Khaman Africa Safaris

Although Uganda’s current political temperature is at fever-pitch, cases of political instability, strikes and uprisings are a rare occasion. Because of the rebel operations in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda is considered to be vulnerable to attack yet cases of terrorism and organized crime are unheard of in the country. 

Also, the increase of police on the streets has reduced reported incidents of crime by half in the Kampala metropolitan area. Despite all the policies and measures put in place by the government to curb crime and guarantee safety, tourists and visitors are encouraged to take safety precautions and also deliberately watch out for their personal belongings especially when in public places. 

Uganda is generally viewed as a safe, secure and politically stable country in the region. 

Kampala Is the capital city of Uganda, and Is also the largest city in the country. Kampala was ranked the 13th fastest growing city in the world, with an annual population growth rate of 4.03% by city mayors. Mercer, a global development consulting agency based in New York recently ranked Kampala the best city to live in, ahead of Kigali and Nairobi. 

Situated in the southern part of the country, north of Lake Victoria, the city was originally built on seven hills but its size has since increased to occupy more hills. The original seven hills are; Kibuli hill, Mengo hill, Kasubi hill, Namirembe hill, Lubaga hill, Nsambya hill and Kampala hill. 

Anyone travelling to Uganda needs to apply for a visa unless they are coming from a visa-exempt country. You can apply for a visa online or you can go to a Uganda embassy in your country of residence. 

Though most people prefer applying for a visa at an embassy, the process is less tasking when you decide to use the online iVisa service. The application process can take an estimated 15 minutes and your visa can arrive in your e-mail inbox within one business day. 

The iVisa service has an excellent support service, you are guaranteed help 24/7. The processing time for a Uganda visa varies from 1 – 4 working days, depending on the cost you are willing to pay from USD 86.50toUSD 150.30.

The nature of your safari or choice tour package should determine the time you decide to visit Uganda. The country’s raised topography makes the climate relatively cool throughout the year. For the best tourism experience, Uganda is divided into seasons; the months of June – August and December – February are considered to be the best time for visiting all the parks. 

The months of June – September are regarded as high season. The months of March-May and October–November are considered ‘low season because of the heavy rainfalls. June–July and January–February have little rainfall, making a great time to explore Uganda. 

The best time to go gorilla trekking is during the year’s main dry season; January–February and June–September. As for game viewing, the best time for the adventure is at the end of the dry season; February–March and September–October when wildlife is concentrated around water sources. 

Birding can be done throughout the year but it is at its peak between November and April when migrant species are present. Also, it is best not to travel to Uganda during the heavy rains of April and May. 

Uganda is a renowned wildlife hub. The country has a massive population of wildlife spread across its national parks, forest reserves, wildlife reserves, and savannahs. Uganda has a population of over; 1062 notable bird species, 364 mammal species, 13 primate species, including a noteworthy population of more than 5000 chimpanzees and 400 mountain gorillas (almost half of the world’s population of these endangered species). 

Besides the innumerable wildlife species, the country has several lakes, rivers, hot springs, waterfalls, forests and mountains. You encounter most of these attractions as you explore the various game parks. Uganda is a marvel of wonders.

In Uganda, mountain gorillas can only be trekked in two parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park situated in south-western region and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also found in the south-Western region.

As of the year 2021, the price of a gorilla trekking permit has been set to 700 dollars per person for foreign non-residents, 600 dollars per person for foreign residents living in Uganda, and 250,000 Uganda shillings per person for Ugandans and other people from the East African community. The activity has a minimum age of 15 years old to be undertaken.

We recommend you book your safari as early as possible; 3 – 6 months in advance to avoid inconveniences that come with late and last minute bookings. During high seasons; July – September and December – January, there is high competition and massive traffic in bookings, one cannot be guaranteed a place. 

You should book early especially if you are travelling during the high season since most safaris sell out ahead of departure dates. 

Generally rated, Uganda is a safe country for tourists but we recommend you take general and personal health precautions. To avoid mosquito bites, we advise you carry a mosquito repellent to use while on your safari and also carry long-sleeved shirts and trousers to wear, especially in the evening. 

Our safari guides ensure that our clients sleep under bed nets during the night. We advise that you carry your assortment of drugs if you have any form of chronic disease. Also, Uganda has standard health centres and hospitals where you can receive medical attention in case of an emergency. 

A typical Uganda safari means encountering the African wildernesses and jungles. As you travel to Uganda, you should consider packing your ‘survival’ kit and assortment of personal necessities. 

The things you could consider carrying include; a hat, rain gear, suntan lotion, mosquito repellent, warm clothing, flash light, toiletries, sandals, swimsuit, hiking boots, camera, binoculars, a basic medical kit, and all items of a personal nature. Also, you can consider carrying enough cash to use for making personal purchases and also to use in case of an emergency. 

You can shop as much as you want while on a Uganda safari. Uganda has all kinds of shopping centres ranging from vast malls to supermarkets, shops and crafts centres. You can purchase; clothes, toiletries, refreshments and everything you need to guarantee you comfort while on your safari. 

A safari to Uganda is incomplete without purchasing a souvenir from any of the crafts shops found in the national parks and various safari destinations. Most of the craft items are made from authentic African fibre and natural materials.