Comprehensive Uganda Travel Information for 4×4 Car Rental:
Uganda Travel Information: Uganda is a beautiful, and diverse country marked by picturesque safari destinations, rich cultures, and a plethora of colorful feathered beauties.
The stunning Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (home to the endangered mountain gorillas) sprawls along the southwestern corner of the country, while the incredible Murchison Falls National Park sits on the northwestern side.
These two are just a small slice of what Uganda offers and if you are interested in nightlife, Kampala and Entebbe Towns are perfect for you. Here’s our must-read Uganda Travel Information to guide you in planning your next trip to the Pearl of Africa;
Quick Uganda Travel facts:
Population: 49 million people (as of August 2023).
Language: There are over 40 languages in Uganda, but English is the official language.
Size: Uganda is 241,038 square kilometers, slightly smaller than the U.S. State of Oregon.
Capital: Kampala.
WhatsApp: +256 704538374.
Top Safari Destinations in Uganda:
Uganda has many places to explore, but there are those that are simply unmissable and they include;
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is one of the places that shouldn’t miss on your Uganda safari itinerary.
Over 500 kilometers from Entebbe/Kampala, this 331-square-kilometer Protected Area is known for sheltering almost half the World’s population of mountain gorillas (our close relatives in the animal Kingdom).
Here, over 20 gorilla families have been fully habituated for tracking by a group of 8 visitors for each gorilla family.
Not only will you get to spend one hour with these Giant Apes but also meet other residents of the forest that include lots of birds, and reptile species, and even have the chance to meet the original inhabitants of the Central African Forest.
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s oldest and largest National Park is a must-visit destination during Uganda safaris, thanks to its stunning landscapes, a wide array of wildlife (about 80 mammal species), a plethora of birds (totaling 500 species), as well as numerous adventures for all ages.
If you are interested in World-class game drives, hot air balloon tours, guided bush walks, boat rides to the bottom of the World’s most powerful waterfalls, chimpanzee tracking, and cultural tours, then you should consider adding Murchison Falls National Park to your itinerary.
Kibale Forest National Park
Popular for being the “Primate Capital of the World”, Kibale Forest National Park is another wonderful safari destination in Uganda with over 1500 of the 5000 chimpanzees found in Uganda.
12 other species of primates are found in this Park and they include Red-ailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, Vervet monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys, blue monkeys, Olive baboons, and many others. This Park is also a great destination for birders with over 350 species of stunning feathered beauties.
Activities like chimpanzee trekking, forest walks, birding, and visits to the nearby Bigodi swamp are possible for visitors.
Other beautiful safari destinations/ National parks in Uganda are Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Entebbe Town, Kidepo Valley National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Jinja City, and Lake Bunyonyi among others.
The Best Time to Visit Uganda
With the plethora of things to see and do in Uganda, we are confident to say that every month of the year is wonderful.
If you wish to have lots of unforgettable experiences, then plan your trip to the Pearl of Africa during the months of January, February, June, July, August, September, and October when temperatures are hotter and rainfall levels are reduced.
Animals (in savannah Parks) tend to gather around watering points and grasses are scarcer hence providing extraordinary viewing experiences.
If you wish to add primate treks (gorillas and chimpanzees), these are still the best months as forest trails become drier and less slippery due to reduced precipitation levels.
You will experience cheaper flights and fewer crowds at the top safari destinations during the wet months of March to May, and October to November. They are also great for birding but if you hope to undertake primate walks, then expect muddy and slippery forest trails resulting from the increased precipitation levels.
Currency in Uganda
The currency in Uganda is called the “Ugandan Shilling”, and $1 is currently equivalent to approximately 3720 Uganda Shillings (as of September 2023).
ATMs and Credit Cards
Some high-end Hotels and restaurants in Kampala, and Entebbe, as well as some Safari Lodges in/around the National Parks, accept credit cards as payment.
You can easily find ATMs in the Malls, sometimes even gas stations but for shopping in the markets or supermarkets, we recommend using cash (preferably the local currency).
Safety in Uganda
One of the critical worries for travelers to Uganda is safety, especially for solo female travelers. It might interest you to know that Uganda is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa and you shouldn’t feel in danger.
However, it is always important to practice common sense by being aware of your surroundings, not displaying valuables in public, not moving alone after dark, and not leaving your drink unattended while on night outs.
Visa requirements
Travelers require visas when coming to Uganda for family visits, tourism, or medical treatment, and a single entry visa can be given for up to 90 days from the day of approval.
Upon expiry, your approval authorization is automatically invalidated and you will be required to make a new application.
However, travelers from certain countries such as Singapore, Kenya, Rwanda, Bahamas, Botswana, Gambia, Belize, Eritrea, Comoros, Barbados, Rwanda, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Lesotho, Ireland, Fiji, Mauritius, South Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Swaziland, and Burundi among others are visa exempt.
Getting around Uganda
Renting a car is the most stress-free and convenient way to get around Uganda, although there is an option of using public transport.
Always bear in mind that traffic is a serious challenge in the Capital, especially during rush hour hence it is recommended to always plan your programs on time.