TRAVEL TIPS


HEALTH
As requirements and regulations are subject to change at short notice, visitors are requested to contact their diplomatic mission or travel health advisor before getting on board. Ensure that you have vaccination permits against yellow fever, and the like. All what we say is that you should be good health condition to enable you enjoy your trip which might be the only one of your life time in Africa. You can’t be allowed to track the Gorillas when you have cough, flue, scabies etc.


CLIMATE
The climate is tropical and some areas are usually hot and humid but regulated by dense rain forests and sea breezes. There are two main seasons: the long rains run from late March until June and Mid Sept, till early November while the dry seasons run from late June to early Sept and December till Feb. However, the weather can not be predictable any time it can change.


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A valid passport and valid visa are a necessity for those not exempted. These can be arranged by the diplomatic Mission or consulate for the country you intend to visit. Your agent can as well arrange for your visa and airport transfers as may deem necessary.


CURRENCY
The currency is in shillings (U SHS), divided into 100 cents which is the national currency. Credit cards (Access, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Eurocards ) are accepted by top tourist hotels around the country. Payment in US Dollars and Pound Sterling are accepted notes of year 2000 and above while notes of below year 2000 will fetch lower exchange rate. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted by most business people as they take long to mature.



BANKING
Banks and forex bureaux are available at the airports and in all main towns. For they operate from Monday to Friday which make it easier to get the local currency. You can withdraw money with an ATM card through a related Banker at home.


ACCOMMODATION
There is a wide range of high class and budget accommodation facilities ranging from 5 star hotels, lodges, guest houses, luxury tented camps, and camp sites. Most of these hotels are served with Western cousins and local dishes. In almost every National Park, there is standard lodge, hostels, guest bandas, luxury safaris tented camps and camp sites.



TRANSPORT
Most places of attraction are linked up with a good road network of either tar or murmur which makes it easier to access. The mode of transport is either, by bus, matatu, safari vans. By air, you can hire a small charter or book an scheduled flight especially to Kidepo Valley national Park. You can have water cruises to Islands or off shores to see birds, crocodiles and many more.



INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Entebbe Airport is 30km south of Kampala and it takes 45min drive to and fro. However it as well depends on the rush hours and interesting things you find a long the main road e.g. stalls of fresh fruits, homesteads and craft stalls. You will have a warm smile welcome as put your first foot on the Ugandan soils. Airport facilities include duty free shop, car hire, post office, banking and bureau de change, a bar and restaurant. Your guide will always be at the airport to receive you and transfer to your hotel.



TRACKING RULES
Visits to the gorillas and chimps are tightly controlled and the following rules apply and must be strictly adhered to:


Don’t chase the chimps or other animals while they are descending to or walking on the ground

No one with communicable disease e.g. flu diarrhea is allowed in to track the gorillas.

Stay together in a tight group while with the gorillas and don’t surround them.

Don’t get closer than 7 metres to the gorillas.

Don’t use flashes when photographing the gorillas

Don’t eat or smoke when with the gorillas or within a distance of 200metres from the gorillas

Turn away from the gorillas if you have to sneeze or cough. Cover your nose or mouth in the process

Don’t leave litter. All litter must be carried out of the park and disposed off properly

No person under the age of 15 is allowed to track the gorillas

You are allowed a maximum of 1 hour with the gorillas.

Don’t spit on the vegetation or soil while in the park, use your hankie or other garment

Your group must not be more than 8 tourists and must all be over 15 years old.

Don’t make loud noise or move suddenly.

Other rules applicable for mountaineers

Good behaviour at the huts and on the trail is appreciated

Accept the parks limit of 15 persons per hut per night.

Please use the latrines for all body wastes

Respect others in the huts by sharing space, stoves, talking quietly and use headphones for your radio

Observe the prohibition of wood fire. Making fires by using local wood is prohibited in the park.

Minimise damage on the trails by following your guide closely-avoid making new paths.

Ensure that you are health and safe on the trail. The high altitude and cold wet conditions of Rwenzori and Elgon Mountains can adversely affect a visitor. In case of signs and symptoms of high altitude sickness, go back to the lower altitude and take a lot of fluid in the process.