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A Guide2 Travel Safety in Uganda

Uganda is steadily becoming a leading tourist destination in Africa, due to security and peace the country enjoys. Renowned for the Mountain Gorillas, Uganda has something for everyone – from birdwatching to mountain hiking, sport fishing to those beautiful sand beaches, you will get the best.  Below is a list of top Ten travel tips and advice for travellers to Uganda.

Climate:

The climate in Uganda is relatively favourable since it does not call for very light or very heavy clothing most times with most parts in Uganda’s recording an average temperature of 24 oC and as low as 14 oC in the high altitude based areas, mainly in the western part since it is mountainous. For this reason any type the question of which cloth to wear where is answered since all types of clothing can actually suit you.

An umbrella is an important tool to walk with since there are very sudden weather chances as you can even get showers in the dry season. A warmer is mostly necessary for the morning hours when the temperatures are low and this is before the sun rises.

Public Transport: Buses operate on long distance routes and are a safer and cheaper way to travel. Usually Bus companies adhere strictly to listed departure times from the bus park, so avoid being late. Matatus only depart from the terminus when full. Mini buses are fine for short journeys. Public transport in Uganda is better these days because of the provision of seat belts and speed governors. Matatus can be boarded from the Old taxi Park and New Taxi Park in Kampala or along the road.

Taxis are essential if you have a lot of luggage or missed the last Matatu. You can always agree on the fare before departure. In small towns, taxis, moped and bicycles are common. These can be useful for travel where public transport is scarce. The tour agent can arrange car hire. Most transport fares are in Uganda shilling. Carry coins for public transport within Kampala.

Note: Avoid sleeping off mainly if it is not a very long journey and if in any case you carried luggage, know exactly where is it has been placed and you can check on it along the way at the different stopovers. Seat belts are also essential and to be on a safer side, you need to fix it at all times.

Ease yourself before t he journey since most of the public mean take long to stop in convenient areas for one to ease oneself.

Security: It is always advisable to hand in your passport, traveller’s cheque, excess money and any other valuables at hotel reception desks for placing in their safe security. Alternatively, where available, arrange to hire a safety deposit box. It is a sensible precaution not to walk alone in isolated streets or beach areas. Ask for advice from your hotel manager or tour representative if you are with a package holiday company. Call 999(toll free) if in serious danger to alert the police.

Language and people:

Uganda has so many languages spoken given the many tribes that speak different languages. However,  English is the official and administrative language spoken in Uganda although Luganda and Swahili are commonly spoken throught the country. You need some basic in Luganda like how to Thank, Greet, and ask for something.

Uganda is a country made up of over 50 tribes of which the largest group is the Baganda, followed by Basoga and then the others follow. The people are very welcoming and this hospitality is attributed to the respect that people have for the other tribes. Making Uganda the Africa’s Friendliest country.

When to Visit:

Uganda can be visited at any time, though mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rains, which generally peak over mid-September to November and March to May.

What to wear:

 Day time temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings and mornings are cooler, especially at high altitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks and a relatively heavy warmer this time round. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and a water proof jacket.

What to bring:

A valid passport is mandatory, and visa requirements should be checked before you travel. There are different types of visas needed depending on what you intend to do in Uganda; for instance student visas, single entry visas £25, multiple entry 6 months visas £65, multiple entry 1 year visas, or Inland transit visas.

To make the most of the game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides. Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or similar). Print film and developing is available in Kampala. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.

Driving:

Driving is on the left side. Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to organize a vehicle with a driver rather than self-drive. Car hire services are so many around the country Guide2Uganda being one of the Car hire service providers.

More detailed information on driving http://www.guide2uganda.com/information/134/Driving-in-Uganda

Tipping:

Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist-oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers should always be tipped.

Food and Drinks:  Tourist-oriented hotels and restaurants serve good Western-style meals, while a wider range available in the capital and some larger towns. Local restaurants serve Ugandan dishes, typically ugali (a stiff maize porridge) or matooke (cooked banana) eaten with a stew.

With the above information we hope that you find your trip to Uganda interesting and also the country a place to stay and remember Guide2Uganda is there to give you all you need to know about Uganda will be glad to watch over your stay in this beautiful company.

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