Charter Airline Luggage Limitations
Please note that the luggage restriction on the scheduled charter flights in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe is 20kgs (44lbs) per person which needs to be packed in soft-sided duffel bags. This weight limitation includes your hand luggage.
In Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia the luggage limit is 15Kgs (33lbs) per person packed in soft-sided duffel bags. This weight limitation 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.
Visas
Certain countries in Africa require you to obtain travel authorisation ahead of your arrival in those countries. For some travellers, the online application portals can be challenging to use, causing frustration and anxiety. If you do not want to navigate the online process yourself, feel free to contact a specialist visa agency such as Visa HQ to assist you.
Yellow Fever
Please note that you need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for travel to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. You must travel with the original certificate as you may be asked for proof thereof.
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 primary care physician or travel clinic regarding the medication most suited to your needs. We're not able to recommend which one to take as it depends on other medication you're currently taking / any medical conditions etc.
Visa Note for South Africa
American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to South Africa. However, you are required to have at least two consecutive blank visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 30 days after your date of departure from South Africa.
Visa Note for Botswana
American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to Botswana. However, you are required to have at least two consecutive blank visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into Botswana.
Please be aware - all children under the age of 18 years must travel with an unabridged birth certificate for entry into Botswana, clearly showing the details of both parents. Both parents need to be travelling with the child. If this is not the case, additional documentation may be required. Please contact us for further info.
Visa Note for Zambia
Zambia has waived all visa fees (including day trip visas), for nationals from Australia, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
All other nationalities are required to pay for their Zambian visas. The entry fee is currently US$50 per person (subject to change). You can purchase your visa at Livingstone / Lusaka Airports on arrival. If you plan to visit both sides of the Falls you can purchase a Kaza Visa for US$50 per person which allows you access to both Zambia and Zimbabwe. 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 accept USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Visa Note for Zimbabwe
Most passport holders can purchase their visa for Zimbabwe on arrival at a cost of US$30 (subject to change). 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 accept USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Visa Note for Mozambique
The E-Visa site and implementation of the registration process has NOT been successful, and Mozambique is now rolling out a Visa exemption implementation.
This means the temporary suspension of the pre-registration process for visitors from visa-exempt countries.
Clients can now enter Mozambique without any form of pre-registration (a temporary measure to provide flexibility and convenience for visitors).
Upon entry into Mozambique clients from visa-exempt countries now only require the following:
*Pay MZN 650.00 (at the current rate of exchange this is USD10.00 or R180.00).
There are credit card facilities available but cash is preferred. No change is available, so please ensure you have the correct amount in cash handy. USD and South African Rand are both accepted.
*Provide a valid passport with 6 months validity AFTER the last day of your stay in Mozambique, plus 3 blank pages.
*Provide confirmation of your round-trip flight details (return tickets)
*Proof of accommodation in the form of a letter from your accommodation provider
Visa Note for Namibia
Currently American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to Namibia. However, you are required to have at least three consecutive blank visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry.
NOTE that as of 1 April 2025, Namibia’s new visa regulations come into effect. This means that 31 countries who did not previously require visas will now require them. The affected countries include the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, France, Germany, amongst others. The visa fee will be N$1,600 per person (around USD90). You may obtain your visas at the airport on arrival.
Please be aware - all children under the age of 18 years must travel with an unabridged birth certificate for entry into Namibia, clearly showing the details of both parents. Both parents need to be travelling with the child. If this is not the case, additional documentation may be required. Please contact us for further info.
Visa Note for Seychelles
A visa is not required for stays up to 30 days.
On arrival, travelers need to provide proof of onward or return transportation, a confirmed accommodation booking and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. They will then be issued a Visitor's Permit which is valid for a stay of up to 30 days.
All visitors must apply for entry through the Health Travel Authorisation platform prior to their arrival in the Seychelles. Please visit https://seychelles.govtas.com/ This health authorisation is essential for travel and will be required when you check in for your flight. Visitors will not be permitted to board their flight without the authorisation being in place.
Visa Note for Kenya
Kenya has implemented an eTA (electronic travel authorisation) system. This is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. The possession of an eTA is not the final authority to enter the Republic of Kenya. Admissibility will be determined at the point of entry.
All visitors are required to apply for an eTA prior to arrival in Kenya by clicking here - https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
The cost is currently US$32.50 per traveller, plus bank and processing fees.
For most travelers, a single entry eTA will be sufficient. If you are visiting neighbouring countries such as Tanzania, Rwanda or Uganda and then returning to Kenya afterwards, you will be able to use the same eTA for re-entry – provided you do not return to your country of residence between visits.
NOTE that the eTA is only valid for 90 days from the date of issue, so please don’t apply too early. If the eTA expires prior to your arrival in Kenya, you will need to start a new application. The eTA is only required for entry into Kenya - there is no need to re-apply for an eTA if it expires whilst you are in Kenya.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Kenya, and you require at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
IMPORTANT: Single use plastic bags are banned in Kenya. Arriving visitors are requested to avoid bringing single use plastic bags into the country. Being in possession of a single use plastic bag is an offence and offenders could be penalised.
