Tourism
Q. What the best place to view wildlife in Uganda?
A. Uganda has 10 National Parks and 10 Wildlife Reserves, as well as a number of Sanctuaries, each inhabited with a variety of wildlife that will provide the visitor a memorable experience and leave you yearning for more. For more information, visit the;
Uganda Wildlife Authority Website,
Uganda Tourist Board website , or the
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
Q. How do I access Uganda's Protected Areas?
A. Uganda's network of Protected Areas are all linked to the Capital, Kampala by a good network of roads. You can either drive yourself to any of them, or you can book the services of any the numerous registered Tour Operators. For more information contact the Uganda Tourist Board or the Uganda Wildlife Authority. In addition, a number of National Parks such as Murchison Falls and Kidepo have airfields with scheduled flights or one can charter a plane from Entebbe International Airport.
Q. What is the best season to visit Uganda?
A. Uganda's weather is moderate and pleasant throughout the year, with an average of around 22oC. This makes it possible to visit the country at any time of the year. There are two rainy seasons, one from March to May and the other from October to November. When visiting the Highland areas such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Rwenzori Mountains National Park, it is advisable to carry warm clothing and rain gear, as these areas are quite cold throughout the year.
Q. What health precautions do I need to make before visiting Uganda and Uganda's Protected Areas?
A. You should take malaria prophylaxis before and during your stay in Uganda. It would also be a good precaution to carry insect repellent creams to protect yourself against biting insects, such as mosquitoes and tsetse flies, though health problems due to the latter are minimal and only occasional in some localised areas. Even though Uganda has scored very high success in the battle against HIV/AIDS, visitors are encouraged not to involve themselves in risky sexual behaviours that could expose them to the virus. When in Uganda you are advised to drink bottled water, which is available throughout the country or boiled tap/spring water.
Q. What accommodation facilities are available?
A. There is a wide range of accommodation facilities throughout the country, ranging from plush hotels and lodges to tented camps and traditional Bandas at affordable prices. In most of these basic services including lighting and water are provided. Food can also be got on order, while some of the hotels' and lodges' rates include bed and breakfast.
Q. Do I face any danger from wildlife in Uganda?
A. Cases of wildlife harming visitors or residents are quite rare. When in a Protected Area however, it is advisable to follow the specific regulations governing visitors' conduct in those places. It is for example strongly advisable not to stray away from the regular trails or tracks, or move to close to big game such as elephants, buffaloes or lions, as this may provoke them to attack especially if they are nursing young ones.
Q. How do I communicate in Uganda?
A. English is the official language in Uganda and is widely spoken throughout the country. Other widely spoken languages include Kiswahili and Luganda. There are however many local dialects spoken in different regions of the country. Mobile telephone services cover large areas of the country, with three operators; namely MTN Uganda, CelTel and Uganda Telecom Ltd.
Q. How much does it cost to enter a Protected Area/National Park in Uganda?
A. For the latest rates, visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority Website.
Q. Can I hunt or shoot wildlife in Uganda's National Parks?
A. The law prohibits any form of hunting in Uganda's Protected Areas. There are however a few areas adjacent to Protected Areas where regulated sport hunting is allowed at a fee for a limited quota for specified species each year. For details on this programme, consult the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The programme can however not accommodate many hunters due to the limited areas involved and the fact that it is in a pilot phase. Visitors are free to photograph and film wildlife in the Protected Areas.
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