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Why Go on Holiday in Kampala, Uganda’s Capital

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Kampala City Guide

Tourists visit Uganda for various reasons since she offers a variety of facets that will be of interest for most types of travelers. However, most that come for holidays get limited time to discover the outstanding beauty of the country’s capital, Kampala. Many come with already made travel itineraries that take them direct from the Entebbe International Airport to either Western or Northern Uganda where the country is spectacularly gifted by nature.

Being it that Uganda’s top tourism attractions in Safari Parks are located hundreds of miles away from the only International Airport in the country, if you have enough time for your holiday, you can cool off your flight fatigue by taking a short holiday (1 – 2 days) in the spectacular capital of the ‘Pearl of Africa’. Here is why you should spend some time of your holiday in Kampala.

Easy to Get there

Kampala is just 40 km (about 22 miles) North East of Entebbe International Airport. If you are on a per-arranged travel plan with a travel company, getting to Kampala from the Airport and getting where to stay during your holiday becomes easier. However, if you don’t, you can take a taxi cab from the airport at approximately USD 30.

You can also use public means, the passenger service vans (also locally known as ‘taxis’ or ‘matatus’) at USD 2 – 3. But this can be inconvenient for you if you appear to be a first time user/ visitor. There are also ‘Boda bodas’ (public transport service motorcycles) at around USD 4 – 5 that can deliver you to the exact location of your choice of which some are organized in recommended Companies like Safe Boda, Uber ride e.t.c that you can contact online.

If you feel like driving your self, you can always either pre-book for a self drive Car Hire or an Airport Transfer from as low as USD 35 and USD 40 respectively from any Uganda Car Rental Agency that you can get from the Internet.

Language and Hospitality

Ugandans are ranked among the top hospitable people in Africa

For English speaking tourists, communication is almost no problem in Kampala since English Language is also the official language in the country. Uganda was under the British rule from 1894 till 1962 when she gained her Independence. Kampala being a modern city with at least 8/10 people educated, expect not to worry about language barrier though Luganda is much more widely spoken in the region and is the mother tongue for the vast majority of the Country. Ugandans are also hospitable people, always free to interact with. So you are always assured of a good company.

Money

Although the Uganda shilling is the widely acceptable currency in the region, other international major currencies such as US Dollars, Euro and Pounds can also be received for services like accommodation, car rental, gate entrance at tourist locations and some high end shops & supermarkets. Kampala also has a number of Forex Bureaus such as Unimoni, Umoja, Red Fox among others where you can get change for various currencies.

A lot to see and do

Sports and leisure activities

Are you a fan of sports? Don’t worry about missing your favorite sport be it Golf, Hand Ball, Soccer, Tennis or Snocker among others. You can also catch up with your big matches or events since satellite reception is widely used by a number of pubs alongside plenty of appetizers and beer around to enjoy your favorite sports.

You will not also miss Kampala Events, such as pop concerts and theater shows to provide great entertainment for the whole family.

Kampala has a rich culture and heritage

Buganda Kingdom has a diverse cultural attractions to explore!

The city is strategically positioned in the heart of Buganda, one of the most organized ethnic grouping in Africa. Kampala has seen various traditional rulers of Buganda building palaces in the region that have left behind a stamp the kingdom’s rich culture. As a result, Kampala is soaked in culture and heritage and offers a large number of cultural and historical sites in very short distances from each other making Central Uganda a unique place in the African map of culture and heritage.

These include Kasubi Tombs (the place where Buganda kings remains are kept), King’s Palace (Lubiri), Ndere Centre, Bulange (The Buganda Parliament), Namugongo shrine where Kabaka Mwanga ordered the executing of the popular Uganda Martyrs in the late 1880’s among others.

Quality hotels and accommodation

Hotels and self-catering apartments are widely available in Kampala at very reasonable prices respective of their quality and services. From Five Star Hotels like Serena Hotels, Sheraton to three stars like Protea, Africana alongside other accommodations like Speke resort Munyonyo, Pearl Of Africa Hotel, Kabira Country Club, Mestil Nsambya among others. All these accommodation are recommended for you to enjoy spending your nights going out.

Kampala is an all year round destination

There is no big change in the climatic changes of Kampala year to year. The temperatures are always moderate warm on average of 32C which is excellent for holiday makers from different ends of the world. The weather is always great as it is always neither too wet nor cold.

