ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION

ITINERARY DISCLAIMER

Our itineraries and trip notes are updated occasionally throughout the year to bring the best out of it. The updates on the itinerary will be communicated to our clients after booking or before departure to ensure that they have up to date trip notes and other related information.

These changes usually happen unexpectedly due to various factors such as public holidays, weather conditions, political reasons or natural phenomena that can occur without human input. In such circumstances, we will do our best possible to arrange for alternative to ensure that our travelers have the best experience.

ROAD CONDITIONS AND DRIVING TIMES

 Most roads in Africa are in bad conditions while some are in good conditions based on locations especially within big towns. Our vehicles are in perfect conditions and are regularly serviced but breakdowns do happens sometimes.

Due to such road conditions, sometimes the trip might be quite bumpy and dusty but the end results are rewarding. The travelling times indicated in our trip notes are just a rough estimate to guide you and are dependent on various factors such as weather, road conditions or time spent at border crossing.

PASSPORTS, VISAS AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

PASSPORT

Kindly ensure that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity, so please remember to check the expiry date before you travel. Ensure also that your name and the information on your booking match exactly with that on your passport.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

We highly recommend that you check your visa requirements once you have booked your trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain the correct visa and any other visas such as transit visa if necessary. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s) including countries you may be transiting through.

UGANDA VISA

The government of Uganda introduced the online visa application system back in 2016 and applicants can use the following link for their visa application process https://visas.immigration.go.ug/

Once approved, the letter will be sent to your email which you will print it out and present it together with your passport at the port of entry. The cost of Uganda visa is USD 50 and you will need to bring this amount in cash (US dollars only) on arrival.

Alternatively, visa can be obtained at the port of entry on arrival at the same fee of USD 50, that’s if you don’t want to use the online application process. You will only present your passport and the USD 50 by hand to the immigration officials and they will issue you with the visa.

RWANDA VISA

The government of Rwanda issues tourist visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport at a cost of USD 50. You can also choose to get the Rwanda visa in advance back at home by visiting Rwanda consulate in your country. Please check with Rwanda high commission or consulate in your country as they have different requirements for different nationalities.

VACCINATIONS AND MEDICAL INFORMATION

YELLOW FEVER

A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required on arrival at the country’s port of entry. Please note that some countries will refuse to allow you in at the port of entry if you are unable to present your yellow fever certificate.

Please contact your doctor well in advance about the yellow fever certificate and other health certificates that might be required by the countries you will be visiting.

TRANSPORT

We use 4×4 safari vehicles with a pop-up roof for enhanced game viewing. The safari vehicle takes seven passengers plus the driver guide and each passenger has a window seat. Our safari vehicles are well maintained to cope up with the tough road conditions but it is important that you start your trip knowing that occasional breakdowns can happen and are well treated as part of the African adventure.

FOOD

Food will be provided during the trip. You will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner unless stated otherwise on the itinerary. Where meals are not included /provided, your driver guide will recommend to you the best restaurants in the area.

Most meals will be taken from the lodge restaurant but there are some days on the itinerary when you will have a take away picnic lunch box provided by the lodge. This usually happens when going for a full day game drive or when there is no alternative restaurant en-route to our next destination.

If you have any dietary requirements, please inform us at the time of booking or before departure.

DRINKING WATER

Clean drinking water will be provided to you throughout the trip so we recommend that you bring a reusable water bottle so that you can fill it during your safari and also before you leave the vehicle for the evening. Otherwise you can as well buy water at the lodge/hotel bar.

Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not part of included meals unless otherwise provided by the lodge/ hotel as part of inclusions.

ELECTRICTY

Uganda operates on a 220-240 V/50HZ supply voltage. You will need to pack a type G plug which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern.

Rwanda operates on a 220-240 V/50HZ supply voltage but the power plug sockets are of type C and J

We also recommend power banks and multi country power converters if necessary.

LOCAL TIME

Rwanda time zone is UTC/GMT +2 hours

Uganda time zone is UTC/GMT +3

MONEY AND CURRECNCY

Every traveler knows their spending habits better than we do so please budget appropriately for extra things like optional activities, laundry, shopping or optional meals. Kindly go through your trip notes/itinerary so that you know what is included and what is not included.

