in North West Uganda and its credited for its beautiful green scenery and landscape and famous for wildlife primate viewing safari opportunities as its home to the 4 big Fives:- Leopards, lions, elephants and buffaloes.
In the 1970s the park had rhinos but they grew extinct due to poaching. Murchison Falls National Park is now home to a variety of other primates and mammals and offers game viewing drives of animals including bushbucks, crocodiles, Giraffes, Hartebeest, the Uganda Kob, hippotamuses, bohor reedbucks, African buffaloes, baboons, warthogs, lions, monkeys, waterbucks, African forest elephants, antelopes and Oribi.
The park also offers scenic boat tours/rides, bird watching safaris and is home to beautiful, cascading and idyllic Murchison Falls which offers picturesque waterfalls views. The park offers lodging facilities at Sarova Paraa Lodge, Nile safari camp, Rabongo camp and Paraa Rest camp.
MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK
Offering gorilla trekking safaris, this National Park is part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and it’s located in Kisoro town in Western Uganda. It’s on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo together with Rwanda’s Parc de Virunga mountains- a volcanic mountain home to the Virunga National Park famous for its mountain gorillas which offer gorilla trekking safaris. These 2 parks are popular safari destinations for combined gorilla trekking opportunities a long with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Mgahinga National Park also offers wildlife viewing opportunities as it harbours over 70 species of mammals such as the hyrax, yellow backed duiker, the black and White Colubus, golden cat, L’hoest monkey, genet, Angola colubus, bushbucks, forest elephants, chimpanzees, leopards and giant forest hogs. The park is accessible only by foot and it covers about 128sq.metres and it comprises of lowland and montane forest vegetation.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
This National Park is a notable and famous tourist destination for gorilla trekking safaris as its home to half of the World’s population of endangered 340 mountain gorillas. The park is located in South Western Uganda and its blessed with the richest eco-system in East Africa in regards to fauna and flora with over 1000 flowering plant species (inclusive of this are 104 fern species and 163 unique tree species), habitat for over 120 mammal species, 27 frog species, over 220 colorful butterfly species and has about 350 bird species.
The park therefore offers gorilla trekking, bird watching safaris, nature guided walking safaris and wildlife and primate viewing game drive safaris. The unique and diverse animal and bird species at this park include: - African green broadbill, red-tailed monkeys, the giant forest hog, chimpanzees, African elephant, L’Hoest’s monkey, Colobus monkeys,vervets, side-striped jackals, African civet, African golden cat, turacos and hornbills.
OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
LAKE VICTORIA AND SSESSE ISLANDS.
This remarkable and picturesque lake situated in South East Uganda is one of the top visited tourist attractions. Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake and it’s the world’s largest tropical lake and 2nd fresh water lake after Lake Superior.
There a variety of tourist activities enjoyed at this beautiful lake and these include: - boat rides, ferry rides, fishing, photography opportunities and bird watching and game viewing opportunities
Lake Victoria has a total of about 84 islands known as the Ssese Islands such as, Bugala Island also known as the South West islands group (largest island found in Kalangala district and islands found in this group include:-Bugaba, Bubeke, Funye, Bubembe, Buyoya and Serinya.
The Northern Eastern Koome Islands Group has islands such as Damba, Luwaji and Koome, Ndaiga Island, Samuka (only island with developed tourism), Lwabitooke I and LwabitookeII islands, apart from Samuka, the rest of the islands have underdeveloped tourism.
These 2 island groups are separated by Koome channel.
GULU
Embark on a self drive safari adventure to Gulu and visit Gulu unique tourist attractions including the amazing Albert Nile, River Achwa, beautiful highland Rivers of River Ayago, River Apac, Albert Nile, Eruzi and River Aswa and has forests of Abera and Opaka.
Other Gulu tourist attractions include the remarkable Sir Samuel Baker’s Fort located at Patiko formerly built as a slave collection centre but was later used as headquarters by the British Governors Emin Pasha and Gordon during the British protectorate rule.
Visit Amoro Hot Springs the largest hot spring in Northern Uganda covering an area of almost 100sq.metres. The scenic and beautiful Karuma Falls found in various districts, the Western side of these falls is found in Gulu, these falls are also found in the Eastern part of Apac and Southern part of Masindi.
