Uganda safaris

Uganda safaris and tours, bird watching holidays, cultural  and adventure trips.

Your Uganda safaris, tours and adventure trips guide. Looking to visit Uganda for wildlife, gorillas and culture safaris, contact AA Safaris and tours ltd. However before you travel to a destination there is some information you need to know prior to your travel.

The more you are knowledgeable about a destination plus the conditions you may expect on your Uganda safari or gorilla safari adventure, the more you will enjoy your holiday. We encourage you to contact our travel specialists on the numbers listed on our contact page to ensure that we can respond to any questions or worries. The information provided below will as well assist you get ready for an enjoyable experience in advance and enable you to get  the most out of your visit to Uganda.

Uganda geography

The Equator in UgandaUganda is a landlocked country well located on the northern shore of Lake Victoria within eastern Africa. Situated in the geographical center of Africa, today’s Ugandan society is somewhat still rural with more than 70% of its population residing in rural areas. the conventional traditions and practices are still in existence in most areas, which makes the tourists experience even more enjoyable. Uganda is unique  in a way that it’s got a number of different  groups of people each with its own unique traditions and customs, artifacts, plus various colorful ceremonies.  For instance, The Bagisu in Mbale are generally known for the circumcision practice referred to as imbalu, the majority of the tribes possess their own traditional dances such as the Runyege dance among the Banyoro, the Ntogoro among the Batooro, the Dingi dingi among the Acholi, to list just a few. Also the traditional marriages are another must see, just as the traditional ways of dressing unique to each tribe. For long, Uganda has been a cultural mishmash as verified by the presence of more than 30 different native languages that belong to 5 different linguistic groups plus an equally varied cultural variety of handicrafts, music plus art.

More about Uganda culture

The most vintage inhabitants in Uganda are found in the hilly southwestern region and these are the Batwa plus Bambuti Pygmies living in the far most western part of Uganda near Bwindi national park the home of the Gorillas. moving to the northeastern corner of Uganda you will meet the Karamajongs a conservative pastoralist tribe whose lifestyle is similar to the well-known Masai of Kenya, The initiation ceremonies are as well worth seeing .usually, Visitors are  welcome to watch these traditional ceremonies across the country, although as a sign of politeness, tourists must always ask for permission prior to taking any photographs during a Uganda safari.

Not wastefully, it’s where the savannah joins the West African Jungle. In which other place but in this impossibly verdant country can you see Lions moving in the open plains in the early morning and also track Chimpanzees in the undergrowth of the rain forest the same day, then the following day explore the tropical channels congested with hippos plus crocodiles before going into the misty green mountains to track and personally gaze into the big brown eyes of the unique though endangered mountain Gorillas led by the dominant Silver backs? Surely one would declare that Uganda is attractive and unique with a range of natural endless beauty!

Flight to Uganda.

Some of the flights into Uganda connect through Nairobi, and British Airlines together with Kenya Airways are the major carriers. Additional flights into Uganda include; SB Brussel, KLM, Ethiopian airways, Egypt air,  Emirates , Rwanda Air, Kenya airways, Turkish Airline, Etihad Air and many More.

Medical requirements before you travel to Uganda – Health

As soon as you reserve your  Uganda safaris  with us, we offer you in depth information regarding health safety measures as well as possible immunizations for going to each destination. We recommend that you consult your doctor, a travel clinic, or the public health office to assist you decide the exact medications and vaccinations you need for your safe indulging in your safari or  tour. Although our Staff aren’t licensed medical experts, they are knowledgeable about the exact areas, environment and conditions under which you’ll be traveling, which may affect the relative chance of exposure to different health conditions and assist you make resolutions regarding immunizations plus prescription medicines. Defensive measures against the infectious diseases may need advance planning for various immunizations. Parents plus Pregnant women vacationing with young kids should seek advice from their pediatrician.

Is the country safe for a Uganda safari

With suitable protection, traveling to Uganda for a Safari is extremely safe. just as in most developing countries, travelers are encouraged to be cautious about what they eat and drink. Avoid eating food from the stands at the roadside and always drinking bottled water. Safeguard against the hot equatorial sun, get plenty of fluids, and remember to wear mosquito repellent during the evenings. Malaria prophylaxis is suggested, either Larium (mefloquine), doxycycline or atovaquone or proguanil (Malarone) . It’s also advisable to consider vaccination against typhoid, yellow fever and hepatitis and revise your resistance against tetanus, measles and polio with appropriate vaccination shots. Please note that a Yellow fever vaccination is now days mandatory and it is a requirement at the point of entry to Uganda. If you do not have it you will be given one on arrival.

