FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda Safaris

FAQs - 21 Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda Safaris

There are many FAQs – Questions about Uganda safaris that visitors usually ask as they plan or prepare to embark on their vacation. Find all answers for all your Uganda safari related questions and practical information about travelling.

Is Uganda safe for Visitors?

Uganda is very safe and secure to visit by travelers on African safaris. Whereas Uganda has its dark history on the other hand, it is by far a few safest destinations one can think of exploring in Africa and the world at large.

The people themselves are very warm welcoming and its destinations too are safe to visit. Uganda comprises of 10 national parks plus many tourist sites all of which are safe and secure.

The cost of a safari in Uganda can vary widely depending on several factors, including the duration of the safari, the level of accommodation, the activities included, and the travel season. On average, budget safaris may start from around $150 per person per day, while luxury safaris can cost several thousand dollars per person.

The cost to see gorillas in Uganda varies depending on the accommodation type, duration of the trip on top of the permit fees, which are set by the government. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African residents.

Yes, you are required to have a valid tourist visa that will allow you get to Uganda. You are advised to secure your tourist visa early enough before embarking on actual trip to Uganda and you can do so through Uganda embassy back at your home country or on arrival at Entebbe International Airport/at overland border.

A single tourist visa can be secured at $50 per person and it is usually valid for about 3months. In case you plan to combine Uganda with Kenya or Rwanda then you will need East African Tourist Visa which you can also get at $100. Note, Tanzania is not yet part of this visa arrangement.

It is possible for you to use ATM or visa credit cards to withdraw money in Uganda but the challenge is that there are very few banks that allow this. Also, the amount to withdraw is limited per day from ATM machines and usually this service is available in major towns like Kampala and once you get to the wilderness you won’t find.

As well, if you are paying by credit card in Uganda, you may incur extra charges which usually ranges from 5 to 10 percent. To be on a safer side, we encourage our clients to have cash and have it changed once you arrive in Kampala. There are many forex bureaus in and around Kampala for you to exchange your US dollars, British pound or Euros into local currency.

Note, Uganda is entirely cash based nation and Uganda shilling is its currency. It is also important to note that when exchanging, usually small bills do attract low exchange rates.

No, travelers’ cheques are no more accepted in Uganda.

Yes, it is very possible for you to use a MasterCard but this service is limited to few areas. And besides carrying cash, it is also fine to come with a Visa debit card.

YES, Uganda is known for offering excellent safaris. The country boasts diverse landscapes – mountains and swamps, abundant wildlife, including the Big Five, birds and unique experiences such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and white water rafting. Uganda’s national parks and reserves provide fantastic opportunities for safari adventures.

There are many airlines that fly to Uganda and they land into Entebbe International Airport. They include among others; Uganda Airlines, KLM, Emirates, Brussels airlines, South African airways, Ethiopian airlines, Egypt air, RwandAir, Kenya airways and many others.

The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry season. Uganda is best regarded as an all year-round safari destination. This means that even during the wet season, you can still visit and explore this magical country although most travelers prefer the dry season.

The dry or peak season in Uganda begins from June-September and December-February whereas the rainy or wet or low season usually occurs from April-May and October-November.

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer incredible gorilla trekking experiences. The choice often comes down to personal preferences. Uganda is known for larger gorilla populations and a slightly more affordable permit cost. Rwanda, on the other hand, offers shorter travel distances to gorilla trekking locations and easier trekking. Both countries offer equally memorable encounters with these magnificent creatures.

YES, mountain gorilla trekking is open to every individual with the required qualifications. Gorilla trekking is one of the prime and the most sought-after wildlife adventures in Uganda. In Uganda, you can trek mountain gorillas in anyone of its two pristine parks where these massive creatures thrive; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park.

However, you will be required to have gorilla trekking permit each of which costs $700. You can book your permit through a reliable and trustworthy tour operator in Uganda or reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Note, only persons above 15 years are eligible to purchase gorilla permit and one gorilla family is trekked by 8 people per day.

A visit to Uganda is not only for you to trek to see mountain gorillas but also to explore its other distinctly diverse wildlife species. It boasts of over 1080 bird species that make up about 60 percent of all the birds in Africa and 10 percent of the birds in the world.

There are also over 5000 chimpanzees to see and explore in different sites as well as other primates including golden monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, red colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys to mention but a few.

You will also have a chance to see African lions, bush elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, leopards, zebras and countless antelopes.

Uganda safari includes mainly all safari activities in your travel plan apart from the optional ones, accommodation and meals except extra hotel fees, park entry fees, bottled mineral water, ground transportation in a comfortable 4×4 safari car, service of professional English-speaking driver guide, relevant government taxes and others.

Usually a Uganda safari excludes extra hotel fees, Visa fees, tips (for the guides, driver guides, porters, waiters, waitresses), airfares, travel insurance, laundry services, beverages, optional activities and others.

We have wide range of car hire for your road trip in Uganda. They range from 4×4 land cruisers, coaster buses, super custom, Toyota Rav4 and others. They are fit for self-drive tours and driver guided tours.

There are many safari accommodation options for you to have a night stay in Uganda. They are categorized into 3; budget, midrange and luxury/up-market. The budget options usually consist roof basic rooms or bandas/tents; midrange safari lodges in Uganda comprise of well-furnished rooms with private bathrooms.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda like it is a case with other gorilla destinations require you to pack appropriately starting with essentials first. In your packing list, don’t miss to include waterproof hiking boots, energy giving snacks, gorilla trekking permit, valid visa, passport, insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, first aid kit, camera with no flash light, binoculars, bottled water, long sleeved shirt or t-shirt, trousers, socks, walking stick and others.

Yes, you will be required to vaccinate and have proof of a yellow fever vaccination. You may also vaccinate against Covid-19, Hepatitis A, Meningitis, tetanus, typhoid and DPT among others.

Gorilla trekking is worthy every penny as it is one of the most eco-friendly safaris as it is done on foot and every penny spent on the gorilla permit is used in the conservation of the mountain gorillas and development of the local communities.

Both Uganda and Kenya offer exceptional safari experiences, but the choice depends on your preferences. Uganda is renowned for its gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, while Kenya is known for its vast savannahs, the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara and diverse wildlife.

The best option depends on the specific experiences you seek. You can book a trip that combines both Uganda and Kenya safari.

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