contained in this Web site is intended, solely to provide general information for the personal use of the reader, who accepts full responsibility for its use.

When you are travelling, the laws of the country you are visiting apply to you too. Never assume that because you are a foreigner, you are immune to foreign laws. In fact as soon as you land in the country you are visiting, you are subject to the country's laws, rules and regulations

Airport:

You will arrive by air, landing at Entebbe International Airport or Nairobi if you are visiting Kenya. We shall pick you up from the airport on arrival and drop you back at the end of your visit. We Have good comfortable fully insured buses and 4x4 vans which you will use throughout your visit with Real-Africa Adventures.

Accommodation:

A number of good hotels are available to choose from to suit every budget.
Elsewhere across the country and in the National Parks, hotels and inns are generally available, but quality of service and quantity of rooms vary greatly. We take the utmost care in booking decent Hostels and Lodges for our guests.

All of our prepared itineraries start from Kampala . If you require a pre or post visit Our Accommodation let us know in time.

Airlines:

Various service go to Uganda and Kenya regularly and they include: Air Tanzania, British Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, Inter Air, Kenya Airways, Air Brussels, South African Airways, KLM and more. There are daily connections from Nairobi. There are also several reputable domestic charter companies to choose from.

We are quite flexible about how you choose to get to the country you are visiting Some people prefer to do their own flight bookings but we can make flight arrangements for you if you want us to.

Flights:

Check in early
Get the seats you want by checking in at the earliest time given by the airline. Remember that you can sometimes check in online or at train stations which serve major airports. If you're meeting a friend at check-in, go ahead and check yourself in, then reserve a seat for your travel partner to make sure you can sit next to each other

Hand Luggage:

Keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. On long flights with multiple stopovers (especially if flying via London, L.A. or other major airports), packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags tend to get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don't want to end up stuck without medication, clothes or your important papers even if it is just for a few days

Packing for the flight: Split up your valuable:

bank cards, cash, travellers' cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won't be strapped for cash (unless you have all your bags AND your wallet stolen of course!)

Tags on luggage:
As well as tying luggage tags to the exterior of your bags, stick or tie some inside as well, as an extra precaution

Drinking Water:

We recommend that you do not drink tap water. Most hotels and restaurants provide previously boiled drinking water. Mineral water is also available.

Banking:

Several international banks operate in Kampala including Barclay's bank, Standard Chartered bank and Stanbic bank. Many local banks and foreign exchange bureaus also operate across the country.

Generally the banking hours are 8.30a.m to 4:00p.m - Monday to Friday, though some institutions are open longer hours and on Saturdays. There are no longer restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and currency is easily convertible.

You can change dollars or pounds into local shillings very easily.

We advise English visitors to take pound sterling, as you will get better value on exchange. Travelers cheque's are also acceptable but can sometimes take a lot of time to get exchanged.

Clothing:

Light summer clothing supplemented by a sweater or jacket should be sufficient. Usually dressing is informal. Cotton slacks and flat-heeled comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari. Don't forget to bring a hat for sun protection and a swimsuit. Umbrellas and windbreakers are recommended in the wet seasons. Refer to our list of things to bring found in your booking pack for more information on what to wear.

Credit Cards:

AMEX, Visa and Master Card are only accepted at a few choice establishments and in banks in the cities, You can now use your visa card to draw money from your account in Europe or America. we however advise that you take cash to be on the safe side.

Currency:

The Shilling is the currency used in Uganda and Kenya but some people will take dollars and pounds in cash. The exchange rates vary from time to time but are readily available from banks and Forex bureaus.

Foods:

Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables are plentiful throughout the country. A wide range of dishes, both traditional and international, are served in the hotels and restaurants. We will make sure that you have a variety of good food while on your visit with Real Africa Adventures.

Street Vendors

When buying from a street vendor or marketplace, exercise greater scrutiny. If a vendor's booth is crowded, recommended by locals, has a means of refrigeration, and is open, meaning you can see how clean it is, then it's probably safe to eat there. In some cases, street vendors have achieved the vaulted status of preparing the best-grilled meats, samosas (deep fried vegetable turnovers), roasted corn, or nuts in town.

Safaris

On safari, your meals will be included in your package. Advise us about what you will and will not eat, if you're a vegetarian or have food allergies.

