TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITS TO SAMBIYA RIVER LODGE AND MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
WEATHER
Murchison Falls tends to be hotter and more humid than Kampala.
LANGUAGE
The official language in Uganda is English. Luganda and Swahili are also widely spoken.
ELECTRICITY
This is provided by diesel generator from first wake up call to 07.00am and again from 19.oo to 22.00 hours. 230/245 volts. British-style plugs with three pins are used.
FOOD AND DRINK
Uganda, with its agricultural resource, combined with the conducive climate, produces a wide range of food products. Bananas, millet, maize, sorghum, rice, wheat, sweet potatoes, irish potatoes and cassava grow in abundance. Fruits and other vegetables are also plentiful - watermelon, passion fruits, pineapples, mangoes, tomatoes, aubergine, green peppers. You will probably eat better here than you do at home! Tea and coffee is readily available almost everywhere with coffee houses and cafés conveniently located. Soda (coke, fanta, sprite, bitter lemon, etc) are sold by the (glass) bottle, which are returnable and recycled. Local beer (lagers only) are as good as any international beer and there are many to choose from including – Bell, Club, ESB, Pilsner, Nile Special, Eagle, Castle, Guinness. All are brewed in Uganda, but it is important to remember that these are considerably stronger than what you may be used to.
Bank
The closest banks to the Lodge are in Masindi. The Lodge does change Euros, Pounds and US$ foreign notes into Uganda Shillings for guests.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are not accepted at the lodge due to unreliable phone lines. Visa cards are accepted at the Central Reservations office in Kampala.
HEALTH ISSUES
Malaria Risk
Although neem trees have been planted around Sambiya River Lodge, during the rainy season mosquitos maybe present. It is advised visitors carry and use mosquito repellent in the evenings. Ask your doctor about taking a prophylaxis. Cottages have mosquito nets to sleep under and the entry doors and windows are screened. Banda rooms also have nets to sleep under and windows have screens.
Other Health Concerns
Tsetse flies may be encountered in the Park.They are monitored and tested and do NOT carry any disease, but their bites can be annoying. Clients are advised to wear light coloured clothing and use insect spray.
PHONES
If you are planning to bring your own mobile phone, celluar network is not available at the lodge. Reception is present by the buffalo pond.
If you bring your own mobile phone, first check that it is not “sim locked”, otherwise it will cost you anywhere up to Ushs50,000 / US$27.00 to have it “unlocked”.
Crafts
There is a small craft shop at the Lodge where t-shirts, journals, postcards, wood carvings, necklaces, and other objects of art are available for purchase to take home as souvenirs.
