Logistics

Geography

Semi-arid

Safety

Tororo town is generally very safe. Foreigners are very welcomed by locals, and the town has an active center with a produce market and several supermarkets. At night, it is not recommended to walk in deserted areas outside the center of town.

There has been recent political instability in Uganda, especially in but not limited to Kampala. This instability did not affect Tororo town, but there were some protests in Mbale, a larger city about 1 hour away.

Lodging/accommodation

There are several hotels in town where visitors can comfortably stay.

Crystal hotel: near the center of town. Food available in the downstairs restaurant. Conveniently located but can be noisy at night. ($$amount)

Pecos hotel: Popular with people working at the hospital because it is only a few steps away from the hospital. Food available although limited menu. Pecos has rooms that are self-contained (bathroom inside) in small cottages in the back, which are usually more comfortable for longer-term visitors. ($amount)

Prime hotel: Further away from the center of town and from the hospital (about 1 mile) but facilities are slightly better than the other options, and the restaurant is one of the best in Tororo.

Food

• Prime Hotel - Wide variety of Western and Indian food. Wait approx 1 hour, sometimes less.
• Pecos - Good for lunch but serves dinner too. Good pork with chips or chicken chips. Takes about 20 minutes, call Patrick in advance 0773 62 91 09
• Crystal Hotel - Quick. Ugandan food. Also chips, fried chicken.
• TLT - Largest variety of Indian and Western food, but dinner often extremely slow. Faster at lunch.
• Red Heart - Somali. Recommend the pilau.
• The Rock Classic Hotel - Indian and Ugandan food.
• TASO - Lunch only. Ugandan food, inexpensive and quick.
• Mzuri - pork, outdoor bar, pool table
• Others

Weather

• Very warm, usually 80-90 degrees F and very little humidity. Cooler at night (70-75 degrees)
• Two rainy seasons and two dry seasons (3 months each)

Mosquitos

Mosquitos in Tororo are extremely aggressive. Bug spray with DEET highly recommended.

Disease prevention

Malaria transmission in Tororo is very high. Absolutely recommended to take malaria prophylaxis for entire duration of trip. (Lariam, Malarone or Doxycycline). Always sleep under insecticide treated bed net (available in hotels or can purchase in town).

• Yellow fever vaccine required for entry into Uganda.
• Hepatitis B series vaccination recommended
• No Ebola in Tororo area, but has been identified in other areas of Uganda. Outbreaks are limited and very infrequent now.
• Bring HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. Medications are available, but recommended to have your own as well.

Access to health care

• Hospital can provide basic care; however travel and evacuation insurance highly recommended for emergencies
• Pharmacies in town have most basic antibiotics and other generic medications
• Medical treatment in Kampala: The Surgery, 2 Acacia Avenue, Kampala
  • Website: http://www.thesurgeryuganda.org/
  • Phone: 0414 256 003
  • Emergency/Ambulance: 0752 756 003