QUICK FACTS
Official name: Republic of Uganda
Capital: Kampala
Currency: Ugandan shilling (UGX)
Official languages: English, Swahili
Area (km2): 236,040
Population: 27,616,000
GDP per capita (PPP) (US$): 1,700
Time zone: EAT (UTC+3)
Drives on the: left
ISO 3166 code: UG
Calling code: +256
Uganda officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the “Pearl of Africa”. It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by Tanzania. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, which is also bordered by Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda takes its name from the Buganda kingdom, which encompassed a portion of the south of the country including the capital Kampala.
The colonial boundaries created by Britain to delimit Uganda grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different political systems and cultures. These differences prevented the establishment of a working political community after independence was achieved in 1962. The dictatorial regime of Idi AMIN (1971-79) was responsible for the deaths of some 300,000 opponents; guerrilla war and human rights abuses under Milton OBOTE (1980-85) claimed at least another 100,000 lives. The rule of Yoweri MUSEVENI since 1986 brought relative stability and economic growth to Uganda.
During the early 1990s, gorilla tourism was introduced in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla tracking is Uganda’s most sought after tourism activity. You should book well in advance to ensure that permits for your requested dates are available.
Gorilla tracking can be challenging and you need to be reasonably fit. Registration and briefing at Buhoma park office and Nkuringo commences at 0745 hours tracking states at 8:30am and can last from a few hours to the whole day depending on where the gorillas are in the forest.
Important Things to Know About Uganda
Uganda has many a lot of interesting attractions to see in many spots of the country but Gorilla trekking is the most desired and exciting in all what the country has to offer. Find Uganda a great mountain gorilla trekking destination in Africa sharing land borders with five countries Kenya, Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania and Democratic republic of Congo. Kampala is the capital city of Uganda with a population of 1,353,189, and is apolitical center considered a Republic and a home to its head of state.
Uganda currency
Come with your currency and exchange it into Uganda shillings when you feel like in order to purchase simple products in shopping malls, souvenirs, tipping among others. But some shopping centers accept foreign currency though they have low exchange rates. However, good to exchange some money into local currency since remote areas have no forex Bureau and most locals prefer Uganda shillings a currency they are used too. ATM’s are convenient if you have money on your credit card since they give you Uganda shillings but they are always located out on the street. Many banks now have informed guards who assist tourists and other ATM machine users making the process easy, safe and convenient. I don’t know your plans when you visit Uganda but if its Uganda holiday, better to ask your driver guide for the convenient place to get some Uganda shillings. But when booking Uganda gorilla trekking safaris, foreign currency is required especially dollars since every tour essential is paid is US dollars especially the gorilla permits, accommodation and transport.
International Uganda Airport
When flying to Uganda for your gorilla trekking tour to Bwindi forest or Mgahinga, book your flights to Entebbe international Airport found in Entebbe town and a 45 minutes drive distance from Kampala Uganda capital.Depending your trip schedule and flight time, you can chose to overnight in Entebbe or Kampala city the most convenient towns and kick off points for most Uganda gorilla trekking tours. The Airport uses EBB as the IATA Code in case you booking a flight ticket. Besides, the airport has it all that gives you comfort starting with its location just on the showers of lake Victoria, flights to several locations including Europe, hotels, the Zoo, beaches and much more to make you feel at home. I can’t describe enough all the amazing things about Entebbe international airport but you will witness once you land in Uganda. Emirate Airline, British Airways, Ethiopian airline, Rwanda Air, Kenya airways,Luftanza Air, Gulf Air, Turkish Air,Quatar Airways among others are the main airlines flying in and out of the country of the country enabling tourists to get there and away after their holidays.
When to visit Uganda
Uganda is a country that you can visit any time of the year but June to October and December to March are dry months best for gorilla trekking in Bwindi & Mgahinga, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest, Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu, and Budongo, hiking, mountain climbing in Rwenzori mountains, birding, wildlife viewing ,boat cruise, kayaking, white water rafting among others. However Uganda is also good to be visited in April, May and November famous low cost months for all Uganda gorilla trekking tours. Take advantage of the huge discounts across all Uganda attractions, transport and accommodation and save big for your next dream holiday.
Safaris in Uganda
Still one of the world’s best kept natural secrets, Uganda receives far less visitors than its neighboring countries. Characterized by dramatic scenery throughout, it is home to deep lakes, stunning waterfalls, towering mountains and incredible wildlife.
Uganda has the highest concentration of primates on earth, including the mountain gorilla now one of the rarest animals on the planet. There are just under 1060 mountain gorilla in the world and over 480 mountain gorillas reside in Uganda mainly found in the epic Bwindi impenetrable rain forest.
Gorilla trekking is offered in Bwindi impenetrable forest and chimpanzee trekking is available in Kibale national park.
National Parks and Principal Sights
Most of Uganda’s environment is divided into Uganda national Parks, taken care of by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Uganda has 10 national parks and almost third of the country covered by Lake Victoria, the largest in Africa, dominates the south while Lake Edward and Albert lie to the West. There are ten national parks that can be visited by tourists in Uganda. These include forest reserves, savanna game parks and montane parks.
Getting Into Uganda
Would you like to get around Uganda? There are several ways to get around Uganda with ease. You can use public transport, private car rentals, and more. There is a growing trend for travelers opting for Uganda self drive, a new way to traveling Uganda on your own. This kind of service is offered by several car hire agencies which include Car Rental Uganda, 4×4 Uganda, Drive Uganda etc.
Visa information
Foreign visitors may be required to obtain a visa to enter Uganda. Before traveling to Uganda, please contact the Ugandan Embassy in your country for the most up to date visa information.
Travelers should check for visa requirements pertaining to their citizenship, as entry requirements vary between countries.
All travelers, however must be in possession of a passport with at least six months of validity left beyond the intended departure date of Uganda.
Check All About Uganda for a detailed information guide to the Pearl of Africa.