Uganda Facts & Information
Uganda is a charming country known as the Pearl of Africa located in the heart of this vast continent. It forms an East African Community with Kenya and Tanzania, though it is pretty much in the heart of the continent bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west,Rwanda to the south and Sudan in the north. It is relatively small by African standards so travelling distances are not great and it is possible to get from one side of the country to another in a day. Having said that it is about the size of Great Britain and supports a diversity of habitats, from snowcapped mountains to lakes, winding rivers, forested reserves and jungles.
Land
There are majestic mountain ranges - theRwenzoris (Mountains of the Moon) in the west and Mount Elgon in the east. There are many forested parks and reserves, the most famous beingBwindi Impenetrable Forest. Uganda is a landlocked country but it is exceptionally fertile as 25% of the surface area is water. There are lakes galore, the most well-known being Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. It forms the southern border withTanzania and there are a number of islands worth visiting, the most renowned being the Ssese Islands. The source of the Nile is in Jinja as the world's longest river emerges out of Lake Victoria and winds its way northwards.
People, Culture and Language
Uganda has a variety of cultural groups speaking over 30 different languages. The people can be classified into these broad categories: Bantu, Nilotics, Madi-Okoru or the Sudanic speaking, and the Pygmoid (who live mainly isolated in the rainforests of western Uganda). One-third of the population is Roman Catholic, one-third is Protestant, 16 percent is Muslim and 18 percent believe in local religions. There is a proliferation of religious discourses centered on spirits, possession and witchcraft.
Cuisine
Ugandan cuisine consists of traditional and modern cooking styles, practices, foods and dishes, with English, Arab, Asian and especially Indian influences. Most tribes have their own speciality dish or delicacy. Many dishes include vegetables and fruit, such as potatoes, yams, bananas and other tropical fruits. Chicken, fish, beef, goat and mutton are commonly eaten, although among the rural poor meats are consumed less than in other areas. Tea and coffee are popular beverages and important cash crops, served English-style or spiced. Coca-cola, Pepsi and Fanta, as well as traditional and Western beers are widely available. Fermented banana wine is popular, as is Waragi (distilled spirits).
Wildlife
Uganda has 364 species of mammals and 1062 species of birds. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to half the world's remaining mountain gorillas. You can also see these primates in the Mgahinga National Park or across the border in Rwanda's famous Volcanoes National Park. And you can meet chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest . The Wildlife Conservation Society does a lot of conservation work in Uganda, to counter the effects of and try prevent the threats to wildlife such as poaching for bushmeat, illegal timber harvesting, charcoal burning and encroachment for farmland.
Climate
The Equator runs through the country though the average altitude of 1000m provides some relief from heat and humidity. The average temperature is 26°C and summer peaks from December to February. There is rainfall in the south from April to May and again from October to November therefore we advise against travel during these months as getting around can be difficult. The north is wet from April to October but it is largely off the tourist track.
Vaccinations and Malaria
It is recommended that you get vaccinated against the following before your trip: Diphtheria, Malaria (there is considerable risk), Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, HIV in Africa, Meningitis and Tetanus, Tuberkulosis, Typhoid and Rabies. Talk to a specialist travel clinic doctor.
Visas
Visa requirements are constantly changing and so you should refer to the Embassy Website or speak to one of our expert consultants for the latest requirements
