TEDC 2008 KAMPALA-UGANDA

Travel Information

Getting There

Entebbe International Airport, which lies 40km from the capital Kampala, is serviced by a number of international airlines, including SN Brussels, British Airways, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Rwandair Express, Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines. Uganda can also be reached overland from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. Getting to the University is easy, just take a taxi from Entebbe airport and tell the taxi driver where you are going. It will not cost more than $40 to get from the airport to any place in Kampala or around the University or to the hotels in Kampala city area.

On Arrival

Customs and immigration officials are polite and efficient, and a visa - for those who require one - can be purchased on the spot at Entebbe International Airport or at any overland border (for $50 US). Foreign exchange and ATM facilities are available at the airport, which is also serviced by several shops and restaurants. Most midrange to upmarket hotels in Kampala and Entebbe will arrange airport transfers by request, as will any tour operator based in or around the capital.

Money

The unit of currency is the Uganda shilling. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference, but Euro and Pound Sterling are also widely accepted. Hard currency cash can be changed for local currency at banks and private bureaux de change in all large towns, but travellers? cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala. Local currency can be drawn against Visa and other major credit cards at selected ATMs in Kampala, at Entebbe International Airport, and in a few other large towns.

Language

Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, which is the official language. Of 30-plus different indigenous languages, Luganda serves as something of a lingua franca.

What to wear

Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. Don?t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and a waterproof jacket.

What to Bring

A valid passport is mandatory, and visa requirements should be checked before you travel. To make the most of the game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides. Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or similar). Print film and developing is available in Kampala. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.

Driving

Driving is on the left side. Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to organise a vehicle with a driver rather than self-drive.

Tipping

Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist-oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers should always be tipped.

Further information

Uganda: The Bradt Travel Guide is one the most detailed guidebooks in print. Other guidebooks are produced by Lonely Planet, Footprint Guides and Spectrum Guides. The Uganda Tourist Board website (www.visituganda.com) contains information about all tourist attractions and protected areas

Visa Information (IMPORTANT!)

A visa is a clearance permitting an individual to proceed to visit another country. Ugandan visas are issued at the Missions/Embassies abroad and also at the Entry/Exit Points (e.g. Entebbe, Busia, Malaba etc..)

Underlying the Uganda Visa Policy is the principle of reciprocity, that is all countries that require visas for Ugandans are also visa prone in Uganda.

American nationals holding USA passports need an entry visa for Uganda. Naturalized American citizens of Uganda descent need an entry visa for Uganda. Nationals of the countries listed below are exempted from visa requirements for travel to Uganda. They do, however, need to have a current passport issued by their respective countries.

Members of COMESA: Angola, Comoros, Eritrea, Kenya, Malawi Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Others exempted are: Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Jamaica, Lesotho, Malta, Sierra Leone, Singapore Solomon Islands St Vincent & the Grenadines, Tonga, Vanuatu, Italy (Only diplomatic passport holders) and Cyprus.

Single entry visas cost $50 US. You need to have a valid passport. Visa applications can be made at a Uganda embassy in home country or at the points of entry. http://www.immigration.go.ug/visa.htm

Health

A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. It is advisable to drink bottled rather than tap water. Hotels can provide mosquito nets and there are many pharmacies where you can buy anti-malarial pills in case you don?t arrive with some.

Immunization

Yellow fever: Recommended for all travelers. Required for travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas.
Meningococcus: Recommended for all travelers to northern Uganda
Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid: Recommended for all travelers
Polio: One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult
Hepatitis B: For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months
Rabies: For travelers who may have direct contact with animals and may not have access to medical care.
Malaria: Prophylaxis with Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline is recommended for all areas.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given.
Tetanus-diphtheria: Revaccination recommended every 10 years.

For more detailed information, please consult mdtravelhealth or http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1051.html

Accommodations:

There are some hotels near the university with special rates for TEDC:

Hotel Equatorial: $80 for Half Board per day
Grand Imperial Hotel: $90 for Half Board per day
Imperial Royale Hotel: $125 for half Board per day
Makerere University Guest House: $43 for bed and breakfast
College Inn: $35 for bed and breakfast

If you still need accomodation, please choose from this list and email us with: (a) your name (b) your check-in date, (c) the number of nights you will be staying, and (d) if there will be any additional guests with you - and we will book the special rate for you (as you can not currently book your room online).