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Uganda was once described by Winston Churchill as the "Pearl of Africa", and with good reason. Blessed with volcanic mountains, lush valleys and vast lakes, abundant wildlife and a leafy, cosmopolitan capital, Uganda packs a lot into a relatively small country.

Despite its challenging political past, the resilient spirit of its people and the wealth of its natural treasures has seen Uganda rise above, offering travellers a safe and rewarding destination.

Trek through the dense montane forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half the world's mountain gorilla population; and search Kibale Forest for more than a dozen primate species, including the elusive chimpanzee.

Enjoy a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to elephants, lions, leopards, hippos and more; observe rhinos in the wild on a walk through Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary; and spot majestic African wildlife on a cruise to the foot of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges spectacularly over the rift valley wall.

Or for the adventurous mountaineer, challenge yourself to a trek through tropical rainforest, alpine valleys and glacial landscapes in the remote Rwenzori Mountains ("Mountains of the Moon"), culminating in a demanding ascent of Margherita Peak (5,109 m / 16,762 ft), Africa's third highest mountain.

Take a look at our unique itineraries and start planning your unforgettable Ugandan adventure!

 
 

 

Our all inclusive approach

Featuring comfortable safari accommodation and wilderness camps, private vehicles, enthusastic camping crews and porters and fascinating touring options, our Uganda adventures offer great value for money. Additionally, we aim to incorporate as many inclusions as possible in the tour cost such as most meals, transfers, excursions, game drives, permits and national park fees.

Authentic experiences

Our Uganda program is varied and unique; designed to give you a glimpse of the country's geographic and cultural diversity. From summiting Margherita Peak in the renowned Rwenzori Mountains and trekking in search of Mountain Gorillas to spotting tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park and embarking on a game walk, even the most sophisticated traveller will find inspiration within our range of itineraries.

Experienced local guides

From our expert driver-guides to the national park rangers and local trackers, all of our staff work tirelessly to ensure an awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience. While our exceptional mountain guides and camping crew encouage you to challenge yourself in the Rwenzoris, our enthusiastic leaders are keen to share their extensive knowledge on the history, culture and natural wonders of their country.

Leaders in responsible travel

Responsible travel practice is at the heart of our Uganda programs. Our adventures provide a true wilderness experience by viewing wildlife in their natural habitat and supporting the protection of diverse environments, rare and endangered species and local communities.


 

Animal welfare focus

Our wildlife viewing drives do not travel off the path, ensuring that wildlife are given the required space. We support anti-poaching efforts in partnership with the Uganda Conservation Foundation.

Cultural preservation

We include unique cultural experiences on our itineraries, such as visiting local homes for traditional meals and bark cloth making projects. Our guides have a vast knowledge about native cultures and traditions that they are eager to share with travellers.

Support of local communities

While our office and field staff are local Ugandans, we aim to use locally owned accommodations.


Permanent safari camps

Like a tented hotel room, this is the perfect way to experience the African wilderness. We use 3 star comfortable properties that reflect the character of the area.

Hotels

In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 star, twin share properties that are centrally located, comfortable and reliable.

Safari lodges

In game parks, national parks and rural locations we use 3 to 4 star comfortable properties that reflect the character of the area. Some may have extra facilities such as a swimming pool or private balcony.



A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.


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Currency

Ugandan Shilling

US dollars cash are by far the easiest foreign currency to exchange in East Africa. It can either be changed to USh or used directly (but often at a lower rate).

We recommend you only take USD notes from 2006 or newer. Older or torn notes are not accepted in Uganda.

There are only a few ATM machines in major cities that are connected internationally and reliability is not guaranteed.

Credit cards are of very little use in Uganda outside of Kampala and Entebbe. Expect high merchant fees.

International Dialing Code

+256

Electricity
Type G plug

Electricity in Uganda is 240 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is G (UK – 3 prong).

Visas

Visas for Uganda are required for passport holders from the following countries:-

Australia

New Zealand

Canada

United Kingdom

United States

Uganda Immigration have implemented the use of Electronic Visas.

All visitors who require an entry visa and do not yet have one, must apply through the online application system prior to arrival.

Online applications must be made through the visa immigration website on https://visas.immigration.go.ug http://live.trackalytic.com/servlet/link/106034/686934/92779421/3549928

You are required to upload clear copies of current passport page, Yellow fever certificate and Passport photo.

If the application has the online payment as mandatory, this means that the online application will not be submitted for processing until your credit card payment is received.

The approval letter sent by email or downloaded through the Uganda electronic Visa/Permit web site establishes that you are eligible for the approved visa or permit, but does not establish that you are definitely approved.

It is recommended that you bring a printout of your visa approval letter to Uganda. The barcode present in the approval letter will be used for accessing your application at the point of entry so bringing it printed will speed up the final approval process done. This final approval will be done at the selected point of entry (in the case of a visa) or at the Immigration Office Headquarters where the visa or permit sticker will be printed and placed in your passport.

All travellers to Uganda are required to fill in an online digital “Traveller Health Declaration” within 24 hours of travel for all arrivals and departures. Following submission of the form, a QR code will be sent to the traveller which is a mandatory requirement to enter and exit Uganda. The traveller will be required to save or print the QR code and present it to Port Health staff at the point of arrival or departure. The digital form can be downloaded at:- https://poe-screening.health.go.ug

It is possible to apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) which allows applicants wishing to travel to the East African Community (EAC) countries of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda to obtain one visa to cover all three countries. The visa allows for multiple entry within the EAC region within the validity period of 90 days. Once a traveller goes out of the three countries and comes back to either Kenya/Rwanda/Uganda, it will be considered as a new journey and not a continuation, hence the EATV visa is deemed expired and you would then have to apply for a single entry permit to re-enter either Kenya/Rwanda/Uganda. Applicants must apply for the visa through the Embassy of the country they will be entering first and will be obliged to enter only through that country. If entering first via Kenya, the East Africa Tourist Visa (which covers Kenya, Rwanda & Uganda) is available on application at the Kenya High Commission and costs USD$100/AUD$140. Note that this multiple country visa arrangement does NOT include Tanzania.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.

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