Uganda and Rwanda
Health
Participation on a safari or tour to Africa requires that you be in generally good health. All guests must understand that while a high level of fitness is not required, a measure of physical activity is involved in all African safaris and tours. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required and all required inoculations must be recorded by the client’s health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate, which the client must carry in his/her possession throughout the tour.
All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. We also advise to take mosquito repellent with you. Most lodges have mosquito nets, but we advise you to take them with you also. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements and personal recommendations before your trip. Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.
What to wear
Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and a waterproof jacket.
What to bring
A valid passport is mandatory (Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after re-entry) and visa requirements for all countries you are planning to visit should be checked before you travel. To make the most of the game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides. Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or similar). Please make sure to carry enough memory cards (Compact Flash, SD-card etc) or films with you. We advise you to take an international adapter with you for your electric equipement. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.
Facilities and accommodations
Bathroom facilities and accommodations can be very basic in Uganda when traveling medium or low budget.
Tipping
Tipping is not a standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist-oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers should always be tipped.
Travel information for Uganda
On Arrival
Customs and immigration officials are polite and efficient, and a visa - for those who require one - can be purchased on the spot at Entebbe International Airport or at any overland border. Most non-African passport holders require visas. One-month single entry tourist visas cost US$30 per person (US$20 when you are a student). Six-month multiple-entry visas cost US$80.
Money
Foreign exchange and ATM facilities are available at the airport and in Kampala, but the ATM can be very ‘expensive’. So we recommend our customers to take enough money with them for the trip (in dollars, euros or pounds) and exchange it for local currency at banks and private bureau de change in large towns. Traveler’s Cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala and it is very difficult or impossible to pay by credit card outside Kampala. The unit of currency is the Uganda Shilling (USh). The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference, but Euro and Pound Sterling are also widely accepted. Please note that US$100 bank notes printed before 2000 are not accepted in Uganda.
Language
Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, which is the official language. Of 30-plus different indigenous languages, Luganda serves as something of a lingua franca.
When to Visit
Uganda can be visited at any time, though mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rains, which generally peak over mid-October to November and March to May.
Driving
Driving is on the left side of the road. Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to organize a vehicle with a driver rather than self-drive.
Travel information for Rwanda
On Arrival
Customs and immigration officials are polite and efficient, and a visa - for those who require one - can be purchased on the spot at Kigali International Airport or at any overland border. Everyone except nationals from the USA, Canada, Germany and other East African countries requires visas. Citizens of the UK still need a visa, but it’s free. For other passport holders visas cost US$60 per person.
When you intend to re-enter Rwanda from Uganda, Congo, Tanzania or Burundi you can ask for a multiple entry visa. There’s no extra cost and it offers flexibility.
Money
Foreign exchange and ATM facilities are available at the airport and in the city of Kigali, but the ATM can be very ‘expensive’. So we recommend our customers to take enough money with them for the trip (in dollars, euros or pounds) and exchange it for local currency at banks and private bureau de change in large towns. Traveler’s Cheques are not widely accepted outside Kigali and it is very difficult or impossible to pay by credit card outside Kigali. The unit of currency is the Rwandan Frank (RFr). The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference, but Euro and Pound Sterling are also widely accepted. Please note that US$100 bank notes printed before 2000 are not accepted in Rwanda.
Language
The official languages of Rwanda are French and Kinyarwandais, but English is also widely spoken in the tourist areas.
When to Visit
Rwanda can be visited at any time, though mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rains, which generally peak over mid-March to mid-May.
Driving
Driving is on the right side of the road.
