The Pearl Of Africa
Things To Know
- Highlights – Gorilla Trekking, Visit Batwa Village
- Language – English, Swahili
- Currency – Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
- Power Outlets – Uganda uses power plug and socket type G. The standard voltage is 240 V, with a standard frequency of 50 Hz. I always travel with a universal adapter to ensure I can keep all my devices and batteries fully charged.
- Credit Cards & ATMs– Credit card charges, where available, usually come with extremely high fees. In Kampala, a limited number of banks accept credit (VISA) or ATM cards to withdraw cash. ATMs in Kampala are available, but daily withdrawal limits may not be adequate for your needs. It is best to arrive with the exchanged cash you will need for your trip.
- Safety– Uganda is a relatively safe place to visit. As is the case with many cities worldwide, you should stay vigilant for petty theft in Kampala.
- Water Safety – Tap water in Uganda is not safe to drink. Please Drink and brush your teeth with bottled and filtered water only while visiting Uganda. I travel with a LARQ purifying water bottle to be safe.
- Transportation – Uber is available from Entebbe International airport to the Kampala city center. For more remote regions, your resort or trekking company can arrange your transportation.
Best Time To Visit
The months that occur during the two dry seasons in Uganda are the best times to visit. These are December through February, and June through August. These months are best for mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, as well as viewing game in the national parks. In the rainforest, precipitation can occur any time of year. However, during these months brief showers often quickly transform back into blue skies.
The greatest amount of rainfall occurs from March through May, and again from October through November. It is still possible to have a successful gorilla trek but expect conditions to be wet and muddy, with the pace of hiking being much slower than during the dry season. The number of tourists visiting Uganda each year still remains low, so you shouldn’t worry too much about trying to avoid large crowds during the high season.