General Tips and Advice while Visiting Africa.

Good To Know
DISCLAIMER: 
The information contained on this website is intended solely to provide general information for the personal use of the reader, who accepts full responsibility for its use.

Food: You might need time to adjust to new and different types of food, but don’t be afraid – the nationals eat it and enjoy it! Watch your facial expressions when presented with some food that you might consider “unusual.” Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables are plentiful throughout the country. A wide range of dishes, both traditional and international, are served in the hotels and restaurants. We will make sure that you have a variety of good food while on your visit with SandfieldTravel.

Animals:
In Africa, people treat animals differently. Sometimes it is lack of knowledge or the ability to care for them as you do in the west. Don’t play with dogs– in most other cultures they are scavenging house guards and not playful pets. If you feel bad about how skinny or sickly the animals look, do not express it.

The culture varies in many ways, including but not limited to: Sleep, Hygiene, Heat, Noise, Street traffic, Husband and wife roles, Length of worship service, materialism, prejudice, customer service and social parties. Leave all stereotypes at home. They have no place in Africa. When you arrive in the host country, there is a good chance you will be viewed and treated in a different way because you are European.

As a guest remember your responsibilities:
Think of yourself as a person who is there to study and learn. How does a student in school get a good mark? What behaviors contribute to their success?

Do not make disparaging remarks about food, lodging or customs. Remember that facial expressions as well as other body language speak louder than our words at times. A truly considerate person will be sensitive to the feelings of others at all times. That means you should also be very sensitive to the feelings of those in your group.

There will be times when you are uncomfortable, hot and tired. Remember that everyone else is experiencing the same. If you are used to being pampered or are a notorious complainer, try having an attitude of praise and helpfulness to others instead. You are experiencing these conditions for no more than two weeks but your national friends are there for a lifetime!

Listen More Than You Speak! Be a learner, rather than a teacher.

Be careful when taking pictures. Please ask before you take a picture of someone.

You will be watched closely, since people are often very curious about why you are here.

You may be called “Big” (fat). Do not get offended; this is considered a compliment in a country where most people do not get enough to eat. On the contrary, it’s very offensive to say to someone, “Oh you are really thin.”

Try never to express anger toward the local people, even if they express it towards you. A good thing to do if someone gets mad at you or asks you for money is to laugh! If you start laughing, more likely they will start laughing too.

Some of the people you meet will enjoy seeing pictures of your family and hometown. Be sure to take a few snapshots and postcards to show them. (Be sensitive of your audience’s feelings; your relative affluence may offend some people).

When travelling by airplane, be aware of the image you are projecting to those around you. Be sensitive to the nationals from you host country who are on board the flight.

Remember:
ASK before you take photographs.

Be aware of your surroundings:
Remember that you’re a visitor from one of the world’s wealthiest countries traveling in one of the poorest places on earth.

Travel as lightly and as modestly as possible, without flashy expensive jewelery, gadgets and lots of luggage and bags.

Carry only small bags that can be stowed on your lap.

Airports:
You will arrive by air, landing at Entebbe International Airport or Nairobi if you are visiting Kenya. We shall pick you up from the airport on arrival and drop you back at the end of your visit. We operate comfortable fully insured buses and 4×4 fans which you will use throughout your time with Real Africa Adventures.

Accommodation:
A number of good hotels are available to choose from to suit every budget. Elsewhere across the country and in the National Parks, hotels and inns are generally available, but quality of service and quantity of rooms vary greatly. We take the utmost care in booking decent hostels and lodges for our guests. If you require pre- or post- visit accommodation please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Airlines:
Various services go to Uganda and Kenya regularly. They include: Air Tanzania, British Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, Inter Air, Kenya Airways, Air Brussels, South African Airways, KLM and more. There are daily connections from Nairobi. There are also several reputable domestic charter companies to choose from.

We are quite flexible about how you choose to get to the country you are visiting Some people prefer to complete their own flight bookings but we can make flight arrangements if you would like us to.

Flights:
Check in early! Get the seats you want by checking in at the earliest time given by the airline. Remember that you can sometimes check in online or at train stations which serve major airports. If you’re meeting a friend at check-in, go ahead and check yourself in, then reserve a seat for your travel partner to make sure you can sit next to each other.

Hand Luggage:
Keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. On long flights with multiple layovers (especially if flying via London, L.A. or other major airports), packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags may get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don’t want to end up without essentials even if it is just for a few days.

