A Useful Travel Guide
It is always very important to be well-prepared before traveling somewhere for the first time. At Orugano Safaris, we want to keep you informed with the latest details, both before your trip and during your safari. This guide gives you a great introduction to our safaris and highlights things to keep in mind when visiting Uganda and Rwanda. Once you book your safari with us, you’ll receive more detailed info about each destination on your itinerary. If you have any extra questions, feel free to contact us!
General Travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Uganda/Rwanda?
The best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda depends on what activities you’re interested in. The dry seasons, from December to February and June to August, are ideal for activities like gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and outdoor adventures. During these months, the weather is more predictable, with less rain, making trails easier to navigate. However, the wet season has its own charm. It’s a great time for birdwatching, as many species are more active, and the landscapes are beautifully lush and green. Plus, there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy a more peaceful experience.
What are the types of plugs and electrical outlets?
In Rwanda, you’ll find two types of plugs: type C with two round pins, and type J with three round pins. Rwanda uses a 230V power supply at 50Hz. In Uganda, the plug type is G, which has three rectangular pins in a triangle shape, similar to the UK. Uganda uses a 240V power supply at 50Hz.Make sure to bring international plug adapters with you!
What is the internet access like?
Most hotels, lodges, and guesthouses in cities and popular tourist spots offer Wi-Fi, though the quality can vary. In urban areas, the connection is usually good, but it might be weaker or unavailable in more remote or rural areas. Some national parks may have little to no signal, so it’s a good idea to check with us about internet availability in those places.
Can I use my mobile phone in Uganda/Rwanda?
When traveling, it’s best to have an unlocked international quad phone that works with any SIM card, as it’s not tied to one network. You can either get an international plan from your regular provider or buy a local SIM card when you arrive. Both Rwanda and Uganda have good network coverage. You can buy airtime and data bundles from various places, such as street vendors, kiosks, mobile provider shops, or even through apps on your phone.
Do i need a visa to travel to Uganda/Rwanda?
You will likely need a tourist visa for Uganda or Rwanda. For Uganda, you must apply for a tourist visa online through Uganda Immigration, as visas on arrival are no longer available. In Rwanda, you can get a tourist visa upon arrival. If you’re visiting both Uganda and Rwanda, or continuing on to Kenya, you’ll need an East African tourist visa, which lets you visit all three countries.
Do i need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?
Yes. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and any unexpected situations.
What medications should i carry with me?
Make sure to bring any regular medications you take, along with copies of your prescriptions, just in case you need them. We also suggest bringing a broad-spectrum antibiotic, something like loperamide (Imodium, Diamode, etc.) for stomach issues, and a good, non-drowsy antihistamine. It’s also a good idea to take anti-malaria medicine, so be sure to check with your doctor before you leave. Don’t forget to pack insect repellent, whether it’s a spray, cream, or roll-on.
What should i know about cultural sensitivity?
Respect local customs and traditions. Ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, and be aware of and adhere to any cultural guidelines provided by your guides.
Can i use my debit or credit card in Uganda/Rwanda?
While you can withdraw a limited amount of cash per day from ATM machines in large cities, there are very few opportunities to withdraw cash once you are on safari. Most restaurants, hotels and lodges also accept payment by card (Visa, MasterCard or Amex). Visa cards are the most accepted wherever card payments can be made. It is always advisable to bring some cash as sometimes transactions can be delayed due to poor network since some lodges are located in remote areas of the country. Kampala, Kigali, and Entebbe have foreign currency shops (Forex bureaux) in case you need to acquire some local currency.
What’s the cheapest way to go on a safari?
It is cost-effective to bring a friend or friends on safari with you. Solo safaris can be expensive because of surcharges, whereas if you travel with a friend or group of friends expenses can be shared as well as experiences and laughter.
Is tipping customary in Uganda/Rwanda?
Tipping is not mandatory in Uganda and Rwanda, but it is appreciated, as many locals earn modest incomes. The amount you tip is up to you, based on your satisfaction, but even a small gesture of gratitude goes a long way. For example, $10 per day is a good tip for a safari guide if you’re pleased with their service, and a 5-10% tip is typical for high-end hotels and restaurants.
