Uganda Safaris

Uganda Travel Advice

There’s nothing like up-to-date, relevant travel information direct from the experts – get Silverback Safaris’s essential Uganda travel advice before you go.

• Money & Spending – Uganda’s unit of currency is the Uganda Shilling and you’d be advised to get some on arrival as it is far easier to buy drinks, curios and meals in the local currency when travelling between destinations.US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country though note that cash is best: traveler’s cheques and credit cards can be used at most lodges and in Kampala but attract hefty transaction fees.
• Tipping – Tipping of around 10 – 15% is customary in Uganda for good service. Tips are usually given in Uganda Shillings or US Dollars. If you are doing a gorilla trek, tipping is at your discretion – your porter (if you choose to take one) should usually receive the highest tip, with a second tip distributed between your guides, trackers and security personnel. For in-depth tipping guidelines, enquire with one of our Africa Safari Experts – they’d be happy to share their knowledge with you.
• Climate – Average year-round temperatures: 14°C to 27°CRainy seasons: March to May and September to December Refer to “best time to visit Uganda” for climate charts and advice on the best times of year for gorilla trekking.
• What to Pack – During the day, temperatures in Uganda are generally warm so pack plenty of lightweight clothing. If you are going gorilla trekking, pack long trousers and long-sleeved tops, long socks to wear over your trousers as protection against ants, a pair of light gloves to protect against nettles, a hat and a raincoat. A pair of sturdy, comfortable hiking boots is most important – try to break these in before your trip rather than wearing them brand new as you’re likely to get blisters.

The mountains tend to be cold and damp so pack according to the altitude – a change of clothes and a warm fleece in your day pack, along with sunscreen and insect repellent are advised.

• Flights & Getting Around

Did you know you can book your flights through Silverback Travel’s? For more information and frequently asked questions, please see our Flights section. Entebbe International Airport: located 35km from Kampala, Entebbe is Uganda’s international gateway. Visitors usually arrive via Nairobi.

Flying by private charter aircraft is very expensive in Uganda – most travellers use road transfers with mini buses or, preferably, 4X4 vehicles.Despite Uganda’s small size, infrastructure is limited and roads are often in poor condition; expect long days in vehicles when driving between destinations, especially in the rainy season. Game drives in the national parks are generally conducted in open-sided 4X4s.Visa & Passport RequirementsAll visitors to Uganda require a visa and every visitor’s passport must be valid for at least six months from their departure date. Visas for Uganda can be obtained at all major borders as well as at the international airport at Entebbe. Single and double-entry visas are valid for up to three months at a cost of around US $30 and extensions are available at the immigration office in Kampala.

Where To Stay

Lake Victoria Serena Resort  – Styled to replicate the lines of a classically rustic Roman villa, Lake Victoria Serena Resort sits on the shores of Africa’s largest lake. The property is located twenty minutes from Entebbe International Airport and twenty minutes from the center of Kampala. The 124 luxurious guest rooms offer internet access, satellite television, in-room safe, mini bar, air conditioning, hair dryer, and tea and coffee making facilities. Other property amenities include a restaurant, cocktail bar, spa, and swimming pool with lake views. – Read More

Kyaninga Lodge  – Kyaninga Lodge’s eight cottages are built on platforms and set apart to offer privacy and tranquility. Each spacious cottage is beautifully appointed and offers a private deck, en suite bathrooms, and solar power. The restaurant offers classical European cuisine tweaked to make use of local ingredients, most of which are handpicked from the lodge’s own garden and neighboring markets. Other lodge amenities include a swimming pool, grass tennis court, croquet lawn, and wireless internet access in the main building. – Read More

Fort Murchison  – Set on the Eastern banks of the slow flowing Albert Nile, Fort Murchison revokes the idea of a well maintained isolated outpost from times where Arab traders frequented the African hinterlands and legendary explorers led expeditions in search of the source of the Nile. Built in the right spot and inspired by the historical background, Fort Murchison is unlike any other in Uganda. The massive tower, the earth colored walls, the touch of Swahili style… will impress you from your arrival up to your departure.  Fort Murchison is situated in the former Aswa Lolim Game reserve, just outside the northern park boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park. It is set in a beautiful surrounding and looks out on the majestic Albert Nile. – Read More

Kibale Forest Camp   – Kibale Forest Camp offers an affordable classic canvas experience in the form of 10 African safari style tents tucked away in a lush forest. A budget alternative is our lazy camping on our campsite. Complemented by excellent food served in a cozy grass thatched restaurant, the camp forms your perfect base if you are looking for an affordable and comfortable place from where to explore the area. Kibale Forest Camp is located in a patch of evergreen forest, just outside the southern part of the National Park. It borders the Magombe swamp, known for the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and is a mere it is a 10 min drive to Kanyanchu Visitor Center, the place from where your chimp track will start – Read More

Fact on Gorilla Tracking

For many travellers, gorilla tracking ranks among one of the supreme tourist attractions of a trip to Uganda & Rwanda. The spine-tingling feeling that you get being so near to one of our closest relatives is hard to describe. Almost half of the world’s gorilla population can be found in Bwindi National Park, in the Southwest of Uganda.

A Gorilla is the largest primate with a massive build, powerful muscle structure, large head with low forehead and small ears. The mountain gorilla is a subspecies that only resides on the border of Rwanda/Uganda and the DRC. There are only a mere 700-800 mountain gorilla’s left in the wild. Bwindi National Park protects an estimated 320 mountain gorillas, including 11 habituated groups, which can be tracked. There are four departing places: Buhoma and Ruhija which are in the northern part of the park, and Nkuringo and Rushaga, which are in Kisoro District in the southeast of Bwindi.

NOTE

• Permits cost US$ 600 per person and are usually discounted to US$ 450 for the months of April, May and November.
• Children aged 15+ are allowed on gorilla tracking.

Gorilla Permits & Chimpanzee Tracking Permit

If you are planning to visit the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP and/or chimpanzees in Kibale Forest NP, it is recommended that you reserve the permits well in advance. The UWA headquartered in Kampala issues the permits only upon cash payment in full (no pre-booking). Gorilla tracking permits costs U$ 600 per person, and is usually discounted to US$ 450 for the months of April, May and November. Chimpanzee permits in Kibale Forest go for US$ 150 per person throughout the year.

Silverback Travel Company Uganda can arrange the permits on your behalf when you book a safari with us and no service charge for this activity, however in order to do so, we need:

• Full name as it appears on passport, nationality, date of birth and passport number of all the people trekking.
• Preferred date and tracking location (check tracking locations for Bwindi here)
• Second best date in case the preferred date is fully booked.

Once proof of payment has been sent, we will purchase the permits on your behalf. Kindly note that UWA does not have a refund policy in case of any cancellation or change of date.