FAQ

Flights, Tourist visas, tipping, credit cards, money, tracking and weather

What are the major international airlines that are operating to Uganda

USA		Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airlines
UK		Emirates Airlines, KLM
Germany		Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airlines
France		Qatar airlines, Ethiopian Airline
France	Qatar airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels
Japan	Qatar Airlines, Emirates Airlines
Austria	Qatar airlines, Brussels Airlines
Switzerland	Qatar airlines, Brussels Airlines
Sweden	Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airlines
Canada	Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airlines
Australia	Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airlines, South African Airlines
South Africa	Emirates Airlines, South African Airlines
UAE	Emirates Airlines, Kenya Airways, Fly Dubai, RwandaAir

If your country is not listed, please let us know and shall let you know the possible flights to use.

How about Automated Teller Machine ATM card or credit card?

Uganda is highly cash based society. The Ugandan currency is called shillings, as well as the US dollar used mostly in the urban centers. There are a many ATM machines available throughout the capitals and other major towns which accept Visa, although they become scarcer as you enter the rural areas and it is where most of Uganda’s best destinations are located.

Most banks will accept ATM cards or Visa credit cards for money withdrawal in Uganda. However, there is a limited amount of cash to withdraw per day from ATM machines.

Payment by credit card in Uganda attracts additional charges of between 5–10% and occasionally more. Please check with lodges and restaurants in advance, if you plan to pay by credit card. However, it is always advisable that you bring some cash and have money changed upon arrival in Kampala. US dollars, British pounds and Euros are easy to change.

Please note: US dollars bills issued before 2006 are NOT accepted in Uganda. Exchanging low denomination dollar bills (less than a USD100 bill) attracts a lower exchange rate. Exchange rate for cash US$ in large denomination (100 & 50) attracts better rate than the smaller notes.

Are travellers cheques accepted in Uganda?

Traveller’s cheques are no longer accepted in Uganda.

 Is MasterCard accepted in Uganda?

A few places in Uganda will not accept MasterCard. In addition to cash, we suggest you bring a Visa Credit or debit card which is accepted almost everywhere

What should I tip in Uganda?

Offering a tip is optional! How much to tip in Uganda depends entirely on your level of satisfaction of course, but even a small tip to show your gratitude will be highly appreciated.

What is the best time to travel in Uganda?

Officially, Uganda’s dry seasons are from December/January through to mid-March and from June through to mid-September. These dry months are the most popular with tourists, with July and August and Christmas and New Year being the peak seasons.

Most rain falls in October-November and April-May. However, this doesn’t mean that it rains all day, nor does it mean it will rain every day. Usually there’s a tropical shower at night or a shorter shower during the day, but in Uganda you can trust that after rain comes sunshine!

The weather is no reason to avoid travelling in the wet season – you might even consider it because of the easy availability of gorilla permits.

As in the rest of the world, the East African climate is changing, making it more difficult for us to predict the weather during your safari. However, in Uganda the temperature is very stable and pleasant, with sunshine almost 365 days a year. During the day, the temperature averages between 23 and 27°C, although in some places it can be quite cool at night.

One remarkable aspect about Uganda safaris is: whether you travel in the dry, dusty months or in the wet season, you will never find the crowded tourism like in Kenya or Tanzania. If you spot a lion or leopard, it is very likely that you will be the only one to see it – even in peak season!

Health information for Travellers to Uganda

 What vaccinations required for my Uganda safari?

A number of different vaccinations are recommended and/or required before entering Uganda. A certificate proving that you have had the Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into both Uganda and Rwanda. Immunizations against DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio) and Hepatitis A are recommended as well.

Besides bringing mosquito repellent, we also advise you to take malaria ‘prophylactics’ (prevention medication).

For the latest Uganda travel health advice, please check one of the travel health web sites or contact us. We’re always happy to give you free Uganda travel advice!

Will I get sick when I’m in Uganda?

You are unlikely to fall sick while you are in Uganda but do take all recommended preventive measures. If you take any regular medication, please bring it with you.

Take your Malaria medication as directed – before, during and possibly after – your visit to Uganda (depending on the Malaria prophylactic you take).

Although HIV/AIDS infection rates are lower than many countries in Africa, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS infection is reported by health authorities to be higher than in most Western countries. Some tourists and visitors to Uganda seldom engage in risky behavior. We recommend that you take your sexual health seriously!

Safety information for travellers to Uganda

How safe is Uganda for tourists?

Uganda is a very safe country to visit. The country overcame its turbulent history three decades ago and is now safe with welcoming people. Ugandans’ hospitable nature is legendary! You will be warmly welcomed wherever you go by the country’s friendly residents.

