Uganda - Basic Travel Information
By Andrew Muigai
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Accommodation
There are international standard hotels in Uganda,
especially in the main towns of Entebbe, Jinja and Kampala. The
quality is variable in the smaller towns and rated accommodation
is scarce. All of the major national parks offer accommodation in
game lodges and tented camps.
International Travel
Uganda's only international airport is at Entebbe,
35 km from the capital Kampala. Outside Uganda, the airport gained
fame as the place where Israeli commandos rescued passengers on
a hijacked plane, back in the days of the infamous Idi Amin. The
dramatic rescue captured the imagination of the world and is the
subject of a few films. There are few direct flights to Entebbe
from outside Africa and most travelers from Europe, Asia and North
America will arrive via Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. Daily connections
are available from Nairobi. Airlines landing at Entebbe include
British Airways, Egypt Air, Emirates, South African Airways, Kenya
Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, SN Brussels, Air Rwanda, and Air Tanzania.
To save on cost, some travelers disembark at Nairobi and take the
overnight bus to Kampala. There are two overland crossing points
from Kenya: Busia and Malaba. From Mwanza in Tanzania, you can get
to Kampala by ferry. You can also enter the country from Tanzania
through the Kagera salient between Bukoba and Masaka. Overland travel
through Rwanda, Sudan and Zaire is uncertain due to security considerations.
Make sure to check the latest situation with the security authorities
before committing to travel.
Local Travel
Local flights depart from Entebbe to the principal
towns. Charter flights are also available. There is an extensive
service of minibuses connecting most parts of the country from Kampala.
Bus service is rather unreliable except for the scheduled service
between Entebbe and Kampala.
Driving here is on the left, a legacy of British rule. You can find
a rental car in Uganda at Entebbe and Kampala. You need to show
an international drivers license to hire a vehicle. Roads radiate
from Kampala and are of varying quality. In the north of the country
the security situation is still doubtful and so are the roads. It
is a good idea if you are on self-drive to get local advice about
the condition of the roads you intend to use.
Visas
Passports valid for 3 months from date of entry
are required of all visitors. All visitors require a visa except
for citizens of some Caribbean and African countries. There are
also exceptions for citizens of Cyprus, Fiji, Malta, Singapore,
Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu and a few other countries.
Some visas may be issued on entry into the country. It is however
advisable to obtain visa's in advance from Ugandan Embassies and
High Commissions as some airlines may require it before allowing
you to board. Entry may be refused to travelers with no proof of
sufficient funds and return or onward tickets. Visa requirements
vary from time to time and you are advised to check on prevailing
status well ahead of travel.
Health
Visitors over 1 year of age from yellow fever infected
areas require yellow fever international certificate of vaccination.
Exemptions are made for visitors arriving from non-endemic areas
such as Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. Visitors
from non-endemic areas, if traveling outside urban areas are encouraged
to obtain a vaccination. Cholera is a serious health risk in this
country and precautions are called for. Typhoid is also widespread
and immunization is advisable.
Malaria is widespread throughout the country including
urban centers such as Kampala, Fort Portal, Jinja, Mbale and the
Kigezi area. Visitors are strongly advised to take anti-malaria
medication commencing two weeks before travel. Note that resistance
to chloroquine has been reported. Bilharzia is a risk and you are
advised not to swim or paddle in fresh water lakes and rivers. Swimming
pools in good hotels and clubs are usually well chlorinated and
maintained and are safe. Tuberculosis and hepatitis (A, B &
E) are present in Uganda.
HIV-AIDS is prevalent in the country and needless
to say prudent measures are necessary. Good hospitals, health facilities
and chemists are only to be found in the main towns. Medical facilities
for advanced treatment including surgery are scarce even in Kampala.
Communications
Telephone, fax, telegram, post and Internet services
are available in urban centers. International direct dialing to
many countries is available in the principal towns. In rural areas
telephony services are unreliable. The country code for Uganda is
256.