Packing for the flight:
Utilise as many different pockets and bags as possible when packing bank cards, cash, travelers’ cheques and credit cards to ensure you always have access to funds. As well as tying luggage tags to the exterior of your bags, insert identifying information inside.

Drinking Water:
We recommend that you do not drink tap water. Most hotels and restaurants provide previously boiled drinking water. Mineral water is also available.

Banking:
Several international banks operate in Kampala including Barclay’s bank, Standard Chartered bank and Stanbic bank. Many local banks and foreign exchange bureaus also operate across the country. Generally the banking hours are 8.30a.m to 4:00p.m – Monday to Friday, though some institutions are open longer hours and on Saturdays.

There are no longer restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and currency is easily convertible. You can change dollars or pounds into local shillings very easily. We advise English visitors to take sterling, as you will get better value on exchanges. Traveler’s cheques are also acceptable but can sometimes take a lot of time to get exchanged.

Clothing:
Light summer clothing supplemented by a sweater or jacket should be sufficient. Usually dressing is informal. Cotton slacks and flat-heeled comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari. Don’t forget to bring a hat for sun protection and a swimsuit. Umbrellas and windbreakers are recommended in the wet seasons. Refer to your booking back for further information on what to wear.

Credit Cards:
AMEX, Visa and Master Card are only accepted at a few choice establishments and in banks in the cities. You can now use your visa card to draw money from your account in Europe or America. However, we advise that you take cash to be on the safe side.

Currency:
The Shilling is the currency used in Uganda and Kenya but some people will take dollars and pounds in cash. The exchange rates vary from time to time but are readily available from banks and Forex bureaus.

Foods:
Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables are plentiful throughout the country. A wide range of dishes, both traditional and international, are served in the hotels and restaurants. We make sure you experience a variety of good food while on your visit with Real Africa Adventures.

Street Vendors:
When buying from a street vendor or marketplace, exercise greater scrutiny. If a vendor’s booth is crowded, recommended by locals, has a means of refrigeration, and is open, meaning you can see how clean it is, then it is probably safe to eat there. In some cases, street vendors have achieved the vaulted status of preparing the best-grilled meats, samosas, roasted corn, or nuts in town.

Safaris:
On safari, your meals will be included in your package. Advise us about what you will and will not eat, if you’re a vegetarian or have food allergies. The main complaint on most safaris is that the food is so good travelers end up gaining weight. Don’t just stick to the Western-style food served in reputable hotels. Know your region’s specialty so you can sample it while there. Uganda and Kenya offer German, Indian, and Chinese foods as well as great meals made from fresh local ingredients.

Health Requirements:
Certificates are required for vaccination against yellow fever. Check current medical advice on typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. It is advisable to start anti-malaria medications 10 days prior to arrival and continue with the same until 14 days after leaving East Africa. Our guests are also encouraged make their own insurance arrangements for the time they will be in Africa. You should consult your local doctor for advice on medication.

Be smart about malaria:
This is your biggest health risk in Africa, especially south of the Sahara. Rely only on advice from travel health specialists.

Get immunized:
Stop worrying about nasties like yellow fever and Hepatitis B, by getting the right immunizations. (You may have to show proof of vaccination against certain diseases before you can enter the country.)

Visit the dentist before you go:
Who needs a lion-size toothache halfway along the safari path?

Protect yourself from insects:
Malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever are transmitted by bug bites. Cover up with clothes, use insect repellent, and sleep under a mosquito net.

Think before you take a dip:
Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia) is a parasitic-carried disease that you can catch by swimming, bathing, or paddling in fresh water lakes in East Africa.

Respect the heat:
Take time to acclimatise, drink plenty of bottled water, and take it easy in the heat of the day.

Bring sturdy footwear:
Sore feet can ruin a trip, and blisters, chafing and other injuries are common causes of major foot infections.

Be prepared:
A well-stocked, sterile medical kit, including painkillers, blister ointment, and adhesive tape is vital. If you’re on an adventure trip, such as river rafting on the River Nile, consider getting basic first aid training first.

Language:
The official language is English though Swahili and Luganda are commonly spoken throughout in Uganda. Teach yourself some basic Luganda and Swahili words which can be found on our website.

