Uganda Facts and Planning

Uganda’s original boundaries were created by Britain but was never colonized because the monarchy system worked so well Britain didn’t think it was necessary. Instead, Britain made it a Protectorate and grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different politics and culture. Because of these differences, it was not possible to establish a working political community after independence in 1962. Along came the regime (1971-1979) of dictator Idi Amin, a person responsible for the deaths of over 300,000 Ugandans in eight years. This was followed by a guerrilla war and human rights abuses under Milton Obote which claimed at least another 100,000 lives.

Uganda is now a shining example of how economy should be in Africa and how to turn a country around. It has substantial natural resources. Coffee accounts for the bulk of export revenues, and agriculture is the most important part of the economy (Uganda has extremely fertile soil) in this densely populated country. Over 80% of Uganda is subsistence farming.

Now for the all-important Uganda/Rwanda planning:

Air? We flew United, Chicago to London, and then turned in American Airlines miles to get free British Airways Business Class tickets from London to Entebbe. Tip: try to use miles accumulated on different airlines for these portions – especially if you can wangle Business Class (the only way we can afford to fly Business Class)….

Visas? Must have a Uganda visa. Didn’t need a Rwandan visa. How to obtain one? Could use a visa service like Zierer, contact the Uganda Consulate and handle via mail or do it the easy way (for us)…get the visa upon arrival at the airport in Entebbe. Always double-check — Visa requirements are constantly changing. There was a chance that Uganda wouldn’t issue the multiple-entry Visa we needed upon entry in Entebbe and, if so, we would have to pay an additional $30 fee when re-entering Uganda back from Rwanda.

Travel Insurance? Some don’t buy travel insurance, we do…just in case. These trips are too expensive to risk losing money if any issues arise. We usually purchase travel insurance through Travel Guard ..

Health? I always check the Centers for Disease Control updates to see what they suggest. Malaria pills for this trip. Our drug of choice is Lariam (Mefloquine is the generic). (We prefer the once-a-week Lariam to the once-a-day Malarone - but it’s your decision.). We also needed a Yellow Fever vaccination (you must show proof of vaccination), and this vaccine is only administered at designated yellow fever vaccination centers. Use this link to Vaccination Clinics near you. Happily, Yellow Fever vaccine is good for 10 years. Tetanus booster (we keep ours up-to-date religiously), and Hep A for inoculations. Bring your personal “drugs of choice.” Boiled or bottled water would be available throughout but we also bring iodine tablets for emergency situations.

Equipment? Cameras! I only have a lightweight digital which definitely would not do a great job photographing game. This trip required my heavy 35mm SLR Minolta, extra telephoto lens and regular 35mm film. Heavy, but necessary.

Clothing? With the exception of Gorilla trekking, it would be hot. Shorts, t-shirts and sandals everyday….casual in the evenings. For Rwanda Gorilla trekking, we needed rain gear, gaiters, lightweight gloves, heavy-duty pants, good hiking boots (or sturdy footwear) and our hiking poles. (More description on the Rwanda page.)

What was included?

- Hotels and luxury tented camps with all meals

- All land transportation

- Two gorilla trekking permits per person

- All game-viewing and sightseeing

- Airport transfers

Optional tipping, visa fees, and other personal expenses were not included.

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