"Uganda - home to the endangered mountain gorilla." - National Parks in which we operate Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Uganda Country Guide
“Uganda - home to the endangered
mountain gorilla.”
National Parks in which we operate
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Introduction to Uganda Uganda inspires fierce loyalty amongst those fortunate enough to have been there, and with good reason. Uganda safaris offer a great diversity of wildlife, people and landscapes, placing Uganda safaris amongst the richest experiences Africa has to offer. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest located in the South West of the country is characterised by thick tropical rainforest, often shrouded in mist, and is regarded as one of the most biologically diverse forests of Africa. At an altitude of between 1,000 metres and 2,600 metres, it is a true rainforest with 1,500mm of rainfall per annum. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for its mountain gorillas and moreover the incredible privilege of being able to track them. Over half (some 320 mountain gorillas) of the world’s population of mountain gorillas live within Bwindi’s forests. There are three gorilla groups in Buhoma, Northern Bwindi. These are the Mubare Group (M), the Habinyanja Group (H), and the Rushegura Group (R). The Bitukura Group (B) is situated in Ruhija which is a two hour road transfer from Buhoma.
UGANDA
General information
Time zone GMT +3 hours.
Capital city Kampala
Population Estimated 32 million
Currency The local currency is the Uganda Shil-
ling - Ugs. Currency can be exchanged at major
banks and in hotels. Travellers’ cheques are not
a convenient mode of payment in Uganda.
Lake
Credit cards MasterCard and Visa are accepted
Albert in Kampala and ATM machines are available in
the capital Kampala. We suggest you carry suf-
ficient local currency and additional US dollars
to cover the cost of any additional purchases.
At Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp we accept
1 Kajjansi
Kampala Visa, MasterCard or Amex, as well as cash and
travellers cheques. We do not accept Diners
Entebbe card.
SANCTUARY
GORILLA
FOREST CAMP 2
Lake
Victoria Flying times
Bwindi Impenetrable
National Park
1 Kajjansi to Kayonza/ Ishasha Airstrip 1 hr 40 mins
2 Entebbe to Kayonza/ Ishasha Airstrip 1 hr 40 mins
Road transfers
Kayonza Airstrip to Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp 40 mins
Ishasha Airstrip* to Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp 2 hrs
Kampala to Bwindi 10 hrs
Kigali (Rwanda) to Bwindi 6 hrs
* Mainly groups
KAMPALA AVERAGE MAX TEMPERATURE IN ˚C What to pack or memory cards to counter this. Also Baggage Restrictions
DAY NIGHT make sure you are completely familiar
40
For the gorilla track with the workings of your camera • A maximum of 12.5kgs of luggage per person is
30 • It often rains heavily, even in the dry before you observe the gorillas. allowed for light aircraft flights, including hand
season, so a light raincoat will be luggage and camera equipment. It is important
20
useful that you carry soft-sided bags.
10 • Sturdy walking boots with good For the Camp • It is highly recommended that you lock your
ankle support and grip are also • Evening dress is ‘smart casual’, there luggage with a secure padlock. It is also advisable
5
recommended is no formal wear required. We advise that you do NOT pack valuable items in your
0 guests to dress in a way they feel most checked luggage.
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
• A light shoulder bag or small rucksack
AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINFALL (MM) is useful to carry your packed lunch, comfortable.
72 86 163 258 252 117 76 77 76 103 142 119 water bottles, raincoat, camera and • The altitude at Bwindi is just over a
other essentials. Local porters are also mile high. Evenings can get chilly, so it
AVERAGE DAILY HOURS SUNLIGHT
Laundry service
5 6 5 4 4 6 6 5 5 5 5 4 available. is advisable to carry a sweater. For the
• Strong gloves are of enormous help, daytime, light clothes usually suffice. • We offer a complimentary overnight laundry
as you will be hauling yourself uphill service in Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. Please
by grabbing the bushes, and often speak with a member of the camp staff who will
Gorilla Permits sliding downhill on the seat of your be happy to assist you.
pants
A permit must be obtained in advance in order • During the track, wearing a pair of Uganda’s seasons
to track one of the habituated mountain gorilla walking trousers or gaiters will prevent
families in Bwindi. cuts and scratches. There are three main seasons in
• Carry a water-proof plastic bag to Uganda:
A one day tracking permit is currently priced at
wrap your camera and film or memory • December through March
US $500 per person and these remain valid until
cards in This is the hot season
30 June 2013. A member of our team can buy
your permit directly from the Ugandan Wildlife • Flash photography is strictly • April and May
Authority office in cash, please contact us for prohibited as this may upset the The rains begin
more details. Please note only children aged 15 gorillas. Make sure you bring ample • June through November
and above are eligible to trek with gorillas. supplies of high-speed film (400 ASA This is the cooler season
minimum or 800 ASA recommended)
Communication • The international country code for Uganda is +256. • The mobile phone service in Uganda is rather unreliable and signal coverage in rural areas does vary. Electricity • Electricity in Uganda is 240 Volts. If your appliance is not designed for 240 Volts, you can use the adapters that provided at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. • Electrical sockets used in Uganda are the same 3-pin plug used in the United Kingdom. Internet • Complimentary wireless internet access is available for all guests in the main areas of Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.
Passport and Visa Information • Foreign visitors must pay for a visa to enter Uganda. Please visit http:// www.uganda.visahq.com for a full list of nationalities which require visas for entry into Uganda. • Yellow fever vaccination certificate required. • Valid passport and completed immi- gration visa form. The cost of your visa will be: • US$ 50 for single entry/ US$ 200 for multiple entry valid for six months. Health precautions • We advise all travellers to take precautions against malaria and we recommend speaking with your GP or personal physician four to six weeks before departure. • You must ensure all appropriate vac- cinations are up-to-date.
Tipping and gratuities guide
If you enjoyed your stay with us the
guidelines below can be used as a
reference. Tipping is a very personal
matter and it is not included for staff at
our lodges and camps.
Drivers and Guides
US$ 8.00 per person per half day tour
US$ 12.00 per person per full day tour
Rangers and Trackers
Ranger – US$ 15.00 per person per day
Tracker – US$ 8.00 per person per day
General Lodge and Camp Staff
This is at your discretion, but we advise
US$12.00 per person per day and this
will be divided amongst the staff.
Contact details for Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in Uganda
Tel: +254 (0)20 248 7374 • Fax: +254 (0)20 695 0320 Email: uganda@sanctuaryretreats.com
This country guide is intended for advice only, and while every care has been taken to ensure that the descriptions, facts or opinions are accurate, please ensure
you make your own enquiries before travelling. Passports, visas and travel insurance are the traveller’s responsibility.
You can also read
