Travel Information

ON ARRIVAL

On arrival at the airport, our experienced tour guide will be there waiting for you. During your safari, we will use a safari vehicle custom made providing an optimal view of the beautifully made pearl of Africa, Uganda. The safari vehicles provide limited space for luggage therefore, it is recommended to please travel with light bags since overloads might create a challenge while moving swiftly on your travel.

VISA

The Government of Uganda has an online visa application system. When you are visiting Uganda you must apply for a visa online. Please follow the following steps;

• Visit the immigration website https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
• Have a copy of your passport, copy of your recent passport size photograph and a vaccination certificate for Yellow Fever and these documents should be in .pdf, .png, .bmp or .jpeg format.
• Fill in the application form (you will need an “ordinary” or single entry visa).
• When you send the form, you will shortly receive a tracking code which will help you keep track of how far your application has progressed. You can check for its status on the immigration website.
• A letter will be sent to you through email by the Ugandan authorities once your application has been approved. Please check your SPAM folder too because it might be routed there just in case.
• Print this letter and bring it with you when you arrive at the overland boarder or at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. This letter will enable you purchase the entrée visa while at the airport for USD 50.

Note:

Some nationalities do not require a visa while jetting in Uganda and we advise you to check this in advance.

MONEY

Uganda has a number of bank ATMs most of them accepting visa cards. Traveler cheques are not widely accepted making it difficult to pay by credit card outside the cities. The US dollar is predominantly an acceptable currency of preference and we advise our visitors to carry them for daily expenses and tips when necessary. Dollar bills should not be older than 10 years.

CURRENCY IN UGANDA

The Uganda shilling is the unit of currency in Uganda. We advise our visitor (s) to check the latest exchange rates before setting off for your destination as a proper guideline gets to be set. Please be advised that you will be given a better exchange rate in the selected big cities since these harbor numerous bank branches and forex bureaus.

BEST TIME TO VISIT UGANDA

Uganda can be visited any time throughout the year. Mountain hikes, gorilla and chimp tracking and other forest walks can be a little challenging during rainy seasons especially during the March – May and October – November month seasons.

During rainy seasons, it rains more often thought not the whole day or every day and for birders, rainy seasons are more suitable times to visit since the grass and vegetation tend to naturally flourish hence attracting more birds.

AIRLINES THAT FLY TO UGANDA

The following airlines normally land at Entebbe International Airport:

1. Ethiopian Airlines
2. KLM
3. Qatar Airways
4. Emirates
5. South African Airways
6. Brussels Airlines
7. Kenya Airways
8. Royal Dutch Airlines.
9. Turkish Airlines.
10. Etihad Airways
11. Flydubai
12. African Express Airways.
13. Air Tanzania
14. Egypt Air
15. Aerolink Uganda
16. Air India
17. Jambo jet
18. Fly SAX
19. RwandAir

While travelling to Uganda, you can link up with the above airlines for a smooth flight.

DRIVING IN UGANDA

Driving in Uganda is on the left-hand side. All our tour drivers are well trained in “Defensive driving”. Travellers without experience of African roads are advised to travel with a 4x4 vehicle driven by a knowledgeable driver/guide rather than self-drive.

FACILITIES AND ACCOMMODATION IN UGANDA

While travelling on a low to medium budget safari tour, washroom, bathroom and accommodations are more basic. While at the eco lodges, you can always charge your devices at the reception since water reserves are limited and in most cases, there are no sockets in the room.

LANGUAGES IN UGANDA

English language is the official language in Uganda and is widely used by the educated masses. There are over 30 plus native languages also being used by the locals based on the kind of region you go to.

WHAT TO CARRY ALONG

To make the most of your visit to the wildlife game reserves and national parks, we advise you to carry binoculars and field guides.

A valid passport valid for at least 3 months after re-entry and visa requirements for all countries you are planning to visit are mandatory and should be checked before you travel.

In cases of photography, one will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or more) and please ensure that you carry enough memory devices like memory cards with you.

Toiletries, other hygiene commodities and a (torch) flashlight can be bought from major cities of travel since they can at some point be of very good use.