Continue on to Tochi Resort Beach a beautiful low lying sandy bank of River located about 20kms South of Gulu town. Also 25kms North of Gulu town are Guruguru caves which acted as a safe haven for the people during the Lamogi rebellion. Enjoy hill climbing opportunities at Moro hills, Kilak hills, Patiko and Ato hills, watch the Atiak Colobus Monkeys at Atiak forest reserve situated just next to the Albert Nile and it’s famous for having the largest Colubus monkeys.
In the evening, enjoy Acholi cultural performances and buy some antiquities souvenirs, regalia and ornaments and unique hands and crafts including hand woven baskets, brooms and beautiful hand crafted pottery items from Gulu town.
KAMPALA AS A TOURIST DESTINATION
Kampala the capital of Uganda is home to numerous tourist attractions ranging from remarkable historic buildings at Old Kampala to religious sites such as Kibuli Mosque one of Uganda’s oldest mosques, Gadaffi National Mosque previously known as Old Kampala National Mosque: initial construction was done during Iddi Amin’s government regime but was later demolished and Gaddafi National Mosque was constructed and its said to be Africa’s largest mosque, the beautiful St.Paul’s Cathedral dating as far back as 1931, Namirembe and Rubaga cathedrals.
Other Kampala tourist sites include:- Uganda parliament building, the independence monument, the stunning Uganda Martyrs shrine located at Namugongo visited by millions of tourists every year especially on 3rd June in commemoration of the faith of the Uganda Martyrs, Uganda National museum exhibiting and showcasing a diverse range of cultural items and last but not least Buganda parliament; although visitors are not allowed inside the building, you can enjoy the panoramic exterior view located just next to Kabaka’s palace.
JINJA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Jinja located in South Eastern Uganda lies North of the equator, and Jinja town is located on the East bank of River Nile- the World’s longest river. Jinja is famous for being a top safari destination especially for ardent adrenaline water sport and nature lovers. Famous Jinja tourist attractions include:-Mabira Forest on the Jinja highway, extensive tea and sugarcane plantations, Owen Falls Dam, Source of River Nile, the beautiful and paranomic Bujagali falls, the idyllic Kagulu and Kitukiro Hills, Buguge Historical site, Namasagali pier, Bugonza Martyrs Shrine, 8kms from Jinja town are the amazing Kyabirwa falls offering stunning landcape and beautiful scenery.
Top Jinja tourist activities include:-adventure land and adrenaline water sport activities and excursions at the Source of River Nile including: - white water rafting, sunset boat cruises, Kayaking, community tours, source of the Nile tour, Horseback riding, Jet boating, Bungee jumping, Quad biking tours, sport fishing, camping and picnics, bird watching at the beautiful Itanda falls especially the weaver birds, Bujagali falls also offers bird watching, river surfing and sailing opportunities.
Other Uganda tourist attractions and destinations include: - Busitema Forest a forest found in Eastern Uganda, it has many tree species and is home to primates and mammals e.g. baboons, birds and monkeys, the idyllic Sippi falls in Kapchorwa District and you can enjoy a hike at Tororo Rock a climb to the top of this rock that stands 4865 feet tall offers beautiful panoramic views of the busy Tororo town.
BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT UGANDA
Uganda can be visited all year around. The peak tourist season in Uganda is during the months of Mid June through to early October. The best time to visit Uganda National Parks is during the dry season months of July- November, as these are dry season months and the animals can easily be spotted drinking at various water sources. Mid December through to March is also a recommended time to visit the National Parks.
The best time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park combined with Virunga National Park is during the peak season/dry season months of July to August. Gorilla trekking safaris are organised and guides lead tourists to where the gorillas can be spotted.
During the rainy season months of March to April also known as the low tourist season months, the National Parks like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park might be difficult to access due to the poor state of the roads.
UGANDAN CUISINE
Ugandan cuisine comprises of local traditional foods and modern western foods and cooking style influences such as Arabs, Asians, English and Indian practices. The country has a variety of local food restaurants and eateries and high end restaurants too found at most high end hotels that offer fine dining of both local and modern cuisine.
Most Ugandan tribes have unique speciality dishes; therefore feel free to try some of these delicious delicacies and food dishes. Most local cuisines comprise of vegetables such as Nakati, fried cabbages, fried egg plants, beef, chicken, bananas, sweet and Irish potatoes (fried or steemed), pork, fish, groundnut sauce, goat meat, dry or fresh beans and fresh tropical fruits including mangoes, oranges, guavas, jackfruit, strawberries and apples and pineapples.
