Uganda Travel Facts

The Basics

Country: Uganda

Where is it?: Uganda sits on the equator west of Kenya near Lake Victoria

Why do people go here?: Travelers flock to Uganda for a number of reason. Uganda is home to some of the last families of mountain gorillas – and therefore makes it excellent for gorilla trekking. Furthermore, the source of the Nile River starts near Jinja and is excellent for camping and white water rafting.

What are the main entry points?: Most people enter Uganda through Kampala airport. If you’re coming overland, the best roads are through Kenya via Nairobi

Currency used: Ugandan Shilling

Country Code for Phones: 256

Area codes for Major Cities: Entebbe 42, Jinja 43, Kampala 41

Religion: Roman Catholic 33%, Protestant 33%, Muslim 16%, Animist

Population: 32.7 million

Ethnic Breakdown: Baganda 17%, Ankole 8%, Basoga 8%, Iteso 8%, Bakiga 7%, Langi 6%, Rwanda 6%, Bagisu 5%, Acholi 4%, Lugbara 4%, Batoro 3%, Bunyoro 3%, Alur 2%, Bagwere 2%, Bakonjo 2%, Jopodhola 2%, Karamojong 2%, Rundi 2%, non-African (European, Asian, Arab) 1%, other 8%

Government: Democratic Republic

Languages: English, Luganda, Swahili, Indigenous

Travel Information

Major Cities: Kampala, Jinja

Attractions: Bwindi National Park, Nile River, Kampala

Accommodation: Uganda Hostels

Tourism Office locations and links: Uganda Tourist Board, http://www.visituganda.com/

Tips for Visiting

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Ssese Islands, Lake Albert, Bokora Game Reserve

Health Issues: Bilharzia, Yellow Fever and Malaria

When to go: Like Tanzania, the best times to visit Uganda are from December through February when the weather is dry but cool. The other good time is from July through September.

Common Phrases: English speaking country.

Specific Events/Holidays: January 26: Liberation Day, March 8: Women’s Day, May 1: Labor Day, June 3: Martyrs’s Day, June 9: Heroes Day, June 9: Heroes Day: October 9: Independence Day

Getting Around: Uganda has fairly efficient transportation systems, especially between major towns

Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Uganda is the Entebbe Airport.

Need more information?: Check out the Uganda travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.