We recommend that you take most of your money in US dollars cash. The US dollars notes should be clean, not mutilated, unmarked with ink and in good condition.

 Most businesses and banks in East Africa do not accept US dollar notes older than 2009. We strongly recommend 2009 series onwards because old damaged notes will not be accepted.

EMERGENCY FUNDS

We recommend that you have access to or travel with extra USD 500 for emergencies such as civil unrest, natural disaster or factors that results in unavoidable changes to itinerary e.g. airport closures, cancellations or transport strikes.

ATM MACHINES AVAILABILITY

ATM machines are available in cities and major towns in case you would like to access some cash.

Credit cards are accepted at hotels/lodges that we use but subject to availability dependent on various factors such as network reception.

TIPPING

It is customary to tip your driver guide or tour leader for the outstanding services provided to you during your trip. It is a way of showing gratitude or appreciation, and it’s always seen as a gesture of thanks for their top notch services and professionalism during your trip.

The amount to tip is entirely a personal preference but as a guideline; USD 10-12 per person per day or more if the quality of service was exceptional.

SAFETY

We recommend the use of neck wallet or money belt while travelling because it keeps your cash, passport and flight tickets safe. Do not travel with expensive jewellery because it will attract sharp eyes from pickpockets which could compromise your safety especially in the streets of big cities.

Most of the hotels that we use have safety boxes which you can use to store your valuables.

PICK POCKETING

Just like any other part of the world, the risk of pick pocketing and petty theft is more common in touristy cities. Please exercise caution when walking at night. We encourage you to walk in groups and make sure you stick on well-lit roads and lanes.

Carry your day pack on your front especially when walking in busy streets and big cities. Avoid hanging your day pack over the back of your chair or leaving it on the floor unattended for safety reasons.

TRAVEL ADVISORY AND INSURANCE

We recommend that you check your government’s travel advisories especially on areas you will be visiting for the latest information.

It is also a requirement that any client who would like to join our trip should have a travel insurance that covers them in all areas where the itinerary covers.

WATER SAFETY

You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim in any river, ocean or any open water activities where currents and waves are unpredictable. All water activities should be treated with caution.

UNFENCE LODGES AND CAMPS   

If the itinerary involves a stay in unfenced camp within the park, please listen to the advice given by your driver guide or lodge representative. They will be able to share with you a few camp rules to follow during your stay for precaution and safety purposes.  

PACKING LIST

• Light weight shoes

• High beam headlight/torch

• Open shoes /sandals for hot afternoons

• Water proof jacket

• Warm fleece

• Scarf for dust

• Sun glasses

• Sun hat

• Sun screen lotion

• Insect repellent

• Hand wipes

• Toiletries and other personal effects

• Re-usable water bottle( 1 liter and above)

• Binoculars( highly recommended)

• Camera with spare battery

Optional list

• Power bank

• Ear plugs to protect against snoring room mate

• Swimming suite

Extra items for gorilla/ chimps treks

• Walking boots

• Gloves: gardening gloves will protect against stinging nestles.

• Long socks: to protect against jungle ants

• Long trousers

• Long sleeved shirt or t-shirt

LUGGAGE LIMIT

We recommend against bringing hard frame suitcases because they are difficult to store them in the safari vehicle due to limited space. We recommend a soft-sided bag plus one day pack (not more than 20kgs in total per person)  

If your trip begins and ends at the same hotel/location then excess luggage can be stored there and can be collected after your trip.

CONSERVATIVE DRESS FOR WOMEN

We do advise women travelers to dress modestly/appropriately in several parts where our itinerary covers due to a wide range of cultural differences. Wear skirts or shorts that reaches just above the knee. Any skirt that is extremely short is deemed inappropriate by local people. If visiting coastal areas, please wear a cover-up when you step off the beaches.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please note that several countries in Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ethiopia have banned the use of plastic carrier bags. This ban affects general shopping bags, bin liners and duty free carrier bags.