How to Find Luxury Hotels in Uganda

Uganda, the "Pearl of Africa" is in East Africa. The country offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors including national parks, volcanoes and beautiful islands. Read on to learn how to find luxury accommodations in Uganda.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Passport
• Computer with Internet access

Choose Luxury Accommodations

1. Consider high-end accommodations in the downtown area of Kampala. Typical luxury amenities include wireless Internet access, access to a fitness center and room service.

2. Enjoy five-star Ugandan luxury when you book a room at the Serena Hotel in Kampala. The prices range from moderate to expensive, but you can expect the finest service and amenities. Call 011 ([phone] or visit the hotel Web site to book a reservation. See the Resources section below for a link.

3. Stay in luxury accommodations in Entebbe and experience the old colonial-style atmosphere. In addition to four-star amenities, services offered include complimentary airport shuttle, flight booking and car rental.

4. See the source of the Nile in Jinja. Area hotels and resorts offer three- and four-star accommodations.

5. Explore an island. The beautiful Ssese islands are about eight hours away from mainland while Busi island is about 45 minutes away. Stay in a beach front resort for luxury accommodations or choose a guest house for cheaper rates.

6. Stay in a local guest house or a backpacker's lodge to save money. These Uganda accommodations are great alternatives for those who can't afford luxury rooms or suites.

7. Visit one of Uganda's national parks and game reserves. See exotic animals, breathtaking waterfalls and dramatic mountain ranges. Safari lodges provide both affordable and luxury accommodations.

Prepare for Your Hotel Stay

8. Check for visa requirements. Citizens of some countries do not need visas to visit Uganda, but most do. Visitors can also purchase their visas on arrival at the airport or at a border crossing. Contact your local Ugandan embassy for more information.

9. Fly into Entebbe International Airport. Several international airlines arrive daily. You can also take a bus in from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.

10. Explore the cities by use of a taxi, bus or what the Ugandans call "boda boda." This refers to public transportation on motorcycles, mopeds or bicycles.

11. Rent a car to explore Uganda, but be aware that it takes skill to navigate the pot holes while avoiding pedestrians, other drivers and various other obstacles along the way. It is safer to hire a car and driver.

Know Your Destination

12. Learn a few phrases of the local language. English is the official language, but Ugandans speak more than 30 different languages. Swahili and Luganda are the most prominent languages after English.

13. Know the currency. The country uses the Uganda Shilling.

Visit Local Attractions

14. Spend a day climbing a volcano near the city of Kisoro.

15. Go gorilla tracking. Three of the national parks are gorilla tracking areas. Apply for a gorilla tracking permit at least six months in advance.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no online booking resource for Uganda. The Web site of the Uganda Tourist Board does not provide online booking.
• Drink bottled water instead of water from a tap.
• Tourists are advised to take anti-malaria tablets.
• Uganda has two rainy seasons which fall in September to November and March to May. Consider visiting at other times.
• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00."
• All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Visitors must show a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever.