SAFARI NOTES OF PRACTICAL NATURE

Accommodations: In Kampala, a number of good hotels are available to choose from to fit every budget. Elsewhere across the country and in the National Parks, hotels and inns are generally available, but quality of service and quantity of rooms varies greatly and the need for early reservations is quite significant in such cases.

Rwefuma Safaris Ltd takes care in booking the best accommodation available for your safaris. All of our prepared itineraries start from Kampala. If you require pre-or post-safari hotel booking in Kampala or airport transfers to/from Entebbe, contact us so we can make these arrangements for you. Reservations should be made in advance.

Airport: Most guests to Uganda arrive by air, landing at Entebbe International airport; approximately 45 minutes drive from the capital Kampala. Transfers to and from the airport are available for any size group.

Airlines: Airlines such as South African Airways, Air Tanzania, British Airways, Africa One, Egypt Air, East African Airlines, SN Brussels, and Kenya Airways/KLM, to mention a few serve Uganda regularly. There are several reputable domestic charter companies to choose from as well.

Visa: Visas are generally available at all entry points including Entebbe airport. Please check with our consular or Uganda High Commission nearest to you.

Alcohol: Several brands of local and international beer are available, including leading local beers like Bell beer, Club, and Nile Special beers. Most spirits and wines are imported and are readily available at slightly higher prices. There are no legal limitations on drinking of alcohol in Uganda.

Banking: Several international banks operate in Uganda including Barclays, Standard Chartered, Stanbic, and Citi Bank. Many local banks and forex bureaus also operate across the country. Generally the banking hours are 8:30 am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday. Saturday they are open from 9:00am to 12:00pm. There are no legal restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and currency is easily convertible. Use only United States Dollar notes dated after 1990. Euros are also widely accepted.

Credit Card: AMEX, VISA, and MATERCARD, are only accepted at a few choice establishments in Kampala and some up-country lodges. It is advisable to carry cash.

Currency: The Uganda Shilling is the currency used. It is issued in denominations of 100, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 notes. Coins are available for smaller denominations of 50, 100, 200, and 500 Uganda Shillings. The rates vary from time to time but are posted at all banks and forex bureaus.

Climate: Uganda enjoys ideal weather conditions ranging from the warmth of lowlands to the coolness of highlands. Mean temperatures are between 21cand 31c all year round. Wet seasons are March-May, October-November. There is no bad time to visit Uganda.

Clothing: Light summer clothing supplemented by a sweater or jacket should be sufficient all year round. Usually dressing is informal. Cotton slacks and flat-heeled comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen for sun protection and a swimsuit. Umbrellas and windbreakers are recommended in the wet seasons. Additional details can provided on request at the time of booking.

Drinking water: We recommend that you do not drink tap water. Most hotels and restaurants provide previously boiled drinking water, or you can opt from several brands of locally manufactured mineral water.

Foods: Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables abound throughout the country. A wide range of dishes, both traditional and international, is served in the hotels and restaurants. If you have any dietary restrictions, please advise the safari agency in advance.

Health Requirements: Certificates may be required for vaccinations against yellow fever. Check current medical advice on typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. But these diseases are NOT common, so do not feel obliged to spend hundreds of dollars on injections. Malaria risk is general and a prophylaxis should be taken. It is advisable to start anti-malarial medications 10-14 days prior to arrival and continue with the same for 14 days after leaving East Africa.

Language: The official language is English. Kiswahili and Luganda are commonly spoken throughout the country. We actually have over 40 languages in Uganda.

Luggage: Airlines will offer you 20-40kgs, or two pieces of luggage on most flights. It is preferable for you to use soft luggage as space in vehicles is limited. We can arrange the storage of “winter “ clothes that you will not need on safari.

Photography: Though some types of film are available in many of the lodges, it is advisable to bring films and batteries with you or to purchase them in Kampala. A pair of binoculars will prove extremely useful for keen game and bird viewers. There is no charge for photography cameras and personal video recorders, but there may be a charge for commercial cameras in some places. Clients are responsible for any such fee. High-speed film is recommended for gorilla photos and high altitude filters are best for climbers. Check with your photo shop.

Security: Precautions should be taken as in any major city. Unless safety deposit boxes are available in your hotel or lodge, always carry travel documents, travelers Cheques, cash and other valuables with you at all times. We recommend that you do not walk alone late in the night, but instead take a taxi. We can arrange the safe keeping of your passport and ticket in our offices upon request.

Transport: The roads are generally in good condition. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be required for off-road and up-country use, especially in the national parks during the rainy seasons. We maintain a fleet of saloon cars, mini-buses and four-wheel drive vehicles, available on chauffeur driven basis. Self-drive vehicle are available at very high prices and restrictions. Please inquire for further details and tariffs.

An open mind and a sense of adventure is the formula for a happy safari

For more details mail us on info@rwefumasafaris.com