Tipping:
Our general recommendation is to tip moderately – in accordance with the level and quality of service provided. The traditional gratuity to safari guides or camp staff is not included in the price of your tour but is completely discretionary. Beware of unscrupulous people who try to exhort extra payment from unwary passengers just for shuffling their bags around.

Photography:
We advise that you always ask before you take anyone’s picture. For some it is against their religion to be photographed.

Research your destination’s culture, history, environment, and geography before you go: You can never know enough. The better you understand a subject, the better you’ll be able to capture it in a meaningful way on film.

Rise early and stay out into early evening: Uganda still runs on solar rhythms, so the day begins before dawn, fades in the afternoon, and has a second wind in the evening as things cool off.

Interact with the locals. By gaining their trust, you will be much more likely to capture the photograph you desire. You can also pick up valuable insights on cultural practices.

Walk! On foot it’s easier to meet locals and become involved with cultural activities that you want to photograph.

Bring a camcorder. You can bring your own own video cameras to make a lasting record of your trip or Safari experience in Africa. These days you can get very advanced but practical video cameras. Video cameras make a great and exciting way to record your memories of Africa and all your travels.

Choose hotels wisely. If you travel on your own and not with Real Africa Adventures stay as close as you can to the historical centre, major monuments, or markets. The more you can walk, the greater the chance of getting good pictures.

Security:
Precautions should be taken as in any major city. Unless safety deposit boxes are available in your hotel or lodge, always carry travel documents, traveler’s cheques, cash and other valuables with you at all times. We recommend that you do not walk late in the night but instead take a taxi if you have to.

Be aware of your surroundings:
Remember that you’re a visitor from one of the world’s wealthiest countries traveling in one of the poorest places on earth, Travel as lightly and as modestly as possible, without flashy expensive jewelery, gadgets and lots of luggage and bags.

Precautions should be taken as in any major city. Unless safety deposit boxes are available in your hotel or lodge, always carry travel documents, traveler’s cheques, cash and other valuables with you at all times. We recommend that you do not walk late in the night but instead take a taxi if you have too.

Don’t dangle camera bags or purses on the back of a restaurant chair: You’ll invite snatching. Carry only small bags that can be stowed on your lap during dinner or tucked away in your front pockets.

Use a waistband pouch/bumbag. In pouches you can safely stash money, credit cards, a passport, and airline tickets close to your body, where it’s less likely to be snatched. If you lose everything else, you can still eat, get home, and fly without difficulty.

Watch your belongings. Most thieves can snatch in seconds. Store equipment on your lap or in a bag with the strap wrapped around your wrist or ankle. Count your bags as they are loaded onto airport vans.

Avoid political gatherings or protests. Be smart – even if you’re curious, stay away. Both can turn violent quickly.

Don’t walk around at night with your hands full. Heavy bags slow you down and make you unable to react quickly. Check with our staff or a trusted local on the safest way to travel at night.

Avoid drugs, alcohol, and unprotected sex: Drugs and alcohol hinder your judgment. What’s more, unprotected sex – always a serious risk – is a game of Russian roulette in a continent where the AIDS epidemic is at its worst.

Don’t hitchhike. Contrary to advise in some backpacker guidebooks, hitchhiking in any African country is a dangerous risk. Only rely on transport recommended or provided by your tour operator or hotel.

Safari Safety:
Listen to and stay with your guide. Animals living in game reserves can be wild and unpredictable.

Don’t panic. If you come face to face with a lion, don’t panic and don’t scream. The animals are just as scared as you are if caught off guard. Follow instructions from your guide.

Don’t push your driver to get too close for that last great photograph: Don’t challenge your driver to prove that it’s wise to drive through a pride of lions. Any interference with nature can do you and the animal’s possible harm.

Respect the animals’ space: Too many times, the viewers forget that they are the intruders. Stay still and keep to the distance instructed by your guide.

Do not make sudden movements. This can startle a wild animal and cause them to charge. Act as your guide advises and keep your movements slow, controlled, and steady.

Climate:
Uganda and Kanya enjoy ideal weather conditions ranging from the warmth of the lowlands to the coolness of the highlands. Temperatures range between 21C and 31C all the year around. You will need to check for up-to-date weather conditions in East Africa on some international weather website. Have a look at our links page for more advice.

Useful travel advice and travel health tips for those undertaking trips to Africa

Security advice:
Places where we operate are generally safe destinations for tourists and visitors for both business and pleasure. However in certain area some potential risks exist but you need to take care just the way you would visiting say a major city in your country. National Parks are well protected where necessary by armed guards and Rangers.

