FAQs

We recommend booking at least 3-6 months in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak seasons (June-September and December-February). For activities requiring permits like chimpanzee tracking or gorilla trekking, booking 6-12 months in advance is advisable as permits are limited and sell out quickly.

Our standard safari packages typically include accommodation, park entrance fees, guided activities (game drives, boat cruises), transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle, and meals as specified. Exclusions usually include international flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, and personal expenses. Please check the specific package details for exact inclusions.

Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund minus a 10% administrative fee. Between 30-60 days, we refund 50% of the total cost. Cancellations within 30 days of departure are non-refundable. Please note that park permits are non-refundable once purchased. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.

Essential items include: neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, beige), comfortable walking shoes, rain jacket, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera with extra batteries, power bank, flashlight, personal medications, and copies of important documents. For gorilla or chimpanzee tracking, gardening gloves and a walking stick can be helpful.

Yes, a Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda. Other recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Meningitis. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended. Please consult with a travel clinic or your doctor at least 6-8 weeks before your trip for personalized advice.

Uganda has a tropical climate with relatively stable temperatures year-round (average 25-30°C). There are two rainy seasons: March-May and October-November. The dry seasons (December-February and June-September) are generally considered the best times for wildlife viewing. However, Uganda can be visited year-round as rains are often short showers.

Gorilla trekking involves hiking to find mountain gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National Parks. Once found, you spend one hour with them. Chimpanzee tracking is typically easier and involves walking to find chimpanzee communities in forests like Kibale or Kyambura Gorge. With chimpanzees, you also spend one hour observing them once located.

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding as it involves hiking through steep, muddy terrain at high altitude. Treks can last from 30 minutes to several hours. However, the pace is slow with frequent breaks. Porters are available to assist with carrying bags. People of average fitness can typically complete the trek, but it's important to be prepared for challenging conditions.

For first-time visitors to Uganda, we recommend Queen Elizabeth National Park for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty, Murchison Falls National Park for the spectacular waterfall and Nile experience, and Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking. These parks offer excellent wildlife viewing and are relatively accessible.

Most visitors need a visa to enter Uganda. Single-entry tourist visas can be obtained on arrival at Entebbe Airport or applied for online in advance through the Uganda e-visa system. The East African Tourist Visa allows travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Check with the Ugandan embassy in your country for specific requirements.

The currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). US Dollars are widely accepted for larger payments (safaris, hotels), but you'll need local currency for smaller purchases. ATMs are available in major towns, but credit cards are not widely accepted outside of hotels and larger establishments. We recommend carrying a mix of cash (USD and UGX) and having a credit card as backup.

Uganda is generally safe for tourists, with friendly locals and a stable government. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to take precautions. Avoid displaying valuables, don't travel at night, follow your guide's instructions in parks, and stay informed about current conditions. We provide 24/7 support during your safari for any concerns.