CLIMATE IN UGANDA

Uganda is a tropical country, with higher temperatures at lower altitudes like in areas of Kidepo, Murchison falls national park, Kampala, Bushenyi and many others.

There are places that are generally cooler like Mgahinga, Lake Bunyonyi, Kisoro, Bwindi and Kabale.

CLOTHING WHILE IN UGANDA

Those intending to mountain hike will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack clothing accordingly. A hat, sunscreen, a waterproof jacket and sunglasses should be some of the items to pack along.

Community walks and visits to local community people are some of the activities one might be able to do and we advise you to wear appropriate clothing for example; women putting on long skirts or trousers and tops that cover shoulders.

Day time temperatures are generally warm to hot therefore, light clothing would be appropriate. Evenings are cooler especially at high altitudes like in areas around Kabale, Kisoro, Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi and Mgahinga therefore, a couple of sweaters or warm clothing should be carried along.

HEALTH IN UGANDA

As a mandatory requirement, the Government of Uganda requires proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination for travellers 1 (one) year of age and above. A traveller should possess a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (vaccine received at least 10 days ago) prior to entry into Uganda. Travellers who do not meet this requirement must be vaccinated at the airport (with possibility of isolation as determined by the airport health authority) prior to entry into Uganda at the traveller’s own costs.

All visitors are advised to take malaria prophylactic drugs and also carry a mosquito repellant. All required inoculations must be recorded by your health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate. Please carry this document with you throughout the tour. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist for up to date inoculations, requirements and personal recommendations.

The following vaccinations are needed (Please always consult with a qualified professional doctor first);

• Yello Fever
• Hepatitis
• DTP

The hygiene is not at the same standard as in your home country so we advise you to bring with you a disinfectant cream and always drink boiled water NOT tap water.

In cases of malaria, you need to take tablets: Malarone or Lariam but always first consult a doctor before ingestion of any malaria tablet.

ELECTRICITY IN UGANDA

The voltage in Uganda is 220-240 volts. We advise you to move with an international adapter for your electric needs. The system used in Uganda is the British system. It’s possible to charge your batteries in most lodges. There are some power cuts in Uganda at times and it is advisable to re-charge appliances when power is available.

STOP OVER POINTS

Please be advised that washrooms along stop over points are sometimes not to the American and European standards. Some washrooms may not be squatting toilets, nor flushing toilets or toilet paper may not be available. Like the locals say; TIA (This Is Africa).

TIME

Uganda has only one time zone. Local time is GMT + 3 and Daylight Savings Time is not used.

TRAVEL TIPPING

Tips will always be appreciated and in some cases might be rewarding. Drivers, guides and carriers can be tipped as follows: Driver/Guide USD 5-15 per day and carriers USD 1-3 depending on the number of days, group size or your level of satisfaction with the quality of service being rendered to you.

INCLUDES

• Airport pickup and transfers
• Bottled drinking water
• Accommodations with meals mentioned
• Entrance fees to the included national parks
• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with knowledgeable driver/guide and fuel
• Itinerary mentioned activities will be included.

EXCLUDES

• Visa
• Flights
• Insurance
• Optional activities
• Meals not mentioned and beverages
• Tips and personal expenses like communication and laundry.

MINIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE

We provide a guaranteed group tour to our visitors. Interested travelers can contact us for availability. For an effective tour, we advise our travelers to book with us early enough for an effective and successful travel experience since June, July, August and September of every year are peak months.

GORILLA PERMITS PER SET DEPARTURES

Njugu Tours pre-purchases Gorilla permits for its group tours with set dates. Booking should be done at least 3 months earlier for proper and earlier arrangements. This enables our visitors not only get a low cost tour but also get Gorilla permits allocated on a first come first serve basis. We are a dedicated team and will get back to you as soon as possible to make your trip a success and enjoyable.

Note: Depending on the available Gorilla permits at the time of booking, we might organize an alternative breath taking gorilla experience in other available Gorilla havens in Uganda, the pearl of Africa like Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga or Nkuringo.