Travel Tips

Visas
Visas are compulsory for all visitors. They can be obtained at the Airport on arrival but to save time its better you always get one before you touch down. It can be alternatively got from an embassy near you because the process of getting a visa on arrival may stress you out as Queues are always long and the whole process is usually a bit slow. If you are quite busy then do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. A Single entry visa costs 50 usds per person for most nationalities and is usually valid for 30 days from date of entry.

Credit Cards and Currency
Credit cards are accepted for some services in Kampala and some few Hotels upcountry, but we would recommend that one should change money in Kampala before proceeding on tour. Avoid changing money at the airport as you will always get bad exchange rates. Most of the services and bills while on tour are settled in Uganda Shillings or US Dollars in a few places. The exchange rates of foreign currencies to Uganda Shillings change from time to time, check the bureaus for the current rates upon arrival in the Country.

Health
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Also note that Malaria and bilharzia and other diseases are spread in various parts of Uganda. Visitors are advised to consult their doctors to enable them know what preventive medicines to carry along with. We also advise travellers to Uganda to take medical and travel Insurances before they travel. International health services are provided in Uganda especially in Kampala, with foreign trained doctors available 24 hrs.

Language
The official language is English and the agreed National Language is Swahili, which is also spoken in other countries in the region. All major towns and Tourist destinations have people who can fluently speak English. Most of the Country is covered by Mobile phone signals that also accommodate international roaming, so, all calls can be made anywhere.

Embassies
We do have a few embassies spread across Uganda so if you need any information regarding this, Contact us for a chat.

Driving
It is strongly advised that you get yourself a valid international Driving Licence. Police will always ask for it. You may end up facing the law or extortion if you don’t produce it and yet you have been found driving.

Time
Uganda is 3 hours ahead of GMT
Weather
Uganda has 2 main rainy season:  March to May and September to November. The other months are dry though it rains still once in a while thus keeping the country lush and green all the year round. The hottest areas (about 35 degrees C.) are the low altitude places like the Semiliquid and Nile Valleys and the Northeast of the Country, well as the cooler parts (about 23-28 degrees C.) are the high-altitude areas of the south -west stretching from Kabala (the Switzerland of Uganda) though the Volcanic areas of Kisoro to the Rwenzori mountains (Mountains of the Moon) on the Uganda Congo boarder.  
We recommend our guests to carry a combination of light clothes and sweaters since temperatures always keep changing occasionally.

Gorilla tracking requirements

• One has to be reasonably physically fit and healthy to participate in the Gorilla tracking excise
• A day pack for carrying water and packed lunch.
• Light water proof steady hiking boots and thick socks and gaiters if possible.
• High-speed films or memory card.
• Waterproof gloves and Raincoats or Poncho is a must carry.
• A baseball Cap is recommended too