Africa Travel Guide For Uganda Safari

Travelling to Africa for a safari is one of the life fulfilling personal events. When you plan for a Uganda safari, you need to have a guide in order to have fun.

You need to identify the key things that you need to include in your Africa safari package. It will give you comfort and avoid regretting choosing to take a safari in Uganda.

Some of the key items you need to Know about Uganda before Your Africa Safari

You have the chance to get a Uganda Visa at the airport (Entebbe Airport) on arrival but it may be time consuming too.

 People of Uganda are multicultured and respect each of their cultures. Because of this diversity in culture, it is amazing to see how people who speak different local languages stay together.

English is the official language of Uganda but locally Luganda is commonly used especially in urban centres.

Uganda sits on 93,065 sq Km both lands and water. The capital city of Uganda is Kampala

The Uganda shilling is the official form of monetary exchange used in Uganda but Dollars, Pound can also be used in some places.

Most of the monetary transactions in Uganda are direct cash other than credit cards. This is because of the lengthy process one goes through to finally receive money.

Uganda offers a variety of accommodation facilities ranging from high-end to Mid-range to Budget. These are however more accessible in town centres especially the capital Kampala.

Majority of the town accommodations are bed and breakfast (B&B) based however those in the country side are more flexible with Full Board (FB) Facilities.

What To Include In Uganda Safari Itinerary

Uganda Primates

Uganda is among the prime primate rich countries in Africa. The most outstanding are the mountain gorillas that are residents of Bwindi forest and Mgahinga forest.

These endangered species are only living in 3 countries in the entire world with Uganda hosting the biggest number. A gorilla permit allows you access to them for one full hour.

Chimpanzees are also calmly living in Uganda’s forests like Kibale Forest, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, Kyambura Gorge, Bwindi forest although not habituated for tourist viewing.

A lot of other primates freely live in forests of Uganda like the olive baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, golden monkeys, bush babies, black and white colobus monkeys to mention but a few.

Uganda Wild Game

Lots of wild animals freely live in the conserved game parks in Uganda. Some live in the fresh water lakes within the parks and forests.

Some of the game you may get to see include prides of lions, herds of elephants, Buffaloes, hartebeests,  leopards, water bucks, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hyenas and so much more.

 An early morning game drive or late evening game drive may give you chance to spot some of these animals.

Some of the parks available for game viewing include Murchison Falls National park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National park, Semliki National park, Lake Mburo National park and so many others.

 A choice to spend your holiday within these parks and take part in activities available is a super African dream come true experience.

Hiking the Highlands of Uganda

One may wish to test their fitness by taking a hike to some of the amazing landforms that Uganda hosts.

 Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains of the moon tops the list of highland for mountaineering in Uganda. The snow-capped Rwenzori ranges rest in the back drop of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

As you hike passed varying vegetation zones, you enjoy a unique view of plants that make up the way.  Walk passed Amazing water centres that crisscross the trails constructed to enable easy climbing to the Margheritah peak.

 You need at least about 7 days to accomplish hiking the Rwenzori Mountain and back depending on your pace and fitness.

 Mountain Elgon is another mountain to hike. This is one of the oldest active volcanic mountains in Uganda. Its vegetation zones are unique and since few people are doing hikes on this mountain, it has some of the virgin vegetation cover along the slopes.

Cultural Tours in Uganda

Africans have some of the Unique and rich cultural heritage that is still implemented. Uganda is one of the countries that have varying cultural beliefs because of the different tribes that live with in its boundary.

The local languages are diverse, local dances, interesting folk tales vary according to tribe, agricultural activities are unique and traditionally done which makes most food in Uganda organic.

Food in Uganda is locally prepared and steamed in banana leaves giving it an un-resistible smell and taste. In case you wish to have a home stay excursion during your Uganda Safari arrangements can be made.

You may wish to have a day with one of the local families we work with to learn how a typical African day is. Participate in some of the activities and listen to the local folk tales.

What To Pack For Uganda Safari In Africa

As you get prepared for your Uganda Safari, you must not forget your travel documents because they are your identification documents.

You need a visa to Uganda which you can acquire from the embassy or on arrival at the Entebbe Airport.

Carry some light wear in case it is a dry season as most parks experience hot weather during this time. During the wet seasons, it may get cold so pack at least something to warm you too just in case.

Most activities in Uganda are in the wild parks so you need insect repellents to protect your skin from biting nettles.

A camera will protect memories of your experience while on Uganda safari.

Some flip flops will be comfortable for you while on a game drive and tracking boots will protect your feet from slippery ground as you walk along searching for the mountain gorillas.

 Travel insurance is key as this may not be accounted for in most of the package provided.

Personal First Aid box is very helpful especially if you have an illness that requires special treatment.

A flash light to assist you when lights are out in the wild.

A light back pack to be used when carrying trekking equipment.Some energy bites to keep you energised during your activities.