Circuits and trips to Uganda

A passport with a minimum validity of 6 months is required. In addition, Spanish citizens need a visa to enter Uganda. This must be arranged before departure through the website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. The price is 50 USD.

English and Swahili are the predominant languages, but indigenous dialects and languages are still preserved.

Christians are the majority in the country (more than three-quarters), with slightly more Catholics than Protestants. Muslims, Sunnis, represent approximately 12% of the population. Only 1% declare themselves followers of traditional religions.

Traditional customs in Uganda are a reflection of the country's ethnic diversity and rich history. Through their age-old practices, Ugandans preserve their cultural identity and traditional way of life. One of the most deeply rooted customs in Uganda is respect for the elderly. In Ugandan society, the wisdom and experience of the elderly is highly valued, and they are treated with deep respect and consideration. This tradition is manifested in the way younger generations interact with their elders. Another important custom is respect for the land. The land is seen as a gift from nature and is considered sacred in Ugandan culture. Traditional farming practices and connection to the land are central to the way of life of many communities in Uganda. In addition, traditional dress in Uganda is a manifestation of the cultural identity of each ethnic group. The colours, patterns and fabrics used in traditional dress vary by region and ethnicity, and play an important role in expressing identity and cultural pride.

Uganda generally has pleasant weather conditions, due to its altitude above sea level, therefore, average temperatures are between 20-25 degrees and do not reach very hot temperatures. There are usually two rainy seasons during the year, between October and November and between April and May. Tourism and gorilla safaris to Uganda and Rwanda are recommended throughout the year, although the dry seasons are the best period to travel especially due to road conditions.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that it is mandatory to be vaccinated against yellow fever and to be in possession of the corresponding certificate, which can be requested upon entering the country. The best way to do this is to consult with the corresponding doctor. It is always necessary to consult with the International Vaccination Centres (http://www.mscbs.gob.es) which update their recommendations regularly.

The currency in Uganda is the Ugandan shilling. The current exchange rate is: €1 = 4,059.21 Ugandan shillings. Although it is best to check the exact exchange rate at the time of departure. Although it is always better to travel with local currency, it must be said that the use of both the dollar and the euro is widely extended.

There are places that only accept card payments or Mobile Money (basically, you put money in your Ugandan SIM and pay with it). The most widely accepted payment method is VISA, although some places also accept Mastercard.

:The power sockets in Uganda are British type with three prongs. We recommend bringing an adapter. Hotels have power from a generator or solar panel, however, in some small cottages and hotels, the power may sometimes be turned off at night.

Boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) are present in large and small cities as they are the simplest form of subsistence for locals and offer a practical and cheap way to get around. Fares are not usually set, so it will be necessary to haggle over the price before travelling. Bus lines cover routes between the main cities of the country, although their comfort or punctuality cannot always be guaranteed. Depending on the destination and the company, the trip can be more or less satisfactory, although the cost is quite economical. The best option is to hire your own transport before arriving in the country.

Uganda is 1 hour ahead of Spain. (GMT+3).

The specialties that you can eat in Uganda come from a mixture of flavors, which in turn have their origin in Arab, Asian and English culture. Being a predominantly agricultural country, the ingredients of its cuisine are of great quality, hence its typical dishes are very tasty and healthy. We highlight the most traditional and typical dishes of the country such as Matoke, which consists of a stew of chicken and green bananas, seasoned with different spices. To prepare this dish, a puree of bananas is made, which is mixed with chicken and different vegetables; Luwombo, initially this dish was prepared only for royalty, but today it is part of traditional Ugandan cuisine. To prepare it, chicken, goat or beef meat is used, which is cooked slowly in banana leaves, where the special touch is given by the peanut sauce.

Tipping is expected in Uganda and Rwanda. If you are satisfied with the service, you will need to tip your guide at the end of the trip. For gorilla safaris, rangers and porters are expected to be tipped by the entire trekking group, on average USD 10 per person. At hotels and lodges, you can tip staff and porters who help you with your luggage or serve you. We recommend tipping in local currency.