Over the last few years the numbers of people visiting countries where we operate have steadily increased and travel to all areas usually visited by travelers is normal.

LIABILITY WAIVER: THIS INFORMATION IS GIVEN IN GOOD FAITH AND SANDFIELDTRAVEL OR OUR STAFF, JOINTLY OR INDIVIDUALLY, CANNOT ACCEPT ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS, INJURY, LOSS OR DAMAGE ARISING IN RESPECT OF ANY STATEMENT CONTAINED HEREIN. TRAVELLERS SHOULD ALSO CONSULT THEIR GOVERNMENT–S CONSULAR ADVICE

Vaccinations
You are advised to see your doctor as early as you can at least 4–6 weeks before your trip or safari to allow time for shots and jabs to take effect. If it is less than 4 weeks before you leave for your trip to Uganda or East Africa, you should still see your doctor. It might not be too late to get your shots (jabs) or medications as well as other information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while travelling.

The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to East Africa but discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider, doctor or JP to determine which vaccines you need.

Yellow Fever:
All visitors to Uganda are advised to have a yellow fever vaccination at designated yellow fever centres where an international certificate of vaccination will be issued and is valid for ten years after vaccination. The certificate is required for entry into Uganda and other countries particularly in East Africa. It is recommended that the traveller carry the certificate along with his or her passport when travelling to countries at risk.

Typhoid:
Original typhoid vaccine is given in two doses at intervals of four to six weeks and gives immunity for up to three years. 0.5ml is given by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection or 0.1ml by intradermal injection. This vaccine induces a mild form of the illness which can be very unpleasant in certain cases.

Typhim Vi is a single dose vaccine where 0.5ml is given by deep subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Immunity lasts for approximately three years.

Vivotif is a live oral vaccine contained in an enteric coated capsule. The vaccine is taken as three doses of one capsule on alternate days. The capsules should be stored in a refrigerator between doses. Protection begins seven to ten days after the last dose.

Tetanus:
The Department of Health recommends administration of reinforcing (booster) doses at ten year intervals, with the administration of further doses in the event of injuries that may give rise to tetanus. 0.5ml is given by deep subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.

The Department of Health advised in 2002 that tetanus vaccine is to be replaced by the combined tetanus/low dose diphtheria vaccine for adults and adolescents for routine use and for travel vaccination. Stocks of single tetanus vaccine are now exhausted and companies are no longer supplying this product.

Hepatitis A:
Hepatitis A is associated with poor hygiene and sanitation. Havrix Monodose is an inactivated vaccine prepared from the hepatitis A virus. A single 1ml dose is given intramuscularly to give immunity up to one year. To obtain immunity up to ten years a second booster dose is given between six and twelve months of the original.

Human Normal Immunoglobulin (HNIG) contains antibodies to Hepatitis A and will give protection for up to three months. 2ml of vaccine is administered by deep intramuscular injection.

After Your trip when you Return Home:
If you have visited malaria zone, continue taking your antimalarial drug for 4 weeks (mefloquine or doxycycline) or seven days (atovaquone/proguanil) after leaving the risk area.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness either while travelling in Uganda or kenya or after you return home (for up to1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell your health care provider your travel history.

Hope you found our Uganda Travel advise information and tips for travelers useful

Insurance
We strongly advice that you do not travel to Uganda, Kenya or any where else we operate in East Africa with out insurance:

It is a condition of booking, that the sole responsibility lies with you, the guest, to ensure that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourselves, as well as any dependants/travelling companions for the duration of your trip to Africa.

This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: Cancellation or curtailment of the safari, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money and goods. Real Africa Adventures, including their representatives, employees and agents will take no responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or suffered by the guest, or guest’s dependants or travelling companions, with regards to, but not limited to, any of the above mentioned eventualities.

a) Health Insurance
It is compulsory to have full medical, emergency evacuation and repatriation cover for the period of time you are away.

b) Cancellation and Curtailment
You might have to cancel or curtail your journey due to unforeseen circumstances. If for any reason you cancel a trip close to departure date, you could lose the entire cost of your holiday.