The main complaint on most safaris is that the food is so good travelers end up gaining weight. Don't just stick to the Western-style food served in reputable hotels. Know your region's specialty so you can sample it while there. Uganda and Kenya offer German and Indian,chinese foods as well as great meals made from fresh foods

Health Requirements:

Certificates are required for vaccination against yellow fever. Check current medical advice on typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. It is advisable to start anti-malaria medications 10 days prior to arrival and continue with the same until 14 days after leaving East Africa. Our guests are also encouraged to take make their own insurance arrangements for the time they will be in Africa. You need to consult with your local Doctor for advice on Medication.

● Be smart about malaria:
This is your biggest health risk in Africa, especially south of the Sahara. Rely only on advice from travel health specialists.
● Get immunized:
Stop worrying about nasties like yellow fever and Hepatitis B, by getting the right immunizations. (You may have to show proof of vaccination against certain diseases before you can enter the country.)
● Visit the dentist before you go:
Who needs a lion-size toothache? Bush medicine is one thing, but bush dentistry?
● Protect yourself from insects:
Malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever are transmitted by bug bites. Cover up with clothes, use insect repellent, and sleep under a mosquito net.
● Think before you take a dip:
Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia) is a parasitic-carried disease that you can catch by swimming, bathing, or paddling in fresh water lakes in East Africa.
● Respect the heat:
Take time to acclimatise, drink plenty of bottled water, and take it easy in the heat of the day.
● Bring sturdy footwear:
Sore feet can ruin a trip, and blisters, chafing and other injuries are common causes of major foot infections.
● Be prepared:
A well-stocked, sterile medical kit, including painkillers, blister ointment, and adhesive tape is vital. If you're on an adventure trip, such as river rafting on the River Nile, consider getting basic first aid training first.

We have an understanding with the surgery in Kampala Uganda to be our contact hospital in case of any health emergency for our clients when on a visit to Uganda. The service the Surgery offers us includes emergency and ambulance services if ever need. Please click here bellow for more information

The Surgery Hospital Kampala Uganda

Language:

The official language is English though Swahili and Luganda are commonly spoken throughout in Uganda. Teach your self some basic Luganda and Swahili words which on our website.

Tipping

Our general recommendation is to tip moderately - in accordance with the level and quality of service provided. The following guidelines are generally accepted practice (per person): Safari guide(s) - US $5 -$10 per day; Camp staff - US $3 - $5 per day, as a pooled tip to be shared among the housekeepers, waiters, bartender, etc.; driver/guides - US $2- $5. For porters and waiters at hotels and for taxi drivers in cities, the customary tip is approximately 10%. (Tipping in US$1.00 bills for porters and waiters is greatly appreciated).

The traditional gratuity to safari guides or camp staff is not included in the price of your tour but is completely discretionary.

Beware of unscrupulous people who try to exhort extra payment from unwary passengers just for shuffling their bags around.

Photography:

Though some types of film are available in many of the shops in the cities, it is advisable to bring films and batteries with you. A pair of binoculars will prove extremely useful for the keen game viewer. There is no charge for photography cameras but there may be a charge for video cameras in some places. Commercial filming can be arranged but contact us in good time if you need this service.
● The people you will meet are very friendly and welcoming people but they are extremely sensitive if people take their photograph. We advise that you always ask before you take anyone's picture.
● Pack lots of film: Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, whose natural resources are rapidly depleting so photograph it while you still can. Pack your favourite ASA100, 200, or 400-speed film. Fuji chromes, because of the heightened Japanese cultural sensitivity to colours and quality.
● If you are able to, bring at least two cameras: Blowing sand in harsh desert conditions can severely scratch your lens. Plus, if you lose one camera, you'll have a backup. To protect your equipment at all times.
● Use a zoom-in lens: You won't want to miss close-ups of East Africa's wildlife in its natural habitat. Use 80-400 millimetre lenses with a stabilizing unit built into it if you can.
● Bring a flash: Night drives through game reserves afford some of the best pictures, because that's when many of the large predators are most active.
● Research your destination's culture, history, environment, and geography before you go: You can never know enough. The better you understand a subject, the better you'll be able to capture it in a meaningful way on film.
● Rise early and stay out into early evening: Uganda still run on solar rhythms, so the day begins before dawn, fades in the afternoon, and has a second wind in the evening as things cool off.
● Understand and respect cultures: Not all Ugandans want their pictures taken. For some cultures, it may be against their religion or beliefs so always ask before you shoot.
● Interact with the locals: By gaining their trust, you will be much more likely to capture the photograph you desire. You can also pick up valuable insights on cultural practices.
● Walk: On foot it's easier to meet locals and become involved with cultural activities that you want to photograph.
● Camcorder: You can bring your own own video cameras (or camcorder) to make a lasting record of your trip or Safari experience in Africa. These days you can get small and amazing video cameras. Video cameras make a great and exciting way to record your good memories of Uganda and all your travels.
● Travel lightly: Forget the telephoto lenses and backpacks full of gear. Lots of bulky equipment will slow you down and make photographing a burden.
● Choose hotels wisely: If you travel on your own and not with Real Africa Adventures stay as close to the historical centre, major monuments, or markets that you want to visit as possible. The more you can walk , the greater the chance of getting good pictures.

