Beautiful landscapes and variety of wildlife species form the basis of tourism in Uganda, a major source of employment and foreign income contributing highly to the annual GDP of Uganda. Blessed with an equatorial climate and strategically situated within African Great Lakes region, Uganda has an abundance of tourism attractions including enormous lakes, meandering rivers, tropical rain forests, spectacular mountains, vast Savannah plains and swamps which all act as habitats of diverse flora and fauna species where almost all traditional Uganda safaris are conducted.
Uganda’s tourism industry suffered a setback during the political wars that started after 1970 characterized by high levels of poaching and land encroachment plus insecurity scaring away tourists and potential investors until the late 1980’s when peace and economic stability were achieved putting the famed Pearl Of Africa back on the world map. The establishment and refurbishing of safari lodges, hotels, guest houses coupled with good roads, reliable communication systems and friendly local people has transformed this country into one of the most amazing safari destinations in Africa recently ranked among the Top 20 must visit places by international travel magazine Lonely Planet and whose park Kidepo was ranked 3rd among best safari parks in Africa by CNN Travel.
Uganda’s star attraction is arguably the endangered mountain gorillas found in the impenetrable forest of Bwindi; home to over half the population of the last surviving gorillas in the world, an encounter with these gentle giant apes is regarded by most travelers as the highlight of a safari in Uganda and Africa at large. Gorilla trekking tours are suitable during the dry months between June to February and only 10 individuals are allowed per visit limited to only an hour in the presence of the gorillas.
Game viewing is among the most popular tourist activities many travelers enjoy, get close up with wild animals and endless list of over 1060 bird species in any of Uganda’s thrilling 10 national parks and game reserves. A wildlife safari in Murchison falls park, Queen Elizabeth, lake Mburo and Kidepo presents opportunities to encounter wild animals like African elephants, antelopes, lions, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, warthogs, baboons, monkeys etc. Primate lovers can visit Kyambura gorge, Kibale forest Budongo and Ngamba islands to watch habituated chimpanzees plus an amazing list of up to 12 other primate species to see.
The enormous lakes and long meandering rivers and stunning falls offer the best spots for adventure water sports tourism in Uganda including the adrenaline thrilling white water rafting, boating, river kayaking, bungee jumping, sport fishing, river boarding, quad biking, boat jetting all available in Jinja; East Africa’s adrenaline capital and home to the famous source of River nile. A boat ride on Kazinga channel, Lakes Mburo, Victoria, Albert and Bunyonyi is a marvelous way of exploring animals and birds relaxing on the banks. The rugged landscapes and tall standing mountains present opportunities for hiking and nature walks. Professional mountain climbers can attempt to conquer Rwenzori’s snow capped Magheritah peak; currently Africa’s highest mountain range where as novice and first timers can try out mountain Elgon or Virunga ranges of Mount Sabinyo, Gahinga & Muhabura located on the border of Rwanda & Uganda.
Tourism in Kampala city is mainly focused on trips to significant historic political and cultural buildings constructed during the missionary and colonial era. Popular sites to visit in Kampala include Kasubi tombs where four Kabakas (kings) of Buganda kingdom were laid to rest , Namugongo martyrs shrine, Namirembe cathedral , Kabakas palace, Rubaga cathedral, Makerere university, Wamala tombs, Gaddaffi mosque, Ndere troupe center, Kabaka’s lake, Kampala Crafts village, Bahai temple plus so many other interesting tourism destinations worth the visit.
The diverse cultures, rich local cuisine, handmade African arts and crafts items also contribute to Uganda tourism sector attracting some keen cultural enthusiasts interested in experiencing and learning about the way of life, activities and history of certain tribes most notable the Batwa pygmies. Other tribes include Baganda, Banyankole, Basoga, Maasai, Batoro, Karamajongs, Acholi, Tesots, Bakiga etc all exhibiting colorful traditional ceremonies, interesting dances and unique royal kingdom items like Buganda kingdoms royal spears, shield and drum. Handmade clay and wooden cravings can be bought from craft shops around Kampala in most park safari lodges or camps for those interested in African souvenirs like a ‘kitengi’, floor mat, beads, earrings, local bracelets and necklaces.
Agriculture may be considered as back bone of Uganda’s economy but the tourism industry’s contribution to the growth and development of Uganda is increasing greatly year after year but there’s still need to create more awareness through organized Uganda safari tours by travel companies and international advertising by the government.
