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There is no bad time of year to visit Uganda or Rwanda. Even during the rainy seasons (April-May and October – November) it may rain for a short while before the sun shines again.
Yes but if you require drivers or guides who speak other international languages, we can organize for German, Spanish, Chinese speaking guide or translator, but you are required to inform us at the time of inquiry.
Uganda
The longest day of travel is for a three-day gorilla tour and this can be up to eight/nine hours in a vehicle. During this journey several stops will be made, including a visit to the Equator, a stop for lunch, and other stops for other facilities. Most itineraries will not require any more than five hours in a vehicle in one day – various stops are made to ensure your comfort.
Rwanda
The longest day of travel is for a drive for chimpanzee tour to Nyungwe forest from Kigali City and this can be up to 6 hours in a vehicle. During this journey, several stops will be made, including a stop for lunch, national museum, and or Kings Palace. Most itineraries will not require any more than three hours in a vehicle in one day.
International telephone calls are made from most areas in Uganda and Rwanda and local SIM cards can be purchased. International roaming facilities are available.
Internet services are widely available at internet cafes, although the quality and speed of the connection varies. Some lodges have Wi-Fi and we ensure you have Wi-Fi coverage in the vehicle.
Below are some of the frequent questions we get from clients as they prepare for their Uganda or Rwanda safari.
Some of Frequently Asked Questions
Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport can be reached by the following airlines: Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, South African Airways, Fast Jet, Fly Dubai, and RwandaAir among others.
Kigali International Airport, the following: RwandAir, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways and Coastal Aviation.
Uganda
Yes you can fly internally while on safari in Uganda, there are internal scheduled flights to some of the safari destinations and where unavailable there are charter flights to most of the safari destinations. Let us know you prefer flights instead of driving or a mix of both.
Rwanda
Yes you can fly internally in Rwanda by charter flights to most of the safari destinations or helicopter with Akagera Aviation.
Tanzania
Yes, you can Fly internally in Tanzania from the different international airports to the airstrips and aerodromes at the different parks.
Generally, the two countries are safe but occasional security issues may arise as in any other country therefore basic precautions should be taken. Do not leave bags or money unattended to – avoid displaying expensive jewelry.
African Rock Safaris Uganda does not provide travel insurance to clients. It’s the responsibility of the Agent/Client – All clients must have an adequate insurance for the duration of the tour, which should include evacuation cover in case of an emergency.
They are both some of the safest capital cities in Africa – but again do not leave valuables unattended. Ask your driver guide where unsure.
There are a number of vaccinations recommended and/or required. The government of Uganda and Rwanda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination as of 2016. Recommended immunizations against DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio) and Hepatitis A, meningitis, tetanus and typhoid.
Seek advice from your home country on vaccination and inoculation requirements
Uganda
The main roads in Uganda are tarmacked but secondary roads vary in quality. Be prepared for long and sometimes bumpy car rides on African dirty (brownmatt) roads.
Rwanda
The roads in Rwanda connecting the various tourist attractions are mostly tarmacked except a small stretch while connecting to Akagera national park.
Tap water is not suitable for drinking whether at the lodge or anywhere, use bottled water, which is available in your safari car and at accommodations
Tap water is not suitable for drinking whether at the lodge or anywhere, use bottled water, which is available in your safari car and at accommodations
Reservation
Uganda
You are required to purchase a visa before you enter Uganda. Single entry tourist visas (usually three month) are available on arrival at Entebbe airport priced for USD $50 and at the land borders – please state clearly that you require three months or else you can be given two weeks but they should be applied for online before your travel.
A single East African visa has been introduced for Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda costing $100. Your passport must have a minimum six months validity remaining. Contact the airline or your travel agent for more information.
Uganda follows a policy of reciprocity (if your Country requires a Visa for Ugandans to enter, Uganda will impose the same). In case of any changes in Visa regulations, you will be informed.
Rwanda
You can use ATM and Visa credit cards for money withdrawal in Rwanda but there is a limit to how much you can withdraw per day. Most establishments accept credit cards for payments. You may wish to alert your bank before using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked.
Very few places in Uganda accept MasterCard. Consider bringing cash, which you can change, upon arrival. Banks and Forex bureaus will exchange cash. Please note: US dollars bills issued before 1999 are NOT accepted in Uganda and Rwanda. Bills below 2006 or small denomination dollar bills (anything less than a USD 50 bill) attracts a lower exchange rate. Poor quality foreign currency notes may be rejected. Please ensure you bring with you new or excellent condition notes with no stains or tears.
Weather
We recommend: lightweight rain jacket, a warm jacket for overcast days and evening, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, waterproof walking boots, leather gardening type gloves, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, comfortable day pack for carrying water and minimum amount of personal items. In case of sighting Gorillas, no flash photography is allowed and fast film is therefore recommended.
