Wondering about the weather in Uganda, what kind of visa you need or if you can do your own laundry? You’ve come to the right place. Check out our most frequently asked questions. If your question is not there, please do not hesitate to contact us.
1. Do I need a Visa?
Most passport holders visiting Uganda require visas, including citizens of the US, Canada, EU, Australia and New Zealand. The process for obtaining visas was moved almost entirely online in July 2016. It’s important to note that visas on arrival are no longer available without online approval first, and this can take up to five days. To apply for your visa, go to the immigration website (www.visas.immigration.go.ug) and follow the instructions. You will have to upload a scan of both your passport photograph page and your yellow-fever certificate, and fill in an application form. Once submitted, you should have your approval notification within three working days. You should print this out and present it at immigration when you arrive in Uganda to get your visa on arrival.When you get your visa on arrival, you’ll need to pay in cash at the immigration desk. Single-entry tourist visas valid for up to 90 days cost US$50; however, do be sure to ask for a 90-day visa, or you’ll probably be given 30 or 60 days. Your yellow-fever certificate may be required again, so bring it with you, though you don’t need to bring a photo. Multiple-entry visas aren’t available on arrival, but it is possible for embassies abroad to issue them (US$100 for six months).
Uganda is one of the countries covered by the East Africa Tourist (EAT) visa, and for those also visiting Kenya and Rwanda on the same trip it is a cheaper alternative. The visa costs US$100, is valid for 90 days and is multiple entry – it is available upon arrival or from embassies abroad. If acquiring the visa before travel, your first port of call must be the country through which you applied for the visa. If Uganda is your first destination, then you have to apply for the EAT visa in a Ugandan embassy abroad – you cannot get it by applying online and then obtaining it on arrival.
2. What’s the weather like?
Jun–Sep The best bet weather-wise: not too hot with minimal rainfall.
Jan–Feb Perfect climate to head for the hills to climb the Rwenzoris or Mt Elgon.
Oct–Nov Can be rainy, but fewer travelers means gorilla permits are much easier to obtain.
3. Do I need to take malaria medication?
We recommend to all our short stay guests to take malaria medication whilst on holiday in Uganda. We further recommend that you take a treatment course home with you, just in case your local hospital does not have the correct medication. Kamu Clinic around the corner from us are open 24 hours and their staff will answer any questions regarding malaria and the medication required.
4. Does Jinja BaseCamp have a restaurant?
Yes we do and it’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 08.00 to 21.00 with last dinner orders taken at 19.00
5. Can I drink the water in Uganda?
This is not advisable so filtered or bottled water is preferred
6. Should I eat salads
At Jinja BaseCamp we wash all our salad ingredients with a mild solution to remove bacteria; check with local restaurants for their policies before deciding to eat fresh greens.
7. Can I get laundry done at Jinja BaseCamp?
Most definitely – we charge $2 for a “pillow case” size of washing.
8. Do the rooms have linen, blankets or towels?
All our beds are fitted with sheets and blankets and apart from the dormitory beds, we offer bathing towels as well. All our beds are covered with large mosquito nets too.
9. Is Jinja safe?
Absolutely; as long as you follow standard traveller’s rules.
10. Can I buy a local sim card for my phone?
Yes this is very straightforward. All you will need is your valid passport as you will need to register the sim card with the service provider of your choice.
11. How far is it from the airport in Entebbe to Jinja?
Roughly 117km, however this will take you approximately 3.5 hours depending on the traffic and your mode of transport selected.
12. How do local taxis work?
There are a number of pick up points in and around Jinja and traditionally these Matatu’s will wait until they are full before leaving Jinja. Travel time can be quite erratic as they tend to stop often en-route to their destination.
13. Is it safe to ride on a boda boda?
This is a tricky question and depends on a number of factors. We generally advise against using a boda boda unless you have your own helmet and are able to instruct the driver to travel at a speed you are comfortable with. They are however very convenient for short distances and are widely used by locals and tourists alike. Travel after dark on a boda boda is not recommended.