[accordion] [acc_item title=”What to bring”]A Valid passport is mandatory and visa requirements should be checked before you travel.
There are the real big 5 Essential Items that we advise you not to leave at home. Pack these to ensure your safari is a success.
. Binoculars
. Long sleeved shirts
. Insect repellent and relief
. Wide-brimmed safari hat
. Zip -off safari trousers
To make the most of game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides. Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (30-300 or similar).
These are all items that no traveler to warm climates should be without & will enhance your safari or travel adventure.
Wide-brimmed Safari Hat
The African sun can be very strong particularly if you are used to a milder climate so a good hat to protect you from sunburn is essential. The hat has to have a brim that provides you with all round protection.
You need to pack some long as well as short sleeved shirts because the ones with the longer sleeves come in handy at night to protect you from mosquitoes but they are too hot to wear during the day.
Again, you need to pack both long and short trousers to cover up at night against those pesky mosquitoes (it is often still warm at night but a little discomfort is better than being bitten) and you can wear the shorts during the heat of the day. Safari boots are only essential if you are going to be walking through the bush. If you are going to be spending most of your time in the vehicle then a pair of comfortable shoes or sandals will do just fine. The sandals are particularly useful back at camp because they are cool and you can slip them on and off quickly.
Good quality sunglasses plus protective case
Hand wipes
Stuff-sacks or plastic packets; to compartmentalize items within your travel bag
Repair kit: needle and thread, nylon cord, rip-stop tape
Personal first aid kit
Uganda is in East Africa, bordered on the west by Congo, on the north by the Sudan, on the east by Kenya, and on the south by Tanzania and Rwanda. The country, which lies across the equator, is divided into three main areas—swampy lowlands, a fertile plateau with wooded hills, and a desert region. Lake Victoria forms part of the southern border. Uganda, being the pearl of Africa, has unique geographical setting that provides a blend of Savannah and forest creatures. It is famous for the presences of Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park. The mighty river Nile that flows on a 3,000km journey down stream to Egypt in 90 days punctuated by a series of falls that include Murchison falls and one of the world’s most thrilling commercial white water rafting spots at the Bujagali falls. Go hiking in the snow capped Rwenzori mountain ranges for an exhilarating challenge through highland scenery.
The capital
Kampala is the capital city of Uganda. It is 40 kms away from Entebbe International Airport. The capital city is said to be built on seven hills such as Kasubi Hill, Mengo Hill, Kibuli Hill, Namirembe Hill, Rubaga Hill , Nsambya Hill and Old Kampala. These are historically important to the country’s religions, culture and the economy.
Accessibility
Uganda can be reached by land from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. Uganda can also be reached by air transport using a number of Regional and International airlines, such as Precision Air, , Egypt Airways, Ethiopian Airways , Rwanda Air Express, Kenya Airways, SN Brussels, British Airways and South African Airways. Uganda can be reached by land from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
On arrival.
A visa for those who require one can be purchased on the spot at Entebbe International Airport or at any over land boarder. Foreign exchange and ATM facilities are available at the airport. Our company will arrange your airport transfer to the hotel.
Health.
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. It is also advisable to drink bottled water rather than tap water.
Money.
The unit of currency is the Uganda shillings. Though the US Dollar is the preferred hard currency. The Euro and Poundsterling are also widely accepted. Hard currency cash can be exchanged for local currency at banks and private bureau de change in large towns.
Traveler’s cheques are not widely accepted out side Kampala. Local currency can be drawn against visa and other major credit cards at selected ATMs in Kampala, Entebbe International Airport and in a few large towns. A few hotels and safari lodges accept American Express cards.
Language.
Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, which is the official language. However of the 30 plus different indigenous languages, Luganda is the most widely used across the country.
When to visit.
In Uganda, any time is visitation time though mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rains which generally peak over mid September to November and March to May.
Driving in Uganda
Driving is on the left side. Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to stick to the drivers & vehicles organized by our company.
Tipping.
Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants but will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10%at tourist oriented restaurants.
Guides and drivers should always by tipped.
Foods and drinks.
Tourist oriented hotels and restaurants serve good western style meals, while a wider range of cuisines being available in the capital and some larger towns. Local restaurants serve Ugandan dishes, typically ugali (as stiff maize porridge) or matooke (cooked bananas) eaten with stew.
Climate.
