Travel tips to Uganda

Security
The country enjoys peaceful and maximum security but like any other developing country, petty thugery, commonly reported in the city centers especially Kampala. Therefore, one is advised not to display his or her valuable jewellery, money, mobile phones, laptops, cameras, electrons among others as these can easily be snatched. While in Kampala visitors are advised not to go to some downtown streets at night as they are generally not safe. If need arises mention it to your hotel guide where you would like to go and he or she will advise you if that area is safe. If you don’t understand somebody or feel intimidated please walk away. In case of trouble, the police emergency number is 999 for landlines and112 for mobile phones.

Theft
Uganda is widely regarded as one of the most crime-free countries in Africa, certainly as far as visitors need be connected. Muggings are comparatively rare, even Kampala as well as picpocketing and bag snatching is relatively unusual. Walking around large towns at night is reputedly safe, though it would be tempting fate to wander alone along unlit streets.

Women travelers
Women generally regard sub-equatorial Africa as one of the safest places in the world t to travel a lone. Uganda in particular poses few if any risks specific to female travelers. It’s reasonable to expect a fair bit of flirting and the odd direct proposition, especially if you mingle with Ugandans in bars, but a firm no should be enough to defuse any potential situation. And to be fair to Ugandan men, you can expect the same sort of things in any country, and so far that matter from many male travelers.

Climate
Uganda is known for its good climate for most of the year, the country enjoys sunny conditions with temperature rarely rising above 29 degrees. There are two rainy seasons that stretch from March to May and September to November. It should be noted however that rain can come at any time therefore umbrellas and rain coats should be kept at hand. At most Uganda is at a fairly constant altitude with mountains only Elgon in the east, the Rwenzori Mountains in the west, the rest of the county is tropical with temperatures averaging about 26c during the day and 16c at night. The hottest months in Uganda are December to February with temperatures up to 30c. The highlands are however pretty cool at night.

Travel and communication
The most convenient and interesting means of travel around town is boda-boda cycles (motorcycle taxis) as these easily get around the city’s notorious traffic. Therefore travel with in Uganda is by public commuter mini-buses, special hires taxi (cabs)
Uganda is such a small country as one can get to any part of the country from Kampala in a half a day. Hence all the major roads are in good condition. In all the former British colony governments driving is done on the left Uganda is not an exception. From Entebbe to Kampala special hire taxis are available and can take you to your destination at an agreeable fee the recently introduced yellow taxi that are metered cabs, are good option. There also regular internal flights to distant areas such as eagle air united airlines thus charter planes are also available to all the major national parks in Uganda.
Telecommunication should not be your worry as different mobile services are available country wide for example, MTN Uganda, Uganda telecom, WARID telecom, Celtel Uganda among others; these offer reliable services for mobile phones country wide. Internet facilities are widely available in Kampala. And up country towns have though they are limited options, but all hotels in the country have internet services.

Accommodation and food
International quality hotels exist in most large towns and national parks. Comfortable midrange and budget accommodation is found in all main tourist centres. Tourist hotels and restaurants serve good western food, thought in the capital a wider range of cuisine is available. Local restaurants serve Ugandan dishes, typically posho (stiff maize porridge) or matooke (Cooked banana) eaten with stew.

Tipping of staffs
Tipping is not mandatory. A small gratuity is always appreciated.

Shopping
Until a few years ago it was difficult to buy anything much in Uganda, but things have improved greatly of late. A fair range of imported goods is available in Kampala, though prices are often inflated.

P.O.BOX.12719 KAMPALA
UGANDA
Tel: +256-414232276 / +256-772749858
Fax: +256-414255357
Email: safari@atlassafarisuganda.com

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