Should you have to leave before your holiday is finished, we cannot refund you the cost of the portion of the package you do not complete. In the eventuality of this happening, insurance may cover you, depending on the reason for cancellation and curtailment.

c) Baggage & Money Insurance
It is advisable to take out baggage and money insurance, especially if you are carrying a lot of cash or expensive and valuable camera equipment. You should always carry such equipment as “carry-on” luggage. Do not put anything of value in your checked-in baggage!

d) Claims
If you anticipate an insurance claim upon your return, be sure to document as accurately as possible any accident, injury or loss. Doctor’s notes and police reports will aid any claim.

Safe Travelers Tip!
Scan your passport, driver’s license and credit cards and send as an email to yourself and cc’d to reliable friends, and/or bring copies with you.

If you should lose any of these, you will at least have documentation, or a way of retrieving the information by email.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website is intended solely to provide general information for the personal use of the reader, who accepts full responsibility for its use.

What to pack for the trip
The first thing you need to consider whilst packing your bags for a safari to Africa is how much you are actually allowed to carry by your airline.

When packing for a visit, you need to pack as little as possible especially if have to walk to some places while on safari or your visit. There is always a temptation to take too many clothes but much of the time these extras turn out to be superfluous. You must also consider the time you will spend on a trip in Africa and what you will be involved in.

Documentation:
You must take an up to date passport. If your passport is old you must check and make sure it does not expire while you are in Africa. The expiry date of your document has to be at least 60 days after you return from the trip.

You will need a visa to enter Uganda, Kenya and nearly all African countries. It is advisable to acquire your visa in your country of origin before you travel. However, you can get visas on entry in Uganda at Entebbe airport. Check for entry requirements to other countries or contact us for more details. You must keep all your documents in a safe place at all times.

Record details of your travel documents before you leave. Note credit card numbers, traveler’s cheques etc. and write down procedures and telephone numbers in case of loss. Make copies of your passport and other personal documents, and package separately. Nominate a family member or a trustworthy person in your home country to assist you should your documents be mislaid. Remember to have your passport, boarding card and other necessary documents to hand. They should be easily accessible when you board your flight and in your destination country.

Baggage:
Suitcases are very difficult to move and can be quite heavy. It is advisable that you take limited baggage that you will find easier to carry. If you do take a suitcase, you will need a spare backpack which you can use when you go on Safari or move upcountry. You must make sure that the backpack you choose is right for your back.

Clothing Guide:

MEN’S/BOY’S CLOTHING TIPS

• 1 pair of comfortable shoes that would be worn to a nice restaurant or hotel
• 1 pair of sandals to use at the guest house
• 3-4 pair of socks
• 1 sweater or light jacket
• 2 long sleeve casual shirts
• 1-2 pair casual trousers
• 1-2 pair of shorts
• 1 belt
• 1-2 swimming suits
• 3-4 T-shirts
• 1 pair of sturdy shoes or walking boots for hiking

WOMEN’S/GIRL’S CLOTHING TIPS

• 1 pair of comfortable shoes that would be worn to a nice restaurant or hotel
• 1 pair of sturdy shoes or walking boots for hiking
• 1 pair of sandals to use at the guest house
• 3-4 pair of socks
• 1 sweater or light jacket
• 1-2 swimming suit
• 1-2 pair of long casual Trousers
• 1-2 pair of shorts
• 1-2 belts
• 3-4 casual short sleeve blouses
• 2 long sleeve casual blouses
• 1 A rain coat
• 1 pair sunglasses
• 1-2 hats (This is very important for sun protection)
• Prescription glasses if used with back-up pair suggested (note: contact lenses are difficult to use on safari due to the high amount of dust.)

Toiletries:

• Toothpaste / toothbrush / mouthwash
• Shampoo / conditioner – (You can purchase these items in Africa too)
• Soap and anti-perspirant
• Shower gel
• Tissues
• Towel/ hand towel

Hand Luggage:

• Guide book
• Reading book
• Personal money (pound sterling or US dollars)
• Indigestion / diarrhoea / travel sickness tablets
• Travel sweets
• Travel game
• Small note pad and pen (always handy)
• Snacks / packed lunch for coach journey

Medical:

• Mosquito repellent
• Malaria tablets
• Pain killers
• Antiseptic cream / gel / plasters / wet wipes / sun cream – High factor at least 15 – 20 / anti-diarrhoea tablets
• Iodine tablets
• Ear plugs (optional)
• If you use prescribed medicine, you must take enough to last the time you will spend in Africa
• Take some syringes and needles in case they are needed when you go to very remote places

Other:

• Your up-to-date passport
• Visa for destination country
• Handheld fan (The small battery operated ones do the job well)
• Good pair of sunglasses
• A good camera and enough film / extra batteries, though you can always buy photographic items in Uganda or Kenya. Binoculars are optional but recommended
• An alarm clock
• Small torch
• Gifts for schools / orphanages
• Small games (cards etc .. )
• For people who wear glasses or contact lenses, it is advisable that you take some spare ones and cleaning solutions
• Spare plug sockets for electric razors.