Uganda
The currency in Uganda is the Uganda Shilling, which is issued in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 Uganda Shillings notes. Coins are available for smaller denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings.
Rwanda
The currency in Rwanda is the Rwandan Francs, which is issued in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 Rwandan Francs notes. Coins are available for smaller denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 francs.
Tipping in Uganda and Rwanda is usually according to level of service and by the choice of the and there are no fixed rates. Salaries are generally low in both countries and tips are highly appreciated. On average tips are in the rage of: 5-10% in restaurants; USD 5-10 per day, per client for safari driver/guides and Ranger Guides; USD 5 per day for porters on mountaineering/hiking safaris and USD 3-5 for Forest Walk guides.
Remember that tips are very personal and ultimately you decide how much you want to tip.
General: Antiseptic hand wash, Comfortable day Pack for carrying water and some personal items, Sunscreen, Flashlight, Insect repellent, Water proof bags to protect equipment, Electric plug adapters for 240 volts AC 50 Hz – UK style square-pin in plugs are used
Clothing: It is preferable for you to use soft luggage as space in vehicles is limited. Good walking shoes / boots, Sun hat or cap, Sandals or other light shoes, Waterproof jacket, Lighter clothing with layers for evening, Warm clothing for mountainous regions, waterproof walking boots, Sunglasses, Swimsuit.
Equipment: Binoculars(water proof ones), Cameras, changes of batteries, several 1GB cards instead of one large one to avoid losing all your photos in case something goes wrong.
No photographs of, or near, military buildings or soldiers are allowed. It is polite to ask people before taking their photographs. Also in national parks no flash lights during gorilla photography and if you are doing commercial photography or videography for either TVs or other companies there are charges.
When photographing people you should always ask for consent. You can establish a rapport with the people and this is why we encourage our guides to always teach you some words of greeting and addressing people or ask your guide to help you and request the person to allow you take their pictures
If your safari includes gorilla and chimpanzee trekking consider booking as far in advance as possible – recommended is 3 months. The gorilla and chimpanzee permits are booked and paid for at the same time.
Most of our clients pay by wire transfers or credit card. Bank details are available upon request. Credit card payments can be made after approval, but will incur a 3% surcharge.
Note that availability of accommodation and permits is not guaranteed until African Rock Safaris Ltd officially confirms the safari. Accommodation, permit, and activity reservations will be made as soon as payment has been received on our account.
Please note that all bank charges are at the expense of the client.
We will work towards finding the perfect accommodation for your needs (Lodges, Safari camps, hotels). The majority of safari lodges and hotels are small-scale, offering a unique experience with few rooms.
The three categories are mainly; budget, mid-range or Upmarket.
Budget accommodation may be simple and basic rooms, bandas or tents, with double/twin beds and mosquito nets when necessary. You may have to share bathroom facilities, as private bathrooms are not always available. Electricity and piped/mains water supply may not always be available. Some remote locations may have ‘long-drop’ or compost (Eco) toilets.
Mid-range or Upmarket accommodation offer comfortable rooms or furnished safari tents with a private bathroom. Flush toilets and hot and cold running water are available.
African Rock Safaris Uganda provides ‘pop-up roof’ 4WD safari vehicles for game viewing. The 4WD are either minibuses, coaster buses or Land cruisers where we ensure that everybody has a window seat to enjoy the best views. We limit the number in minibus to seven while for land cruiser some carry seven, five, and three depending on size, to allow plenty of legroom and luggage storage.
I am traveling on my own. Can I book my safari with African Rock Safaris Uganda?
Solo travelers are welcome but please note that the cost of the safari will generally be higher than if you joined a group. We shall advise in case of scheduled safaris but group dynamics will be at play.
We offer tailor-made safaris for any number of participants. Considering the sitting arrangement concerning the cars – the maximum is 9 people for minibus but for everyone to have a window seat we recommend 7. For Land cruisers they range from 3 – 7 individuals.
Unless otherwise stated, tour prices quoted include; airport/hotel transfers, transport with fuel and driver/guide, accommodation, drinking water in safari vehicle, National Park and activity fees associated with your itinerary.
The quoted price does not include; airfare to/from Uganda, Visa fees if applicable, optional activities not included in the itinerary, refreshments and beverages (between meal snacks, alcohol, other refreshments), personal items (porterage, telephone calls and souvenirs), tips and gratuities.
In most cases, we will specify the extra charge of optional activities in your itinerary. If it is not clear to you, please contact us so we can confirm any additional fee(s).
We take care of your dietary needs as far as the hotels cooperate which is usually positive when you let us know in advance to make the necessary arrangements with the different lodges in your itinerary. Make sure that your driver-guide contacts the reception on arrival at the lodge.