Uganda has been called the 'the pearl of Africa'. Dominated by an expansive golf course leading down to the lakeshore, and a century-old botanical garden alive with the chatter of acrobatic monkeys and colourful tropical birds, Entebbe is far from your ordinary African town.
Ecologically, Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. Abundant wildlife (including the famous mountain gorillas) and an excellent climate contribute to the attractions here and, although there is more to desire regarding visitor facilities, the annual number of tourists to Uganda is rising steadily.
Where else but in this lush country can one observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocs before setting off into the misty mountains to stare deep into the eyes of a mountain gorilla?
Uganda Travel Guide
Full Name
Republic of Uganda
Former Name
NA
Capital City
Kampala
Government Type
republic
Area Size
236,040 sq km
Time Zone
UTC/GMT +3 hours
Climate
The temperature, usually ranging between 21-25°C (70-77°F), can be quite cool in some parts of the country owing to the country’s high altitude, despite its position on the equator. The mountain areas become much cooler and the top of Mount Elgon is often covered with snow. Other parts of the country are much warmer. There is heavy rain between March and May and between October and November.
Geography
Although landlocked, Uganda has access to several large water bodies, including Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, Lake Kyoga and Lake Edward. The country is located on the East African plateau, averaging about 900 metres (2,950 ft) above sea level. Although generally tropical in nature, the climate differs between parts of the country. Uganda includes several offshore islands in Lake Victoria. Most important cities are located in the south, near Lake Victoria, including the capital Kampala and the nearby city of Entebbe. Uganda also has several rivers most important of which is the River Nile, one of the world's longest rivers whose source is Lake Victoria and stretches all the way to Egypt pouring into the mediterranean sea.
Languages
English (official national language, taught in grade schools, used in courts of law and by most newspapers and some radio broadcasts), Ganda or Luganda (most widely used of the Niger-Congo languages, preferred for native language publications in the capit
Culture
Situated at the geographical heart of the African continent, Uganda has long been a cultural melting pot, as evidenced by the 30-plus different indigenous languages belonging to five distinct linguistic groups, and an equally diverse cultural mosaic of music, art and handicrafts. The country’s most ancient inhabitants, confined to the hilly southwest, are the Batwa and Bambuti Pygmies, relics of the hunter-gatherer cultures that once occupied much of East Africa to leave behind a rich legacy of rock paintings, such as those at the Nyero Rock Shelter near Kumi.
History
Uganda achieved independence from the UK in 1962. The dictatorial regime of Idi AMIN (1971-79) was responsible for the deaths of some 300,000 opponents; guerrilla war and human rights abuses under Milton OBOTE (1980-85) claimed at least another 100,000 lives. During the 1990s, the government promulgated non-party presidential and legislative elections.
Travel Information
Entebbe International Airport, which lies 40km from the capital Kampala, is serviced by a number of international airlines, including SN Brussels, British Airways, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Rwandair Express, Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines. Uganda can also be reached overland from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Accommodation
There are international-standard hotels in Entebbe and Kampala. In smaller towns, hotels are generally of a more limited quality and they may not take traveller's cheques or credit cards. Camping, rustic bush camps and guest houses are also available. All of the major national parks offer accommodation in game lodges. Note that most places will add 10% service charge and 20% VAT to any bill.
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by all nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA, except the following: nationals of Cyprus, Ireland and Malta. Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry to Uganda required by all nationals of countries referred to above. Entry may be refused to passengers not holding sufficient funds, return or onward tickets, and other necessary travel documents. -Although transit passengers do require a visa, they are able to obtain one on entry provided they are continuing to a third country by the same or first connecting flight within 24 hours, they are holding confirmed tickets and travel documents and not leaving the airport. Some nationals requiring visas may be issued with them on arrival to Uganda; check with your local embassy for further details. -Working journalists require a letter of accreditation issued by the Secretary of the Media Council, Department of Information, PO Box 23780, Lugard Road, UTV Premises, Kampala, Uganda. -Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the high commission/embassy to check visa requirements. Single-entry visas are valid for three months from date of issue. Transit visas are valid for 24 hours from the time of arrival. Apply to Consulate or consular section at high commission or embassy. Transit visas are issued at the airport.
Getting Around
Buses connect all major towns daily. Minibuses and shared taxis are a good way of getting around and are the most commonly used by Ugandans - they are frequent, have fixed fares and leave when full. A few airlines offer scheduled and charter flights within the country; some places can only safely be reached by air. Cars can be rented from Entebbe Airport, Kampala and other major towns.
Health & Safety
Travellers' diarrhoea is the most common complaint for visitors to Uganda. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and typhoid. All visitors require vaccination against yellow fever. Cholera outbreaks occur occasionally, but most travellers are at low risk for infection; bottled water is widely available. Malaria and HIV/AIDS are widespread. Measles outbreaks occur and visitors should insure that vaccinations are up to date. There has been an outbreak of meningitis in the north since December 2006, and visitors should ensure that vaccinations are up to date. Limited health facilities are available outside of Kampala. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised. Due to the risk of serious attacks and the killing of foreign aid workers by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), as well as the risk of banditry and attacks by other rebel groups, and tribal clashes; most foreign governments advise against travel to northern Uganda. The Government and the LRA signed a new 'Cessation of Hostilities' agreement in April 2007, but the situation remains unstable. Areas bordering Sudan in the north, the region known as West Nile in the north west (except Arua town, which can be visited by air), and the Karamoja region of north eastern Uganda are insecure and pose a serious risk to travellers. Kidepo Valley National Park should be visited by air only. Most national parks are safe to visit and a holiday to Uganda is generally trouble-free. Kampala, the capital, is a relatively safe city, although visitors should take sensible precautions against opportunistic crime and at night. Theft of EU passports has been on the increase in recent months. Demonstrations and political rallies should be avoided in Kampala and the main towns.
National Holidays
1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 26 Jan - Liberation Day. 8 Mar - International Women’s Day. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 9 Apr - Easter Monday. 1 May - Labour Day. 3 Jun - Martyrs’ Day. 9 Jun - National Heroes’ Day. 9 Oct - Independence Day. 13 Oct - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). 20 Dec - Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). 25 Dec - Christmas Day. 26 Dec - Boxing Day.
Currency
Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Electricity
240V AC
Working Hours
Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1230/1300 and 1400-1630/1700.
Emergency Numbers
999(Police)