Mobile phones are based on GSM 900/1800 network. Coverage extends
to the principal towns. You can obtain a GSM card that will allow
you to make international calls to any country. The main network
operators are: Uganda Telecom (www.utl.co.ug), Celtel (www.msi-cellular.com)
and MTN Uganda (www.mtn.co.ug). You will find Internet cafes in
Kampala and some of the main towns.
Money
The local currency is the Uganda Shilling (Ush).
The import and export of local currency is not allowed. There are
no restrictions on the import of foreign currency provided it is
declared on arrival. On departure, export of foreign currency is
restricted to the amount declared on entry. Visa, MasterCard, Diners
and American Express are widely accepted at bigger hotels, restaurants,
travel agencies and shops.
Travelers cheques can be cashed at major hotels,
banks and forex bureaus. You will do best when your travelers cheques
are denominated in US Dollars or Sterling Pounds. Foreign currency
can be exchanged at the Central Bank, commercial banks and forex
bureaux. Generally you will get better exchange rates at forex bureaus.
Changing money in the streets is a bad idea. Street traders sometimes
deal in funny money.
Peoples & Culture
Uganda's people are complex and diverse. Bantu speakers,
widespread in east, central and southern Africa, include the Baganda
and a few other tribes. In the north, the Acholi and Lango are Nilotic
speakers and have much in common with natives of southern Sudan.
The Teso and Karamojong found in the east are related to the Maasai
found in Kenya and Tanzania. In the west, the Ankole and Toro are
culturally close to the natives of Rwanda. The famous Pygmies are
found in the forests of the west.
As a nation, Uganda is an amalgamation of ancient
kingdoms and independent chieftains. Among the indigenous kingdoms
are the Baganda, Bunyoro, Toro, Ankole and Busoga. The Kingdoms
were suppressed in the times of the troubles that razed the country
in the two decades after 1967. Today they have been restored with
their ancient privileges shorn and play only a ceremonial role in
the life of the nation. The Baganda king, the Kabaka, whose domicile
is Kampala has historically been the most prominent. His lineage
stretches back to the 14th century.
Swahili, the language originating from the east African coast is
widely spoken though not as well as in Kenya or Tanzania. Luganda,
the language of the Kabaka, is also widely spoken. English is is
understood by good numbers though only in urban areas. For the most
part, local cuisine consists of matoke (a staple based on green
bananas), millet bread, cassava, sweet potatoes, chicken, goat and
beef stews and freshwater fish. Ugali, the maize meal based filler
popular in east Africa is used as an accompaniment for meat or vegetable
dishes. You will easily a decent locally brewed beer. Popular brands
include Bell, Club and Nile Special. The national drink is however
a banana gin known as waragi. This is a giant killer and if you
imbibe it in immoderate quantities, you will sooner come to grief.
Climate
Uganda enjoys a tropical climate tempered by altitude.
The country is generally flat though the average altitude is about
1000m. Due to the rather high altitude, temperatures range between
21 to 25°C. The mountain areas of Mount Elgon and the Rwenzori
mountains are even cooler and the top of both mountains experiences
some snow. The hottest period of the year is from December to February
when temperature rise 29 degrees Celsius. The country experiences
two rainy seasons: April to May and October to November, with April
being the wettest month. The north however has a wet season lasting
from April to October. The best times to visit are December-March
and June-September.
Travel Insurance
Health and the usual travel insurance are recommended.
Check that your travel insurance Includes emergency evacuation.
What to Wear
Light clothing is generally adequate in Uganda.
But you need warmer wraps and sweaters for the evenings and early
mornings. You are also advised to carry some rainwear, just in case.
Usually dressing is informal. For both men and women, cotton slacks
and flat-heeled comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari.
It is a good idea to bring along a hat and a decent pair of sunglasses
for sun protection. ============================================
Copyright
© Africa Point
Author
Andrew Muigai is editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter.
You can view more info on Uganda tours at the website.
Disclaimer:
Africa Travel has done its utmost to ensure that the information
on this web site is as accurate and current as possible. The information
is provided 'as is' and Africa Travel will not accept responsibility
for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting
from the information on this website. Please verify crucial information
like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation with the
relevant authorities before you travel.
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