Alongside that, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained all year round and for example Slum tours in areas such as Bwaise, Kisenyi, Katanga among others. All cultural and historical hot-spots in the region are open all year round, and so nightlife.

Great Nightlife

Kampala Nightlife offers a great moment to complement your daily activities. Evenings will never be boring when you know where to go. Nights out on the town are a ton of fun, since it hosts a number clubs, bars and lounges. These are situated literally door to door each with themed days such such as carribean nights, Campusers nite, Oldies nites, Lady’s nights among others to suit everyone’s taste of music genres. Warm your nights dancing to the latest club and trance anthems or smooth R&B and hip-hop beats.

Historical Sites

You could say that the top reason for staying in Kampala is a combination of all other reasons listed above, but there are a lot of other places to spend your days.

Visit historical sites such as the Uganda Museum, the only Bahai Temple in Africa, Lubaga Catholic & Namirembe Anglican Cathedrals, Kabaka’s Lake (man made lake) that were built by the first missionaries in Uganda among others.

Modern Dining

There is plenty of choice in Kampala when it comes to dining out, as quality restaurants can be found in most parts of the city. There are also a number of restaurants offering local food pastas such as chinese foods .Wine bars and pubs are also popular providing quality brands from both local and international lagers, beers to various popular brands of liquor.

However, plan your outings after getting information beforehand by reading on the Intenet or contacting travel agents for queries.

Planning Your Trip to Uganda Online

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Plan Uganda Trip Online

In the past five years there’s been a radical change globally in how travellers decide and book their travel to Africa. Gone are the days when everyone entrusted everything to a travel agent and tour company. Gone are the days when everyone was happy with a ‘package’ tour. The internet is now allowing people to make their own choices and book independent travel. While this doesn’t mean that the days of the package tour safari are dead it definitely means that people are wanting to create travel options which suit them the best and they’re using the internet to do so.

So, if you’re an independent traveller and looking on the internet to plan your trip to Uganda what are the best sites to go to? We’re here to help!

The first – albeit biased – answer is This is Uganda’s travel section (https://www.thisisuganda.org/travel-guide/) which has hundreds of independent reviews of places to stay, where to go, and what to do while in Uganda. If you want a taster of the array that Uganda has to offer this is the best place to start.

Next, before you decide where you want to go you’ll want to visit the Uganda Tourism Board’s website. This is set up and maintained by an association dedicated to promoting and marketing Uganda’s tourism. Here you can find descriptions of regions and information about Uganda generally: http://www.visituganda.com/.

WikiTravel also has some good, concise and consolidated information when you’re first starting out: http://wikitravel.org/en/Uganda.

As you make decisions about where you want to go check out TripAdvisor. This website is made up of reviews and recommendations/warnings from travellers. While businesses in Uganda are just waking up to the fact that tourists use this site A LOT more are coming online everyday so it’s worth reading reviews of places you’re considering. They also have a number of forums where you can post/read questions:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293840-Uganda-Vacations.html.

As your questions become more specific you’ll be surprised to learn that someone else has already wanted to know the same thing so visit Virtual Tourists Uganda Forum and see what others have already asked. If your question still isn’t answered you can leave it for an answer: http://forum.virtualtourist.com/Uganda-4144-2/forum.html.

If it’s a blog that you’re looking for Uganda Blog has one of the best for tourism. If their recent article on National Geographic picking Uganda as one of the best world trips for 2013 doesn’t persuade you to visit, then nothing will: https://www.ugandablog.com/.

Maybe all this online stuff isn’t for you. Want to go offline and sit in a coffee shop with a travel book in hand? A list of travel books is ready for you in our Next Great Read article: https://www.thisisuganda.org/recommended-reads/.

If you want to take the trouble out of planning your own trip then a tour company is for you. There are a number of reputable ones in Uganda and you can read about how to find one here : How to Choose a Tour Company/.

Weekend Getaway to Murchison Falls National Park

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Murchison Falls of Uganda

If the question is whether a weekend getaway to Murchison is worthwhile – the answer is a definitive ‘yes’. If the question is if you can see all that Murchison Falls Park has to offer in that weekend – the answer is a definitive ‘no’. This shouldn’t discourage you, however from making the trip and your small taste of Murchison will leave you wanting to go back again for a longer excursion.

