Adventure World

Uganda

Uganda - home to the Source of the Nile River and approximately half of the world’s surviving population of Mountain Gorillas. These endangered animals live in the rainforests at elevations between 1520m and 3650m and contrary to popular belief, are not ferocious but are actually shy, gentle creatures and highly intelligent.

Top Highlights

Uganda’s great natural beauty led Winston Churchill to call it ‘the pearl of Africa’. From the moment the visitor lands at Entebbe’s international airport, with its breathtaking equatorial location on the forested shore of island-strewn Lake Victoria, it is clear that Uganda is no ordinary safari destination. Abundant wildlife (including the famous mountain gorillas) and an excellent climate contribute to the attractions here.

Where else but in this lush country can one observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocs before setting off into the misty mountains to stare deep into the eyes of a mountain gorilla?

Uganda’s star attraction is the endangered mountain gorilla, the bulkiest of living primates, and among the most peaceable. Staring into the pensive brown eyes of these gentle giants, who share 95% of their genes with humans, is as humbling as it is thrilling; no less so when one realises that fewer than 700 individuals survive, divided between Bwindi National Park and the Virunga Mountains. Within Uganda, five habituated gorilla troops - four in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga National Park - can be visited by a total of 30 tourists daily.

Kampala, the capital is set among hills with fine modern architecture, tree-lined avenues, cathedrals, mosques and palaces of the old Kingdom of Buganda, and the Uganda Museum. The Kabaka Tombs are on Kasubi Hill. Shoes must be removed before entering the buildings.

Jinja, the second-largest town in Uganda lies on the shores of Lake Victoria. There is a very lively Saturday market. See the source of the Nile at the nearby Owen Falls Dam.

The major gateway to Uganda for air travellers, Entebbe has fine botanical gardens and a lakeside beach, although bathing is not advisable because of the dangers of bilharzia.

Fort Portal is a good base for exploring the Ruwenzori Mountains, the hot springs at Bundibugyo and the Semluke Wildlife Reserve.

Kisoro is the starting point for climbing expeditions to Mounts Muhavura and Mgahinga. There are seven lakes in the vicinity, which offer fishing and possible duck shooting. See mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Forest.

Fact Sheet

• Country Dialling Code: + 256
• When to Go: Uganda can be visited at any time, though mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rains, which generally peak over mid-September to November and March to May.
• Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and a waterproof jacket.
• Food & Water: There are restaurants in and around Kampala. Many hotels serve local food.
• National specialities:
  • Matoke (a staple made from bananas).
  • Millet bread.
  • Cassava, a root that is commonly made into flour.
  • Sweet potatoes.
  • Chicken and beef stews.
  • Freshwater fish.
• Currency: The unit of currency is the Uganda shilling. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference, but Euro and Pound Sterling are also widely accepted.
• Barclays Bank is the only Bank and only the MAIN branch in Kampala is authorized to give cash advances on credit cards. Visa card are fine BUT MasterCard are NOT guaranteed and will only be cashed IF they clear certain internal security checks. The maximum that can be obtained is $400 per day and ONLY IN BANKING HOURS.
• ATM Machines: they are often not working although there are now some in Entebbe Airport, Kampala and also one in Mbarara.
• Payment for services by credit card can only be done by VISA card or MASTERCARD in some places. Only large hotels generally accept this means of payment and they will also levy a fee of at least 5% on top of any bills.
• Tipping: Although always appreciated, it is not standard practice. It is normal to tip 5 to 10 per cent at tourist orientated restaurants. Guides and drivers should also be tipped.
• Language: Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, which is the official language. Of 30-plus different indigenous languages, Luganda serves as something of a lingua franca.
• Email: Email and Internet access is available in hotels and internet cafes in most large towns and cities.
• Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz.Plugs are rectangular flat blades so travel adaptor is recommended.