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Climate
Uganda
Temperatures in some parts of the country are quite cool owing
to the country's high altitude, despite its position on the
equator. The mountain areas become much cooler and the top
of Mount Elgon is often covered with snow. Other parts of
the country are much warmer. There is heavy rain between March
and May and between October and November. Lightweights and
rainwear with warm wraps for the evening are advisable.
Congo (Zaire)
Varies according to distance from the Equator, which lies
across the north of the country. The dry season in the north
is from December to March, and in the south May to October.
The annual temperatures are warm and humidity is high.
People
Uganda and Zaire's population is made up of a complex and
diverse range of over 200 tribes and ethnic groups, like the
Bantu speaking people centred around Lake Kyoga
and the Nilotic speaking tripes in the North like the
Lango and Masai related Karamojong tribes.
Pygmies live in the Ituri forests of west Uganda.
Each tribe has its musical history; songs are passed down
from generation to generation. Ndigindi (lyre), entongoli
(harp), amadinda (xylophone) and lukeme (thumb piano) are
commonly played instruments in village rites and rituals.
While about two-thirds of the population is Christian,
mainly Roman Catholic, the remaining third still
practises animism or follow Islam. There were
sizeable numbers of Sikhs and Hindus in the
country until Asians were expelled in 1972, although many
are now returning following an invitation from the president.
In the 1990s, Congo also had an influx of immigrants, particularly
refugees from neighbouring countries. In 1985 over half the
population was rural, but the country is becoming increasingly
urbanized.
Language
French is the Congo's official language, but it is
spoken by relatively few people. Swahili is widely
used in the east, and Lingala is spoken in the west;
Tshilaba is also common. A grounding in French may
see you through but a guide's services are necesary in rural
or trekking areas.
Dress
Uganda's favourable climate makes cotton and linen fabrics
the ideal wardrobe for both men and women. Lightweight suits
are suitable for evening wear and for women any decent dress
will do. Similarly, Congo places no restrictions on dress
although lightweight clothing is essential, especially if
visiting during the rainy season.
Food
Uganda is seeing an increasing number of immitation western
restaurants and even a few modern grocery department stores.
Because of the Indian community, places like 'Munchies',
a Mcdonald's copy and a quasi-Domino's Pizza have started
up with Ugandans, Europeans and Asians who have money frequenting
in their hoards. In both Uganda and Congo, food is for sale
everywhere. You can see produce neatly stocked on the ground
everywhere in makeshift markets. Chickens are either tied
down or in cages, beef hangs out in the open, covered with
flies. Banana stalks ('matoke') are sold to hagglers and everything
is bargained for. Avoid eating meat from street stalls or
food you can't wash or peel before eating.
Ugandans serve the posho speciality, which is a corn
meal made into something that looks like grainy mashed potato
and tastes like glue. In most of central and eastern Africa,
meat is not eaten as it is too expensive. Africans tend to
stick to posho, 'matoke, kidney beans, ground peanut sauce,
cassava and sweet potatoes. For a meat treat,
check out the traditional pubs where barbequed chicken
and goat are served on skewers to the sound of music.
The national dish of Congo is moambe, a spicy sauce
with peanuts, palm oil and meat (typically chicken) and rice.
Don't miss trying saka saka, a stew of crushed manioc
leaves, sort of like spinach. Most dishes are served with
traditional local rice, fufu or kwanga,
which is a doughy like glob of mashed manioc or yams.
Health
Health is a big issue in both countries with AIDS
sweeping across economic and social lines. In the last five
years, 400,000 people have died of AIDS related sicknesses.
Don't even think about sleeping with the locals unless you
want to sign your own death warrant. Malaria is still
the biggest killer in Uganda with over 150,000 people dying
every year from this dreaded tropical disease. Diarrhoea
is also a major risk; the availability of doctors - especially
those who are to be trusted - is very low, and bribes are
often the only way of receiving medical attention. In both
countries, a vaccination for yellow fever will be required.
Travel
Throughout Africa, travelling on the roads is a stressful
experience, either as a passenger or driver so have patience,
and lots of it. Get used to the speed bumps, police checks
with barriers across the roads and the pot holes in the road.
In the Congo, travel by air is not recommended but overland
travel is feasible by bus, minibus and truck.
In Uganda, travelling 'off the beaten track' is the only
way to see the best of what the country has to offer. The
Ssese Islands (South of Kampala) are connected to the
mainland by ferries that run from Bukakata (about 50
miles south west of Kampala via Masaka) to Buggala
Island, and by fishing boats from Port Bell to
Bugala. Also, the mist covered Rwenzori Mountains
offer some of the most challenging trekking in East Africa.
Check with the tourist office before planning a trip.
Fort Portal , a green, pleasant and quiet town at the
end of the Rwenzori mountains is a good place to explore
Kibale Forest National Park. Fort Portal is about 180
miles North West of Kampala and is accessible by bus
and taxi. Frequent buses and taxis shuffle between Fort Portal,
Kibale and Rwenzori National Parks.
Festivals
Congo is renowned for its Congo music more
than for any organised festivals. These latin-inspired beats
frequently make their way to the top of the charts and over
the past 25 years, Congo music has exercised a profound influence
over the musical development of the rest of Black Africa.
It is celebrated in bars and is vital to the Congo's drastically
destabilised social life.
Uganda celebrates many Christian holidays, including Christmas,
Easter and Good Friday. The Muslim population honors Islamic
holidays, which follow the Muslim calendar. Hari Raya Puasa,
the sighting of the new moon, signifies the first day
of the Muslim calendar and the end of Ramadan, the
fasting month. Women's Day takes place throughout the
country in early March. There are also several holidays associated
with independence and events during the civil wars: NRM
Anniversary Day is 26 January; Martyrs' Day is
3 June; Heroes' Day is 9 June; and Independence
Day is 9 October
Cash
Uganda
Local currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
$1 US = Approx. 1,700 UGX
1 Euro - 1,500 UGX
£1 Sterling - 2,500 UGX
Congo
The local currency is the Congo/Kinshasa Franc
$1 US = approx 300 CDF
1 Euro - 300 CDF
£1 Sterling - 500 CDF
For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
Banks don't usually have any money so changing dollars is
one of the many challenges in Zaire. If you are in Zaire,
you are going to need American dollars and they can't be ripped,
they must be at least produced in the 1990.
Both countries are relatively cheap to live in, but travelling
with a guide is a necessity and will set you back around $300
- $400 per week so it works out more economically if you can
split the cost between a small group.
Visas
Citizens of most countries do require visas and be aware
that these are fairly expensive. All nationalities require
an International Health Certificate showing proof of a yellow
fever vaccination within the past 10 years. |
