Accommodations
A number of good hotels, fitting every budget, are available in Kampala. Elsewhere across the country and in the National Parks, hotels and inns are generally available, but the quality of service and the quantity of rooms will vary greatly. Cul Tours and Safaris Ltd takes care to book the best accommodation available for your Safaris, unless you request otherwise.
All of our prepared itineraries start from Entebbe & Kampala. If you require pre-or post-Safari hotel bookings in Kampala, contact us and we will be happy to make these arrangements for you. In most cases, reservations should be made in advance.
Airlines
Several airlines service Uganda regularly, British Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Gulf Air, Kenya Airways, KLM, SN Brussels Airlines, to mention but a few. There are also several reputable domestic charter companies to choose from, including Eagle Aviation and AeroLink Uganda Limited. Cul Tours and Safaris Ltd as a travel agency, we are often able to get prices as good as or better than those available from the internet or you.. In addition, by booking through us, you are directly benefiting the Ugandan economy.
Airport
Most guests to Uganda arrive by air, landing at Entebbe International airport which is located approximately 45 minutes drive from the capital city of Kampala depending on traffic jam. Cul Tours and Safaris Ltd will be happy to arrange transfers to and from the airport for you or your group.
Alcohol
Several brands of local and international beer such as Nile beer, Pilsner are available. Most spirits and wines are imported and are readily available at slightly elevated prices. The legal drinking age is 18, though this is not well-enforced. Be sure to be well catered for!
Climate
Temperatures vary little throughout the country and average about 26°C during the day and about 16°C to 22°C at night, throughout the year. The rainy seasons are, in general from March to May and again from October to November. During the rainy season, the average rainfall is 175mm per month. Humidity is generally low outside of the wet seasons.
Clothing
Light summer clothing, supplemented by a sweater or jacket, should be sufficient at any time of the year. Cotton slacks and flat-heeled comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari. Don’t forget to bring a hat for sun protection, a swimsuit and insect repellent for example deed. Umbrellas and windbreakers are recommended in the wet seasons. Request additional details at the time of booking.
Drinking Water
Drinking the tap water is not recommended. Most hotels and restaurants provide previously boiled drinking water and bottled mineral water is readily available throughout the country.
Foods
Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables abound throughout the country. A wide range of dishes, both traditional and international, are served in the hotels and restaurants. If you have any dietary restrictions, please advise us in advance. Most food is organic and if you have gluten restrictions in your diet, please let us know in advance.
Gorilla Tracking
Please note that Mountain Gorilla tracking is a strenuous activity that requires a certain level of physical fitness to be enjoyed. The minimum tracking age is fifteen years. Anyone with signs of a communicable disease will not be allowed to trek. While possession of a Gorilla permit is a guarantee of tracking and sighting the gorillas, the quality of the gorilla tracking can not be guaranteed. Maximum time allowed with the Gorillas will not exceed one hour.
We strongly recommend that clients bring certain items along with them from Kampala, including a rain poncho, knapsack, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, sturdy hiking boots, leather gardening-type gloves, sunscreen, insect repellant and any necessary medications. Cameras and video cameras are allowed (use of a flash is not) – film and batteries should be carried from Kampala. We recommend the use of a high altitude filter and high speed film for the optimum photography.
Health Requirements
Certificates may be required for vaccinations against yellow fever. Check current medical advice on typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. But these diseases are NOT common, so do not feel obliged to spend hundreds of dollars on injections. Malaria risk is general, and a prophylaxis should be taken. It is advisable to start anti-malarial medications 10 – 14 days prior to arrival and continue with the same for 14 days after leaving East Africa (please consult your physician).
Additionally, anti-insect repellant such as epinephrine is recommended.
Language
English is the official language of Uganda. Kiswahili and Luganda are also commonly spoken. In addition, there are over 40 local languages spoken throughout the country.
Luggage
On most flights, airlines allow 20-40kg of luggage, or two pieces. We prefer that clients use soft cased bags since space for luggage is limited in safari vehicles.
We can easily arrange for the storage of those items that you will not be using while on safari.
Currency
The Ugandan shilling (Ugx) is a relatively stable currency. It is issued in denominations of 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 Ugx notes. Coins are available in smaller denominations of 50, 100, 200 and 500 Ugx. There are no legal restrictions of foreign exchange transactions and the shilling is fully convertible (i.e., you can buy Ugandan shillings with US dollars or US dollars with Ugandan shillings). Smaller US bills attract a much lower exchange rate than larger bills (e.g., $50 and $100 notes). It is recommended that you carry only US dollar notes issued after year 2000.
Banks
Several international banks operate in Uganda including Barclay’s, Standard Chartered, Stanbic, and Citi Bank. Many local banks and Forex bureaus also operate across the country. In general, banking hours are from 8.30am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday. A few banking institutions are open longer hours and on Saturdays.
Travelers cheques
Travelers cheques can be exchanged at most banks in Uganda (though you may run into difficulties exchanging TC’s in smaller towns). However, they may not necessarily be exchanged at the foreign exchange bureaus. Exchange rates on traveler cheques are generally slightly lower than those for cash.
Credit Cards
AMEX, VISA and MASTERCARD are only accepted at a few choice establishments in Kampala and some up-country lodges. Credit card cash advances are only available at Barclay’s Bank in Kampala. Most ATM bank cards are not accepted in Ugandan’s automatic teller machines.
Photography
Though certain brands and speeds of film are available in many of the lodges, it is advisable to bring film and batteries with you (or to purchase them in Kampala). High-speed film is recommended for photographing Gorillas and Chimpanzees and high altitude filters are best for climbers. Check with your photo shop for more information.
There is no charge for the use of personal cameras and video recorders but there may be a charge for commercial cameras in some places (e.g National Parks). Clients are responsible for any such fee.
A pair of binoculars will greatly enhance your safari experience and it is recommended that you bring a pair along with you.
Security
As in any other major city, the usual precautions should be taken in Kampala to ensure one’s safety and protection of one’s personal belongings.
We recommend that you do not walk alone late at night. Taxis are readily available and not expensive.
Unless safely deposited, boxes are available in your hotel or lodge, carry travel documents, travelers cheques, cash and other valuables with you at all times. We can arrange the safe keeping of your passport and ticket in our offices upon request.
Sports Facilities
In addition to the activities outlined on this web-site (e.g., white water rafting, hiking, climbing, quad biking, golfing, etc.), a number of sport facilities may be accessed in Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja city centers, including a good gym, squash, tennis, and swimming.
Transport
Ugandan’s main roads are generally in good condition. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be required for up-country use, especially in the National Parks during the rainy seasons.
We maintain a fleet of 4WD tourist mini-buses & Toyota Land-cruiser with open roof for viewing. All are available on chauffeur-driven basis (self-drive vehicles).
Most non-African passport holders require a visa to enter Uganda. Visas are generally available at all entry points, including Entebbe airport but we recommend for visa online application before the trip. The cost for East African visa is US$100 and Uganda visa is US$50 for a three-month single entry tourist visa: The visa will be discounted for students (with the proper ID) to US$30. For more information about visa, visit Visahq.
Cul Tours and Safaris Ltd