Our travel guide section aims at giving you the best and most up to date information on how to travel Uganda. Here you will find useful tips and advice on traveling and exploring Uganda. Get all the tips on how to get around Uganda, how to find best deals in activities, places to stay and more.
Visitor Information
This site contains information with a very personal and friendly structure. It also has great links to other related sites online.
Information, internet access, maps, and train passes are available at local Tourist Information terminals. These are located at various sites around the city. Expect a wait if you arrive late in the afternoon or during lunch time. Local travel agencies are also helpful for quick information and finding hotels. There is no service charge for these services. Hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and Saturday 10am to 2pm.
Transportation
Getting in from the Entebbe Airport and other arrival locations. Travel planning is about more than just knowing where you’re going. Prepares to navigate, take control and be ready for anything. This section helps you steer clear of disaster and stay open enjoy the unexpected.
- Plane – Flights arrive at the main airport near city center. If flying from European cities, you might land at a connecting airport. There is a tourist information office at the Terminal E, international arrivals, open 8am to 6pm.
- Taxi – From the airport there is a flat-rate for the 1-hour trip, depending on traffic. Hotels charge up to $80 for shuttle service.
- Train & Bus – Trains and buses arrive a city center. This is the transportation hub for the city and is surrounded hotels.
A perfect place for exploring on foot, with local shops around every corner. You will eventually walk somewhere, it’s just going to happen. If you don’t like crowds, uneven cobblestones, heavy traffic or narrow sidewalks, take a taxi or rent a car for travel.
Photography
The morning and afternoon light is perfect for photographing wildlife and your safari guide is an expert at positioning the vehicle for the best results. Wildlife photos must be taken from the vehicle and clients are never allowed to get out of the vehicle for a closer shot. Occasionally, where it is safe, you will be able to get out of the vehicle to take a scenic picture. Do not photograph people without first asking permission, as many take great offense to this.
Tipping
At local hotels and restaurants in Uganda, tipping is not common, but tips of 5-10% are expected at tourist-orientated establishments. It is customary to tip guides and drivers.
Recommended tips to driver/guide and hotel staff: Driver guide – $5 to $10 per person per day while on safari. Waiters at lodges / Porters / Room stewards – $1.00.
Money
The official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX) which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change; the best currencies to change are US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling. ATMs are available in major towns and cities. Credit cards are usually only accepted in the cities at major hotels, shops and restaurants.
Safety
Most national parks are safe to visit and a holiday to Uganda is generally trouble-free. The capital, Kampala, is a relatively safe city, although visitors should take sensible precautions against opportunistic crime especially at night.
Shopping
If you don’t like to bargain, there are many nice shops and art galleries in the main cities that carry interesting crafts, including beaded necklaces, handwoven baskets, masks and woodcarvings. Gift shops in lodges are limited but supply quality souvenirs which are more expensive. If you like to bargain, you may want to explore the local markets.
Food & Drinking Water
The basic food per se in the Ugandan cuisine is the plantain (Matooke), a banana, which traditionally gets steam-wrapped in banana leaves. It is served with different vegetables, meat, fish and/or peanut sauce. All very tasty. You also have to try the numerous snacks which are offered at every corner. Recommended are especially Chapati (flat dough-cakes from water and flour) and Samosas, fried dough-pockets filled with meat or vegetables. There is no lack of beverages: water, tea, coffee, beer, wine and spirits are on every menu or available in shops.
Drink only bottled water.