Visa Note for Tanzania
US passport holders can purchase their visa for Tanzania at the port of entry at a cost of US$100 per person. Please have the exact amount in cash available as they do not accept credit cards. (Please note that East African countries only accept USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Note that, should you be arriving in Tanzania from Kenya, via the Isebania border post, you must apply for your Tanzanian visa ahead of your arrival.
Because the arrival visa process can take a long time, we suggest that you apply for your e-visa prior to travel by clicking on this link - https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ Guidelines are available here which provides further information on what you’ll need for the application process: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/guidelines
If you are visiting neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda and then returning to Tanzania afterwards, you will be able to use the same visa for re-entry – provided you do not return to your country of residence between visits. Keep in mind that Zanzibar is part of Tanzania.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Tanzania. You are also required to have at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
CROSSING THE BORDER FROM THE MASAAI MARA (KENYA) TO THE SERENGETI (TANZANIA) – ISEBANIA BORDER POST
You will fly from your safari lodge to the Migori Airstrip – from here, you will board a shared bus (arranged by the airline) to the immigration check point. After you’ve completed the border formalities, you will continue by bus to the Tarime Airstrip. From here you will fly to your safari lodge in the Serengeti.
Though it is usually possible to get your visa for Tanzania on arrival, for this border crossing you MUST get your Tanzania visa in advance. This is due to the time constraints imposed by the airlines as the flights need to stick to the scheduled times.
Travellers must have the following documents ready when crossing from Kenya to Tanzania:
Passport
Yellow fever certificate
E-visa
Completed entry declaration form
Visa Note for Uganda
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 by clicking here: https://visas.immigration.go.ug.
You are required to upload clear copies of the bio-data page of your passport, your Yellow Fever certificate and a recent passport photo.
On completion of the online application you will receive a barcoded e-mail notification. Print out this e-mail and bring it along with you to Uganda.
Upon arrival you must present the barcoded e-mail to the relevant authorities.
The immigration officer will scan the barcode, take your fingerprints, collect your photo and request the US$50 cash payment for the visa. (Please note: Uganda only accepts USD bills dated 2006 or later, and bills that are in excellent condition). A visa sticker will be printed with your photo and placed in your passport.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into Uganda, and you’re required to have at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
It is possible to get an East Africa Tourist Visa which covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on a single visa. Note that Tanzania is not included and if you have travelled to Tanzania and then return to either Uganda, Rwanda or Kenya, the East Africa visa will no longer be valid. You need to lodge the application with the first country on your itinerary (note that if Kenya is the first country on your itinerary, the East Africa Tourist Visa does not apply and you will need to obtain separate visas for each country).
Visitors to Uganda who will be participating in gorilla trekking activities are required to wear a mask while with the gorillas.
NOTE that e-cigarettes have been BANNED in Uganda.
Uganda is one of the 35 countries globally where e-cigarettes are banned according to World Health Organization (WHO). Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices that emit a vaporized solution to inhale. These include e-hookahs, vaporizer cigarettes, vapes, and vape pens.
Please do not carry these items, even if you don't intend on using them.
Visa Note Rwanda
Visas may be obtained on arrival at Kigali International Airport. The cost is currently US$50 per person and must be paid in cash.
You can also apply for a Rwanda e-visa online, please follow this link - https://irembo.gov.rw/home/citizen/all_services
When the site loads – go to Immigration and Emigration to complete the visa application.
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Rwanda. You also require at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
It is possible to get an East African Tourist Visa that covers entry to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. These need to be purchased from the first country of entry. Please note that this visa does not cover entry into Tanzania and if you enter Tanzania from one of these other countries having travelled on the EA Visa, the East African Tourist Visa will no longer be valid. You need to lodge the application with the first country on your itinerary (note that if Kenya is the first country on your itinerary, the East Africa Tourist Visa does not apply and you will need to obtain separate visas for each country).
Travellers over the age of 5 years who are scheduled to visit the primates at the Volcanoes, Nyungwe and / or Gishwati-Mukura National Parks are required to wear a mask during their visit.
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'.
Entry Requirements
ENTERING UGANDA
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Uganda and Rwanda. The newly established EAC Visa allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya for one fee of USD100.
Please consult THIS LIST to determine whether you need a visa before you enter.
Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months or 12 months in the case of UK nationals. In all instances, ALL visitors must ensure there are THREE successive blank pages in their passport per country to be visited.
Visitors traveling through South Africa, to and from Uganda, should be advised that their passports must contain at least TWO blank consecutive (unstamped) visa pages each time entry to South Africa is requested; these pages are IN ADDITION to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport.
You need to obtain your visa in advance by applying online HERE. The application process takes up to three days (longer in some cases); to avoid any possible delays with your e-visa, you are advised to apply promptly.
