UGANDA: Best travel destinations in Uganda, Things to do in Uganda, Best Hotels in Uganda, Best travel companies in Uganda, Uganda Visa Information, Uganda Travel Information, Best cheap flights to Uganda, Uganda Tours, Uganda Safaris, Uganda Excursions, Trips to Uganda, Uganda Holidays, Uganda Travel, Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours, Go explore Uganda with Adeli Kenya Safaris.
Top National Parks in Uganda: Bwindi National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semliki National Park, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Igongo Cultural Centre
UGANDA – THE PEARL OF AFRICA:
Like a pearl, Uganda is small but precious – its luster is the bright greens of Africa’s highest mountains, spectacular waterfalls, thick forests, and dramatic valleys. But the beating heart of Uganda is its parks – the best locations for trekking to and viewing the rare mountain gorilla.
Full Country Name: Republic of Uganda
Area: 241,038 sq km
Population: 34.51 million (UN 2011)
Capital: Kampala
Borders: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, formally Zaire), Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan and Tanzania.
Religion: Most common is Christianity followed by animist and Muslim
Time Zone: Standard time is three hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
Languages: English is the official language, with Swahili, Luganda and other Bantu languages also spoken
Country Dialling Code: +256
Winston Churchill called Uganda ‘the pearl of Africa’, presumably basing his opinion on the country’s great natural beauty. From the moment the visitor lands it is clear that Uganda is no ordinary safari destination.
Dominated by a century old botanical garden alive with the chatter of acrobatic monkeys and colourful tropical birds, Entebbe itself is the least obviously urban of all comparably sized African towns.
Just 40 kilometres away, sprawled across seven hills, there is the capital Kampala. The bright modern feel of this bustling, cosmopolitan city reflects the ongoing economic growth and political stability that has characterised Uganda since 1986. Since the late 1980s, the nation has managed to move on from the abyss of civil war and the economic catastrophe of the Idi Amin days.
Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. In this lush country, one can observe lions prowling the open plains, track chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth, then 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.
Climate: Uganda has a typically tropical climate with little variation in temperatures throughout the year. Distinctive wet and dry seasons characterise the climate of most of the country, except in the semi-arid north east. The dry season, generally from December to February and mid-June to mid-August, is the best time to visit.
The two rainy seasons are from March to May, and September to November. In the south the rainiest month is April. The mountainous areas in western and eastern Uganda can be cold at night.
Currency & Banks: The unit of currency is the Ugandan Shilling. However when changing money, US Dollars cash is the preferred currency. Any dollar bills taken must not be tattered or torn, and should not have been issued prior to 2001. It is difficult to change money outside Kampala.
Credit cards are not widely accepted and not all lodges will take them. Small local purchases such as souvenirs and drinks will definitely have to be paid for in local currency.
Electricity: In Uganda the general voltage is 240 and the frequency is 50 Hz. The British three rectangular blade plugs are common. Electricity in most camps is provided by generators. Batteries may be recharged in the camp during the day but it is wise to double check with the camp manager.
As the sockets can vary a ‘Travellers Adaptor Set’ is recommended. Voltage sometimes fluctuates and whilst power cuts are rare, they are not unknown. It is useful to carry a torch.
Health: Health requirements vary from country to country. We recommend you speak to your local Travel Doctor for up-to-date information and advice. The following information is to be used as a guide only.
Malaria: It is recommended that precautions against malaria are taken for travel to most regions in Africa. We suggest you contact your doctor for advice on which prophylactic is recommended.
Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination is required. All travellers must carry proof that the Yellow Fever vaccine has been administered at least 10 days prior to travel.
Road Travel: Please note that road surfaces vary from tarmac, gravel, sand and occasionally vehicles may travel “off road”. Additionally, if visiting remote areas or National Parks and Reserves, the roads may well be rough, bumpy and in a poor condition and may be affected by adverse weather conditions.
Visa Information: At the time of writing, a visa for Uganda is required for Australian Passport Holders. The visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport.
Single Entry Visa: USD $50 per person on an Foreign Passport (subject to change).
We hope that you will find this country Information on Uganda useful for reference when preparing for your holiday. All the information above was correct at the time of writing and is to be used as a guide only. Health, visa and other specific details should be double checked by your travel agent at the time of booking.
✔Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – this is where you’ll trek to find the endangered mountain gorilla. A world of steep mountain rainforest, it supports over 300 gorillas, half the world’s population.
✔Queen Elizabeth National Park – the variety of wildlife here is rich and sightings are common. You’ll be watching for lions, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. The park even features unique tree-climbing lions.
✔Kibale Forest National Park – this is a thick rainforest overflowing with primates like the red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Forest elephants also rumble through the woodlands and a special treat – over 250 species of butterflies and hundreds of bird species.
✔Rwenzori Mountains National Park – this UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors a world of waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers atop some of its mountain peaks. This beautiful but uncrowded park contains several rare plants and animals.
✔Kidepo Valley National Park – the lost valley encircling this park is a stunning canvas of perhaps the most beautiful landscapes in the country. You’ll find animals here not seen elsewhere in Uganda like cheetahs, aardwolves, bat-eared foxes, and lesser kudus.
✔Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda’s largest park contains another gift from the Nile – in the narrow gorge here, the wide river is squeezed and suddenly plummets with astonishing power down into Lake Albert. The result is an unforgettable explosion of cascade and thunder you can feel in your bones.
✔Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary – not a wild park but a controlled protected space, the sanctuary on Lake Victoria supports about 50 orphaned chimps that have been rescued throughout the country. On this richly forested island, they are rehabilitated and wander freely. Forest walks with the chimps are offered for a fascinating one-on-one experience.
✔Uganda Wildlife Education Centre – it’s a zoo but also a renowned animal refugee, home to injured and recovering animals. Most were harmed by poachers but are now on the mend. Say hello to recuperating chimps, white rhinos, leopards, and storks.
✔Igongo Cultural Centre – this is a cultural village that hosts one of the finest museums in the country. The displays show off the culture of the Ankole people using artifacts and a replica of an actual village. The Centre also features a restaurant serving Ankole dishes plus an in-depth bookshop with Ugandan reading material.
