Discover Joy in Every Journey with Umucho Tours – Where Adventure Meets Happiness!
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Uganda's cultural diversity with our customized cultural tours. Explore local communities, including the distinctive cultures of the Batwa Pygmies and Karamojong, for an authentic and enriching cultural experience.
Embark on captivating Wild Safaris & Nature Walks that bring you closer to the wonders of the natural world. Our curated trails unfold within the pristine landscapes of national parks and associated protected areas, promising an immersive adventure amid the untamed beauty of the wilderness.
Explore Conservation Travel in Africa. Our core mission is to deliver immersive and environmentally conscious travel experiences. We're dedicated to leading the way in sustainable tourism and raising awareness for a range of vital conservation initiatives..
Combine your passion for traveling with the opportunity to give back to the communities you visit. It's a fantastic way to support various organizations, providing them with valuable assistance, while also fostering meaningful connections and leaving a positive impact. Explore a wide range of volunteering opportunities with us.
At Umucho, we hold the belief that traveling is more than just going from one place to another–it’s about embracing new experiences, some of which are often overlooked. From encountering wildlife and engaging with local communities to immersing yourself in diverse cultures and the beauty of the surrounding nature, our goal is to redefine your travel experience. Your time with us promises not only cherished memories but also a transformative journey through the wonders of African landscapes.
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Experience the ultimate in travel flexibility and customization with our exclusive tour packages! Each of our offerings is fully adaptable, ensuring that your African adventure is tailored precisely to your preferences and needs. Whether it’s adjusting to the number of travelers in your group or selecting your preferred accommodation tier, we are dedicated to crafting the perfect itinerary for you. The pricing of our tours is as unique as your journey, varying based on group size and chosen luxury level. We invite you to contact us without delay to begin arranging an unforgettable African escapade that’s just right for you. Let’s make your dream trip a reality!
We go beyond typical wildlife safaris to offer captivating hands-on experiences. Our activities are rooted in fostering environmental, social, and economic transformation. We understand that travel is a journey of learning, enjoyment, and the creation of lasting memories.
Our team consists of skilled travel agents and tour guides, with 5 years of experience in the field.
All our packages are budget-friendly and can be further customized to match your preferences.
We provide round-the-clock support in case you require any assistance.
We provide answers to the most commonly asked travel questions.
Embarking on a Uganda Safari amid the COVID-19 era ensures one of the safest journeys to Africa. The vast open savannah plains and dense rainforest jungles offer a refuge from human crowds, allowing travelers to breathe in the fresh, untamed air. The Ugandan government has been exemplary in maintaining a pandemic-free environment while keeping its doors open to tourism.
Our commitment to safety is paramount. Our on-site coordinators comprehend the risks associated with operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have standardized their procedures based on guidelines from the Government of Uganda (GoU), Ministry of Health (MoH), and World Health Organization (WHO). These measures aim to safeguard travelers, tour managers, and the remarkable wildlife encountered at the attractions.
During your journey, you will be exclusively accommodated in Covid-compliant lodges meticulously vetted and approved by our on-site coordinators. Traveling in a safari vehicle designed for up to 6 people ensures ample space between seats, promoting social distancing. Upon arrival, your tour manager will provide a comprehensive briefing on safari protocols, emphasizing minimal contact. As an extra precaution, a complimentary branded mask and sanitizer bottle will be provided.
For detailed guidelines, please refer to the Uganda Wildlife Authority Guidelines, and stay informed about Uganda's COVID-19 status through covid19.gou.go.ug/cov
Your safety and well-being remain our top priority throughout this extraordinary adventure.
