GETTING HERE AND GETTING AROUND

Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, bordered by Kenya , Sudan , Congo , Rwanda and Tanzania . It is an extremely green country, speckled with lakes and rivers (including the famous River Nile). On both sides of the equator, much of her southern border is dominated by Lake Victoria and the West is bordered by the glacier-capped Rwenzori Mountains .

Getting In:
Entebbe International airport, set on the Lake Victoria shore 40km from Kampala , ensures easy access from the USA , Europe and other parts of Africa . A number of international airlines fly direct to Entebbe, such as South Africa Airways, British Airways, SN Brussels, Kenya Airways, Emirates, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airways, and Air Malawi have just introduced a flight to Uganda.

Local transport:
Charter flights can also be arranged between domestic tourist attractions as most major towns have airstrips, as do most National Parks and Game Reserves.

Reputable safari operators and car rental firms based in Kampala and Entebbe offer a wealth of local experience and specialist know-how to international visitors. And whether you travel by coach or rental vehicle, or join an organised safari, surfaced roads link the capital to other large towns such as Jinja, Mbale, Kabale, Kasese and Fort Portal , from where well-maintained dirt roads lead to the game reserves and national parks.

Visas:
Visas are now necessary for most nationals. The Uganda visa policy follows the principle of reciprocity, thus all countries that require visas for Uganda are also visa prone in Uganda . You can download the visa application form http://www.ugandaembassy.com/visa.pdf

For convenience, it is recommended to obtain a visa before arrival, but if you do not have a Uganda High Commission near you, visas can be obtained on arrival for $30 per person. Visa requirements are subject to change. It is therefore advisable to take advice from the relevant embassies before travelling.

Best time to visit:
Uganda 's climate is good all year round with daytime temperatures usually between 24-28 C. The nights are cooler and a simple sweater may be needed. The rain season is March-May. Light rain season is November and December. Wet seasons are March -May and October-November; dry seasons are December to February and June to August. Rainfall ranges between 500mm to 2500 mm and the relative humidity is 70% -100%. The rain season does not affect travel however, as generally it rains for an hour and the rest of the day is clear and sunny.

Time:
Uganda moves with East African Standard time. GMT+3

Health:
Yellow fever vaccinations are obligatory, and anti-malarial tablets are recommended, particularly during the rainy season. Most prescription drugs can be bought affordably and with ease over the counter in Kampala . Personal insurance is also advised.

Official Language:
English is the official language. However Luganda, Runyankole, Luo and many other local dialects are spoken. Swahili is also widely spoken and understood.

Currency:
The Ugandan Shilling is the local currency but it is advisable to carry American Dollars. There are several forex bureaux and banks in Kampala and the main towns. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but generally it is best to carry cash when travelling upcountry.

Clothing:
A traveller would need light clothing, hats, strong shoes, long sleeve shirts and trousers. Sweaters are necessary for the evenings upcountry. Uganda 's position on the equator suggests a need for sun scream. Women in rural towns may feel more comfortable wearing clothing that covers their knees and shoulders, but this is not obligatory. It is usually hot by midday , but evenings are always agreeable.

Photography:
We recommend you bring your equipment, extra batteries and all your film with you although all normal types of film can usually be bought in major towns. A telephoto lens is essential for good game pictures. Most lodges and hotels have facilities for recharging batteries for video and digital cameras.

Please respect the local people and only photograph them with their permission. Please be strongly advised never to attempt to take photos of border posts, airports, and persons in uniform and military installations where photography is strictly prohibited.

Dos and Don'ts:(a must read before your Uganda Travel)
Uganda is rightly called the Pearl of Africa; the people are friendly with the country being trouble free. However, although Uganda claims the lowest crime rate in East Africa , there is sometimes the exception. While on your travel in Uganda , a few simple precautions will help you ensure that your visit is absolutely trouble free.

· Do not leave your valuables or any luggage exposed at the back of your car or on the roof
· Do not carry large amounts of cash with you or leave it in your hotel room
· Watch your handbag when shopping or in crowded streets, restaurants or pubs.
· Camp only on approved sites and never in secluded areas.
· Park in controlled parking areas and always lock your car.
· When visiting tourist sites do not wander off the trail or the environs of the site unless you are sure of where you are going.
· It is not advisable to wear expensive Jewellery or watches while walking in crowded areas particularly at local markets or generally at night.

In an emergency dial 999 and ask for police assistance. However, if you observe these simple precautions you are unlikely to need them.