Kabalega National Park also known as Murchison Falls National Park, is the largest national park in Uganda and contains some of the most magnificent views and wildlife in the country. Murchison Falls is the other draw often called the ‘most spectacular thing that happens to the Nile’ in its 6,700 km journey’. The entire Nile River is squeezed through a gorge 7m (23 ft) wide and makes a wild and awesome plunge 43m (141 ft) to the base below. The Murchison Falls National Park is one of the best destinations not to miss while on a Uganda safari given its amazing attractions and activities.

But how to make the most of just two days? Here’s an itinerary that will let you see and experience the most in just one weekend.

Saturday, Depart Kampala – 6am:
“What’s that now? Before dawn!?” I can already hear the howls of despair from those craving their Saturday morning lie-in. But Murchison awaits! Get out of bed, grab your coffee and get out of Kampala before the traffic ensnares you! Head northwest out of Kampala and you’ll be feeling more awake in no time. The road is good and the scenery calming and beautiful. It will take you approximately three hours to get to Masindi – the jumping off point for most headed into the park.

Saturday, Arrive Masindi – 9am:
Masindi’s a sleepy town and you should make a stop here for petrol, ensure that your spare tyre is in good condition, that you’ve got engine fluids topped up and a stop at the bank or mini-markets for snacks. These things aren’t to be found easily in the park. The park’s roads can be hard on vehicles and flats are not uncommon so be prepared!

Saturday, Drive through the Park – 10am-12pm:
You’re going to be spending most of your time along the Nile which can be a two hour drive from Masindi so get moving! You’ll pay your entrance fee at this side of the park which ranges from $20-$50 (depending on your residency) and a vehicle fee of $6-40 (depending on your vehicle). From there, the drive is gorgeous and you should be on the lookout for baboons, monkeys, birds, warthogs, and other wildlife that routinely cross the road. Be careful in the rainy season as the roads can get muddy and slippery.

Saturday, Arrive at your Lodge, 12.30-1:30pm:
Places to stay are plentiful and I suggest you pick a camp or lodge with a Nile view. Prices are generally in the $100 per night range for a tent or banda but this varies greatly and some lodges also offer campsites. Head straight to your chosen accommodation, check-in and have a bit of lunch. In the dry season you’ll welcome a break from the heat and it’s a good time to regroup and take in the beautiful surroundings after your long car journey.

Sunday, Launch Trip – 2pm:
Leave your lodge in time to get to the Paraa ferry crossing for a relaxing launch trip up the Nile to the base of the Falls. The cost is approximately $20 per person. You’ll spend several hours leisurely meandering up the river and see plenty more wildlife along the way. Massive crocodiles lasing on the banks and hippo herds are a-plenty!

Saturday, Evening – 6pm:
Head back to your camp to watch the sunset over the Nile and put your feet up. Spend some time chatting with friends, enjoying a bonfire, or playing card/board games. On clear nights, after dinner, plan to spend some time stargazing. Remember to order your breakfast early as you’ll be up again before dawn.

Sunday, Morning – 5.30am:
Up and at ‘em! Rise and shine for an early breakfast and to get that coffee into your veins. You need to be in the car and to the Paraa ferry at 6.30am to be the first in line for a 7am crossing. Miss it and you’ll miss the best game viewing on the other side of the Nile! Wondering if your car will make it or want a guide – you can rent a vehicle with driver and guide from the Wild Frontiers office at Paraa for $150 for five hours. The sunrise on the ferry ride is a highlight.

Sunday, Game Drive: 7am-11am:
Four of the big five are in the park so you’ll often see elephants, water buffalo and lions. Leopards are there but a bit more elusive. Add to this the hippos, a crocodile or two, giraffe, kobs, warthogs, more birds than can be counted and by 11am you’ll be exhausted. Make sure you return to the ferry for the 11am crossing.

Sunday, Lunch – 12-1.30pm:
Return to your lodge, pack your bags and store them in the car and have a bite to eat.

Saturday, Drive up to the top of Murchison Falls – 2pm:
There a road that takes you directly to the top of the falls where you can have a meander and take some photos. From there can you get a sense of the height, power and majesty of the Falls. Watch your footing though!

Sunday, Depart – 4pm:
It’s time to head home. Sure, you’ll be exhausted when you get there but you’ll be guaranteed to have more to tell your colleagues on Monday!