Famous local foods enjoyed in this country include: - Rice served with chicken or meat stew, Posho (commonly known as Ugali in other Western African countries) served with beans, chicken or meat stew, this maize flour can also be made into a thick porridge and eaten for breakfast and last but not least Matooke (cooked bananas either mashed and served with stew (groundnut sauce, beans, peas sauce, meat or chicken) or just fried with fresh tomatoes).
Luwombo: - is a delicious local traditional dish commonly served by the Baganda on special occasions. This dish is made by steaming stews such as groundnuts, mushrooms, fish, chicken and beef in banana leaves, it’s very delicious and highly recommended for you to include on your Uganda cuisine menu list.
Local delicacies enjoyed as snacks include:-grasshoppers which are served fried and they are seasonal, roasted groundnuts, sweet delicacies include: - Chapatti: - this can be enjoyed along with a cup of milk or coffee, or these can be eaten as food served with beans (locally known as kikomando) or with meat stew, Samosas (these can be made of meat, peas or chicken samosas), Mandazi a kind of sweet doughnut served in all East African countries and last but not least “Rolex” ( chapatti filled up with fried eggs with onions, tomatoes, cabbages).
UGANDAN CURRENCY
The Ugandan shilling is the official currency of Uganda. Money issuance, printing and circulation in Uganda is controlled by the Uganda central bank. The currency comprises of coins and paper money, with common coin denominations including 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 ugx. These coins can be used at Ugandan shops to purchase items. Paper denominations comprise of 1000ugx, 2000, 5000, 10,000ugx, 20,000ugx and 50,000 ugx paper notes.
EXCHANGING CURRENCY, MONEY AND MONEY FACILITIES.
On arrival in Uganda, you’re advised to buy Ugandan currency at different foreign exchange bureaus spread in various locations for example Entebbe International Airport and various foreign exchange bureaus can be found in Kampala city centre.
You can buy or sell foreign currency at most foreign exchange bureaus in the city and common foreign currencies exchanged include: - USD, Pound Sterling and Euro. Currently, the exchange rate is approximately as follows: - 1 USD = 3626.31 UGX appx, 1 UGX = 0.000275763 USD, 1 GBP = 5,086.91 UGX appx, 1 UGX= 0.000196583 GBP, 1 EUR = 4,500.92 UGX, 1 UGX = 0.000222177 EUR.
The best exchange rates can be got at foreign exchange bureaus in Kampala city, Airports and banks offer lower rates as compared to foreign exchange bureaus.
Before travelling to the rural areas ensure that you exchange your dollars, Pounds and Euros in the capital city Kampala as it will be difficult to find foreign exchange bureaus in villages. In the rural areas, always travel with ready Ugandan currency for ease of payment for facilities and purchased items.
Most hotels and high end restaurants accept payment in dollars and traveller cheques can be cashed in at the capital, Kampala. USD Traveller cheques are easier to cash out as compared to GBP and Euro traveller cheques.
Bank cards such as Debit cards, Credit cards, Master cards, Visa cards can be used at various ATMs and banks can easily be accessed in the city. These various bank card payment modes can also be used to make payments at high end city accommodation places and restaurants and big modern shopping malls and centres.
You’re highly recommended to always carry local currency on you especially for ease of payment for most local facilities.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Passport validity of a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry into Uganda.
Atleast one blank passport page for the Ugandan entry stamp. For Ugandan visas, the amendment pages at the back of the passport don’t apply as a blank passport pages.
Effective 1st July, 2016, Ugandan visas and stay permits can be attained online at the Government of Uganda Website. Visas can no longer be attained on arrival at Entebbe Airport, on a temporary basis you can apply for your e-visa on arrival in Uganda but this is availed on a limited basis and may lead to delays.
Please make all Uganda visa applications online atleast 2 weeks prior to travel in Uganda in accordance to the new Uganda visa application process that requires all immigration services including visas, permits and passes to be made in advance.
Once you’ve been issued with an e-visa, ensure that you print your e-confirmation and travel with it to avoid delays at the point of entry in Uganda.
