Time
East Africa Time +3.
Currency
The Uganda Shilling is the local currency (UGX) Denominated in notes of 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, and 1,000.
Foreign currency especially the US Dollar, Euro, and Pound are accepted across the country, exchange to local currency can be done at commercial banks in various towns and forex bureaus. US Dollar notes printed before 2000 are not accepted.
Language
The national language is Luganda while English and Kiswahili are the official languages.
English is widely spoken across the country.
Credit Cards
Visa and MasterCard can be used for payments at hotels/lodges, restaurants, and some popular shopping centers.
Climate
Uganda has a warm tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 21-25°C (68 – 77°F).
The climate is highly influenced by the altitude which ranges from about 1000 – 1400 mm.
The seasons have changed due to climate change with the rainy season becoming more variable in length and drought more appearing especially in the eastern and north-eastern Uganda.
Uganda Visa Requirements
All Visas Must be applied online and paid in advance, the cost for a single-entry visa is US$50 per person. Travelers must ensure that they have a 6 months valid passport with 1 blank page.
Luggage
Travelers are encouraged to carry soft-sided bags because the safari vehicles don’t have much luggage space, the domestic flights have luggage weight limits and any extra luggage is to be stored at your arrival hotel and picked up on departure.
Public holidays
Based on the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, Official public holidays that have been declared by the Ministry of Public Services and Labour are as follows;
-
01st January New Year’s Day
-
26th Jan Liberation Day
-
16th Remembrance of Archbishop Janani Luwumu
-
8th March International Women’s Day
-
Good Friday
-
Easter Sunday
-
Easter Monday
-
Eid El Fitr (actual date to be announced each year)
-
1st May Labour Day
-
3rd June Martyr’s Day
-
9th June National Heroes Day
-
9th October Independence Day
-
25th December Christmas Day
-
26th December Boxing Day
Vaccinations
It’s mandatory for all travelers to have a yellow fever certificate. Other recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Rabis. It’s very important to consult your doctor before your trip to ensure that you have all the necessary vaccinations and medications.
Dress Code
Appropriate and comfortable clothing is recommended while in Uganda. Travelers might opt for lightweight and breathable materials like linen and cotton to help keep them cool during the day when the temperatures are warm and some jackets or sweaters for the night since it tend to be cooler. If you are visiting mountainous areas, pack some warm clothing because temperatures drop substantially. Darker colors are highly recommended as most areas are very dusty, especially during the dry season.
While on safari activities, it’s advisable to wear long pants and sleeved shirts to be protected from the sun, insects, and stinging plants as well as a pair of walking boots for treks or hikes.
