Located at the heart of the African Continent, Uganda is a country truly gifted by nature and well deserves the title of “Pearl of Africa”. Uganda has ten National Parks, 12 wildlife reserves and 14 wildlife sanctuaries. Uganda is best known for viewing the endangered mountain gorilla's, chimpanzees and other primates as well as being home to savannas teeming with wildlife, tropical rainforest's, spectacular waterfalls, shimmering lakes and rivers as well as the glacial peaks of the Rwenzori mountains 'Mountains of the Moon'. Visitors can also travel to the source of the Nile river, visit the serene Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria or go white-river rafting, kayaking, quad-biking or bungee jumping at Bujagali. With a third of the country covered by water including Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, Lake Kyoga, Lake Albert, Lake George and the Nile River; Uganda offers a wonderful opportunity for those keen on sport fishing for Nile Perch. Boasting three separate mountain destinations topping 4000m, Uganda also offers top hiking and climbing possibilities. Experienced mountaineers can be genuinely challenged by a trio of craggy 5000-plus meter glacial peaks of the Rwenzori mountains. Uganda is Africa's most complete birdwatching destination and, with more than 1000 species recorded. These include the Shoebill, Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill and Green Broadbill. Many visitors have found birding to be very rewarding in this country. People The 56 nationalities (tribes) fall into the broad ethnic classifications of Bantu, Nilotics, Nilo-Hermites and Hermites. Time Zone Uganda is located at geographic coordinates 1 00 N, 32 00 E, it is within the East African time zone, which is 3 hours ahead of GMT. Languages English is the official language. Kiswahili is the second official language although not widely spoken. Visa Single entry is $50 and can be obtained before departure or upon arrival at Entebbe Airport. Weather Uganda enjoys one of the best climates in the world. It is sunny and green all year round with two distinct rainy seasons stretching from March to May and from September to November. However rain can occur at any time. Because Uganda is warm, light clothing is advisable. Evenings can be cooler however, so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Medical A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs and carry insect repellent with them. It is advisable to drink bottled water which is available throughout the country, rather than tap water. Currency The Ugandan Shilling is the legal tender. There are no restrictions on money transfers in and out of Uganda. Credit cards are not widely accepted. There are numerous forex bureaux in the main cities. Photography Photography is allowed in all areas apart from airports, military installations and other sensitive areas. Uganda has 220-volt power and the same plugs as in the United Kingdom with three flat prongs. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking For gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, you will need stout boots, long trousers and a long sleeved shirt. Do not wear any army-style camouflage clothing. Also carry rain gear and sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and camera. Children under 15 are not allowed to trek gorillas and children under 12 are not allowed to the chimpanzee trekking. Do not forget Binoculars, camera, sunscreen and a torch.
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