GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR UGANDA ……

Before you travel check that you have taken precautions against:
• Malaria - necessary
• Typhoid - necessary
• Hepatitis A - necessary
• Polio - necessary
• Tetanus - advisable
• Yellow fever - a vaccination certificate no longer required for entry into Uganda unless you are coming in directly from another tropical country where yellow fever is endemic.

We recommend that you consult with your usual Travel Clinic/GP/Health Centre.

Comprehensive medical care is available in the rare event of illness whilst in Uganda and Kampala, in particular, has good resources - Ugandan or British.

We recommend Dr Ian Clarke in Kampala: 0414 341291 surgery, 075 741291 mobile.

In the very rare extreme rural emergency we use Jeremy McKelvie or Russell Barnes with one of their Entebbe-based light aircraft for transfer back to Kampala: telephone mobiles: 0752 690173, 0772 406109, 0752 768901.

For minor infections etc. and medication local doctors and clinics are usually well equipped to treat.

You will need a visa to enter Uganda. It costs £25.00 and is granted by the Uganda High Commission in London. The form can easily be printed off from the High Commission’s website and we can assist you with the completion of your form if necessary. Alternatively you can buy a visa on arrival, US$ 50, at Entebbe.

The following are useful when on tour:
• Camera/films/spare batteries
• A Telephoto lens…………………..… to capture the best of game and bird-life
• Binoculars…………………………………essential for bird and wildlife watching
• Torch and batteries……………… ...for when the power fails…. or doesn’t exist anyway!
• A map of Uganda………………………Nelles' Uganda map is good
• Collins Birds of Eastern Africa…………....…very useful - even for the casual bird-watcher
• Collins Larger Animals of East Africa………for useful background information on what you see
• A guide to Uganda ………...2 recommended - a) Spectrum, b) Philip Briggs (published by Bradt).

A word of caution regarding photography and filming….Uganda will make you want to continually reach for your camera but please remember the importance of being sensitive to local people and their feelings. Don’t just point a lens at someone without first establishing a relationship….it can cause embarrassment, even anger. Always ascertain first that it is acceptable to film before doing so. This applies especially if you wish to photograph people, either as individuals or groups…..if in doubt ask your driver for advice. Never film/photograph army/police personnel or key installations unless you are absolutely sure it is alright to do so.

Uganda is 2 hours ahead of British summer time (3 hours ahead of GMT). English widely spoken. Currency is the Uganda shilling: approx. 3,300/-per £1, 2,050/-per USD. Economy reasonably stable. Cash in high denomination notes £ or $ are OK…..small denomination notes are not wanted. You cannot buy Uganda shillings in UK but nowadays it is possible to draw cash via ATM machines in Entebbe, Kampala and all major towns using your normal debit or credit card. This has superseded the use of Travellers’ Cheques which have become outdated. USD dollar notes older than year 2000 will not be accepted. Old GBP notes also often not accepted. Surplus Uganda shillings can be exchanged back for GBP Sterling/US$/Euros on departure from Entebbe Airport. Carry, and handle, your money/valuables discreetly - not obviously. There is no black market currency. Entebbe Airport departure tax is included in your air ticket cost. Electricity supply is 240 volt, 13 amp square pin sockets as in UK.

Uganda is economically and politically stable. Crime against the foreign visitor is very low….much lower than in most tourist countries. Ugandans have a wonderful natural charm and are eager to please you…the visitor. As a guest of their country, please remember to exercise courtesy without patronising. Be patient in your dealings with people……you will engender much goodwill by so doing.