Uganda’s climate is tropical, but it has two rainy seasons: from March to May and from September to November. The dry seasons from June to August and December to February are considered the best times for a safari. During the dry months, wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources and the trails for trekking are more accessible.
Dry seasons are best for game viewing, gorilla trekking, walking safaris among other activities.
During rainy season, the parks are less crowded and the landscapes are lush and green hence making trekking difficult due to muddy trails.
What to Pack for Your Uganda Safari
A successful safari in Uganda comes with a few items in your bag or on your packing list. In general, some items you might need while going on a safari in Uganda include
Long trousers and shirts preferably in dull colors
Rain hut for falling debris
Water bottle to quench your thirst on a hike
Sunglasses for sun protection
Light weight rain coat
Sturdy hiking shoes for the terrain
Binoculars for closer looks
Camera and an extra battery plus charger to capture your favorite epic moments
Insect repellents for insect protection
Travel Tips for Visiting Uganda
Choose your favourite destination
Determine when to go
Inquire from your tour operator
Book your activities and accommodation
Get the required permits and visa
Clear with the pre-travel medication
Purchase your safari equipment
Get your money requirements well-sorted
Warm up as you read about your destinations.
Uganda’s Culture and People
Apart from the safaris, Uganda is also rich in culture and traditions. You can visit tribal communities like the Batwa in Bwindi or the Karamojong in the northeast to learn about their traditional ways of life. Uganda also has vibrant markets, music and dance scenes especially in Kampala, the capital city.
Most people in Uganda originate from Bantu, Nilotics and Nilo-Hamites and spread out to over 50 cultures that are found in the country each having their own norms, beliefs, culture and traditions. The most common ethnic group is the Bantu tribe living in the central, eastern and southern parts of the country followed by the Nilotics like Langis, Karamajongs, and Acholis. Some of the cultural practices include folk tales, traditional stories, hunting skills, farming, rituals, ceremonies, medical treatment practices, housing, and childcare among others.
Uganda has a variety of foodstuffs and is the second banana-growing country in the world. This does not mean that all the tribes in Uganda eat matooke because each tribe has its own special staple food like Bakiga eat Irish potatoes, Baganda and Banyankore eat matooke.
Accommodation
There are quite a number of accommodation facilities in every established visitor destination in Uganda. All the national parks in Uganda are supplied with a wide range of safari lodges and campsites to fit in every safari budget. Some of the luxury safari lodges include Mweya safari lodge, Kyambura Gorge safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Nile safari lodge, Chobe safari lodge in Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi lodge, Gorilla sanctuary lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kyaninga lodge in Kibale National Park among others. All the national parks and protected areas in Uganda have well established UWA accommodation facilities with standard services to enable all budget travel plans and backpackers.
There are also five-star hotels in different tourism cities such as Kampala city, Jinja city, Fort portal city among others. All the accommodation facilities soothe your vacation in Uganda.
Getting a visa in Uganda
To get a visa for Uganda, the process can vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Visitors can obtain their visas online. You will have to attach the required documents and certificates. In most cases, you must submit a yellow fever vaccination certificate. The immigration authorities will email you a letter of authorization including a barcode. Print out the letter to show on arrival. Border officials will issue your visa.
Alternatively, you can take the letter to a Ugandan embassy and they will issue the visa.
To enter Uganda, you must have a certificate to prove you have had a yellow fever vaccination. You must bring the certificate you used to get your visa.
Getting to Uganda
To get to Uganda, there are several ways depending on your current location. The main international gateway to Uganda is Entebbe International Airport (EBB) located near the capital city, Kampala. There are direct flights to Uganda from various parts of the world such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, KLM, Ethiopian Airlines among others.
Before traveling, ensure you meet Uganda’s visa requirements. Many travelers can get a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa online. You can check the official Uganda immigration website for the most up-to-date information.
