Uganda is a beautiful small country lying in the Eastern part of Africa. Here is complete travel and tourist information to help you plan a green holiday.
Uganda is a beautiful small country lying in the Eastern part of Africa, lying mostly between latitudes 4°N and 2°S, and longitudes 29° and 35°E. The country averages about 1,100 metres (3,609 ft) above sea level, covering an area of 236,040 km² with most area covered by water bodies and forest cover. The country has a population of approximately 37 million people and this has been on a steady increase since she got her independence in 1962 when the population was estimated at eight million people.
Uganda is landlocked with diverse landscape encompassing the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria and also has abundant wildlife that includes endangered gorillas, chimpanzees, and the “big five” as well as rare birds. The gorillas are found in South Western Part of the country in the hilly area of Kigezi region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both famous because of being the mountain gorilla sanctuary. Other wildlife parks include Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest and is famous for its 43m-tall waterfall which is the most scenic and powerful waterfall sought after in Africa, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National park, Semliki National park, Kidepo Valley National Park which is the richest park in terms of game with all game in Uganda found in this park, Rwenzori National park, Mt.Elgon National park, both famous for hiking.
Uganda is a great tourist destination with many attractions and beauty, which prompted Winston Churchill to name her the pearl of Africa because of her beauty, the name she has preserved because of her continued beauty and attractions. Most visitors to Uganda go for gorilla safaris within the impenetrable jungles of Bwindi Forests, while others go for chimpanzee tracking in various rainforests and wildlife safaris in savanna national parks.
Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, with fantastic natural scenery, Half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population that are protected in Bwindi National Park in outh western Uganda. It also offers world-class white water rafting at the source of Nile and some of the region’s more peaceful national parks, where wildlife viewing doesn’t involve long waits in line behind a dozen or more vehicles.
The natural attraction are among the best in the region, and as tourism is still being re-established, there simply aren’t the crowds found elsewhere. Take your pick from the highest mountain range in Africa, the Rwenzori Mountains;one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, Murchison Falls; or perhaps the highest primate density in the world, in Kibale forest National park – Uganda has all this and more. It’s a beautiful country with a great deal to offer, and sooner or later the tourist hordes will ‘discover’ its delights – make sure you get there before they do.
About Uganda
Uganda is slightly smaller in size next to the Oregon State and just about similar in size to UK. The country is bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo on its west, Sudan on its north, on its south are Rwanda and Tanzania, and on its east is Kenya. The southern border is partly formed by the Lake Victoria. It lies in the equator and is divided to 3 main areas- desert regions, swampy lowlands, and wooded hills in fertile plateaus.
More than 30 Million are populated in the country and speaks mainly of English and other languages such as Swahili, Ganda, Arabic, and Nilo-Saharan languages. Roman Catholics and Protestants in Uganda share the same percentage of 33% when it comes to religion, while 16% of the people are Muslim and 18 % on indigenous beliefs.
Things to See in Uganda
Main attractions in Uganda mainly showcase the beauty and richness of the wildlife. It was once referred to as “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill for its “magnificence, for variety of form and color, for profusion of brilliant life”. While its political turmoil in the 70’s and 80’s resulted to a lag in the tourism industry, it is making a comeback supplied with its magnificent attractions.
Uganda’s parks are proud to showcase the country’s wildlife in wide variety which includes chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and birds exceeding 600 species. Tourists are going into the country to experience safaris, one of which is a gorilla safari in two of Uganda’s national parks e.g Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The endangered mountain gorillas are drawing tourists trying to get a glimpse of the rare gorilla. Other national parks that are also attracting tourists for its fantastic trails and snow-capped mountain peaks are Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. You must forget to visit the city capital Kampala for a taste of restaurants, bars, and Uganda’s nightlife.
Climate
Uganda is a tropical country in Africa. It is rainy generally and experiences 2 dry seasons- December through February and June through August, and each day has an average temperature that rarely exceeds 84 degrees Fahrenheit or 29 degrees Celsius.
The best season to take a vacation and see this beautiful country is during the months of June through August and December through February.
Getting to Uganda
Getting to Uganda is easy.
Uganda can be accesses by air through Entebbe airport, which is the only international airport the country has. There are several fights that fly into the country and these include British Airways, Brussels Airlines, EgyptAir, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Fastjet, flydubai, Kenya Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways, RwandAir, South African Airways, South Supreme Airlines, Turkish Airlines.
Some international flights connect through Nairobi airport in Kenya and then connect to Uganda through the local flights. Uganda can also be accessed by road through the neighboring borders of Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania.
There are international flights that are available from Dubai, Europe and USA as well as regional flights coming from Tanzania and Kenya. But if you prefer to experience land travels, be ready for one long-distance bus travel which you may take from Rwanda and Kenya. You must not forget that to be able to visit the country, most nationalities are required to secure a visa but most nationalities may obtain visas upon arrival in the international airport.
Security and Safety
When tourists look for a country to visit, one of the most important factors is the safety. And when it comes not only being safe but welcoming and accommodating people, Uganda is the place to visit in the African Continent.
The country has had relative stability that has seen the tourism industry grow more and more since 1986 which ushered in the longest serving political leader, having come from much instability that saw the country change presidents eight times since her independence until 1986.
Infrastructure
Uganda is one of the countries in East Africa which offers well-developed infrastructures for tourists with exceptional national parks.
Money and currency
The currency used in Uganda is Uganda Shillings and the forex bureaus can change all the international currencies depending on the day’s forex exchange rate.
Visas & Customs
Obtaining the Uganda visa is easy and can be obtained at the border or airport on arrival and costs USD50 currently. The nationals from the following countries do not require visa entry into the country; Angola, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Burundi, Comoros, Cyprus, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Italy (Diplomatic Passport holders only), Jamaica, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
For a tourist visa, below are the requirements for obtaining a visa; a valid passport for (6) six months, application form, a completed visa application form photos, two recent colored passport size photographs on a white background, proof of accommodation, a letter from the your employer, a copy of return air ticket or itinerary.
Top Things to Do
The tourists travelling to Uganda have a lot to see ranging from chimpanzee tracking, visiting wildlife parks for game drives and boat cruise, Mountaineering, gorilla tracking, cultural tours, bird watching.
What to park while coming on Uganda Safari.
- 1-2 long sleeved shirts
- 3 short sleeved t-shirts
- 2 –3 pairs of light weight slacks/trousers – that can dry quickly (if wearing on treks)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 sweater or sweatshirt
- A waterproof and windproof jacket
- 1 skirt ( for women)
- Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla trekking)
- Strong waterproof walking boots – pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking (heavy soled rain boots also work well)
- Pair of sports sandals likeTevas
- Hat-wide brim or with a visor for sun protection
- Sleepwear
- Underwear
- Lightweight wool socks
- Swimsuit (and a plastic bag)
- Miscellaneous
- Sunscreen