TRAVEL INFORMATION
As well as having an unforgettable experience we want to make sure you’re well informed and prepared for your visit. The below is a brief over-view, but please get in touch with us if you have any specific questions
Priority checklist before you depart for Uganda/Rwanda or any African destination
Priority checklist before you depart for Uganda/Rwanda or any African destination
- Passport Valid at least 6 months beyond date of departure from Africa
- Minimum 3 blank pages (both sides) per country to be visited
- International air tickets
- Reconfirm all international flights 72 hours prior to departure
- Plan to arrive at airport three hours before flight.
- Photocopy of picture page of passport. Keep in separate place in baggage. If you lose your passport, a photocopy will expedite the process of replacing it
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- You will need to show your international immunization card with proof of inoculation against yellow fever upon entry to some countries. It may not be mandatory at the time we prepared this info, so can always check with us or your consulate.
- Covid 19 Vaccination card or Covid 19 Negative results of not more than 72 hours.
What to must Know
Uganda and Rwanda safaris are available year-round, although the best trekking, hiking and game-viewing periods are during the dry months of June through early September and late December through February.
Best Time to visit Uganda and Rwanda
Since both countries lie across the equator, daytime temperatures in most parts of the country are consistently warm all year. Temperatures can be much cooler in the higher altitudes of Uganda’s mountains and forests especially at night. The Virunga Volcanoes, which straddle Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are higher than Bwindi and thus tend to be cooler. The rainy seasons peak from late-September to November (with short rains) and from March to May (long rains), and gorilla tracking during these times can be more challenging but very interesting and nice for quality pictures. We therefore advise you to take Uganda/Rwanda holiday whenever you are ready as you may avoid the “official” rainy season only to find that it pours throughout your visit during another period!
Money / Currency
The official currency in Uganda is Uganda Shillings, notes of which range from 1000 through to 50000. As a rough guide $1=3600 and €1=4000.
Rwanda’s official Currency: Rwandese Franc (RWF)
Nearly all tourist lodges will accept $US notes (newer than 2013) however if you wish to buy anything locally (souvenirs, snacks etc) you need local currency notes.
Exchange rate in both countries is very unstable, so it will depend on when you are travelling.
Banks and Forex bureaus are available at the airports, and in all towns. Your guide will advise when and where to exchange from.
Credit cards are accepted in the main city hotels and a few upmarket hotels in the parks, but not in outlying areas. It’s therefore advisable to carry enough cash with you when heading out of cities, as East African countries are generally cash economies.
Health
Seek medical guidance before traveling. Bring any personal medication required. Anti-malaria tablets and mosquito repellent are essential. Seek advice on vaccinations and inoculations that may be required. Travel from some African countries requires a Yellow Fever inoculation. Drink bottled or boiled water only. Medical services, especially up-country, are basic. Ensure your travel insurance includes medical coverage. We suggest that you contact your doctor or check with www.cdc.gov/travel or http://www.masta.org
Safety/Security
Safe travel has generally been part of East African countries for decades and tourism is flourishing well. All governments have taken security as top priority and there is a minimum or no cases of insurgency. As a private company, we cannot guarantee the general regional security especially in neighbouring countries. We, however, keep checking with security organizations /other stakeholders as we believe your safety is of importance to us and it’s our responsibility to keep you updated.
You may get in contact for updates and we also encourage you to keep checking with the consular advice provided by respective governments.
With the increased level of security, economies have grown steadily leading to the rampant development of big cities. This certainly has resulted into a number of unemployed youth in some parts of the towns who in turn have become security threats (petty thieves). You therefore need to take all the normal precautions in terms of your money and valuables. Do not move with huge amounts of money or any valuables on the streets and ask the hotel/guides what is relevant while going out for day’s excursions. Most hotels have notes on safe walking areas, if not availed to you, please ask at the front desk or Nature Connect Safaris Uganda’s guide
The Weather
Uganda straddles the Equator so experiences a tropical climate of “wet” and “dry” seasons. Changes to the global climate in recent years means seasonal changes are less predictable than they once were, however seasons are generally:
Dryer: December to February & June to September.
Wetter: March to May & October, November.
Travel is possible and enjoyable all year round, rain does not usually hinder travel and can produce some dramatic vistas and a welcome coolness in hotter areas.
Accessibility | Flights to Uganda and Rwanda
Nature Connect Safaris Uganda does not organise or sell international flights but we are happy to recommend a travel agent or reliable carriers for the best routing to/from various destinations worldwide.
Below are some of the airlines that fly to/from Uganda & Rwanda.
Several airline fly into Uganda & Rwanda entering through Entebbe international airport (Uganda) which is one hour away from the capital Kampala and Rwanda into Kigali international airport (10 minutes’ drive to the city center.
International and regional carriers that fly into/out of Uganda/Entebbe; KLM ,SN BRUSSELS, TURKISH AIRLINES, SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS, EMIRATES, QATAR ARLINES, FLY DUBAI, FLY SAX, KENYA AIRWAYS, ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES, EGYPT AIR, FAST JET , RWANDA AIR, AFRICAN EXPRESS,UGANDA AIRLINES.
International and regional carriers that fly into/out of Rwanda/Kigali; RWANDA AIR, SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS, SN BRUSSELS, TURKISH AIRLINES, QATAR AIRLINES, FLY DUBAI, KENYA AIRWAYS, ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES, BURUNDI AIR.
Accessibility to major tourist destinations
By Road; Main roads are generally good but travel is much slower than in developed countries. Secondary roads in most parts of the countries are of variable quality and often slow and bumpy especially around the gorilla parks.
We have specially designed Land Cruisers, customized for safaris and wildlife viewing. No detail has been overlooked. An integral part of the safari is your vehicle, to which we have ensured the maximum level of comfort.
By Air; there are daily bush flights by private light aircrafts to most National parks and other destinations. We have partnered with specific domestic airline operators who have significantly made access to most National parks easier than ever before.
The aircraft type used is determined by the charter operator and is based on the number of passengers booked. The most commonly flown aircraft are single engine Cessna 206, 208, 201 for private charters and Cessna Grand Caravans (12 passengers) for all scheduled flights. These aircraft are well suited because of their ability to carry large loads out of short airfields economically.
Both vehicles and Bush planes have limited space for luggage, hence weight restrictions and specific types of bags (see below) are recommended.
Strict luggage and weight restrictions on light air crafts exist because most airfields are over 3,500 feet above sea level and are located in the warm tropics, thereby reducing the permissible carrying capacity.
Accommodations
When you book a holiday with us, we will ensure that you stay at the best possible accommodation based on your budget. We personally check out every place, and know them inside out
The accommodation we recommend depends on the destination, and your personal requirements. Sometimes it may be a five-star hotel, but more often it will be a comfortable lodge, a luxury mobile camp or even camping beneath the forest canopy.
Some facilities have been built in a simple and culturally appropriate way to provide comfort and style in the context of remote Africa. Simplicity, therefore, does not mean a lack of comfort! Guests are looked after by carefully trained local staff who take tremendous pride in ensuring clients have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Different Nationalities/individuals have diverging interests and expectations; we cannot therefore accept any responsibility or liability if any of the recommended properties/lodges/camps do not meet your expectations.