For official park fees and tariffs go to: http://www.ugandawildlife.org/

Polo: The Sport of Kings in Uganda

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Polo in Uganda

Polo is a fast-moving, exciting and sometimes dangerous sport that can be traced back over 2000 years to ancient Persia. Referred to as the sport of kings, as well as the king of sports, polo was first used as a training game for the king’s elite guard.  For warlike tribesman, polo was used as a miniature battle, where over 100 men would play to a side. Today, polo continues to have the reputation of being a royal sport and is often associated with prestige and glamour. But the Madhvani family, who introduced the sport into Uganda, wanted to ensure that it is accessible to all.

Each year, the Madvhani family holds an annual tournament in their backyard with over 500 people coming to enjoy the sport. And the scene is incredible. More than just a polo game, the event provides a great day out from Kampala, in the midst of acres of sugar cane where spectators clad in seersucker suits, and elaborate hats gather around the large green polo pitch sipping Pimms and watching the action on the field.

Polo is exhilarating to watch with each player armed with a long wooden mallet that they use as they gallop furiously, and lean precariously off their horses, to hit the ball through the opposing team’s goal. The horses can run as fast as 35 miles per hour and, due to the pace, the chukker (or period of play) ends at seven and half minutes in order that they can be swapped out.  There are four players to a side and a match lasts around 1 hour. After each goal scored, the ends change sides. Goals are scored when a team manages to get the ball through the opposing team’s goal – much like football. The players come from all over East Africa, India as well as Nigeria and Zambia, to enjoy the game. No matter where they come from, all players have one thing in common—they are hungry to win. That hunger is evident as they battle furiously over the ownership of the small, plastic, ball.

As part of making polo accessible to all, the Kakira Nile Polo Club is holding their annual polo tournament on the 24-25 November 2012 and everyone is welcome.  Tickets are now on sale at Prunes (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Prunes/269221023158025?fref=ts) or by calling +256 (0)752422274 or +256 (0) 757622626, or by emailing info@polo.ug, or by visiting www.polo.ug/. A map to the polo grounds can be found below. Like every year, the aim is to create new interest in the sport and allow people, who may not have previously been introduced to polo, to learn more about it. The KNPC also offers regular workshops to provide individuals who are new to the sport the opportunity to try it out.

If you’re interested in attending the 2012 Nile Gold Polo Invitational get your tickets quickly. They are only sold in advance and not available on the day of at the gate. Tickets are 75,000 UGX. Plan to arrive by 10am to find parking and bring a picnic to make the most of the day out. For more details on ticket purchase, or to learn more about polo in Uganda, visit the KNPC website at: http://www.polo.ug/Polo.ug.html

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Car Rental Road Assistance on Self-drive in Uganda

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Car Rental in Uganda

After have reserved your Uganda car rental it’s over from there, a lot you need from your rental company. So from the time of your rental to the pickup of the vehicle driving and drop off you need to remain in contact with your handler. Always when had a car rental for a self-drive, keep in mind to drive around with immediate contact number.

There are many occasion when you need road assistance, and with the rental policy before any road assistance should be acquired, the agency has the responsibility to offer the service. It’s easier to you to get any road assistance across the country, but strangers and local can use this time to exploit you by overcharging and even robbing you in the name of assistance.

Whys should always have a road assistance contact when on a self-drive?

Car rental agencies have contact person across the country and they can recommend these persons to fix anything with the vehicle. The car rental are always kept in a perfect mechanical situation before they’re given out. However, any moving vehicle can get mechanical breakdown and uncertainty challenge and you want to continue with your journey.

We believe that there is nothing which can keep your trip hold no matter what. Should you have any road challenge, then contact your agency for the way forward. Make it a point that whatever happens wrong along the drive with car rental, before continuing should consider first contact your rental agency.

The best way is using a call away number of sending the WhatsApp message. This is as well agreed upon with the rental agreements and it’s for solving road uncertainties.

When do you need the on road car rental assistance services?

When fell into traps of these following, don’t hesitate from contacting for help to ensure that you trip keeps moving.

  • Accidents

In case of any accident and the Vehicle is involved in an accident, is damaged, breaks down or requires repair regardless of cause, you must notify rental agency or handler about the full circumstances immediately.  Then you must not arrange or undertake any repairs or leave the scene of accident before police inspection or without the Operator’s authority. When the vehicle requires repair or replacement, the immediate contact must arrange repairs to the vehicle or arrange a replacement vehicle within a reasonable time frame (24hours), provided that the operator will not be required to repair or replace the vehicle if it was damaged while being operated in a manner which breaches this agreement.

