Securing an e-visa is one of the primary steps when traveling to Uganda. You can apply for an e-visa through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration at www.visas.immigration.go.ug/. This will cost you $50 plus $1.50 for processing fees, so it will be a total of $51.50. Other websites may charge you more, but its best you apply straight from the official website. The requirements include passport copy, recent passport-size picture, and yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Vaccinations are essential in Uganda travel. On arrival, you will be asked to present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. This is in-lined with the Ugandan Ministry of Health’s requirements for travelers. It is also for your own protection. Make sure to ask medical advice from your doctor before traveling to Uganda.
This is because there are other risks of acquiring other diseases such as Hepatitis A and B, and Malaria. It is highly recommended to get shots for these diseases before flying to the country along with Polio, Typhoid, Cholera, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Rabies, and Meningitis.
Although Uganda is one of the most tourist-friendly destinations in Africa, you are advised to avoid going out at night, for your own safety especially outside major towns, especially near the South Sudan borders and Karamoja, too.
There are high risks of malaria in Uganda, but a proper precautionary measure can deal with this. If possible, have a vaccination for malaria or take malaria tablets that are prescribed by your medical practitioner at home. You can also avoid getting them by wearing appropriate clothes such as long sleeves and pants, especially during sunset hours, when mosquitos are the most active.
Put in consideration the best time to visit Uganda. You can enjoy the Uganda experience all year round. But if going there for safaris, the best months to visit the country is during the dry season which runs from June to August and December to February. The high season is from June to September.
During the wet season, March to May, weather can be a bit challenging as roads and nature trails can be in poor condition.
To support tourism and, at the same time preserve the wildlife, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has set fees for National Parks. The most famous destinations usually cost $40 per 24 hours. Meanwhile, less known places settle for a $35 fee, while small reserves, only $10.
There are additional fees for National Parks. You will be charged for park entrance and when you avail of some of the activities offered in the parks such as game drive, launch trip, nature walk, bird watching, ferry crossing, or chimp tracking.
Roads in Uganda have improved over the years, but there are still a lot of rocky areas that can be more challenging during wet seasons. You have to choose the proper 4×4 rooftop tent vehicle for the terrain when thinking of renting and that is a 4×4 vehicle. When driving, keep in mind that you have to be on the left side of the road. You do not want to cause any road trouble or violate traffic laws when visiting the place.
When traveling using a vehicle, make sure that you have enough supply of petrol. There are several gas stations along the road buy it is highly advisable to get extra just to make sure you will not run out of gas in deserted areas.
You have to make sure you are safe and having fun when traveling to Uganda. Here are some of the things you need to bring so that adventure is hassle-free: Important documents such as airline tickets, passport, visa, Vaccination certificates (Yellow fever certificate), Itinerary, Photocopy of documents if possible, Prescription medications, Malaria pills, Hand sanitizer, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Insect repellent, Eye drops, Skin and hair moisturizers, Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouth wash, Dusk mask, Anti – diarrhoea medicine, motion sickness tablets, Large zip lock bags (to secure your gadgets from getting wet), Small compass, Electrical adapters (Type G), Binoculars, Travel water bottle, Camera gear, Safari shirt, Safari pants, Safari boots, Travel towel, Clothes that are greens, or khakis to blend in.
Get as much of the Ugandan experience by getting there prepared. When you have everything, you need, from knowledge to basic travel needs, your adventure in Uganda will be stress-free. Moreover, you’ll be able to focus more on the rich terrain, wildlife, and the people.
If you are interested in gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, make sure you book for the permits in advance. These are the most demanding activities in Uganda so more tourists visit the country for that same cause meaning that for you to get the opportunity to go trekking in Uganda; you must book some moths before you visiting date.
Like in most travel destinations, tipping is normal in Uganda. It is a way of thanking people for their hard work and dedication. Usually, tourists give tips for their tourist guides in safaris, boat tours, game drive, or nature walk. For this, you can generally give $10 to $15. When you do this, make sure it is in Ugandan Shillings as they lack access to money exchangers.
You need to know the Ugandan currency when spending in smaller towns in Uganda. But for touristy places such as in the Uganda Wildlife Authority and other national parks, Cash Dollars, Euros, and Pounds are acceptable.
When exchanging your money for shillings, make sure they are the reasonable conversion. Some money exchangers are opportunists that they rip off tourists for their dollars or pounds. Be wise and do not fall for these schemes. Even at the airport, they have different rates so check it out. Similarly, they have a different exchange rate for big bills and small bills.
In case you have time to wander around Uganda, you’ll find a lot of shops; some even sell vibrantly colored souvenirs. Make sure you buy some as they are priced reasonably in almost all areas. But be careful when buying, especially if you think of bargaining.
Most items in proper shops in cities have fix prices, so negotiating is a bit rude. But in markets where price labels are missing, you can usually bargain. Just make sure that in the end, both you and the seller are happy with the negotiation.
