Accommodation:
We will look to source accommodation depending on your budget and interests. Uganda has a beautiful selection of eco-friendly lodges when upcountry and fine hotels in Kampala and Entebbe. The pricing of your safari will vary very much depending on your choice of accommodation.
Age Requirements for Safari:
We welcome guests of all ages and our safaris and tailor-made trips. The age minimum age limit for both gorilla and chimpanzee tracking is 15 years.
Airlines:
Direct flights to Entebbe are available with KLM from Amsterdam, British Airways from London and SN Brussels from Brussels. Emirates Airlines connects through Dubai, Ethiopian Airlines connect through Addis Ababa and Egypt Air has connections through Cairo. South African Airways have direct flights from Johannesburg whilst there are many connections to Entebbe through all of East Africa’s capital cities. Air Uganda flies to Zanzibar, Dar Es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Nairobi and Juba in South Sudan. Domestic flights are available to most major towns in Uganda whilst charter flights can be arranged to those national parks that with their own strip.
Airport:
Entebbe International Airport is 45km from Kampala City. On arrival a meet and greet service will transfer you to your accommodation and on return you to the airport for your departure.
Banking:
There are international banks in Kampala open Mon – Fri, 8:30am – 4pm and some on Saturday mornings. Currency is easily convertible to Ugandan Shillings to be used for small local purchases upcountry. Cash is available from ATM’s.
Cameras, Binoculars, Flashlight/Torch:
Africa is a photographer’s dream so if you enjoy taking photos, bring lots of film if you not gone digital otherwise, media cards, and batteries. A zoom lens (80 – 400) with stabilization is very much advantageous on safari to catch those close ups of the animals. A good set of binoculars is very helpful. A small torch or flashlight is a must for evening walks about camp and should you experience power outages, which are unfortunately quite common.
Climate:
The climate in Uganda is pleasant year-round with daytime temperatures between 24 – 28C. In October and November this is the short rain season whilst from mid March to the end of May, this is the long rain season. IN the north of the country the temperature is much hotter and more humid. In the mountains of the south west where the gorilla trekking activities take place, temperatures are cooler where in the evenings a light fleece jacket may be required.
Clothing:
Bring light casual and comfortable clothing. Long sleeve shirts, rain gear and sturdy walking boots for trekking. A pair of gardening gloves are essential in the forests for pulling on nettles and vines. Open sandals or canvas/tennis shoes. Sweater or jacket for evenings in the mountains. A hat for sun protection. Small backpack for personal items like sunscreen, medicine, sunglasses, camera, water bottle is useful while traveling.
Credit Cards:
AMEX, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in large hotels but have little if any use outside of Entebbe and Kampala. Expect to pay a surcharge to use a credit card where possible.
Currency/Money:
The Uganda Shilling is the local currency used in Uganda. US Dollars are widely accepted where it is not unusual to see prices also quoted in US$ for national parks entrance fees, activities and accommodation. Exchange rates vary by the size of denomination with large bills of 50 and 100 attracting some 10% more than smaller denominations. US Dollar bils that are torn or pre 2001 are not accepted. It is advisable to carry Uganda Shillings in small denominations when traveling upcountry.
Drinking Water:
We suggest that you use bottled water at all times.
Electricity:
Uganda uses 240 volts AC and 3-pronged United Kingdom format plugs. Be sure to bring adaptors and converters for all appliances. Computers and mobile phones have adapters to work with both 110 and 240 Volts AC.
Hand Luggage:
Carry any medications, travel documents, money and a change of clothes in your hand luggage should your hold baggage get lost or you are delayed en-route in-bound.
Health Requirements:
Certificates for a Yellow Fever vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic Yellow Fever country. As most visitors arrive from non-endemic areas such certificates are rarely asked for. It is advisable to use an anti-malaria medication. Bring documents for your personal medical insurance.
Language:
The official language is English. There are over 40 tribal languages and dialects used throughout the country.
Laundry:
Laundry can be done at lodges, hotels and in camps during the safari.
Road Conditions:
Whilst on safari, be prepared for paved and unpaved roads. Some up country roads can be very rough and bumpy. Road conditions will dictate time to a destination and not the distance to be covered.
Tipping:
Gratuities are not included in the cost of the safari package and are completely up to you, based on your experience of the quality of service. A typical guideline would be $5 �?$10 per day per person for a safari guide; $2 – $5 for drivers. For porters, waiters and taxis, a nominal tip is customary.
Vehicles:
We provide customized 4 wheel drive safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for game drives and sliding windows.
Visas:
A Visa is required to enter Uganda with very few exceptions. You can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport upon arrival, with a valid passport. The visa fee for a single entry tourist visa US$50- per passport holder. For the latest Visa information visit www.immigration.go.ug/visa.htm where the list of exempt countries and fees are to be found.