At Jabari we excel at providing our guests with unbiased advice for every destination that we sell as is in us to offer enhanced travel experiences to every place we take them. Our operations are entirely African based; therefore, Africa is our business and African roots are delved deeply in us, hence our works are an intuitive knowledge built up over a lifetime of thriving in the continent. We will always go far and beyond to ensure that our offers surpass our client’s expectations.
There’s nothing like up-to-date, relevant travel information direct from someone who’s been there;
Here is your take before traveling to Uganda.
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.
Gratuities
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.
What To Pack
As a general guide, comfortable, casual wash-and-wear clothes are recommended. Please note that muted colors are recommended for game-viewing. Game drives are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, which can be very cold, especially during winter.
The most practical items to pack for safari are:
- Khaki, green, beige, and neutral colors (dark blue and black clothing should be avoided, as it attracts Tsetse flies)
- Shirts with long sleeves (even in summer, as protection from the sun, mosquitoes, and Tsetse flies)
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
- A jacket and sweater are recommended for early morning and evening game drives
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Sturdy trousers
- Rain hat
- Swim and beachwear while at camp
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Strong waterproof walking boots (comfortable for going up steep hills)
- Pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking
- Sunblock, sunglasses, hat, moisturizer, and lip salve are all essentials
- Strong insect repellent
- Binoculars and camera equipment
- Small backpack to carry water and a packed lunch
Getting Around
Entebbe International Airport: located 35 km from Kampala, Entebbe is Uganda’s international gateway. Visitors usually arrive via Nairobi.
Flying by private charter aircraft is very expensive in Uganda—most travelers use road transfers with minibuses or, preferably, 4×4 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 Requirements
All 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 of 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. http://www.visas.immigration.go.ug/