A single entry tourist visit valid for 3 months from the date of entry into Uganda cost $50 USD, Multiple entry tourist visa with a validity of 6-12months costs $100 USD, a 90-day East African tourist visa provided on arrival costs $100 USD permitting you entry into Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda.
Please observe and pay close attention to your visa validity to avoid overstay fines. An overstay fine of up to $100 USD per day is charged by Uganda immigrations and one may be detained up to when the fine is cleared.
You can request for extension of your stay duration in Uganda at the Uganda Immigrations Offices located on Jinja road Kampala Uganda.
Citizens of the following countries can visit Uganda for a period of up to 3 months without a visa:-Angola, Gambia, Burundi, Kenya, Eritrea, Tanzania, Comoros, Fiji, Ghana, Jamaica, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Singapore, Sierra Leone, Mauritius, Malawi, Madagascar, Malta, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Barbados, Bahamas, Zambia, Antigua and Barbuda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Belize, Cyprus, Grenada, Seychelles, Solomon Islands and Tonga.
Citizens of other countries not mentioned above, require a visa for entry into Uganda.
Diplomat and special passport holders for nationals of Namibia and Italy can also enter Uganda for 3 months without a visa.
Passport holders of consular, official, service, diplomatic or special passports may obtain visa on arrival for a minimum period of 3 months.
Vaccination certificate are needed for countries that have yellow fever infestation.
ACCOMMODATION IN UGANDA
Uganda offers a variety of accommodation ranging from budget, luxury and cheap lodge, hotels guest house and camping sites accommodation options. Kampala Hotels include:-Acadia suites, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Kabira country club, Hotel Sojovalo, Imperial Resort Hotels, Speke Hotel , Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, Casia Lodge, Afrique Suites Hotel, Humura Resorts, Dolphine Suites, Kampala Serena Hotel, the Prestige Hotel Suites, Protea Hotel by Mariotts Kampala, Malakai Eco Lodge, Speke Hotel and Explorers Club among others.
All Uganda tourist destinations including the different Uganda National Parks provide budget and luxury hotels, guesthouses, lodges, suites and campsites to meet your accommodation preferences and needs.
Accommodation options provided at different Uganda National Parks range from safari lodges, guest houses, bed and breakfast and Boutique Hotel accommodation facilities and these include:-Mweya Safari Lodge, Elizabeth Bush Lodge, 5 luxury thatched cottages and tents at Irunga Forest Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, GeoLodge Jacana Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, rustic Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, all found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mpogo Safari Lodge, Mihingo Lodge, Rwakoba Rock, luxury classic safari tented accommodation at Lake Mburo Lodge and very close to the picturesque water is Lake Mburo’s Arcadia Cottages.
Offering spacious 10 cottages accommodation is Bwindi’s Buhoma Lodge, Silverback Lodge one of Marasa Africa properties and last but not least the exclusive Engagi Lodge and Rushaga Gorilla Camp home to 6 wooden cabins, 8 luxury tent accommodation and 2 beautiful family cottages, all located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
You’re advised to book your accommodation in advance with a tour agency before you embark on your trip to Uganda. Please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your Uganda business conference halls/centres facilities for meetings and conferences, or wilderness safari accommodation at different Uganda safari destinations and towns.
CAMPING IN UGANDA
Uganda is an ideal country for camping as it has many campsites around the different parts of the country. Camping can be carried out at various National Parks in Uganda and most tourist Destinations in Uganda such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Sipi falls, Murchison falls National Park, Kibale forest, Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Mabira Forest on the highway to Jinja, Mount Rwenzori National Park, Lake Nabugabo and Jinja .
Most camping sites offer basic camping facilities such as water and pit latrine/toilet, hot water and canteens but some offer fully equipped campgrounds just adjacent to luxury lodges. Parks offer luxury tented camps and budget camps facilities.
Camping equipment is availed for as low as $10 USD per day and it comprises of camping tent, camping table and chairs, kitchen cooking equipment, cups, bowls and plates, cutlery, cutting board, gas, storage box, folding form mattress, sleeping bag or blanket with pillows and bed sheets, BBQ roaster, table lamp (solar), headlights among other items.
