TRAVEL TIPS

Pace of Life:

Uganda is relatively new to tourism compared to Kenya and Tanzania. The infrastructure, accommodation, transport network and quality and availability of services and facilities are basic by Western standards. The pace of life ebbs more slowly on the African continent. 

Rest assured that Pearl of Africa Tours and Travel (PATT) will do everything in its power to ensure you have the most enjoyable and comfortable trip, however unexpected delays and difficulties may be experienced from time to time.  Please be patient and enjoy the more relaxed rhythm of life. You're on holiday after all!

Gorilla Tracking:

This is a strenuous activity and one should be physically fit to enjoy gorilla trekking.  Professional guides will accompany groups but no porters are available to carry personal belongings. Minimum age is fifteen years.  Anyone with signs of communicable disease like cough or runny nose will not be allowed to trek.

While possession of a gorilla permit is a guarantee of trekking, it cannot be a guarantee of sighting. However the chance of sighting is high - 95% or more. Maximum time allowed with the gorillas is one hour at a minimum distance of 7 meters.

No flash photography is allowed and fast film is therefore recommended (minimum 400-1600 ASA). Personal DVD recorders are allowed. Special arrangements need to be made for professional film makers, and filming permits are required for commercial photography and filming.  

We strongly recommend a breathable and lightweight rain jacket or poncho, a warm jacket or fleece for overcast days and evening, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, sturdy waterproof walking boots (seasoned or well worn footwear), leather gardening-type gloves, sunscreen, cap or sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, comfortable day pack for carrying water and minimum amount of personal items.  Cameras and video cameras are allowed, but bring film and batteries from Kampala.

Accommodation:

Uganda is still relatively new to international tourism. The seasoned traveler will find many lodges and camps are not as luxurious as in some African countries, then other properties may exceed expectations. There are accommodations of different standards throughout the Country.

Electricity and piped/mains water supply may not always be available, though clients will always find a hot shower waiting for them after a long days trek.  In some remote locations, long-drop or compost toilets may be found.

Food may be basic, but you are usually assured of fresh produce and a variety of tropical fruits which taste so much better than supermarket imports in the West!

The more up market lodges and hotels offer excellent facilities on par with other safari destinations. However, please remember we are a developing economy and expectations should not be unrealistic.

PATT takes care in booking the best accommodation available for your budget. All of our prepared itineraries start from Kampala. If you require pre or post-safari hotel bookings in Kampala please advise us and we will make the necessary arrangements. Reservations should be made in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Health/Medical:

More adventurous activities such as mountaineering and hiking, gorilla trekking and chimp tracking, white-water rafting, canoeing and kayaking may pose additional risks and should be undertaken with care and caution.  Clients must be fit and healthy.

Gorilla trekking and Chimp tracking are not permitted to those individuals who have signs of a communicable disease such as colds, flu and other airborne diseases.  Chimps and gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases and it is therefore essential that you declare all illnesses and seek our advice if you are unsure. National Park Authorities reserve the right to deny access to individuals they consider unfit to accompany any activity.

Anti-malaria tablets and mosquito repellents are essential. Seek advice from your home country on vaccination and inoculation requirements. Uganda is part of the Yellow Fever belt and although not always checked by Ugandan Immigration on arrival, a Yellow Fever card is required by law.

Please bring all personal medications required. Medical services and facilities are basic. Clients are fully responsible for securing adequate medical insurance which should include evacuation cover.

It is recommended that you drink bottled or boiled water only. Sodas, beer and alcoholic beverages are generally considered safe. Coffee and tea, as well as fresh fruit juices, are prepared with boiled water.

Airport:

Most guests arrive by air, landing at Entebbe International Airport.  The drive to/from Entebbe/Kampala City is approximately 45 minutes. We can organize transfers to and from the airport for any size group. 

Airlines:

Several airlines service Uganda regularly including Air Tanzania, British Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, South African Airways and Brussels Airlines. There are several reputable East African based companies offering domestic and internal air travel includind AirgUganda and Percision Airlines. Eagle Airlines offers domestic service. 

Visas:

Single entry tourist visas are available on arrival at Entebbe airport priced at USD $50 and at the land borders. We recommend clients obtain them on arrival.

Uganda follows a policy of reciprocity (if your Country requires a Visa for Ugandans to enter, Uganda will impose the same). Irish Nationals do not require visas. Check with us directly or contact the airline or your travle agent.

Roads:

Main roads are generally good and recent road works have much improved the road network in and around Kampala. Secondary roads vary in quality and may be poorly maintained. Be prepared for long and sometimes bumpy car journeys. We call it 'African Massage'!

Climate:

Uganda is on the Equator which gives it an ideal climate with little variation. Mean temperatures are between 21ºC and 31ºC all the year round. There are two rainy seasons from March to April and October to November. Travel is often slower in the rainy season and trekking more difficult. Mountainous areas tend to be much colder than the plains and receive more rain. Temperatures in mountainous areas can go down to 10°C in certain months. Lodges and other facilities are open all year round. There is no bad time of year to visit Uganda!

Clothing:

Light summer cotton clothing supplemented by a sweater or jacket should be sufficient all year round for most of Uganda. In the hilly and mountainous areas, waterproof jackets or ponchos, strong waterproof walking boots and warmer fleece or heavy sweaters will be required in the evening. Informal dress is usual, although Ugandan's appreciate modest dressing. Cotton slacks and flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari.  Don’t forget to bring a hat and sun protection, along with your swimsuit. Request additional details at the time of booking for specific areas.

Security:

Occasional security issues may arise as in any other developing country.  Pearl of Africa Tours and Travel maintains up-to-date information on all parts of the Country and will advise Clients accordingly at the time of booking if any risks appear to be present. Basic precautions should be taken, as in all countries, and common sense should be used. It is not advised to display expensive jewelry, leave bags unattended or money lying around.  Most hotels and lodges have safe deposit boxes available.

We recommend that you leave original travel documents and passports with us in our safe (if you wish) and travel with photocopies. East African residents will need to show copy Passports and Work Permits to obtain resident discounts. If in doubt please ask us and we will advise you.

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