Its reputation as 'Africa's friendliest country' is not only accredited to its likeable people, but also to its redevelopment as an eco-friendly environment, with the enlightened management of 10 national parks, and its introduction of eco-tourism projects, adventure sports and unique gorilla-trekking opportunities that have put the country back on the tourist circuit.
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Uganda's variety of landscapes is as astounding as its biodiversity. Forested crater lakes on the floor of the Rift Valley give way to typical East African savannah as well as tropical rainforest. The glacial peaks of the highest mountain range in Africa, the 'Mountains of the Moon' or Rwenzori Mountains that mark the country's western border, as well as a number of extinct volcanoes make for world-class hiking and mountaineering.
There are several large bodies of water, including the massive Lake Victoria, which it shares with Tanzania and Kenya, and the myriad islands dotting Lake Victoria and Lake Bunyoni are ideal birdwatching destinations. Lake Victoria is also the source of the Nile, the longest river in the world, which passes through the impressive Murchison's Falls and creates some of the most exciting white water rafting on earth.
What also makes Uganda a unique safari destination is its remarkable concentration of primates, which is the highest on earth, and people are drawn from around the world to track chimpanzees and to experience the face to face encounter of a lifetime: that with a massive mountain gorilla.
The Basics
Time:
Local time is GMT +3.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin, rectangular blade plugs are in use.
Language:
English is the official national language. Luganda is also widely spoken and is the most common of the numerous indigenous languages.
Getting around:
Buses connect all major towns daily. Minibuses and shared taxis are a good way of getting around and are the most commonly used by Ugandans - they are frequent, have fixed fares and leave when full. A few airlines offer scheduled and charter flights within the country; some places can only safely be reached by air. Cars can be rented from Entebbe Airport, Kampala and other major towns.
Customs:
Visitors are advised not to take photographs of military or official sites, including Owen Falls Dam.Homosexual practices are frowned upon.
Communications:
The international dialling code for Uganda is +256. The outgoing code is 000 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)41 for Kampala.There is extensive cellular telephone network coverage over most of the country with GSM 900, and Internet facilities are available in most large towns.
Health
Travelers' diarrhea is the most common complaint for visitors to Uganda. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and typhoid; a Hepatitis E outbreak in northern Uganda since the end of 2007 has killed over 60 people so far and infected thousands more, and visitors are advised to take precautions if visiting the area. All visitors require vaccination against yellow fever. Cholera outbreaks occur occasionally, but most travelers are at low risk for infection; bottled water is widely available. Malaria and HIV/AIDS are widespread. Outbreaks of the plague and meningitis occur and visitors should insure that vaccinations are up to date. A recent outbreak of Ebola has killed 37 people in western Uganda; it is spread through direct contact with blood or secretions of an infected person. Incidents of sleeping sickness are on the rise, carried by tsetse flies. Limited health facilities are available outside of Kampala. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Contacts
Visa Agencies
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Tourism
Uganda Tourist Board, Kampala: +256 (0)41 342 196 or www.visituganda.com
Uganda Embassies
Uganda Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 726 7100.
Uganda High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7839 5783.
Uganda High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 7797.
Uganda High Commission, ACT, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6286 1234.
Uganda High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 6031/3.
Foreign Embassies in Uganda
United States Embassy, Kampala: +256 (0)41 259 791/2/3.
British High Commission, Kampala: +256 (0)31 231 2000.
Canadian High Commission, Nairobi, Kenya (also responsible for Uganda): +254 (0)20 366 3000.
Australian High Commission, Nairobi, Kenya (also responsible for Uganda): +254 (20) 444 5034-9.
South African High Commission, Kampala: +256 (0)41 434 3543.
Ireland Embassy, Kampala: +256 (0)41 434 0400.
Uganda Emergency Numbers
Emergencies:
Airports
Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
Location: The airport is situated 25 miles (40km) southwest of Kampala.
Time: Local time is GMT +3.
Contacts: Tel: +256 (0)41 353000 or 3323.
Facilities: Facilities include bars and restaurants, duty-free shopping, craft and gift shops, a business communication center, and tourist information desk. Public payphones are located in departures and arrivals, and cellular telephone services are also available. There are 24-hour banks and bureaux de change at both departure and arrivals halls.
Departure Tax: None.
Website: www.caa.co.ug
Climate
Uganda has a typically tropical climate with little variation in temperature throughout the year. Distinctive wet and dry seasons characterize the climate of most of the country, except in the semi-arid north east. The dry season, generally from December to February and mid-June to mid-August, is the best time to visit. The two rainy seasons are from March to May, and September to November. In the south the rainiest month is April. The mountainous areas in western and eastern Uganda can be cold at night.
Passport & Visa
Visa Agencies:
Avoid the stress and queues, get a visa agency to arrange your visa.
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Global Visas, London, UK. 0207 190 3903 or www.globalvisas.com
Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals require a valid passport and a visa, which can be obtained on arrival.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a valid passport and a visa, which can be obtained on arrival.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport and a visa, which can be obtained on arrival.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport and a visa, which can be obtained on arrival.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and a visa, which can be obtained on arrival.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to six months.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors require a passport that is valid for at least six months on entry. Visitors must hold return or onward tickets, and sufficient funds. All nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at a cost of US$50 (single entry), US$100 (multiple entry with six months validity) or US$200 (multiple entry with 1 year validity).
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
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