  • Mechanical breakdown

When the vehicle gets a mechanical breakdown, or anything is not functioning well with the vehicle. Let’s the A/C, there is a challenge with breakers, stirring or any mechanical technicality. First contact your road assistance contact and inform about the challenge, some of the challenges are just technical and when communicated can be solved from there and then. But for the case of mechanical breakdown, and you a mechanic, car rental operators always have their own mechanics across the country and it’s just a call away when they have reached you. Don’t arrange any mechanical repair please, contact and get helped.

  • Direction

Sometimes it’s very difficult that you get lost with direction finding and the communication is very poor with the local people. Sometimes the network and online path finders are perfect and giving you wrong directions. Your road assistance though might seem not to be close, but can find a way to help you getting to the right track of driving.

  • Any traffic claims

Road traffic is very disturbing especially with traffic officers who sometimes will stop your car rental and make you responsible for all the faults like receipts with the vehicle. You’re not responsible for solving these challenges, and just get in contacting with your operator to shot this out and let you continue with your drive.

  • You want to make an extension with the rental

You have hired the vehicle for a specified period and during the course of the trip you fill like extending the period of your rental. There is no need to return back, just a message away and continue with your rental drive. Don’t make any extension without notifying your rental agency, there you’re attracting penalties.

  • Car Rental Replacement

In case of mechanical breakdown and the vehicle can’t be repaired in the shortest time to continue on your journey. Then you contact your operator to provide replacement of the car to ensure your trip doesn’t stop. However, for car replacement the rental handler/operator is responsible for the fuel to drop the replacement car and then you also provide the fuel to return the breakdown car. It’s a win-win situation, but the car replacement is processed on within a period of 24 hours from the time the car has been investigated and it can’t be fixed in the shortest time to allow you catch up with your trip.

5 Amazing Stopovers & Attractions for Tourists in Uganda

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Road Trip in Uganda

Many tourists to Uganda book safaris with a few main areas of interest and some can be only experienced with safari stop overs depending on the location and convenience. However, Uganda is one of the beautiful countries in Africa with meaning full safari stops especially for travellers on gorilla safaris and wildlife safaris in national parks. The most famous trip stops include the Uganda Equator, Igongo cultural Museum, Mbarara town and much more that are normally made on day one of your trip on on the last day on the drive back to the start point or agreed point for a drop off.

You may be wondering, how about mother nature calls, are they not made, yes and its another reason for multiple stop especially long drives and transfers. Always feel free to inform your driver in case mother nature calls. All Uganda tour guides are knowledgeable normally get out of their way to fulfill all the requests of the tourists. Once you take a safari in Uganda, your driver guide should be one of first true friends in the country and by so doing you trip will be just awesome

1.The Uganda Equator

This incredible place is found in Kayabwe, Mpigi District. This attraction is located along Masaka Road, in a distance of about 73 kilometers from Kampala the capital city of Uganda. This an interesting area not missed while travelling to the western region a home to most of Uganda’s national parks and attractions. At the Uganda Equator you will see  a line drawn in the middle of the street. And with a monument on both sides that state “Uganda Equator“. Imagine seeing to halves of the world and its feels great to stand and put one feet in the northern hemisphere with the other in the southern hemisphere. You will not find this feeling unless if you make a stop at the Uganda Equator and see it happen.Make it a point to be at the Equator any time soon on your visit to the beautiful country Uganda also known as the Pearl of Africa.

2. Igongo Cultural Museum

Far from allowing the effort of modernization to encroach on culture and tradition, Igongo cultural Museum is located in a 4 hour drive distance from Kampala city and only 12 kilometers from Mbarara town. This Ankole Museum displays the best museum features of the western culture something you have not to miss out during your safari in Uganda. This Museum is set on the ground of former palace of Ankole king and a visit to this place takes close to traditions and life style of the Ankole people.This Museum has gained international fame in the Uganda tourism and its also a great place to have a lunch break and taste the locally cooked delicious meals in Uganda a great experience to give a try  during your stay in Uganda.This is also a good place to relax and chill before proceeding to any destination of interest in western Uganda.

