6-Day Busoga and Buganda Kingdoms Tour with Source of the Nile

• A valid passport and visa are required. Check before you travel for any changes.
• Visas are issued online, at Ugandan missions abroad, or on arrival. Confirm exemptions before travelling.
• Visa fees:
  1. Student Visa: $50
  2. Single Entry Visa: Click here for more information.
• The national carrier, Uganda Airlines, has connections within the African region and to Dubai.
• Direct flights are available from Europe: Brussels, Turkish Airlines, and KLM offer direct flights, with Emirates being the major link to the East.
• There are no direct flights from America, but connections are available through code-sharing airlines from Europe and South Africa.
• The only direct flights between Uganda and other African countries are operated by Uganda Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Egypt Air, Kenya Airways, and Rwandair.
• Fly Uganda, Eagle Air, and Aerolink offer scheduled and charter internal flights within the country, including to national parks.
• Most major routes are paved, with the new Express Highway linking Entebbe International Airport to the capital, Kampala.
• A four-wheel drive is recommended for rural areas. The speed limit is 80 kph (50 mph) or 100 kph (62 mph) on highways.
• While some major roads are paved, most minor and side roads are unpaved and can be bumpy and pot-holed, so drive with caution, especially in the rainy season.
• The quality of roads varies and radiates from Kampala, although the network is sparse in the north. Always keep vehicle doors locked and valuables out of sight.
• A passenger ferry links Nakiwogo Dock, south of Entebbe, to Lutoboka on Bugala in the Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria.
• A free vehicle ferry runs from Bukakata, 40 km (25 miles) east of Masaka, to Bugala.
• Lake taxis also connect some of the other islands.
• The faster MV Vanesa operates weekend passenger cruise services between Entebbe Marina and Kalangala in the Ssese Islands. Always ensure boats have life jackets before setting off.
• The official language is English. Kiswahili and Luganda are also commonly spoken.
• There are over 40 dialects from various linguistic groups, including Bantu, Luo, Hamites, and Nilo-Hamites.

Luganda Basics:

• Hello: Jebale
• Thank You: Webale
• How much money?: Cente mekka?
• No: Nedda
• Yes: Yea
• Please: Kwegayiridde
• Sorry: Nsonyuwa
• How are you?: Olyitya
• I'm fine: Jendi
• I don't understand: Sikutegera
• Water: Amazi
• Tea: Chai
• Coffee: Kaawa
• Beer: Mwenge
• Goodbye: Weraba
• The currency of Uganda is the Uganda Shilling, with denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 notes. Coins are available in smaller denominations of 50, 100, 200, and 500.
• All major currencies are accepted, with the US dollar being the most common.
• Money can be exchanged at forex bureaus in all large towns, with better rates often found in the capital. Cash or travellers' checks can be exchanged, although travellers' checks are uncommon outside the capital.
• Major hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets accept credit card payments. It is advisable for travellers to bring sufficient US dollars in cash for emergencies. Higher denomination bills usually yield better exchange rates than smaller notes.
• Banking Hours: Generally, Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 16:00, and Saturday from 09:00 to 12:00. Forex bureaus usually remain open until 17:00, with some open later and able to conduct electronic transfers to and from overseas.
• Most banks have ATMs that accept Visa, Mastercard, and Eurocard, located also at the main Entebbe Airport and major towns. You may be limited to a maximum daily withdrawal of $800, depending on your settings.
• Larger denominations fetch better rates. Forex bureaus often offer better rates than banks and usually have longer hours. Note that most financial institutions do not accept older notes. There is no limit on the amount of cash you can bring into the country.
• Goods coming into the country will only attract taxes if they exceed $300. Certain goods may be subject to restrictions, such as untreated wood crafts and foodstuffs which may contain disease organisms.
• Drones are restricted in the country and require prior clearance. Check with the Civil Aviation Authority at least three weeks in advance if you wish to bring one along.
• Handcrafts can be found at the outdoor crafts market at Buganda Road and the National Theatre crafts villages, Entebbe Crafts Market, Kampala Crafts, Banana Boat, and the Uganda Community Tourism Association, as well as several other markets in major cities.
• Modern indoor/outdoor malls in Kampala offer all the essentials. Major supermarkets include Acacia Mall, Game Stores, Carrefour, Capital Shoppers, Village Mall, Acacia Mall, and Freedom City.
• Various sporting facilities exist within the major cities for golf, football, cricket, tennis, and rugby, including golf clubs, Lugogo Cricket Oval, MTN Arena, Kampala Club, Kyadondo Rugby Club, Legends, and Mandela National Stadium at Nambole.
• Join the famous Hash Harriers running group for a healthy way to tour the city.
• The most luxurious hotels, often used by business travellers and upscale tourists, have prices set in dollars.
• There are also several mid-range hotels and budget accommodations, including homestays and Airbnb options.
• Nightlife varies from sublime to vibrant. In Kampala and larger towns, discos are popular.
• Notable nightclubs and hangouts include Illusions, Guvnor, Cayenne, Kampala Casino, Equator Pub, Sheraton, Panamera, Riders, and several others.
• Cinemas featuring blockbuster movies can be found at Oasis Mall and Acacia Mall in Kampala.
• A wide range of international and local restaurants is available, including Chinese, Lebanese, Ugandan, Indian, Italian, Ethiopian, French, Continental, Thai, Belgian, and Irish, as well as popular fast-food outlets like KFC and Pizza Hut.
• Traditional foods include millet (kal), ugali or posho (cornbread), or matooke (steamed bananas) served with a stew of groundnuts (peanuts), beans, chicken, fresh or smoked fish, beef, goat, or mutton. Don't miss Uganda's popular fast food known as 'Rolex' (fried omelette wrap) or 'Luwombo' (stew of chicken, beef, or groundnut sauce wrapped in banana leaves).
• Vegetarian options are available, although advance notice is often required outside major towns. Uganda's Indian and Chinese restaurants generally offer a selection of vegetarian dishes. Traditional snacks include samosas (made from minced meat or vegetables), mandazi (doughnuts), or pancakes made from apple bananas, locally known as 'mwemvu.'
• Major restaurants and bars offer comprehensive wine and beverage lists to complement your meal. The most popular beers in Uganda include Nile Special, Bell, Club, Tusker, and Castle, while Uganda Waragi is the country's signature gin.
• Tipping is appreciated; it is customary to tip 5 to 10% at tourist-oriented restaurants.
• Uganda is home to several tropical fruits, including passion fruits, tree tomatoes, mangoes, oranges, watermelons, papayas, and jackfruit (locally known as 'fene'). Uganda's pineapples are reputed to be the tastiest and largest in the world.
• There are numerous fruit markets within the cities and along major highways where you can find great bargains. Juice bars selling pure organic juice are becoming increasingly popular.
• Cafés have become trendy in the last twenty years, with Ugandan brew masters winning several international awards.
• Ugandan coffee is typically brewed from the native Robusta variety and Arabica from the slopes of Mount Elgon to the Albertine Rift, including regions like Bwindi in the southwestern region and Paidha and Erussi in West Nile.
• Some popular coffee houses include Cafesarie, Coffee at Last, Javas, Imara Coffee, and Gorilla Conservation Coffee.
• Good medical facilities are available in the country. However, check with your physician regarding routine vaccines before your trip, such as malaria and yellow fever prophylaxes. Travel insurance is recommended before arrival.
• It is only recommended to drink boiled or bottled water. Most hotels provide bottled water in their rooms, as tap water is not advisable. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled; powdered or tinned milk is available and recommended.
• Avoid dairy products likely made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked, and fruit should be peeled. Remember to observe standard operating procedures (SoPs).
• Any time is suitable, though mountain hikes, gorilla tracking, and forest walks can be more challenging during the rains.
• Uganda has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 21-25°C (70-77°F) throughout the year.
• Daytime temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F) in certain areas. Uganda experiences two rainy seasons, from March to May and September to November.
• The electrical sockets are Type G (British BS-1363), with a voltage of 220-240 volts.
• Plug adapters are needed for non-compatible plugs, and converters may be needed for certain appliances.
• Wi-Fi is available in upscale hotels, restaurants, and some public areas.
• Local SIM cards can be purchased from MTN and Airtel. A valid passport is required for purchase, and they come with cheap and affordable data plans.
• Police: 112, 999
• Ambulance: 112, 999
• Fire Brigade: 999
• Uganda is a cultural melting pot with over 30 indigenous languages.
• The rich history of Uganda includes ancient inhabitants through to the modern Bantu kingdoms, each contributing to the cultural landscape.