Uganda lies across the equator and boasts of tropical climate that is spring like in nature all year round. The country basically experiences seasonal climate of wet and dry, though it can be wet and cool at any time of the year. Due to varying global whether patterns, evolutions between rainy and dry seasons can come and go intermittently.
The most common occurring weather patterns occur as follows.
December- February – the hot dry season.
Provides birds and game viewing opportunities, though at this time of the year, the grass is rather long and smaller species may be hard to view. However this is a perfect time to track the Gorillas.
March.
This is the beginning of the rains and game viewing is excellent over the short new grass. Gorilla trekking is pleasant and the spring like day conditions are off set by cool nights.
April – May –the heavier rainy season.
Road infrastructure that includes some game tracks turns slippery and muddy. Conditions for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking are more challenging but chances of viewing these gentle giants remains an all time high at 98%.
June- October– includes peak tourist season of July – August.
At this time of the dry season, its cooler and the roads are dusty which provides exceptional wildlife game viewingconditions in the game tracks. It is also a perfect time to trek the mountain Gorillas in Bwindi National park.
November -seasonal short rains.
For bird lovers there could never be a better time to visit as hundreds of migrant bird species from Eurasia migrate to Uganda. Muddy and slippery conditions for chimpanzee and Gorilla trekking.
Introduction
The United Republic of Tanzania is a unitary republic composed of 26 regions. Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, includes the spice islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia and contains Africa’s highest point—Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano, is snowcapped even though it is near the Equator. The United Republic of Tanzania is in Kiswahili called Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania is a sovereign state in central East Africa bordered by Uganda, Kenya in the North, Burundi, Congo and Rwanda in the West, Mozambique and Malawi in the South. The country’s eastern borders lie on the IndianOcean. The Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park are rich in wildlife, although poaching endangers some species. Tourism remains important.
The capital
Dar es Salaam is the administrative capital, but Dodoma is the designated future capital and current home to Tanzania’s legislature.
Accessibility
Air Tanzania offers flights to / from other African countries. From overseas, Air France, KLM (via Kilimanjaro) and British Airways (via Nairobi) offer flights to Dar es Salaam from their respective country of origin. If you want to fly directly into Zanzibar, you can do so on Gulf Air. Tanzania can be reached by land using the bus, boat and train.
On arrival.
In Tanzania, visas are required by most foreign nationals whether visiting for a holiday or to conduct business. Tanzania does permit visa free travel for a period of up to three months to some foreign nationals, mainly those from African and Asian countries however in most cases, with the exceptions of Kenya and Uganda; these visitors will still to obtain entry permit clearance. Global Visas immigration will be able to advice you of the exact visa requirements for citizens of your country of residence traveling to Tanzania.
Health.
As requirements and regulations are subject to change at short notice, visitors are requested to contact the nearest Tanzanian Diplomatic Mission or travel health advisor well in advance of their intended date of departure.
Money.
The official unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (Tsh). American dollars in cash or traveler cheques are acceptable in many places around town. Credit cards are accepted only in big hotels, and if you do manage to find a place to use them there will usually be a surcharge of at least 10%. Please note not to bring US$ notes issued before 2002, as they are not accepted here. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 13.00 to 17.00 as well as Saturday from 9.00 to 12.00.
Language.
The official languages are Kiswahili and English. Others that are used are Kiungujo, Nyamwezi, Arabic, many local languages.
What to wear.
We recommend that you bring light casual clothes, (please bring khaki clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat and insect repellent if you go on safari). In the evenings it can get rather chilly, especially in the desert areas and in the months of May-August, so bring a sweater and a windbreaker.
What to bring.
A Valid passport is mandatory and visa requirements should be checked before you travel. To make the most of game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides.
Driving.
Driving is on the left side. Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to stick to the drivers & vehicles organized by our company.
Foods and drinks.
Food is excellent and you will find a good mix of African, European and
International cuisine. Fresh vegetables, seafood and meats make it an exceptional culinary experience to travel here. South African wines are sold everywhere, and are excellent. Tap water is not drinkable in most areas, only bottled water should be consumed.
Climate and When to visit.
During the rainy seasons such as November, April and May, Safaris are possible, and it is by far not raining every day. But it can get hard if you want to visit remote places. The mass migration moves from Kenya into the Serengeti in Tanzania in December, January, February, and March. That can be a spectacular time to travel in Tanzania. Climate changes are triggering some changes in the timing of the migration, so check with us if you are interested in traveling on the edges of the normal migratory months. This doesn’t mean that there isn’t great game viewing at other times. Off-peak season can be a very relaxing time. The lodges are less crowded and the game reserves not involved in the migratory pathways have as much game as normal. It’s all a matter of what you want. Check with us if you have specific time frames in mind for your travel and we can help you plan where to be so you get the best possible game viewing experiences.