In general, Uganda is safe and has been free of rebels, for the past 8 to years and thus, there is nothing to worry about during your Uganda safaris and tours. 

Visa and Passport Requirements

You need a Traveler’s passport to enter Uganda, and it must be valid for 6 months after the date of your return. in addition A visa is  needed. Our recommendation is that you get your visa beforehand either directly through the Ugandan Embassy or at a visa service point closer to you. Non-US citizens must consult the Ugandan Embassy for existing entry requirements.  Or if you have no Embassy closer to you , you can apply for the Visas online. Please note that the Yellow fever Vaccination is Mandatory and you should have it at the time of application. However Visas can also be obtained on arrival at the airport and currently it costs USD 50. Or the other option would be to Obtain the East African Tourists Visa which allows to visit Uganda , aloNg with Kenya and Rwanda. The East African toruist Visa costs USD 100.

Requirements for a Uganda Visa.

A passport with at-least 6 months Validity

A yellow fever certificate if you are coming from a country that is prone to yellow Fever.

For those applying for the Visa Online Visit the Link Uganda Online Visa.

Best time to visit Uganda – Uganda weather

Uganda can be visited all year round because of its tropical weather. However most travelers prefer visiting during the drier months of the year which is between June and September and also December to February. Please note that despite the fact that March, April, May, October and November are wet, this does not stop any activity from taking place. This is because Uganda being at the equator, the country receives rain for just a couple off hours in a day and then it shines for the rest of the day.

Despite the fact that the country can be visited all year round, the best time to do a Uganda safari holiday would be during June to September. During these months, the hikes are easier, and less strenuous, because the trails are not slippery as compared to other months that receive more rain.  Due to the fact that most people, visit Uganda for a trip during the drier months, this makes the Uganda gorilla permits scarce during these months. On that note therefore, we recommend that you book your gorilla trekking permits at-least 6 months on advance.  Thus, you will be assured of the possibility of doing your gorillas safari.

List of Items to Pace for your Uganda Safari.

We provide you with a specific packing list and also recommended travel items for your safari upon having reserved your Uganda safari as per your preference. However in most cases, we recommend you carry light clothes with a warm cardigan, a rain coat, walking shoes and a back pack to carry you Packed meals and Camera. A more detailed and specific list can be forwarded to you once you confirm your Uganda Safari with us.

Uganda safarisUgandans/People

Lake Kyoga defines the northern boundary for all the Bantu-speaking people in Uganda. Bantu dominate most of east, central plus southern Africa. In Uganda, these include the Buganda, and various other tribes such as the Basoga and Bagishu. Within the north are the Lango (close to Lake Kyoga) plus the Acholi (close to the south sudan border), that speak Nilotic dialects. Moving east are the Karamojong plus Iteso that are associated with the Maasai who as well speak Nilotic languages. The Pygmies stay in the forest in the west.

Official Language: English

Uganda’s Currency

Credit cards, are now widely used in Uganda and most hotels and service providers now days accept credit cards. Fortunately some banks such as Barclays and Standard Chartered Bank offer cash advances via Visa cards and also have ATMs. Generally, The Ugandan Shilling is stable against major foreign currencies like the US Dollar.

The most commonly used foreign currency is the US Dollars. Other main currencies include Euros plus the Pound Sterling which is not commonly used.  Smaller notes below $50 get a lower exchange rate. We recommend that you exchange you money within the capital for better exchange rates. Avoid exchanging money at the border since there are several con-men and thieves.

Food in Uganda.

The food served at the different hotels, during the different Uganda safaris are based on international menus to accommodate all the different dietary requirements.

List of items to carry for your Uganda Safaris

Uganda has a tropical weather and therefore below are the items you should carry for your safari holiday.

  • Long trousers for Hikes
  • Closed shoes for treks and hikes to the ankle
  • Long stockings for treks
  • A pair of shorts for other days when you are not trekking or hiking
  • A warm cardigan as it gets cold in the night
  • A full body Rain Coat
  • Anti- malaria Pills
  • Insect repellents
  • A water proof backpack
  • A T-shirt
  • A hat or cap
  • A camera with water proof Bag
  • Backup camera battery

Uganda National Parks and Bird Watching Spots