As nickname by Winston Church hill in year 1907.  Winston Churchill’s visit to Uganda profoundly impacted the Country’s history and reputation as the “Pearl of Africa.” Although Churchill’s purpose was not that of a conventional tourist, his exploration of Uganda aimed to assess its economic potential for England.

Traveling to Uganda is an exciting adventure, but like any international trip, it’s essential to be prepared. Right from Entebbe International Airport to all other destinations in Uganda, you feel the breathtaking warm welcome. And all this will be done by a very professional tourist guide from Kenlink Tours!.

Here are 20 things to know before you travel to Uganda:

1. Visa Requirements: Check the visa requirements for your country before traveling. Many nationalities need a visa to enter Uganda, which can often be obtained on arrival. However, you will need to apply online with the immigration of Uganda, and later after payments, the system sends you an electronic visa which you present upon arrival and you obtain an entry stamp in your passport.
2. Yellow Fever Vaccination: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Uganda. Make sure you have this vaccination and carry the certificate with you.
3. Malaria Prophylaxis: Uganda is a malaria-endemic country, so consult with a healthcare professional and take appropriate antimalarial medication before and during your trip. You remember to carry with you the insect repellants.
4. Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.
5. Currency: The currency in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). Credit cards are accepted in major cities, but cash is often required in rural areas. It is very important to carry with you some local currencies so that you will find it easier to make local payments like the snacks, small shopping, local tips and others. The $1 is equivalent to Uganda Shillings 3,700.
6. Language: English is the official language in Uganda, and it is widely spoken, making it relatively easy for English-speaking travelers to communicate. Sometimes Swahili is also good.
7. Local Languages: Uganda is ethnically diverse, and various local languages are spoken throughout the country, such as Luganda, Runyankole, and Luo.
8. Weather: Uganda has a tropical climate, so pack appropriate clothing for warm and wet conditions. The country has two rainy seasons: March to May and October to November.
9. Health Precautions: Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date and consider vaccinations for diseases like Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus.
10. Water: Drink bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne diseases. Avoid tap water and be cautious with ice in drinks. On all our trips, we have a pure bottled water in every vehicle 24 hours of everyday.
11. Food: Ugandan cuisine includes staples like matoke (cooking bananas), posho (maize porridge), and beans. Try the local food but also exercise caution with street food to prevent foodborne illnesses.
12. Wildlife: Uganda is famous for its wildlife, including gorillas and chimpanzees. If you plan to go on a safari or trekking adventure, book permits well in advance. This can always be part of the trip fare. And upon confirmation of your trip, we shall always ask you to make a partial payment to make sure your all necessary bookings are done in time.
13. Safety: Uganda is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, be cautious of petty theft and follow local advice, especially in urban areas. The tour guide will always advise you in advance.
14. Cultural Respect: Ugandans are generally conservative. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or rural areas. Ask for permission before taking photos of people. Asking for permission cab be done by your tour guide and he will be able to advise if it’s ready for you to take photos. Once the local allow, they will always welcome the photo shooting, and give the smile as you take your memorable photos.
15. Electricity: Uganda uses Type G electrical outlets, with a standard voltage of 240V and a frequency of 50Hz. Bring the necessary adapters and voltage converters if needed.
16. Road Conditions: Road conditions can vary, so be prepared for bumpy rides, especially in rural areas. It’s advisable to hire a local driver if you’re not familiar with local roads and you would love to drive yourself in cities. Ensure the driver provides you with a helmet and drive safely if at all you want to use a bike/ motorcycle in the cities.  However, if you happen to drive on a bumpy road, you will need to accept this free African massage.
17. Gorilla Trekking: If you plan to go gorilla trekking, book your permit well in advance and be physically prepared for a challenging hike.
18. Time Zone: Uganda is in the East Africa Time Zone (EAT), which is 3 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+3).
19. Responsible Tourism: Respect local communities and the environment. Follow ethical wildlife viewing practices, and minimize your impact on the environment by avoiding single-use plastics.

Uganda offers a diverse range of experiences, from wildlife safaris to cultural encounters, and being well-prepared will help you make the most of your trip while staying safe and respectful of the local culture and environment.

Note the things you should know travelling to Uganda

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