Kenya has a national name known as Jamhuri ya Kenya. It is situated right along the equator, on the eastern coast of the African continent. Its coastal region is on the southeast, and to the east lies Somalia. Ethiopia is to the north, the Sudan to the northwest, and Uganda directly to the west. The southwestern border of the country is marked by Lake Victoria, and southward lies Tanzania. Kenya’s geography is marvelously varied. While much of northeastern Kenya is a flat, bush-covered plain, the remainder of the country encompasses pristine beaches, scenic highlands and lake regions, the Great Rift Valley, and the magnificent Mount Kenya. Most Kenyans are nominally Christians, although many mix it with traditional religious beliefs. You’ll encounter for example a widespread belief in witchcraft. Witches are thought to cause illnesses and can put a spell on women so that no man will ever look to her again.
Religion is important in Kenya culture.
The capital
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya. It is 15 kms away from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The city itself offers buzzing markets, some interesting sightseeing and a lively nightlife. Nairobi is one of Africa’s largest and most interesting cities. It is a place of enormous energy, a tireless and thriving bustle of people, and a city of differences. Assorted races, tribes and origins are all a part of its make-up.
Accessibility
Kenya can be reached by land using buses, matatus, rented cars and trains from Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia.Kenya can also be reached by air transport using a number of Regional and International airlines, such as Precision Air, , Air Uganda, Euro fly, Cameroon Airlines, Egypt Airways, Ethiopian Airways , Rwanda Air Express, Kenya Airways, SN Brussels, Air Zimbabwe, Sudan Airways, Nasair, Fly540, British Airways, South African Airways and many others.
On arrival.
Visas should be obtained in advance, although airport visas are available. Travelers who opt to obtain an airport visa should expect delays upon arrival. There is a fee for the visa, whether obtained in advance or at the airport. Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested. Travelers may obtain the latest information on visas as well as any additional details regarding entry requirements from the Embassy of Kenya
Money.
The official unit of currency is the Kenya shilling (KES). The shilling is divided into 100 cents, coins are in denominations of 5, 10 and 50 cents and 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings. Notes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings.
Language.
The national language is Kiswahili and English is the official language. In Kenya, there are numerous indigenous languages used country wide.
What to wear.
Day time temperatures are generally warm to hot so bring lots of light clothing, evenings are cooler, especially at high attitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. Do not forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and water proof jackets.
What to bring.
A Valid passport is mandatory and visa requirements should be checked before you travel. To make the most of game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides.
Driving.
Driving is on the left side. Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to stick to the drivers & vehicles organized by our company.
Foods and drinks.
Kenya‘s national dishes are inexpensive to make and are served in generous portions. One of the Kenyan specialities is Nyama Choma, the favorite dish which is included in the typical festivities. Other common staple seen all over Kenya is Ugali, is essentially a pasty substance made from white corn flour, pieces of usually are eaten with stew and greens. Another traditional Kenyan food is Kenyeji made of corn, beans, potatoes, and greens mashed and fried in onions; Chapatti (fried bread), Samosa (mince meat in a triangle pastry), Kebabs, and Pilau.
Sodas and beers are widely available in Kenya, but these are typically served warm; fresh fruit juices are available too, as well as imported and local wines
Climate and When to visit.
As Kenya is on the Equator, seasons are consistent. The main tourist season are from December to February and from July to August, if you are going to travel at these periods, should reserve in advance safaris and accommodation.
From January and February, the season is hot and dry, this is usually considered to be the most enjoyable time. Is excellent for animal and bird watching; there is a largest concentration of birds flocks on the Rift Valley lakes. Medium daily high temperature is about 84 degrees Fahrenheit. During this high season the fares are more expensive.
Another appropriate time to visit Kenya is from June to September, during the called “shoulder season” because the weather is still dry. This season offer excellent view options, you can find a large number of wildebeest at the Masai Mara, is a good time also for climbing in the Mount Kenya.
There are two rainy periods in Kenya. The long rains period, from March to June and the “short rains“ period from October to December. Some roads become sloughy and some parks get inundated during these months.
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