Frequently Asked Questions About Safari in Uganda
Mumwe Global safaris are one of the top African tour operators offering different categories of guided tours in Uganda including off-road safaris, walking tours, water tours & air safaris. With the experience from our previous safaris arranged for travelers from different parts of the world that come to explore the wonderful treasures of Uganda, we have got a lot of queries from past clients which we thought we could share with you to help you make the right decision when booking a Uganda safari this season.
Do I need a visa to enter Uganda?
Yes, you are required to present your visa when entering Uganda; at the airport or other border points. It is possible to obtain a tourist visa in advance from the embassy or consulate of Uganda in your country or apply for it on arrival at the Entebbe International Airport or at the border. A single-entry tourist e-Visa costs US$50 per person for up to 90 days.
Travelers planning to combine the trip with a visit to Kenya and/or Rwanda are advised to buy the East African Tourist Visa rather than a single visa for each country. This e-Visa costs US$100 per person and it as well expires after 90 days. The single visa allows you to enter Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda.
Are cheques for foreign travelers accepted?
Traveler’s cheques are not accepted in Uganda.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
Uganda is an all year round destination but the best time for safari is during the dry season. There are two dry seasons; from December-February and late June-august. These months are characterized with little or no rain and tracks and trails in national parks are easily accessed whereas the weather is ideal for most tourist activities including gorilla trekking, chimp tracking, game drives and mountain climbing among others.
The months of March, April, and May plus September, October and November make the wet season because that’s when the country receives most rains. There are normally short showers during the day and amazingly, sunshine often comes after that. The nights get tropical showers and it also doesn’t rain daily. On some rainy days, a few activities may be limited from being conducted though not every day.
What should I carry/pack for my Uganda safari?
In addition to the above weather description of Uganda, the average temperature is usually between 23 and 270C although some places can be cooler than this during the night, for example Bwindi, Mgahinga and Kibale national parks.
For primate trekking safaris and habituation, carry a rain jacket, strong hiking boots and socks, gloves and other warm and heavyweight clothes. For foot safaris, pack long sleeve shirts and long pants, light material rain gear, hiking boots and socks, a torch, a light backpack, and a water bottle. And generally, for any type of safari, carry sunscreen, a wide brim hat, sunglasses, dark color clothes, mosquito repellant, a camera and rechargeable batteries.
Due to the lush undergrowth in forests plus the unpredictable weather, trekkers MUST wear long pants.
What medical precautions should I take prior to my trip?
You are required to have a certificate that proves you have had a Yellow Fever vaccination. Other different vaccinations are also recommended including Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A.
It is advisable that you also get malaria prophylactics. If you have had previous medical concerns, make sure to go for check-up before the trip and get prescriptions from your doctor. Travel with the medical documents and medication, not forgetting to communicate the condition to the tour operator.
Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Conflicts and wars are now history in Uganda. With the latest instabilities having settled about 10 years or more in Northern Uganda, the country is now very stable and safe for everyone. The people of Uganda are very hospitable; you will be given a warm welcome wherever you go and so often be waved at by children with shouts “Mzungu” meaning a white person, therefore this should not offend you.
Is it a must to tip the guide and other service provider? If yes, how much?
Unlike in some of the safari destinations in Africa where tipping is a must, it is not the case in Uganda. However, it is important to appreciate the people who serve you during your trip especially the driver guide, local guide, waiters and waitresses if they have offered services as expected or beyond expectation. Some areas such as hotels have tip boxes, so it is advisable to put in the box so that the chain involved in service provision share. It is up to you to determine how much to tip depending on your level of satisfaction. You can use your driver guide for advice about how much to tip or consider 5-10% tip in luxury hotels and lodges, about UGX.35,000 for a safari guide and UGX.10,000 for a laundry service provider. It is recommended that you tip in Uganda shillings.
What is included in the price of my safari?
Our safari prices and most of other companies include;
- Ground transport in a 4X4 safari vehicle
- A professional and experienced English-speaking safari driver
- A visit to all places indicated on the itinerary except those said to be optional
- Entrance fees to national parks
- Activities as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water
- Accommodation in the named lodges
- Meals; half board on the first and last days and full board on the rest of the days
What does the safari price exclude?
At Mumwe Global safaris, our safari prices do not cover;
- Tourist visa
- International flights
- Costs for international payments
- Travel insurance
- Tips for service providers
- Extra meals, snacks and beverages not mentioned in the package
- Items of personal nature like souvenirs and others
- Optional activities mentioned in the itinerary
In case you are interested in the optional activities, the extra charges are communicated to you as well.
Is a credit card or ATM card accepted in Uganda?
There are a few banks where you can use your credit card or ATM card in Uganda. Withdrawing money with the ATM also limits you to a certain amount per day. Let your driver know about your need to withdraw while you are still in Kampala because it might be tricky once you get on the safari out of the city.
You can make payments at some locations like lodges, restaurants and national parks using credit cards but be informed that they can attract additional charges of 5-10% or more on each occasion.
Can I use a MasterCard in Uganda?
A few places in Uganda accept MasterCard. It is advisable that you carry some cash and bring a Visa debit card.
If there is anything that is not clear or you have any other questions in regard to safaris in Uganda and how to book them, please contact us today through to info@ugandasafaribookings.com or call our travel experts via +256-700135510/ +256 414-699459. We are always ready to give any required Uganda travel advice.