The optimal time for wildlife watching excursions in Uganda is during the drier months, spanning from June to August and December to February, coinciding with plentiful sunshine. This period ensures ideal conditions for observing the diverse wildlife that graces the landscape. In contrast, the wetter months carry the risk of rain impeding road access and affecting primate trekking adventures. Primate walks through the lush forests are integral to any Uganda safari. Given the inherent moisture in rainforest habitats, encountering rain is inevitable. However, it's worth noting that, after a substantial downpour, the skies often clear, unveiling bright sunshine. This nuanced weather pattern, characteristic of the region, adds a unique dimension to the safari experience.
English serves as the primary language for almost all Uganda safari trips. Being the national language, it is widely spoken by everyone you'll encounter during your journey. In the event that English is not your preferred language, your trip planner can arrange for a specialized Guide/Driver proficient in languages such as French, German, or Italian. It's essential to note that coordinating such arrangements can be challenging, and an additional fee may apply.
Uganda is a linguistically diverse country with more than 30 languages spoken. While Swahili (a coastal language) and Luganda (an African Bantu language) are prevalent, English remains the common thread connecting most Ugandans.
Group sizes on safari may vary depending on the local tour operator. Some operators limit game drive groups at four or six individuals per vehicle, employing multiple vehicles if necessary. This approach ensures that everyone enjoys a window seat and excellent photo opportunities. Alternatively, certain safaris utilize buses accommodating more than ten people, but comfort cannot be assured in such cases.
While touring any country, it is essential to observe basic precautions. Tour guides, with their extensive experience, adeptly navigate each destination. However, visitors should maintain awareness, particularly in rural villages where locals may be cautious of foreigners. In less-developed countries, where poverty is prevalent, crimes of opportunity, such as petty theft, can occur. Travelers are strongly advised to stay vigilant, exercising common sense.
For safari guests, it is recommended to limit the amount of cash carried and secure valuables in a hotel safe or another secure location. Locking hotel rooms when leaving is a prudent practice. Avoiding solitary walks in deserted areas at night is advised. In crowded places like malls and nightclubs, take extra precautions with purses, bags, and wallets to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
Uganda is located in the East African Time Zone. That is +3 GMT. Eastern Daylight Time lags 7 hours behind Eastern Africa Time.
The official currency is the Uganda shilling. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference, but euro and pound sterling are also widely accepted. Most hotels and camps accept Credit/Debit cards. US dollar notes that are older than year 2000 are not accepted everywhere and can be very difficult to exchange. Major currencies such as the dollar and the euro are easily exchanged at the airport, banks and private bureau de change in all large towns, but traveler's checks are not widely accepted outside Kampala.
Credit cards are accepted in hotels, camps, lodges, and major urban centers across Uganda, but their usage is less widespread in other areas. Local currency withdrawals using Visa and other major credit cards can be made at selected ATMs in Kampala, Entebbe International Airport, and a few other sizable towns.
While connectivity may be limited in remote tented camps, most major hotels and lodges provide internet access and international telephone services. Additionally, private communication centers and cyber cafes in larger towns enable tourists to stay connected, although some may close on Sundays and public holidays. In safari destinations, cellular networks extend coverage to most large towns and tourist areas.
Regulations pertaining to the importation of dogs and cats into Uganda are as follows:
1. Movement permit:
A valid "moving permit" must be obtained from the veterinary authority in your area of origin. This official and authentic document is a prerequisite.
2. Certificates:
A bill of health, certifying that the pet is free from disease, should be secured. This certificate must be issued by a registered veterinary surgeon or official, signed, and stamped within ten days of shipment. Additionally, a certificate or letter from local veterinary authorities indicating that the pet's area of origin is free from rabies is required.
3. Vaccinations:
Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and rabies. The vaccination should have been administered not less than 30 days prior to arrival at any point of entry into Uganda. Similarly, cats must be vaccinated against feline enteritis and rabies, with the vaccination performed not less than 30 days before arriving in Uganda.
4. Transportation:
During transit, it is imperative that dogs and cats do not come into contact with other animals. To ensure this, each pet should be appropriately crated. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for a smooth and compliant importation process.
Umucho Tours – Where Adventure Meets Happiness!