Charter Airline Baggage Limitations
Please note that a luggage restriction of 20kgs (44lbs) packed in soft-sided duffel bags is applicable to all scheduled charter flights in South Africa, Botswana Zambia and Zimbabwe. This weight limitation includes your hand luggage.
In Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia the luggage limit is 15Kgs (33lbs) packed in soft sided duffel bags. This weight limit includes your hand luggage.
Note that seat rate charter flights operate a shuttle service and guests may be collected at other camps before proceeding to your destination.
South Africa and Botswana Visa Note
USA, Canadian and EU passport holders do not need a visa for entry to South Africa or Botswana. However, you are required to have at least two consecutive empty visa pages in your passport, per country, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry. If you are on a different passport, please let me know and I will check the requirements for your trip.
Zambia Visa Note
An entry visa is required for Zambia for most passport holders. The entry fee is US$50 per person (subject to change). This can be purchased at Livingstone Airport on arrival. If you plan to visit both sides of the Falls you can purchase a Kaza Visa for US$50 per person. Please note that you will need to have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Most African countries only accepts USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Zimbabwe Visa Note
Most passport holders can purchase their visa for Zimbabwe on arrival for US$30. If you plan to visit both sides of the Falls you can purchase a Kaza Visa for US$50 per person. Please note that you will need to have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Most African countries only accepts USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Kenya Visa Note
Please note that you will need to purchase a visa for Kenya. The cost is currently US$50pp. It is best to apply for your visa online on http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html
Should you decide to purchase your visa on arrival, you need to have cash available as they do not accept credit cards. (Please note that East African countries only accepts USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Tanzania Visa Note
US passport holders can purchase their visa for Tanzania at the port of entry for US$100 per person. Please can you have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Please note that East African countries only accepts USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Uganda Visa Note
Uganda Immigration have implemented the use of Electronic Visas. All visitors who require an entry visa must apply through the online application system prior to arrival: https://visas.immigration.go.ug.
Please make sure to bring your bar-coded visa letter with you when you travel. The cost is US$50 per person.
Rwanda Visa Note
Visas, if necessary, are issued when passengers arrive at Kigali International Airport. The cost is US$50 upon arrival.
The passport of the traveler must be valid at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Rwanda.
Yellow Fever
Please note that you need a Yellow Fever inoculation certificate for travel to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. You must travel with the original certificate as you may be asked for proof.
Malaria Medication
We recommend that you take malaria prophylactics as you will be travelling to a malaria risk area. You will need to liaise with your GP or travel clinic regarding the medication most suited to your needs. Unfortunately we're not able to recommend which one to take as it is dependent on other medication you're currently taking / any medical conditions etc.
Uganda, or the ‘Pearl of Africa’, as it was famously dubbed by Winston Churchill, is characterised by relatively dry and flat savanna in the north, with verdant mountains in the West, and vast dense and remarkably lush forests in the central region. The nation is home to an astonishingly diverse range of African wildlife including the highly endangered mountain gorilla which can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. A popular spot for wildlife watching is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which hosts four of the Big Five, a flock of flamboyant flamingos and the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Outdoor enthusiasts can get their adrenaline fix with plenty of whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, quad biking and horse riding facilities on offer. Add to this some friendly locals, a burgeoning cultural scene, and a capital city full of lively bars, clubs and restaurants, and it is easy to see why Uganda has gained itself a reputation as 'Africa's friendliest country'.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Ugandan Shilling
Symbol: USh
ISO code: UGX
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 shillings
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 shillings
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Limited acceptance
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours)
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Uganda Airlines
International Airports: Entebbe International Airport
Domestic Airports: Various
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Limited
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine: Ugandan cuisine reflects a mix of indigenous tribes and foreign influences. Staple foods include Matooke (cooked green bananas), Posho (maize meal), and Rice. Common dishes are Luwombo (steamed stew), Rolex (chapati with eggs and vegetables), and Nyama Choma (grilled meat). Ugandan cuisine is rich in flavor with a variety of spices and herbs.
Drinks: Notable local drinks include Waragi (banana gin), Tonto (local beer), and Malwa (fermented beverage).
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, typically 5-10%.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging around 1200 mm
Average temperature: 23°C
Summer:
Average highs: 27°C
Average lows: 16°C
Winter:
Average highs: 26°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, when the weather is cooler and ideal for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Limited
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Limited
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type G
Voltage (V): 240
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
General Guidance
TIPPING GUIDELINE FOR GORILLA TREKKING
Porters at parks - $20-25 per person per day
Head Ranger/Guide (when gorilla tracking) - ±$10 per person per day
Trackers - ±$10 per person per day
Security personnel - ±$10 per person per day
The tip for the team of three above should add up to roughly $25 - $30 per day of tracking, per traveller
Driver-Guides - $5 - $10 per person per day
Park Staff/Forest Walks - $5 per person per walk
