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Before coming to Uganda - East Africa -- Prepare yourself for Uganda!

Preparation for the trip begin with the shots, most likely lots of them, typhoid, yellow-fever and the like.  It is best that you get such shots at a travel clinic since they will know what shots to give you for the area of Africa you are visiting.  You will also receive your International Health Card which is a document required for entry into Uganda.

There is the selection of the right anti-malarial drug , some which have a tendency to give side effects such as mefloquine or larium.   Some people get nightmares and other symptoms including mood swings.  Doxycycline is much milder and does not give one side-effects such as larium.  The best anti-malarial drug is Melarone, a bit expensive, about 5 dollars per day, but very effective and great for short term use of a month or less.  Take a long some insect repellent which should be used during evening hours along with dark clothing and long sleeved shirts.  When going to bed, spray your room with some bug spray such as "Doom" and use you mosquito net and you will be fine.

As you get ready for your visit, there is the choice of clothing, it depends whether you are going during the rainy seasons (short and long rains) and what you are planning to do.  Modest clothing is a recommendation, it is best that you do not look like some imitation Bwana type or big hunter in your safari outfit.  It might look like a  nice touch, but they  do make you stand out.  Comfortable boots, shoes, clothing that reflects the sun, a hat of some type.  If you are visiting the Rwenzori mountain range than other clothing will be needed suited for mountain climbing and cold weather.

You do not need to bring your own mosquito netting, most hotels and guesthouses such as our guest houses have them for every bed.  Bring things such as film, (film is very expensive in Africa if you do not have a digital camera).

 A small first aid kit is recommended, Imodium for your stomach might come in handy here or there.  Some gifts for people who you will meet along the journey (no chocolate, it melts).  I always had large quantities of Jolly Rancher's candy with me, and they proved to be a winner with kids of all ages and adults. Do not bring a bunch of bottled water, you can it buy in most places in Uganda, including hotels and restaurants (Rwenzori Water).

Money, do not go overboard as to what you have on you.  Credit cards are accepted at most major hotels (often a surcharge is added.  East Africa still operates on cash for the most part.  Traveler Checks are fine, but you will have to convert them into cash at banks or hotels for a fee in many cases.  If you use Bank of America Debit card, you can access your account trough any Barclay Bank ATM machine and without a fee for the use of the service.  Money (carry 100 bills made in 2003 or newer since they get the best exchange rate and older bills may not be accepted or if they are...at a lower exchange rate.  If you come from the UK or European Union...you can bring British Pounds or Euros.

Now comes packing the suitcases.  Don't pack valuable things inside of them.  All things such as cameras, binoculars, money should be put into carry-on suitcases and or bags.  Uganda does quite well in the handling of baggage.  There is a new baggage system in place that works out quite well.

One of the most important parts of the preparation for your trip is the gathering of information.  Your trip will be a lot more pleasant if you read up on Uganda before coming here.  That is where the Internet is quite helpful and you can read up on the history and present circumstances of Uganda.

Buy a journal and take it with you,  record your encounters, thoughts, emotions.  It certainly keeps your trip alive long after you have returned home.  Most of all enjoy the journey; the people you will meet will enrich your life a.  Africa changes you, you will never be the same.

    Copyright © 2008 Alpha and Omega Tours and Travel PO Box 886 - Kampala - Uganda