Uganda FAQs

Uganda is on the Equator and experiences tropical climate. As a result there are no major variations, long rains from March to April with short-rains setting in October & November, but this varies in different areas and it can rain any time of year, especially in the gorilla parks areas. Travel can be slower in the rainy season but the views are often better.

The temperatures on the plains tend to be between 21°C and 30°C and in the mountainous areas they can go down to 10°C in certain months.

Cotton clothing is the most comfortable during the day. It’s normally warm in the plains but often cold in the hilly and mountainous areas; a rain jacket, heavy sweater and boots are therefore essential.

Warm clothes, fleece or light wool sweater, moisture wicking undergarments, lightweight wool socks, long-sleeved shirt, strong waterproof walking boots (comfortable for going up and down steep hills), sturdy trousers, sunglasses, a torch, fast film, binoculars, sunscreen, a sun hat, a breathable lightweight rain poncho or parka with a rain hat, gloves to grip vegetation (inexpensive gardening gloves work well) and a small backpack to carry water and a packed lunch. It is best to have layers of clothing as temperatures tend to change. The
guides will make you a walking stick if needed.

Uganda uses 240 volts. 3-pin (square) sockets. It is best to travel with your own adaptor. At some lodges these are provided. Most Camps/lodges do have power supply either on the main grid or diesel powered-generators, giving similar power supply. Incase of other machines to be used i.e. CPAP, kindly consult individual camps/lodges accordingly for special arrangements.

• Once inside the forest, the following must be observed:
• No spitting in the park
• No littering in the park
• No coughing in the direction of the gorillas
• Only speak in whispers
• Do not point at the gorillas
• Movements around the gorillas must be unthreatening
• No venturing behind thick shrubs. You may surprise a gorilla.
• If a nettle stings you, do not cry out, scream, shout-out loud or make any sudden moves.
• If a gorilla charges or vocalizes, do not look directly at it. Stand perfectly still unless the guide asks you to crouch or move back.
• Keep a minimum distance of 7 meters from the Gorillas.

Main roads are generally good but travel is much slower than on European or American roads. Secondary roads are of variable quality and often slow and bumpy especially around the gorilla parks. Be prepared for long car journeys often taking most of the day. We have a fleet of custom-made 4×4 vehicles adapted to this environment.

Light fixed wing aircraft or helicopters can also be chartered to the main airfields. Luggage; on safari, luggage should be limited to two items of baggage per person preferably in soft sided duffel bags. All domestic flights in Uganda
have a 33 lbs luggage restriction.**

Uganda falls within the tropics and malaria is prevalent in some areas; kindly seek medical advice at least a month before travelling. You can bring any personal medication required. Anti-malaria tablets and mosquito repellent are essential. Seek advice on vaccination inoculations that may be required. Get a yellow fever certificate prior to arrival.

We highly recommend that you do stick to bottle drinking water. Primate Safaris will provide complimentary bottled water in the safari vehicles and while trekking. However, bottled mineral water is equally readily available for purchase in the hotels/restaurants.

Uganda’s unit of currency is the Uganda Shilling (UGX). Notes are in the
denominations of UGX 1,000 – UGX 50,000. We recommend you travel with US Dollars are most Forex Bureaus do not accept Traveller’s Cheques in exchange for cash.

Please be aware that high denomination US Dollar bills (only post-2000) are usable, while those produced between the year 2001-2004 fetch a lower exchange rate. Bills should be in excellent condition with no stains or tears.

Credit cards are accepted by very few outlets in Kampala and a few hotels/lodges up-country. Only cash is accepted by most places. ATM machines are available in Kampala only

There are a number of curios shops in case you want to but souvenirs or handicraft to take back home, kindly liaise with your driver guide on this. Always remember to bargain for a fair price.

Photography is not allowed near military installations or soldiers. Before photographing people it is polite to ask. Bring sufficient films, including fast film (400-1600 ASA) for gorilla tracking and enough batteries.

For digital photography, please bring extra batteries and a car charger as not all lodges/camps have electricity. Our Safaris lodges have facilities to charge batteries. Flash photography is not allowed, so fast film is useful (400-1600ASA). Personal DVD recorders are allowed.

Professional filmmakers require permission and need to purchase filming permits. Those interested in photographing gorillas should note that photography is often easier when the weather is not sunny.

Over the past couple of year, security in Uganda has greatly improved but just like any developing cities, challenges abound. Do not leave valuables/cash unattended; kindly make use of the safety deposit facility in your respective hotel/lodge/camp. Use safe deposit boxes where available; secure travel documents and valuables. Do not walk unescorted at night. If in doubt seek advice from the driver guide.

International telephone communication and internet are available although at times internet speeds varies. Mobile telephony is good and rapidly expanding.

Most European or American mobile phones with a roaming agreement work in Uganda. Local SIM cards can also be purchased in many outlets.

Uganda is three hours ahead of GMT.

Ugandan visas are required by citizens of the European Union, the USA and Japan; other nationals should check at: http://www.immigration.go.ug/page/requirements-entry-uganda

Entry visas can be obtained at Ugandan missions overseas or at Entebbe
airport or land borders. A single entry visa to Uganda costs US$ 50, and is valid for three months.

There are no set percentages for tips. Local culture believes the level of tips should be at the discretion of the client and any token of appreciation is gladly received. These are our suggestions;

• About US$ 2 per person per meal in restaurants or 10% if the service is exceptional
• Trekking porters charge US$ 10 per person
• Porters US$ 0.50 per piece of bag
• Gorilla/Chimp tracker US$ 5 per person if the tracker has done a good job
• Safari Driver-guide & Gorilla/Chimp guide– we recommend US$ 10 per person per day

• Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs. Let our beautiful flora and fauna thrive in a clean environment. In return, they will continue to look their best for your pleasure and appreciation.
• Give our animals nothing but space and respect. Do resist the temptation to
follow or approach the wildlife. Respect their privacy and observe them only from afar. Please do not feed them, as this can upset their health and alter their natural behavior.
• Respect the eco-system. Our parks and nature reserves may seem like a great
home for your pets, but be mindful that they may not thrive in a foreign environment. Releasing them into parks and nature reserves can also upset our
fragile eco-system.
• Do not collect any natural objects from conservation areas i.e. souvenirs. Collection of trophies is illegal.
• Harassment of wildlife in any form is strictly prohibited.