Preparations

I am often asked what it takes to get ready for and participate in this sort of “Amazing Race” type of travel. There are passport, visa, driver license, vaccinations, cultural awareness and attire, and other things to consider. In the Caucasus, we entered in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, in India there were wild dogs to consider, and for East Africa, I am of course asked about Ebola.

Obviously disputed states, wild dogs and exotic viruses do not slow our need to explore other cultures and people. After all, millions of people actually live in all these places. Still, we figure a bit of preparation, planning and precaution is warranted.

The Valid Passport: Check and double-check. If your passport expires within 6 months after your expected departure from Uganda, you will not be able to get a visa. The typical waiting till the last minute to get a visa does not work when traveling to many countries. This particular pitfall is very hard to overcome at the last minute. For our participants, that means we would all need a passport that expires after the 30th of April 2015!

Vaccinations: The dreaded topic. Some countries will not allow entry without proof of certain vaccinations. Other vaccinations are recommended but not required. Everyone should double-check with their doctor or travel clinic.

  1. All routine vaccinations
  2. Hepatitis A
  3. Hepatitis B
  4. Typhoid
  5. Yellow Fever (Required to obtain Ugandan visa for Americans)
  6. Meningococcal (meningitis)
  7. Malaria
  8. Rabies

Again, your travel clinic adviser might be okay with you not getting one of these, such as Rabies. Please check with them to confirm what makes the most sense for you. 

The Visa: Requirements differ depending on the travelers nationality. A visa is needed in advance from the Uganda Embassy to travel to Uganda. And as we will be traveling through Uganda, into Rwanda, and back into Uganda, we will need multi-entry/exit visas. Happily, to enter Rwanda, we only need to fill out some paperwork at the border. Specific requirements by nationality for Uganda are available online from the Ugandan Embassy websites:

USA: http://www.ugandaembassy.com/page/visa-requirements

 China: http://ugandaembassy.com.cn/consula-information/visa-applications/

UK: http://www.ugandahighcommission.co.uk/ConsularInformation/VisaInfo.aspx

 Attire: In general comfortable attire for travel in an equatorial mountainous zone is fine. This would be shorts, pants, t-shirts with some thought toward cooler evenings. However, when spending time in a village, it is good to know locals tend to be a bit more conservative. In such circumstances, long pants or skirts are a good idea. The essentials:

  • Sunscreen
  • Insect spray/lotion with Deet
  • Fleece jacket/jumper
  • Long pants. Not only for modesty, but for hiking in the jungle…this is essential.
  • Light boots for hiking
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses

There will be sun, rain and mud. And it gets cool (15C/60F) in the evenings.

Camping: Yes, we will be camping on occasion. Luckily, camping gear has been arranged. 

  • Individual igloo tents, with an inflatable mattress, blanket or sleeping bag & pillow
  • Camp chairs, cooler, food storage box, gas tank and burner (note: there is no ice to be found so the cooler really only stores food)
  • Plastic cup, plates, bowl, pots, frying pans, knife, and cutlery set
  • Coffee percolator, cutting board, can opener, cork screw, washing line & pegs
  • BBQ roaster, dish washing set, headlights and solar table lamp with mobile phone charger and Uganda Bradt guide and road map.

Just in Case: An accident can happen anywhere at anytime. Even in our hometown. However, it is particularly distressing when traveling through a developing country. As a precaution, all the participants will be provided with emergency insurance by AMREF Medical Emergency Service. http://www.flydoc.org/

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