Is It Safe To Travel To Uganda/Rwanda?
Embassy travel reports about developing countries can sometimes be too cautious. In the case of Uganda, specific incidents are often highlighted without considering the local context, which can create a false impression of safety. Uganda is generally a safe country to visit, with friendly people and a welcoming atmosphere. While there have been a few terrorist attacks in the western part of Uganda, these were isolated events caused by the ADF, a rebel group from Eastern DRC. These attacks, though tragic, should be seen in perspective. Many countries, including those in Europe, have experienced similar incidents. Should we avoid cities like Paris, Brussels, or Prague because of this? Compared to the USA, many American cities deal with gang violence, something Uganda doesn’t face, yet the US isn’t considered unsafe for travel. Even though Uganda has had some attacks near the DRC border, embassies sometimes warn against traveling to the entire country. It’s important to remember that terrorism and media coverage shouldn’t stop people from traveling. Tourism is a key part of many locals’ livelihoods, and avoiding these destinations hurts them. Rwanda is also known as one of the safest places for tourists in Africa.
What should I pack for a trip to Uganda/Rwanda?
Uganda and Rwanda have a mostly tropical climate, which means it can be quite humid, with two rainy seasons each year. The temperatures are usually moderate to warm, so pack lightweight, breathable clothes. Don’t forget a rain jacket, mosquito repellent, sun protection, and binoculars. Avoid wearing ex-military or military-style clothing and equipment. In Uganda, people dress conservatively, especially women, so it’s best to dress modestly. For example, wear shorts or skirts that reach the knees and tops that cover the shoulders. If you’re visiting wildlife areas, make sure to wear good closed-toe shoes and long pants and shirts. Long shorts are fine for hot weather, but it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings, so bring a warm layer. Depending on your activities, you may need special gear. If you’re camping, you’ll need items like headlamps and sandals. For gorilla trekking, make sure you have comfortable waterproof hiking boots, long socks, and long pants and shirts. It’s also best to wear dark or neutral-colored clothing, as bright colors are not recommended for gorilla trekking.
Gorilla Trekking Tours FAQs
What Is a Gorilla Permit?
To see gorillas in the wild, you’ll need a permit. This helps control the number of visitors and allows national parks to raise funds for protecting these endangered animals. The permit grants you access to one trek, which includes one hour with the gorillas. The length of the trek can vary, depending on where the gorillas are that day. In Rwanda, the permits are available in Volcanoes National Park. In Uganda, gorilla permits are available for two parks. The most popular is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which has over 25 habituated gorilla family groups. On the other hand, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has just one habituated group. These numbers can change, as gorilla families often split, and sometimes merge.
How much does a gorilla permit cost?
The price of a gorilla trekking permit depends on the country. In Uganda, the cost of a standard gorilla permit increased to US$800 for a foreign nonresident in 2024. Lower fees are charged to East African citizens (around US$80), holders of other African passports (US$500) and foreign residents (US$700). Gorilla permits in Rwanda are the most expensive at US$1,500 for a foreign resident, dropping to US$200 for East African citizens, or US$500 for holders of other African passports and foreign residents. The DRC has the cheapest permits for foreign visitors at US$400.
What Is a Habituation Permit and How Much Does It Cost?
A habituation permit is only available in Uganda. It lets you participate in the process of helping wild gorillas get used to human presence, which is important for tourism. The permit costs US$1,500 per person, which is more expensive than a standard permit, but it allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas instead of just one.
How Do I Get a Gorilla Permit?
Gorilla permits in Uganda are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a government body that manages tourism and wildlife conservation. It is possible to book the permits directly with UWA, but the most convenient way is to use a reliable and registered tour operator like Orugano Safaris. Independent travelers who want to book a Rwanda gorilla permit directly can do so online through the Rwanda Development Board website. When gorilla trekking with us, we organise your gorilla trekking permit for you, as well as your transport, accommodation and more, no matter which gorilla park you choose to visit.
In case you want to only book a gorilla permit with us, we a service fee of USD 30. Note that in peak seasons (June to August and December to February), you usually need to book at least six months ahead of travel to ensure availability. At quieter times of the year, there is a fair chance of last-minute availability.
Which months are gorilla permits discounted?
