Known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is an East African country with a varied landscape and breathtaking attractions. Its diverse biodiversity includes conspicuous chimpanzees and rare birds among other alluring flora and fauna. Murchison Falls National Park is well-known for its 43-meter-tall waterfall and wildlife, which includes hippos while Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a legendary mountain gorilla sanctuary.
Landlocked as it may be, Uganda is hardly boring. It is endowed with a myriad of national parks, notable lakes, rivers, and mountains. With an excellent variety of wildlife, the tallest mountain ranges of Ruwenzori and to add to this, and Lake Victoria – the largest lake in Africa and the source of the longest river in the world, River Nile, it is no wonder that Winston Churchill named it the ‘the Pearl of Africa'.
TRAVEL GUIDE
LANGUAGE
FAQ: What is the official language of Uganda?/Which language is spoken in Uganda?/What is the national language of Uganda?
Luganda is the most commonly spoken local language in Uganda, followed by English (also the official language since 1962) then Swahili.
CLIMATE
FAQ: What is the climate of Uganda?/ what is Uganda’s climate?/ How is the weather in Uganda?
Winds and showers help to temper Uganda's tropical climate. Yet, its hilly areas are freezing.
While the country receives enough rain throughout the year, the north is rather dry, with only one rainy season between April and October.
The south shore of Lake Victoria receives the greatest rain, with two rainy seasons from April to May and again from October to November.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
FAQ: What travel documents do I need to travel to/enter/tour Uganda?
Travel documents must be valid 6 months after the expected travel date. Leave a clear page for every country to be visited. We recommend you get visas ahead of time, from Consulates and High Commissions.
Guidelines vary with country of origin. For detailed information contact the proper Ugandan diplomatic/consular authority https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
MONEY/CURRENCY
FAQ: What is Ugandan currency/ What is the currency of Uganda?
The currency unit is the Uganda shilling (Ush.)
HEALTH
FAQ What health documents should I have?
We recommend you get vaccinated against Covid-19 and Yellow Fever. Have anti-malaria medication and sunscreen lotion. Moreover, street food and tap water (take bottled water provided by us or buy from supermarkets). Health documents vary with country of origin.
Malaria is endemic in some locations, and anti-malarial medication should be used exactly as prescribed. Be wary of Dengue fever, sleeping sickness, Bilharzia, and other tropical diseases.
SECURITY
FAQ: Is UGANDA safe? Yes
- Always keep your valuables in the hotel safe
- Shy away from exposing your valuables in the street
- Avoid leaving your accommodation facilities during dark hours
- Don't take pictures of :
- People without their permission
- The president's motorcade
- Parliament, statehouse, government buildings, banks, mausoleums, military/police establishments, and aerial photos of airports.