PLEASE NOTE: The electricity supply in East Africa is 240 Volts AC.

Camping Safaris (backpacking)

• Two or three medium size towels
• Soap (in a plastic soap dish for easy travel)
• Shampoo
• Sleeping bag
• Warm clothing for the evenings
• Torch
• First aid kit
• Rain coat

DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website is intended solely to provide general information for the personal use of the reader, who accepts full responsibility for its use.

Children:
Its common in Europe to see on hotel accommodations “NO Children or pets”. To a Ugandan that is weird and strange. It is also unbelievable that some times more value is attached to animals than human being. In Uganda children are special and are to be treasured. Children offer security to parents when they are older, some people believe childlessness is a curse and the woman most times takes the blame for it.

Children are expected to participate in house work, fetching water, collecting fire wood, looking after animals, caring for their siblings and giving support to others so its common to find sons and daughters supporting their parents and other extended members of the family.

Privacy:
There is a lot of interdependency in Uganda because it is a communal society. You have family, clan, tribe and all these work together for the good of any individual. The Ugandan view of privacy is different to the European one. In Europe when you are not well, you often want to be alone, in Uganda when you are not well, people will be with you, when you fall sick, friends, family and relatives MUST visit you to give you company. It s very unusual for some one to say they want to be alone. So when a visitor says they want to be alone, the host will want to be with them because they think you mean you are lonely or home sick and you need company. It’s rude to send visitors away in Uganda so often people will come unannounced and stay for as long as they wish.

Houses with gates:
In Villages most homes have temporary structures and no fences or boundaries. It’s common in villages to find houses with doors open all day. It’s different in cities and towns, people feel insecure and due to corruption and theft, people put walls round their homes for security. The walls are also a sign of affluence.

House help:
It’s common in Uganda for people to have house helper or servants. This gives people jobs because of high unemployment in Uganda. Most domestic helpers do it to raise money for their study, their siblings or families.

Dressing:
The way one dresses in Uganda is important. In some hotels blue jeans and caps will not be allowed and inappropriate dress and appearance can cause embarrassment. People in Uganda love to dress well and look smart. A host will be offended if you dress very casually for a special occasion or function.

Compliments:
Ugandans will down play compliments because a compliment is assumed to be a mark of vanity, but Ugandans like to be complimented.

Pets:
Most Ugandans don’t have pets and respect for them is very rare. Dogs are kept to guard homes and keep thieves and unwanted people away, cats are kept to kill rats in the home but they are never held in high regard in a home.

Urinating:
It’s common to see people urinating by the road side. This is not a cultural Ugandan practice; it is a behaviour that some people have turned into a habit. In the west you can go to a restaurant to use the toilet, in Uganda most restaurant toilets will be reserved for customers and there are not public toilets so people resort to help them selves by the road side.

Dating:
Dating is a new concept in Uganda. In Uganda having a boy friend or girl friend is interpreted as having sexual relationship with them. Culture discourages pre-marital sex.

Washing:
Many visitors to Uganda easily get house helpers when in Uganda, although the house helper can wash your cloths, it’s culturally unacceptable to make them wash your underwear, although if you ask them they will say its ok. Do not dry your underwear in the open where people can see it, people find it uneasy and inappropriate.

Women sitting:
In Uganda, women don’t sit with their legs open. Ugandans consider it impolite to show your underwear or inner thighs when you sit. Even when you are wearing trousers its expected that you keep your legs together when you sit. Girls are trained in Uganda from an early age not to sit with their legs apart.

Public display of affection:
It’s acceptable in Europe for people to kiss in public; in Uganda it’s not acceptable except at weddings. If you kiss and hold hands in public you are considered obscene especially in rural areas. If you get close to a Uganda, touching and holding hands will be indication that you want to have sex with them.

I hope this gives you an idea of what to expect on your trip.