What to pack for a safari in Uganda

Some of the essential items to pack for a safari in Uganda include sunblock; sunglasses, a hat, moisturizer and lip salve, Strong insect repellent, Binoculars and camera equipment, Small backpack to carry water and a packed lunch, hiking boots, rain jackets, water bottle, Guitars, kaki clothing’s for safari, cash are some of the must-pack items for your travel however we do provide a comprehensive list to our booked clients depending on the type of expedition they are booked for before arriving.

Currency

The local currency of the Republic of Uganda is the Ugandan shilling (UGX) which comes in denominations of 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000 2, 000, and 1,000 in paper form and coins in 500, 200, 100, and 50 widely accepted across the country.

Money and Tipping

Most foreign currencies are accepted in forex bureaus in Uganda, ranging from American dollars, British pounds and Euros however the banks only take new and clean notes so please ensure you carry the latest notes with no ink and damage while travelling to Uganda for safari.

Health and Medical information

Uganda’s health system is composed of health services delivered to the public sector, by private providers, and by traditional and complementary health practitioners. It also includes community-based health care and health promotion activities; however, this may not cover international travellers so ensure that you acquire travel insurance before travelling to Uganda for a safari.

Language

There are over 30 living languages in Uganda. But only three are ever mentioned in debates about the East African nation’s official language: Luganda, Swahili and English and most Ugandans will speak English as it is the official Language of the republic of Uganda.

Electricity

Uganda’s Electricity sub-sector has grown from Three (3) Generation Plants in 2001 to over 40 Plants and is still growing. The Total Installed Generation Capacity has grown from 60 MW in 1954, 400 MW in 2000 to 1237.49 MW as of October 2020 most tourist places will have solar or electricity or generator provision, the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Uganda operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Expedition Leaders and Guides

Uganda is largely an English-speaking country and most tour guides will speak English but other language guides can be available on request and it will incur an extra cost for their services for more information contact Wilderness Explorers Africa.

Accommodation

The Ugandan tourism sector is relatively developed with luxury lodges, tented camps, and guest houses dotted all over the country however a booking may be required for upcountry lodges are there are very few and do get booked up quickly during the summer holidays from June to October and from December to February.

Meals and drinks

Depending on where you go in Uganda, the staple food is varied the green banana commonly known as matooke is the staple food for the Bantu tribe and cassava, millet and sorghum are the staple foods for the Luo Other food crops include sweet potatoes, white potatoes, yams, beans, peas, groundnuts (peanuts), cabbage, onions, pumpkins, and tomatoes. For tourist destinations, you will still find the normal Western meals served though derived from local products and the food is safe for water Tourists are advised to use bottled water instead of tap water which may look clean but it’s not safe for consumption.

Internet availability

Internet connection in Uganda is still poor and travellers to Uganda should not expect too much most safari camps and lodges will go out of their way to provide internet for the guests but the signal strength may be poor depending on the weather.

Cell phones

There are over 5 mobile network service operators in Uganda but the most popular networks are MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda which have the biggest coverage across the country sim cards can be purchased upon arrival in Uganda with an expiry period of your stay in the country.

Laundry

Most safari camps and lodges will have laundry services available, but some may offer complimentary services and others will charge for the service please enquire with the management beforehand and your laundry will be returned within 24 hours as the clothes are manually sun-dried depending on the weather it can take a while to get your laundry.

Driving

Most cars in Uganda are right-hand drive cars with manual transmissions. You are required by law to drive on the left hand of the road unless instructed by traffic police and self-drive is not recommended without a driver as there are very limited visible road signs on Ugandan roads.

Smocking

Smoking is prohibited within 50 meters of all indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transport however smoking cigarettes is allowed in designated areas.

Photography

Depending on where you are, you may be forbidden from taking pictures of prominent places, these may include military installations, dams, train stations, and airports. Most tourist destinations like museums, and national parks will happily allow visitors to take photographs for personal use only but for any commercial photography permission is required.

Pack for purpose List

Uganda is still one of the poor countries in East Africa, we highly recommend clients pack small gifts for school children like books, pens, pencils, warm clothes and shoes and guides will advise when and where to donate them during your safari.