3. Mbarara Town

This is one of the fast growing towns in western Uganda and is another tourism point surounded by multiple tourist attractions including Lake Mburo National Park just close to Mbarara town turns out to be one of most famous attractions as wells ,Igongo Cultural center until now which has dominant regional museum where the past meet the future,Ankole Long Horned Cattle, Kinyankole Culture and much more worth checking out.The town is well developed with lots of hotels, restaurantes , tarmac roads andmany other travel facilities that keep you comfortable in the new place.The people of Mabara are known for their rich culture and lifestyle that their traditional wear known as kinyankole is very elegant to try on any occasion or traditional function.

4. Kampala City

If you are travelling to Uganda  for a safari make sure you spend anight in Kampala and explore the wonderful capital city and if possible would suggest two nights one before the safari and another after.Its amazing to discover the best attractions in Kampala city on a breif city tour within the city center and experience the life of business people in Kampala, night life and much more.

5. The Great Lakes Museum

This is located at Kabale in Western Uganda. This is a great place to take a coffee and learn about the culture of Ugandans. The art pieces display the lifestyle of Uganda highlighting the traditions and culture!

Self Drive Safety Tips for Uganda Visitors

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Self Drive Uganda

Self-driving in Uganda can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and rich wildlife at your own pace. However, it’s important to prioritize safety to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. This article presents essential safety tips to consider when embarking on a self-drive adventure in Uganda.

Familiarize Yourself with Local Driving Laws and Regulations:

Before hitting the road, take the time to understand Uganda’s driving laws and regulations. Familiarize yourself with speed limits, road signs, and other traffic rules. Driving is on the left side of the road in Uganda, so be mindful of this while driving and crossing intersections.

Plan Your Routes and Travel Itinerary:

Plan your routes and travel itinerary in advance to have a clear idea of the roads you’ll be taking. Research the condition of the roads, particularly in remote areas, to anticipate any challenges or potential hazards. Consider carrying a physical map or using reliable navigation apps for guidance.

Drive During Daylight Hours

Whenever possible, try to drive during daylight hours. Ugandan roads can be unpredictable, and poor lighting conditions at night can increase the risk of accidents. If you must drive at night, ensure your headlights are in excellent working condition and drive at reduced speeds with heightened caution.

Choose a Reliable Rental Vehicle

Selecting a reliable Uganda car rental is crucial for a safe self-drive experience. Opt for a reputable car rental company that offers well-maintained vehicles with comprehensive insurance coverage. Check the vehicle’s condition thoroughly before accepting it, ensuring that all safety features are in place.

Be Alert and Defensive:

Maintain a high level of attentiveness and stay vigilant while driving. Be aware of other vehicles, pedestrians, and wildlife on the roads. Use your mirrors frequently, signal lane changes in advance, and always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Adopt a defensive driving approach to anticipate and avoid potential hazards.

Obtain a Valid International Driving Permit (IDP):

To legally drive in Uganda, you must possess an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national driver’s license. This permit, available in your home country, translates your license information into different languages, making it easier for local authorities to understand.

Be Mindful of Wildlife:

Uganda is renowned for its diverse wildlife, and encounters with animals on the road are common, especially in national parks and rural areas. Pay attention to road signs indicating animal crossings and adhere to speed limits. Slow down when approaching wildlife and give them plenty of space, as they can be unpredictable.

Maintain Regular Communication:

Before embarking on your self-drive journey, inform someone reliable about your travel plans, including the routes and estimated arrival times. Stay in regular communication with your emergency contact, providing updates on your progress. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, they can assist or alert the authorities if needed.

Prepare an Emergency Kit:

Create an emergency kit that includes essential items such as a spare tire, jack, wrench, first aid supplies, flashlight, and a reflective warning triangle. Additionally, carry extra food, water, and warm clothing, especially if you’re venturing into remote areas where assistance may be limited.

Stay Updated on Security Conditions:

Keep yourself informed about the current security conditions in Uganda, particularly in regions you plan to visit. Stay updated on travel advisories issued by your home country and local authorities. Avoid areas with political unrest or high crime rates and follow the guidance provided by reliable sources.

Self-driving in Uganda can be a remarkable adventure, allowing you to explore the country’s natural beauty and cultural treasures. By following these essential safety tips, you can ensure a secure and enjoyable experience on the roads. Remember to prioritize caution, be respectful of local driving laws, and always stay prepared for any situation that may arise. Safe travels!

