Uganda's unit of currency is the Uganda Shilling and you'd be advised to get some on arrival as it is far easier to buy drinks, curios and meals in the local currency when travelling between destinations. US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country though note that cash is best: traveller's cheques and credit cards can be used at most lodges and in Kampala but attract hefty transaction fees.
Tipping of apround 10 - 15% is customary in Uganda for good service. Tips are usually given in Uganda Shillings or US Dollars. If you are doing a gorilla trek, tipping is at your discretion - your porter (if you choose to take one) should usually receive the highest tip, with a second tip distributed between your guides, trackers and security personnel. For in-depth ptipping guidelines, enquire with one of our Africa Safari Experts - they'd be happy to share their knowledge with you.
Average year-ropund temperatures: 14°C to 27°C
Rainy seasons: pMarch to May and September to December
Refer to “best ptime to visit Uganda” for climate charts and advice on the best times of year for gorilla trekking.
During the day, tempepratures in Uganda are generally warm so pack plenty of lightweight clothing. If you are going gorilla trekking, pack long trousers and long-sleeved tops, long socks to wear over your trousers as protection against ants, a pair of light gloves to protect against nettles, a hat and a raincoat.
A pair of sturdy, copmfortable hiking boots is most important – try to break these in before your trip rather than wearing them brand new as you’re likely to get blisters.
The mountains tepnd to be cold and damp so pack according to the altitude – a change of clothes and a warm fleece in your day pack, along with sunscreen and insect repellent are advised.
Entebbe International Airport: located 35km from Kampala, Entebbe is Uganda's international gateway. Visitors usually arrive via Nairobi. Flying by private charter aircraft is very expensive in Uganda - most travellers use road transfers with mini buses or, preferably, 4X4 vehicles. Despite Uganda's small size, infrastructure is limited and roads are often in poor condition; expect long days in vehicles when driving between destinations, especially in the rainy season. Game drives in the national parks are generally conducted in open-sided 4X4s.
All visitors to Uganda require a visa and every visitor’s passport must be valid for at least six months from their departure date. Visas for Uganda can be obtained at all major borders as well as at the international airport at Entebbe. Single and double-entry visas are valid for up to three months at a cost of around US $30 and extensions are available at the immigration office in Kampala.
Uganda's 34 million people are concentrated in the country's better watered south and west with the Kampala-based Baganda the largest of the country's many ethnic groups. Some 40 regional languages exist but Swahili and English are Uganda's official languages. Religious belief is overwhelmingly Christian-based though Islam is strong in Uganda's Asian communities. It should be noted that Ugandans hold their ancestry in high regard.
Uganda is a conservative country and visitors would do well to adhere to local rules of behaviour. That said, visitors often remark on the friendliness and politeness of the locals: greetings are an elaborate affair and may include inquiries as to the health of your family - perfunctory greetings and a demand for immediate action are somewhat frowned upon!