Uganda. (1 Viewer)

[Owene]

Heading to Uganda in a few weeks for my first trip to the tropics or Africa at all. I know a few people here have been including recently.

What is the situation with currency. We were recommended US dollars. Can you get by with that pretty much everywhere (tips etc) or is some local currency also needed.

What’s the situation likely to be for phone signal and recharging things. A few comments on electricity in lodges being off at night and we’re basically birding all day. I saw that Paul largely managed to stay online during his recent visit but wondered if it took a lot of work

kibale is likely to be my first taste of rainforest birding. Any tips on clothing and keeping optics and camera usable.

Sorry. Really am new to all the stuff but very much looking forward to it.

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Uganda is really good. I was there two years ago. I used both US$ and Ugandan currency, so would recommend getting both. They can be useful in different situations.

I got a Ugandan sim card and recall it being quite good in most places. I can't promise it will be everywhere. I don't remember having big problems charging things. Not sure what kind of vehicle you'll be in, but a car charger would be a good idea.

The birding at Kibale was mostly quite easy, with a lot of it being done along the road through the middle of it. I just wore light clothing with legs and sleeves covered. Biting insects weren't a big problem though. It wasn't very rainy or humid when I was there (June/July) and the weather was pretty comfortable, particularly at higher altitudes. As such, I didn't have to take any unusual action to protect my camera.

 

[dwatsonbirder]

I think Andrew has covered most points - it may be worth taking a power bank if you are concerned about charging (can't recall any issues with power cuts/outlet availability when we were there, but quite a while ago now and we didn't stay in lodges).
It may be worth checking if it is cheaper to buy shillings when you are there vs just withdrawing from a cashpoint.
Kibale (and Royal Mile if you are visiting) are easy to bird. When we were there, a good spot was a bridge on the main road which allowed a bit of access and provided a good spot for birds coming in to drink first and last thing. A scope is useful in the forest for birds high in the canopy.
Have a great time, it is a brilliant destination (perhaps my favourite in Africa!).

 

[Owene]

Thank you guys. Very helpful

 

[Steve Babbs]

Second the phonecard thing: I had a good signal more-or-less everywhere. You did have to get it from an office though. I would look into the esim option now - that wasn't an option for me when I was there.

I don't remember ever using US dollars. I used the local currency generally getting money out of an atm. If changing cash, pounds are as easy as dolars.

Are you driving yourself?

 

[Owene]

No it's a tour, will look into the esim

 

[Steve Babbs]

No it's a tour, will look into the esim

Then they should be able to answer any questions but I certainly don't remember any electricity issues or any real problems at all apart some issues we had with our hire car. I would take a rain cover for your camera.