Uganda at a Glance
Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” is one of the most beautiful countries on the continent. Its tremendous diversity of wildlife is owed to its unique geographic location at the junction of the East African savannahs, the West African rainforests and the semiarid Sahelian zone of North Africa. Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking are the country’s major attractions, along with the friendliness of its people. Lion, leopard and elephant inhabit the savannahs, whereas the wetlands are home to large numbers of hippo and crocodile. Moreover, over 1000 species of bird reside in the country – an incredible figure. December to February are the driest months in Uganda, along with June and July.
Murchison Falls is named after the famous falls where the Victoria Nile rushes with tremendous force through a narrow, gorge to crash onto the rocks 150 feet below. Kibale Forest National Park, consisting of lowland tropical rain forest, tropical deciduous forest, marshes, grasslands and crater lakes, is arguably the best place in Africa for chimpanzee trekking. Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s primary destination for viewing big game, including tree-climbing lions. Additionally, marvelous photographic opportunities present themselves while boating on the Kazinga Channel.
More than 459 mountain gorillas are known to inhabit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Stunningly tall trees and ferns, along with creepers and vines carpet its forest floor. Even though the pace of a trek is slow, you must be in good condition to keep up; the search may take you to altitudes of 3,800 to over 6,500 feet.
Main Parks To Visit
- Kibale Forest National Park – The Primate Capital of the World
- Lake Mburo National Park – Whispers of the Wild
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park – The Mystical Challenge
- Mount Elgon National Park – World’s largest Caldera
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park – The True African Wilderness
- Murchison Falls National Park – The World’s Most Powerful Waterfalls
- Semuliki National Park – The true Birder’s Haven
- Pian UPE Wildlife Reserve – Uganda’s 2nd Largest Protected Area
- Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
- Katonga Wildlife Reserve
- Kyambura Wildlife Reserve
- Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve
Best Time to Visit
Visas
Most visitors to Uganda require visa unless those clearly exempted on the Ugandan immigration website.
For Ugandan Visas, it is a must to apply online through the Electronic Visa/Permit Application System and obtain it on arrival at the airport. An ordinary Tourist Visa costs only 50$ (single entry) while East African Tourist costs 100$ and this gives one the right to enter at least three East African countries including Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda.
Visitors can apply for their Ugandan online visas via this e-platform – https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
Tipping Policy In East Africa
- Tipping practices in East Africa can vary depending on the country and the specific service you receive and how appreciate.
- Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service.
- In restaurants, a service charge may already be included in the bill. If not, a tip of 10-15% of the total bill is customary.
- For hotel staff, such as porters or room service, a tip of around $1-2 per service is typical.
- For safari guides and drivers, tipping is recommended for good services. The amount varies depending on the length of the safari and level of satisfaction, but a guideline is around $10-20 per person per day.
- It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and tipping practices can vary. It’s always a good idea to consider the level of service you received and your own satisfaction when deciding whether and how much to tip. Additionally, some upscale establishments may have different expectations for tipping.
- It’s recommended to carry small bills in the local currency to facilitate tipping, as it may not always be easy to obtain change for larger bills in upcountry restaurants and lodges.
Vaccination
- For Uganda, yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers entering Uganda and it is mandatory for everyone before acquiring a Visa.
- You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (ICVP) showing that you have been vaccinated at least 10 days before entering Uganda.
