Uganda Practical travel Information
Here is important practical information you need to know before travelling to Uganda.
Basic Information
Official Name:Republic of Uganda
Area: 236,000 sq km
Population: 42,86 million (2017)
Capital: Kampala
Largest Cities, with Population (2012)
Kampala: 1,353,000
Gulu: 146,000
Lira: 119,000
Mbarara: 97,000
Religious Affiliations:
Catholic: 42%
Aglican 36%
Muslim: 12%
Other 10%
Climate
Uganda is located around the equator. Because of this, the climate is pleasant the whole year through! Traveling in Uganda is, for this reason, not limited by climate! The temperatures average between 22 and 32ºC. In the higher location areas the temperature drops quite a lot (mainly at night). This is in areas like Bwindi, Kisoro, Lake Bunyonyi, Mount Elgon, Sipi Falls and Rwenzori Mountains.
Due to climate changes it’s hard to predict when the rainy seasons will be. However; the heavy rainy season is normally in March – May, light rainy season is November – December, though there will always be plenty hours of sunshine.
Currency
The Ugandan currency is the Ugandan Shilling.
In Uganda they do NOT accept US dollars given out before 2006.
When you exchange money, use big notes (50 or 100 US dollar). The exchange rate of smaller notes is much lower.
Make sure notes are not cut, or damaged in any way. They will not be accepted.
We advise that you budget your cash needs per person:
US$20 per day on full-board tour packages to cover drinks and other personal expenses.
US$40 per day on bed & breakfast tour packages to cover meals, drinks and personal expenses not included.
ATM & Credit Cards
ATM: In all cities ad big towns you find ATM machines from Stanbic Bank and/ or Barclays. They accept most international bank cards and Visa. Do realize that the amount you can take aout per day is limited to about $100,-. Realize as well that ATM’s can be empy or not working due to powercuts. Make sure you always have enough cash with you as a back up!
Credit Card: Credit cards are not yet used much in Uganda. Only in Kampala and at mayor hotels and upmarket lodges this can be used.
Traveler Cheques: Traver cheques are only accepted in a few banks in Kampala and they will give you a terrible rate for it
Plugs and voltage Uganda
British-style plugs with three pins: 240 V,50 Hz. For more info check:
Charging camera and phone
You can charge your cameras, phones and other electric items in most hotels/ lodges. Not every hotel/lodge offers charging facilities in the rooms. If that is the case they will offer charging options in the lobby or restaurant.
Some lodges Hotels run on either solar power or generator. Those lodges often don’t have power all day, but only at specific hours in the morning and evening (when it’s dark).
If you bring a couple of chargeable items you might consider bringing an extension with extra outlets, since the amount of outlets is often limited. We advise to bring extra batteries for your camera, since some hotels don’t have power and power cuts might occur.
Phone
There are several mobile providers in Uganda. You can purchase a SIM card for relatively low cost (3 US dollars). SIM cards and airtime for the the different companies are available all over Uganda. MTN has the best network. Make sure that your phone is SIM-Lock-Free. You have to bring your passport and a passport photo to sign up.
The country code for Uganda is +256.
There is an Anti-gay law in Uganda and being gay is absolutely NOT accepted in Ugandan culture. It is very safe to travel in Uganda being gay, but make sure you don’t openly speak about it and surely not show it.
Charging camera and phone
Uganda is in general a very safe country to travel in. Ugandans are considered among the friendliest among planet earth and are very welcoming. Kampala is known for one of the safest capital cities in Africa.
Do feel free to meet and talk to Ugandans, as they will be most honored.
Be however always careful to your belongings.
Be responsible and sensative during your tour and use taxi’s (called ‘special hire’) when you are going out at night.
Traffic in Kampala can be rather hectic and sometimes even dangerous when using boda boda’s (motor bike taxi’s).
During Election time it can be dangerous around the city center of Kampala. It’s easy to avoid going to the city center, and we strongly advise to do exactly that during election time.
Contact your embassy in Uganda for safety instructions.
Internet
Internet cafés are found all around the country and are now even to be found in remote areas. Realize that internet speed is often very slow.
Most upmarket lodges provide wifi, but not all of them. some mid-range lodges provide wifi as well.
If you bring your own laptop you can buy a 3 GB wireless internet stick from MTN. This Internet is relatively quick. The cost for this stick is about 50 US dollars per month (minimum 1 month). This stick can be bought in Entebbe, Jinja and Kampala and you need to bring your passport and a passport photo to sign up.
When you buy a MTN simcard (register with passport and passport photo) you can use the 3G or even 4G option to provide internet to your smartphone or tablet.
Phone
There are several mobile providers in Uganda. You can purchase a SIM card for relatively low cost (3 US dollars). SIM cards and airtime for the the different companies are available all over Uganda. MTN has the best network. Make sure that your phone is SIM-Lock-Free. You have to bring your passport and a passport photo to sign up.
The country code for Uganda is +256.
Emergency contacts
Enjoy safaris Africa office
Below you can find emergency contacts to reach Enjoy Safaris Africa. We request you to use the office phone for all regular questions.
Please respect the privacy of our staff and only use the emergency numbers when it’s a real emergency.
Email: info@enjoysafarisafrica.com
Office Phone: (+256) 772 443096
Emergency Number 1: (+256) 702 443096 (Sophie)
Emergency Number 2: (+256) 783 435 332 (Sauda)
Weather
The climate in Uganda is as near to perfect as you can find. The nights are cool, but rarely cold. A fleece or light jumper is all that is necessary. The days hover around 18-30 degrees C averagely. The sun is hot on the equator and a wide brimmed hat provides the best protection against sunburn and heat stroke. Sun cream is also essential.
Rainy season comes twice a year – April /May and again in October /November /December. But the sun still shines during the rainy season, and the rain still falls during the dry season. The wettest month is probably November, and the hottest month is February..