The most popular National Parks are situated in the south (west) of Uganda and are safe to visit. The border area with Rwanda and DRC remains stable and all National Parks and wildlife reserves are well protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s rangers. Tourism is hugely important for Uganda’s economy and a Tourism Police force has been created to protect visitors.

If you are unsure about the safety of travel to Uganda, please contact us for more information.

Your travel insurance company or foreign office may offer information about travel to Uganda. However, in our experience, these bodies all err on the side of caution and do not necessarily know what is happening on the ground in Uganda at the time. For example some travel advisories still advise against travel to Kidepo Valley National Park in Northern Uganda although it is now safe to travel there by road or by air.

Your safety is our absolute priority and you can rest assured that we will always give you the best Uganda travel advice.

Booking and Paying for Uganda & Rwanda Safaris.

How can I Book and Pay for Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safaris?

If you are interested in a mountain gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda you are required to buy a gorilla permit well in advance of your trip. Only eight people are allowed to visit each gorilla group per day as the demand is high. Happy Uganda Travelling services are happy to book your gorilla trekking permits and organize your gorilla safari.

To buy your gorilla permit, you will need to provide us with your full names, nationality, and passport number, preferred date of trekking and gorilla permit fee. The minimum age for visiting the gorillas is 15 years. Although a certain level of fitness is required for the gorilla tracking, those who cannot walk can enjoy this activity by use of a stretcher. You may however not be allowed gorilla trekking if you fall ill.

  How can I pay for my safari?

Once you have confirmed the final itinerary with us, you will be asked to pay a deposit of 30%. Gorilla permits must be paid for in full at the time of booking. Note that availability of accommodation and permits is not guaranteed until officially confirmed by Happy Uganda Travelling services. Accommodation, permit and activity reservations will be made as soon as payment has been received on our account.

For your convenience, the balance payment of 70% should be settled before the start of your safari. We accept payment by VISA credit card (please include 5% service charge) and bank transfer in either dollars or Euros to our bank account in Uganda. Please note that all bank charges are at the expense of the client.

What is the Safari accommodation like?

Your accommodation while on our safari falls into three categories: budget, mid-range or luxury.

Budget accommodation may be simple and in basic rooms, bandas or tents, with double/twin beds and mosquito nets when necessary. Private bathrooms are not always available and you may have to share some bathroom facilities.

3, 4 and 5-star accommodation offer comfortable rooms or luxury furnished safari tents with a private bathroom. Flush toilets and hot and cold running water are available. Mosquito nets will be provided where necessary, intercom connection and Dstv.

What vehicles do Happy Uganda Travelling services use for safaris?

Happy Uganda Travelling services provides open roofed 4WD (four wheel drive) and air conditioned with an ample leg room safari vehicles for all our tours. Our comfortable Land Cruisers offer seats for four to six people. Vehicles all have a pop-up roof for game viewing. We also have several 4WD minibuses which can take a maximum of 8 people. To ensure that everybody has a window seat to enjoy the best views of Uganda, we usually limit the number of people to seven in these 4WD safari minibuses. Limiting the number of people per vehicle also means plenty of leg room and luggage storage.

Can I book a single person safari with Africa Sceneries?

We organize safaris for single travellers. However, to minimize safari costs we would advise that you join a group. However we can still arrange this for you, we cannot guarantee we can find a group whose interests, budget and preferred route correspond to your needs especially during low season that is why we mostly do customer tailored safaris.

What is included in the price of my safari?

Our prices are always inclusive of:

• Ground transport in a comfortable four wheel drive (4WD) and air-conditioned safari vehicle.
• A visit to all places detailed in the programme.
• The service of an experienced English speaking driver/safari guide.
• National Park entrance fees.
• Park ranger fees.
• Activities as detailed in the itinerary (except for those that are marked optional).
• Overnight in the named accommodations, based on sharing a twin or double room and single occupancy.
• Full board meal plan (breakfast, lunch and dinner) where applicable.
• Mineral water per person per day while travelling in our vehicle.
• Government taxes.
• For any package beyond five days you are entitled to a free Kampala city tour.

What is excluded in the price of my safari?

Our prices always do not include:

• International flights.
• Tourist visas (available at the airport).
• Meals and snacks that are not highlighted in the itinerary.
• Beverages (other than the bottled mineral water provided in the safari vehicle).
• Tips and gratuities for safari guides and/or park rangers.
• Laundry.
• Optional activities that are highlighted in the program.
• Items of a personal nature (toiletries, camera batteries, souvenirs).
• Travel insurance.
• International payment transaction costs.

We typically specify any extra charges against optional activities in your itinerary. If any extra charges are not clear to you, immediately contact Africa Sceneries for the necessary clarifications.

What items can I bring with me for a safari?

Binoculars, cameras, telescope for birders, video cameras and field guide for birds, animals, trees AND BUTTERFLIES.