UGANDA TRAVEL TIPS

Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with an impressive, welcoming and hospitable people. To many tourists who have visited the country, Uganda is their favourite given its immense tourism potentials that is exhibited in its stunning landscape, green rolling hills, snowcapped mountains, evergreen virgin and unpollutedl rainforests, majestic rivers such as the Nile and massive lakes such as Lake Victoria, Africa's largest and the World's second largest fresh water lake.

Uganda has got outstanding faetures that make it a superb safari destination in Africa. Within its 10 national parks, Uganda protects half of the World's remaining endangered mountain gorillas, a great variety ofg the wildlife including the big five, over 1000 bird species including native, migratory and endemic bird species that can only be seen from Uganda. This makes it a mus-be-visited tourist destination for Gorilla Tours, Chimpanzee tracking, Primate tours, Wildlife and game viewing safaris as well as hiking tours on Africa's highest mountains.

For Tourists interested taking their holidays from Uganda below is some of the basic accurate and timely travel information on Uganda

VISA REQUIREMENTS
A single entry visa fee of US $ 50 is payable at your entry point valid for three months from the date of issue, Citizens from common wealth countries and those with reciprocal agreement to Uganda are however exempted. You should check with travel bureau or the nearest Uganda mission in your country.
A number of international airlines fly directly into Entebbe. They include British airways, SN Brussels, Emirates, Ethiopian airways, South African airways, air Tanzania. There also connecting flights available from Nairobi, Kenya.
Inter state buses, namely gateway, Akamba, Scandinavia, regional coach, Kampala coach, Bascar and Falcon; these busses operate Kampala, Nairobi, and Dar es Salaam.

ACCOMODATION
There is a wide range of excellent accommodation in Kampala thus from hotels to apartments, on the more up market side, there is imperial royal hotel, Sheraton hotel, Kampala Serena hotel (formally Nile hotel), The Commonwealth village Munyonyo among others. The more affordable are Hotel Africana, Hotel Equatorial, and Hotel Diplomat among others. It should be noted that there several budget hotel and campsite that exist in different parts of the city and its suburbs. Among them are, Tourist Hotel, Holiday Express Hotel, and Namirembe guest house among others bookings for accommodation should be made in advance.

SAFETY
The country enjoys peaceful and maximum security but like any other developing country, petty thugery, commonly reported in the city centers especially Kampala. Therefore, one is advised not to display his or her valuable jewellery, money, mobile phones, laptops, cameras, electrons among others as these can easily be snatched. While in Kampala visitors are advised not to go to some downtown streets at night as they are generally not safe. If need arises mention it to your hotel guide where you would like to go and he or she will advise you if that area is safe. If you don’t understand somebody or feel intimidated please walk away. In case of trouble, the police emergency number is 999 for landlines and112 for mobile phones.

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. Uganda has got several international hospitals within Kampala and there is no worry when a traveller gets sick during the vacation since proper medical services are present in the country.

Note: HIV-AIDS is prevalent in the country. There fore during your holiday avoid sex with the natives or use protective measures such as condoms.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Like on any international trip, Health and the usual travel insurance are recommended. Check that your travel insurance Includes emergency evacuation before you travel to the country..

WHAT TO WEAR IN UGANDA
Uganda's is a tropical climatic country. Light clothing is generally adequate in Uganda. However 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. On any safari walking shoes are recommended and it is a good idea to bring along a hat and a decent pair of sunglasses for sun protection.

CURRENCY
The Uganda shilling is the legal tender and it is based on the decimal system. Hence the shilling is divided into dominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 coins. The paper notes are also in the denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000. It should be noted however that there no restrictions on money transfer in and out of Uganda.

Uganda Country Profile
Travel and Communication in Uganda
Usefull Travel Websites

Uganda's National Parks

Bwindi National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Kibale National Park
Semuliki National park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Lake Mburo National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park
Mt Elgon National Park
Mt Rwenzori National Park