Security:

Precautions should be taken as in any major city. Unless safety deposit boxes are available in your hotel or lodge, always carry travel documents, travelers cheque's, cash and other valuables with you at all times. We recommend that you do not walk late in the night but instead take a taxi if you have too.

Be Safe/Africa Travel safety

Be aware of your surroundings: Remember that you're a visitor from one of the world's wealthiest countries traveling in one of the poorest places on earth, Travel as lightly and as modestly as possible, without flashy expensive jewellery, gadgets and lots of luggage and bags.
● Don't dangle camera bags or purses on the back of a restaurant chair: You'll invite snatching. Carry only small bags that can be stowed on your lap during dinner or tucked away in your front pants pocket
● Use a waistband pouch: In pouches you can safely stash money, credit cards, a passport, and airline tickets close to your body, where it's less likely to be snatched. If you lose everything else, you can still eat, get home, and fly without difficulty.
● Watch your belongings: Most thieves can snatch in seconds. Store equipment on your lap or in a bag with the strap wrapped around your wrist or ankle. Count your bags as they are loaded onto airport vans.
● Avoid political gatherings or protests: Be smart - even if you're curious, stay away. Both can turn violent quickly.
● Don't walk around at night with your hands full: Heavy bags slow you down and make you unable to react quickly. Check with our staff or a trusted local on the safest way to travel at night.
● Avoid drugs, alcohol, and unprotected sex: Drugs and alcohol hinder your judgment. What's more, unprotected sex - always a serious risk - is a game of Russian roulette in a continent where the AIDS epidemic is at its worst.
● Don't hitchhike: Contrary to advise in some backpacker guidebooks, hitchhiking any African country is a dangerous risk. Only rely on transport recommended or provided by your tour operator or hotel

Safari Safety

Listen to and stay with your guide: Animals living in game reserves are wild and unpredictable.

● Don't panic: If you come face to face with a lion, don't panic and don't scream. The animals are just as scared as you are if caught off guard. Follow instructions from your guide.

● Don't push your driver to get too close for that last great photograph:
● Don't challenge your driver to prove that it's wise to drive through a pride of lions. Any interference with nature can do you and the animal's possible harm.
● Don't offer a bigger tip to cross that line.

● Respect the animals' space: Too many times, the viewers forget that they are the intruders. Stay still and keep the distance instructed by your guide.

● Do not make sudden movements: That can startle a wild animal and charge. Act as your guide advises and keep your movements, slow, controlled, and steady.

Sports Facilities:

There are a variety of sports available in the city centres - squash, golf, tennis, etc. Fishing on Lake Victoria or the Nile River, and White Water Rafting from Bujagali Falls is also popular. Arrangements can be made for these activities depending on individual group interests.

Climate:

Uganda and Kanya enjoy ideal weather conditions ranging from the warmth of the lowlands to the coolness of the highlands. Temperatures range between 21C and 31C all the year around. You will need to check for up-to-date weather conditions in East Africa on some international weather website. Have a look at our links page for more advise on this.

Visas:

All guests to Uganda and Kenya must get entry visas to the respective countries or make necessary arrangements before they leave their home country. Visas are generally available at all entry points including Entebbe airport but you need to have all the documentation to ease the process.

I hope you find these travel tips useful for you trip to Uganda. Welcome to paradise and enjoy your stay

CLICK HERE FOR A LINK TO :
The Immigration Office
Ministry of Internal Affairs-Uganda
www.mofa.go.ug

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