About Uganda
Click here to see a map of Uganda.Uganda is a safe and friendly country to visit. It is a beautiful country with a lot to offer. Probably the most memorable places to visit are the Bwindi National Park, the Ruwenzori mountains and the Ssese Islands. Bwindi National Park covers 330 sq km, located in the south west of the country. It is home to one of the last remaining habitats of the mountain gorilla, and is home to half of the surviving mountain gorillas in the world. Bwindi National Park is also one of the richest areas in Africa for flora and fauna, containing elephants, the rare giant forest hog and at least 10 species of primate. The mist-covered Ruwenzori Mountains stretch for around 100km. They offer some of the most challenging trekking in East Africa and are one of Uganda's most reputable national parks. At its centre are several permanently snow and glacier-covered mountains; the highest is Mt Stanley, in the middle of the park, at 5109m. The Ssese Islands are a group of 84 islands, which lie off the north-western shores of Lake Victoria. Their inhabitants, the Basese, form a distinct tribal group, with their own language, culture and folklore. They live primarily by catching fish and farming coffee, sweet potato, cassava, yams and bananas. You are able to see a variety of animals here including, monkey, hippo, crocodile and many different types of bird. Other than wildlife viewing, the Ssese Islands are a good place to fish, swim or just lie back in the sun.
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Culture
Uganda's population is made up of a complex and diverse range of tribes. Each tribe has its musical history; songs are passed down from generation to generation. Commonly played instruments are the lyre, harp, amadinda, xylophone and thumb piano. While about two-thirds of the population is Christian, the remaining third still practises animism or follows Islam. The main dish in Uganda cuisine consists of a soft starch, filled with beans or a meat sauce. Main dishes are usually centred on beef, goat or mutton. There is also a wide range of fruits available. Beer is probably the most widely available alcoholic drink across Uganda. Pombe is a locally made fermented banana beer and waragi the local millet-based alcohol.
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Local_Currency
The currency in Uganda is the shilling (USh).It doesn't matter too much where you change your money, however the forex bureaus generally offer better rates than the banks. You'll find forex bureaus at most border posts and in all major cities. For maximum flexibility take most of your money in travellers' cheques and the rest in cash, preferably US dollars, British pounds or South African rand. Credit cards are accepted only at larger hotels and restaurants.
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Transport
The best way to get around Uganda is by share minibuses, there are plenty of them and the fares are fixed. Buses also connect the major towns on a daily basis, but are slower and more expensive than the minibuses. The country has two main railway lines, which are also quite good. If you would prefer to rent your own car, the roads in Uganda are excellent and there are rental car companies based near the airport in Entebbe, and in Kampala and other major towns. Drivers need an international drivers licence and should drive on the left.
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