Guidebooks from Bradt, Spectrum, and Lonely Planet, and a wide range of other books about Uganda, can be purchased at bookstores in Kampala and other country capitols. 

A wide selection of local handicrafts are available as souvenirs. These include musical instruments, such as the hide drums made in the vicinity of Mpigi, as well as excellent local basketwork, paintings, batiks, and pottery.

Tourist hotels and restaurants serve good western-style meals, while a wider range of cuisines are available in capitols and some larger towns. Local restaurants serve Ugandan dishes, typically ugali ( a stiff maize porridge) or matoke ( cooked banana) eaten with stew.

Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist-oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers should always be tipped.

Driving is on the left side. Visitors without experience on African roads are advised to organize a vehicle with a driver rather than drive themselves.

A valid passport is mandatory, and visa requirements should be checked before you travel. To make the most of the game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides. Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or similar). Print film and developing is available in Kampala. Toiletries and other essentials can be purchased in the cities.

Because Uganda is on the equator, temperatures are somewhat steady year-round, but the mid-September to November rains can make temperatures feels cooler. Overall, daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Light layers that can be put on or taken off are best. Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and a waterproof jacket.

Uganda can be visited at any time, though mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rains, which generally peak mid- September to November and March to May.

Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, the official language. Of 30-plus different indigenous languages, Luganda serves something of a lingua franca.

The unit of currency is the Uganda shilling. The U.S. dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference, but euros and pound sterlings are also widely accepted. Hard currency cash can be changed for local currency at banks and private Forex bureaux exchanges in all large towns, but traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala. Local currency can be drawn against visa and other major credit cards at selected ATMs in Kampala, at Entebbe International Airport, and in a few other large towns.

Customs and immigration officials are polite and efficient. Visas may be applied for online prior to your trip. They can also be obtained in person at Entebbe International Airport or at any overland border. Foreign exchange and ATM facilities are available at the airport, which is also serviced by the several shops and restaurants. Local time is GM+3.

Entebbe International Airport, 40 kilometers from the capital Kampala, is serviced by a number of international airlines including SN Brussels, KLM, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, RwandAir Express, Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines. Uganda can be also reached overland from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate or waiver is required for all travellers one year of age and older. The vaccination requirement is imposed by this country for protection against Yellow Fever since the principal mosquito vector Aedes aegypti is present in its territory. There are no other compulsory vaccinations required for Uganda, however, we recommend you consult with your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date recommendations, particularly in regard to malaria prophylactics.

Uganda is still on the horns of a dilemma when it comes to LGBTQ rights. Still illegal, homosexuality is often denounced as a non-Ugandan issue, an import of the West. LGBTQ travellers should practice discretion while touring as conservative beliefs are widespread.

Family visitors can view wildlife on a safari or trekking experience, enjoy a boat cruise, or complete a cultural visit. There is truly something for everyone in the family in Uganda. Adventurous travel awaits people of all ages, although you should be aware that trekking requires a certain level of physical fitness.

Visitors typically pre-book a package prior to arriving in Uganda. This package includes the services of an English-speaking driver-guide and a 4X4 vehicle, which in turn will be their primary mode of transportation. For those short on time and who prefer less driving, there is also the option of flying from the capital city, Kampala, on small aircraft to the local airstrips and returning. The most common forms of transportation are buses and minibuses, which get people between most major towns.

The best time to visit Uganda is between June and September as this is the dry season. However, temperatures are warm year-round due to its proximity to the equator.

A visa is required when travelling to Uganda from the United States and Canada. Currently, you must apply for it online prior to travel as you will be asked for a barcoded email upon arrival. A valid passport is mandatory and must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of expected departure from Uganda.

The currency used throughout the country is the Ugandan shilling. Mastercard and Visa will likely only be accepted in some major hotels and restaurants, however, there can be an additional 5 to 10 percent charge for using your card. ATMs are rare throughout the country, so do take advantage of them in urban areas to get local currency before departing for nature treks.

The official languages of Uganda are English and Swahili. Bantu, Central Sudanic and Nilotic are also widely spoken.