Popular Uganda campsites and backpackers include: - Apoka Rest camp in Kidepo National Park, Bushara Island Camp, Bunyonyi overland Camp at Lake Bunyonyi Western Uganda, Kampala Backpackers, Entebbe backpackers, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park’s Mgahinga community Campground, Wild Tracks Overland Camp, Ishasha River campsites, Kasenyi safari camp and Simba safari camp in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Nabugabo Campsite found Off Nyendo-Bukakata Road in Masaka and on the road to Bukoba, 4kms from Masaka town is Masaka Backpackers cottage and campsite.
Other Uganda camping grounds include: - Gorilla Conservation Camp, Buhoma Community Rest camp, Bwindi Forest Farm camp Site and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest camp in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Banda Islands Camp found on Ssese Islands, 500m before the ferry Paraa ferry is Red Chili Backpackers Hide Away, Boomu Women’s Group safari camp, Shoebill Campsite, Sambiya River lodge bandas and Yebo safari camp in Murchison Falls National Park.
Mabira Forest Centre, Bujagali Falls’ Nile River Explorer Campsite, Nile High Camp, Nile River Explorers Backpackers lodge in Jinja, Crater Valley Kibale forest resort beach, Rweteera Safari Park and Tourist Camping Center, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary in Fort Portal, Entebbe backpackers, Moses’ camp and the Crow’s nest found at Sips Falls, Mbale near to Mount Elgon National Park and last but not least Ruboni Community Campsite located at Rwenzori Elizabeth National Park.
Please note that It’s safer to camp at designated campsites to avoid possible attacks from wild animals and always ensure that you follow the guidelines provided by the park officials and if needed get a tour guide for guided walks in unfamiliar park premises. You’re advised to carry extra supplies such as food, bottled water, torchlight and camera batteries from the city/towns s as buying these items or restocking them might be difficult especially when camping in remote destinations.
Kindly contact us on +256.772.370.111 OR +256.392.897.704 OR +44.790.863.9450, email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your Uganda 4x4 safari camping rental and camping equipment provided at the most budget, affordable and competitive rates and quotes.
CAR HIRE IN UGANDA
Self drive and with driver rental vehicle options are offered to the various safari destinations in Uganda. Renting a safari vehicle offers the most convenient and reliable way to get around Uganda, be it for your business meeting, Kampala city tour or travel to Uganda upcountry and off-road safari tourist destinations.
A wide array of 4x4 self drive or with driver safari vehicles are availed for hire, fully equipped, comprehensively insured and offered at affordable and competitive rates and rental quotes. Self drive cars hire offers and maintains a well maintained, dependable and comfortable rental fleet with vehicles including:- Toyota Safari Land cruiser, Toyota Rav 4s, Toyota Prado, Mazda Levante 4x4, Nissan Terrano, Nissan Elgrand 8 seater, Toyota Super custom 4x4, Honda CRV, Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land cruiser, Toyota Noah, minibuses, 4x4 mini vans.
Why reserve your Uganda 4x4 safari rental with self drive cars hire Uganda
We provide dependable car rental services with both self-drive and with driver rental options with vehicles ranging from small saloon cars and SUVs to medium and large family and group travel vehicles.
We are flexible and can conveniently deliver to you your rental car either at the Airport, your hotel or any Uganda town of your choice or even in nearby Rwanda. You may opt to pick up your rental from Kampala Uganda and then drop it off at Kigali Airport in Rwanda.
We cater for all your Uganda rental requirements and needs at affordable and budget friendly rates, whether its short term car hire of less than 7 days or long term car hire of more than 3 months, one way safari rentals, group rentals, executive car hire, business car rentals, last minute rental bookings, Entebbe Airport transfers and cross border car hire to Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania or Burundi.
Our booking process is efficient and reliable and reserving your Uganda safari vehicle can be confirmed and reserved within minutes of emailing us. Book your cheap and budget self-drive or chauffer driven Uganda safari rental today online with us at the most competitive rental quotes and enjoy a memorable and extraordinary safari experience in Uganda.
All our 4x4 vehicles are offered at the best and most reasonable rental terms such as unlimited mileage basis, comprehensive insurance coverage, 3rd party liability claim, experienced professional English drivers are provided for chauffeur driven rentals and we offer 24/7 assistance to our clients and the rental vehicles are offered at the most affordable, cheapest and most competitive rental quotes.
To reserve your Uganda self-drive or with driver safari rentals today, kindly contact us on +256.772.370.111 OR +44.790.863.9450, or email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
