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Uganda Travel Info, Where To Stay in Uganda, Africa Travel Information
Where to Stay:
In Kampala,
Uganda’s capital, there are diverse classes of accommodation;
from the renowned top range establishments to the reasonably priced
outlets for the budget traveler. Across the entire country and
in the National Parks are hotels and resorts that offer quality
service. To meet the needs of the budget traveler a number of
campsites are also available in most of the tourist circuits.
Airport:
For those travelers
who arrive in Uganda by air, they land at the Entebbe International
Airport, which is approximately 45 minutes drive from the Capital
Kampala. From the airport there are taxis and other vehicles on
hire to take you to the city. The airport tax is incorporated
in your tickets.
Airlines:
Uganda Airlines
is the national carrier but others servicing Uganda regularly
include: Air Tanzania, British Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines,
Gulf Air, Inter Air, Kenya Airways Sabena and South Africa. There
are daily connections to and from Nairobi. There are also several
reputable domestic charter companies to choose from.
Banking:
Several International
banks operate in Uganda including Barclays, Standard Chartered
and Stanbic. Many local banks and forex bureaus also operate across
the country. Generally the banking hours are 8:30 A.M. to 3:00
P.M., Monday to Friday, though some institutions are open for
longer hours and on Saturdays. There are no longer restrictions
on foreign exchange transactions and currency is easily convertible.
Use only Uganda shilling dated after 1990.
Climate:
Uganda enjoys
ideal weather conditions ranging from the warmth of the lowlands
to the coolness of the highlands. Mean temperatures are between
21° C and 31° C all the year round. Wet seasons are
March to May and October to November.
Clothing:
Light summer
clothing supplemented by a sweater or jacket should be sufficient
all year round. Usually dressing is informal. Cotton slacks and
flat-heeled comfortable shoes are recommended on safari. A hat
for sun protection and a swimsuit would be ideal. Umbrellas and
windbreakers are recommended in the wet seasons. Request additional
details at the tome of booking.
Credit Cards:
AMEX,
Visa and MasterCard are only accepted at a few choice establishments
in Kampala and some lodges.
Currency:
The Uganda shilling
is the currency used. It is used in denominations of 50, 100,
200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000 Uganda shilling notes.
The rates vary from time to time but are readily available from
banks and forex bureaus.
Drinking Water:
We recommend
that you do not drink tap water. Most hotels and restaurants provide
previously boiled water. Mineral water is also available.
Foods:
Fresh tropical fruits
and vegetables are plentiful throughout the country. Wide ranges
of dishes, both traditional and international are served in the
hotels and restaurants.
Health Requirements:
Certificates
are required for vaccination against yellow fever. Check current
medical advice on typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. Malarial risk
is general and prophylactics should be taken. It is advisable
to start anti-malaria medications 10 days prior to arrival and
continue with the same until 14 days after leaving East Africa.
Language:
The official
language is English though Kiswahili and Luganda are commonly
spoken throughout the country.
Photography:
Though some
types of film are available in many of the lodges, it is advisable
to bring films and batteries with you or to purchase them in Kampala.
A pair of binoculars will prove extremely useful for the keen
game viewer. There is no charge for coming into the country with
photography cameras but there may be a charge for video cameras
in some places.
Security:
Precautions should
be taken as in any major city. Unless safety deposit boxes are
available in your hotel or lodge, always carry travel documents,
traveler’s Cheques, cash and other valuables with you at all times.
We recommend that you do not walk late in the night but instead
take a taxi.
Sports Facilities:
There
are a variety of sports available in the Kampala and Entebbe City
centers – Squash, golf, tennis etc Fishing on Lake Victoria or
the Nile River and White water Rafting from Bujagali falls is
also popular. Arrangements can be made for these activities depending
on individual interests.
Transport:
The roads are
generally in good condition. Four wheel drive vehicles may be
required for upcountry use, especially in the national parks during
the rainy seasons. Vehicles for hire are available only in the
major cities on both self-drive and chauffeur driven basis. Please
inquire for further details and tariffs.
Visas:
All PTA countries,
EEC countries, Japan and USA are exempt from Visas. Visas are
generally available at all entry points including Entebbe airport.
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