So when you plan a self drive trip in Uganda mind following the above safety tips so that you can have a perfect holiday through the Pearl of Africa.

4 Unexpected Uganda Safari Expenses to Avoid

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Exploring Uganda

When planning for a Uganda safari or any vacation, expect to incur some holiday expenses. Not to be taken unaware, you must plan for them earlier than the actual date of visiting Uganda for a holiday. Often travelers make up their mind to visit the destination on a budget and whatever they do should be within their wallet size, but there are also unexpected expenses that come your way.

The common unexpected expenses that you can avoid on a Uganda safari 2023

Tipping expenses

There are many reasons why travelers choose to tip someone while on a safari, and most importantly, because of the excellent service rendered. It is not a must-do thing to tip but one does it from his or her heart. When planning for a gorilla safari or wildlife tour to Uganda, you should have a budget that caters for all tipping expenses.

You can tip an individual or if they are many, there is tipping box where all visitors can put their tips and later, the service providers can divide it amongst themselves. On a gorilla tour or wildlife safari for instance, you can be accompanied by an experienced guide and back in the accommodation, there are waiters and waitresses to offer you service till the day you leave.

The impact your tip creates may not be visible, but leaves a smile in most of the workers’ faces and their families. Most of the staff or porters earn little and considering the high expenses on basic needs, what you tip is used to meet a number of costs. When tipping, it is always wise to be mindful of your budget and stick to it, it should guide you.

Lost luggage expenses

Luggage getting lost is unavoidable, especially on connecting flights. This comes at a cost of purchasing new items if you packed them in one suitcase and it gets lost. You can carry at least a pair of clothes or more that can last you at least two days or more.

Expenses on alcohol

On a safari in a destination like Uganda, you won’t allow to watch others buy some drinks. You will have a variety to purchase, but before you commit yourself, first, get to know how much the drink you plan to buy costs. The prices differ for drinks or items depending on the location you will be buying them from. The price of a bottle of beer or wine in Kampala/Entebbe is not the same as the rate if you bought the same item from up country or if you purchased it from the supermarket. Before you purchase anything, make sure that what you are buying is within your budget size.

Forex Exchange rates

When search online the current Forex Exchange rate, often it shows you a bit higher rate than the actual one on the market. Exchanging your foreign currency to Ugandan shilling is vital because it makes it easier for you to do shopping or to clear some expenses in the destination. Before visiting any forex bureau, first, know that small-dollar denominations attract the lowest rate compared to bigger bills.

Also, banks often have the lowest exchange rate compared to if you exchanged with forex bureau out.  There are forex exchange points in Entebbe or Kampala, and don’t be on a hurry, take time and cross check with 2-3 points to see if you can get the one that offers the higher rate. Check the dollar edition before visiting the bank or forex bureau –the 2009 dollar editions for instance can attract the lowest bills or the company can refuse them.

Wedding Cakes in Uganda: All You Need to Know

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Wedding Cakes in Uganda

Cakes are big business in Kampala and the definitive article at ceremonies. Not just for those who make them, but also for those who consume them. There are those who believe regardless of the ceremony, be it a graduation or birthday party, the cake must be glamorous or else there will be whispers in the corridors about how one is a cheapskate.

Kampala weekends offer the observer an opportunity to see how the denizens want their cakes to appear. It is about groups making countless trips to confectioners or window-shopping for the next big mukolo (party). There are inquiries about size of party, how many guests do you expect at your wedding, when shall it be held, do you want to keep for only two weeks or do you want to store it in the freezer for many months?

For Susan Gumisiriza, proprietor of Delicacies Limited in Lweza, cake making is a full-time business. “I am involved in other pursuits like interior design, but the cakes take most of my time,” she says. Gumisiriza says she is always making one cake or more on any given day.

Kampala’s brides also tend to want their cakes in an assortment of shapes. This trend is seen more with introduction cakes. The introduction is known as Kwanjula in Central Uganda and Kuhingira in the West. This is largely considered the most important part of the marriage ceremony because that is when the two families formally make a pact for the bride and groom. Introductions are where bride price and parents’ signatures are exchanged. All this requires that the cake be as symbolic as possible.