There is no discount available for gorilla permits in Uganda. At the time of writing, a discount of 30% was offered on Rwanda gorilla permits during the low season, from November to May. So long as this discount is still offered, it reduces the cost to US$1,050 during these months. However, the discount applies only to visitors who prebook at least two nights in either (or one night in each) of Akagera National Park and/or Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Is It Possible To Cancel a Permit?
If you cancel your trip to Rwanda or don’t show up, your gorilla permit will not be refunded. You also cannot sell or transfer your permit to someone else, as your passport details will be checked before trekking. However, if you book through an operator, you can usually reschedule to another day with at least 30 days’ notice. If your allocated gorilla group moves unexpectedly, you can either try again the next day or get a full refund. If you spend the whole day tracking and don’t see any gorillas, you’ll receive a 75% refund. In Uganda, if you’ve only paid a deposit, there is no refund if you cancel. If you’ve paid in full, the cancellation rules are:
- 75% refund if you cancel 91 days or more before your trek
- 50% refund if you cancel 46 to 90 days before
- 25% refund if you cancel 9 to 45 days before
- No refund if you cancel 0 to 8 days before
If you can’t trek due to illness (confirmed on-site), you may get a 50% refund. This policy encourages honesty, as even a minor illness can be harmful to gorillas.
Is There an Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking?
By mutual agreement between all three countries where gorilla trekking can be undertaken, a minimum age of 15 years is strictly enforced. No upper age limit is imposed on gorilla trekkers, but it is quite a physically demanding activity, so elderly travelers or those with limited mobility must decide for themselves whether they’re up to it.
How physically demanding is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking and other primate tracking activities require hiking through thick forests and rough terrain, so it’s important to be in good physical shape. Think about your fitness level and pick a trek that matches your abilities. If you have a cold or aren’t feeling well, you won’t be allowed to participate in gorilla or chimpanzee trekking to avoid spreading illness to the animals. Check out our blog for more information on the difficulty of gorilla trekking.
Can I hire a porter to help me?
You’ll need to carry your own personal items for the trek, such as water, a rain jacket, and cameras. However, you can hire a local porter to help. Hiring a porter is common for travellers of all ages and fitness levels. The porters will carry your bag and assist with navigating difficult sections of the trek. This not only makes the trek easier for you but also provides income for the local community. Porters are reasonably priced, so be sure to ask your tour guide about hiring one before the trek.
What are the chances of seeing the gorilla during trekking?
While it’s not 100% guaranteed that you’ll see gorillas, it’s very rare not to. Gorilla trackers set off at dawn each day to find gorilla families and send their locations back to headquarters. This means that by the time you start your trek, the trackers already have a good idea of where your gorilla family is or will be.
Is it safe to be close to mountain gorillas?
Treks only happen with “habituated” gorilla groups, which means the gorillas have become used to humans over about two years. To keep everyone safe during the trek, there are specific rules that must be followed. You’ll be given a briefing on these rules before you start your trek to find the assigned gorilla family. A park ranger guide will be with you throughout the trek to make sure everyone follows the rules.
Can I opt to trek a second time on the trip?
On our trips, you often have the option to take an extra trek to see the mountain gorillas. Since only a limited number of permits are available for each gorilla family every day, we suggest booking your trek and permit in advance through your agent to avoid disappointment, especially during peak season.
What do I need to pack for gorilla tracking?
Camera, Water, Waterproof hiking shoes, Raincoat, Insect Repellent, Long Sleeves and pants, Hat, sunscreens and sunglasses
Garden gloves. (No, you will not be gardening. Trekking can get very slippery and sometimes steep and you will need to hold on some twigs and branches. Some might be sharp and some plants are poisonous. So, glove will protect your hands.)
Walking stick. Sometimes lodge provide walking stick or your guide might cut one from the forest.
Will I be trekking with my group?
No more than eight people per day can visit any one habituated gorilla family per day, so it’s possible your group may be split into smaller trekking groups.
Do your guides carry first aid kits?
All gorilla trekking expeditions are led by well-trained national park guides, rangers and trackers. The ranger or head guide carries a first aid kit and will give you a comprehensive safety briefing at the start of each gorilla trek.
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