“I have been asked to make cakes in the shape of the local traditional earthenware pots (common in rural Uganda), but most of those orders have come in for the pre-wedding introduction ceremony,” Gumisirza says. “At the introduction, I have been asked to make cakes in the shape of a saucepan on three stones, symbolizing the traditional role of the woman in the home. It means the bride is ready to take on her role as the homemaker. Since the attention is on the cake for its central position at parties, it is considered the most important statement be represented in it.”

Winnie Bagonza, another confectioner of considerable experience, expresses the same sentiment. Bagonza, though not very active today, says she made cakes for many Ugandans who wanted different aspects of their lives expressed in the cakes they would serve at their weddings. “It is not surprising for a bride to come around asking for a cake in the shape of a car or a house; if that’s what they want, regardless of the cost, we made them,” she recalls.

Word about cakes gets around fast. For Gumisirza, it has been word-of-mouth that has got her the business. Since her practice is only starting out, she says all she does is give out her number to interested people who then recommend her. “When I make a cake, I do it knowing my next job will depend on how well I satisfy my clients,” she notes.

Cake makers are busiest at the end of the year in Kampala. From October to December, there are many weddings and graduation parties, according to those in the business. “Even birthday parties seem to increase around this period,” Peruth Mulindwa of Devine Cakes says.

Gumisiriza says she makes deliveries on order, though she will do it as part of the package depending on the size of the job. “For big cakes, I will drive out to the function and handle the preparation,” says. This is in part to prevent spoilage by people who might not know how to handle a large expensive work of art.

Even when prices of raw materials go up, Gumisiriza says she has to keep within the range of prices that her customers are used to. Any erratic price hikes and she knows she might lose her clientele. “I charge 50,000 UGX or 80,000 UGX for the very small cakes but I can also make cakes for prices ranging from 120,000 UGX to 160,000 UGX,” she says. In any case, there are many people in the business seeing as the demand in Kampala is as constant as it’s love for parties.

An Insight Into Ugandan Traditional Weddings

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Buganda Wedding

Every tribe has a unique culture and this applies especially to the traditional Ugandan weddings of each. Here’s an insider’s look at the unique traditional wedding ceremonies of the Acholi and the Baganda.

Acholi Culture

In the Acholi culture, the traditional wedding takes two days. The first day is occupied with cooking as the bride-to-be and her family spend hours cooking and decorating the compound. The action begins in the night with the arrival of the groom and his entourage. He finds the compound dark and he and his entourage are required to bring along a couple of lamps to ‘light the way’. When he gets to the house of his intended bride, he is not allowed to enter it standing up right. He and his company must enter the house on their knees. They have come to ask for a young lady’s hand in marriage after all!

During this entrance and negotiations, the bride is seated with her entourage in a corner of the house in view of her suitor. She does have contact with him while the negotiations are going on with her elders.

After the negotiations have been successful the lights will be put on and the real celebrations begin. All the preparations of the day will pay off as everyone- the hosts and the guests – enjoy the meal that has been prepared. These parties can go on until the next morning even after the groom and his party has left. The bride remains behind as the ceremony continues the next day.

At around midday the following day, the groom and his party will come back to publicly and officially claim his bride. The bride is no longer in hiding as she and her entourage will be paraded before her suitor so he can confirm this is who he paid for the night before. Only then will she be handed over to him as his wife.

Baganda Wedding

The Baganda traditional weddings, on the other hand, start with the parading of the bride-to-be. After the groom has identified his bride then negotiations may begin. In this culture however, the groom does not participate in negotiating the bride price. His elders will finalise the negotiations and he will be informed that he has been accepted only after it is done.

 

One similarity in both tribes is the bride’s wardrobe changes. She can wear as many different outfits as she wants but mostly changes each time she comes out to meet with her guests. While changing outfit is not mandatory it is preferred in both tribes and gives the bride-to-be and her family a sense of pride and chance to show off her beauty. Some brides may change outfits up to five times, while others may choose not to change at all. Some brides also require their entourage to change but other do not.

The end result in both cultures is a grand feast after successful negotiation. At times, the negotiations are unsuccessful and the groom and his entourage have to leave without his sobbing bride. This is rare and only happens as a result of miscommunication at the outset. Usually, there is negotiation between the families related to the bride price prior to the actual ceremony in order to make sure that both parties are well prepared. Failure to reach an understanding during the traditional ceremony is like a modern wedding being stopped half way through right before the couple can be pronounced husband and wife!

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