NOTE: Contrary to opposing reports, the Ugandan Immigration Authorities, have, with immediate effect, instituted an ONLINE visa application system.
NO visas will be granted at ports of entry upon arrival; failure to obtain an e-visa in advance may result in travellers being DENIED boarding of flights at points of departure en route to Uganda.
East Africa Tourist Visa (EAC Visa)
Travellers also visiting Kenya and Rwanda, may wish to consider purchasing an East Africa Tourist Visa (common cross-border joint visa), which allows entry into all three countries on a single visa.
For further information on the East African Tourist Visa, please see HERE
NOTE: Tanzania is NOT part of this joint visa initiative and persons travelling to both Uganda and Tanzania will have to purchase two separate visas.
Banking and Currency
CURRENCY - CREDIT CARDS & ATM's
The currency of Uganda is the Uganda Shilling (UGX).
Credit Cards
As in most African countries, Visa and MasterCard are usually accepted. American Express and Diners Club are frequently NOT accepted at all. Be sure to ask your bank about a Visa or MasterCard with no foreign transaction fees! Debit cards are not acknowledged.
ATM’s
Whilst we advocate drawing some local currency, ATM’s are far and few between, and in addition may be affected by power cuts. ATM’s are available at Entebbe airport as well as in Entebbe itself, but not all accept foreign cards. it is advisable to travel with US$, in a mixture of denominations, on your person.
NOTE: US$ dated 2006 or earlier are NOT accepted in Uganda
TIPPING
Although not compulsory, if you are happy with the level of service provided, it is customary to show appreciation by tipping guides, drivers, and support staff, and it is appropriate to do so, at your discretion, in US$ or Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
Amounts vary depending on the size of your group and the level of assistance required. Your porter (if you choose to take one), should ordinarily receive the highest tip, with a second tip distributed between your guide, trackers and security personnel.
A recommended tip is US$25 - US$30 per day of tracking per traveller. This may be given to the guide in view of the trackers once out of the park such that he can distribute amongst the trackers and himself.
General Guidelines for Tipping
· 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 US$25 - US$30 per day of tracking, per traveller
· Driver-Guides - $5 - $10 per person per day
· Park Staff/Forest Walks - $5 per person per walk
· Butler - $15 per couple per day
· Lodge/camp Staff - $8 - $10 per couple for 1 – 3 days stay
· Hotel/lodge porters - $1 - $2 per person per stay
· Restaurants - 5 - 10% of the bill
Whilst it is not encouraged to carry enormous quantities of cash, be aware that facilities for exchanging or drawing cash are restricted to the bigger towns and to Kampala/Entebbe.
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
Health and Medical Information
VACCINATIONS & GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION for UGANDA
Malaria
Since malaria is endemic in many areas of East Africa, including Uganda, it is strongly recommended you obtain anti-malaria medication before entering the country. Consult your medical doctor or health authority prior to departure. The most commonly prescribed anti-malarial tablet is Malarone.
Medication
Pack your own basic medications for headaches, hay fever and any other minor afflictions and travel-related maladies you think you may experience. Pack sufficient supplies of chronic (prescription) medication for the duration of your trip.
Water
Drink bottled or boiled water only! All safari camps and lodges supply clean (bottled or filtered) water for their guests. Do however always check with the camp/lodge staff if it safe to brush your teeth with the tap water.
Vaccinations
Medical services and facilities are limited to the larger towns and cities. As a precautionary measure, diphtheria, tetanus, cholera, polio, typhoid and hepatitis vaccinations, although not compulsory, are recommended.
ALL travellers to Uganda DO require a yellow fever vaccination. The yellow fever inoculation is valid for ten years, and must be administered no later than ten days prior to departure. If you have any history of liver disorders please consult your doctor. NOTE: You are required to travel with your Yellow Fever card.
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Health Requirements
Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are HIGHLY susceptible to human disease, including colds and flu. If you are participating in a gorilla/chimp trek you need to be free of ANY visibly contagious diseases, and this is checked at the start of the trek by the Park Authorities. NOTE: If Park Authorities are in any doubt as to your condition, they reserve the right to prevent you from continuing on the trek.
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
THE WEATHER in UGANDA
Uganda is an equatorial country and as result the climate is considered tropical and does not vary much throughout the year. Temperatures vary considerably between locations depending on their altitude, but very little from month to month in the same place. Temperatures on the plains range from 21°C/70°F to 30°C/86°F, whereas in the mountainous areas they may be as low as 10°C/50°F.
Uganda experiences two rainy season, the long rains from about March to May, when the rain is heavy and constant and then the shorter rains from October to November.
June to mid-September is the long dry season, which is followed by a short dry season from December to February, but it may rain at any time of the year, particularly in equatorial rainforest areas such as Bwindi.
Lake Victoria influences the local weather patterns considerably and so the surrounding region is wetter than elsewhere.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
WHAT to PACK for UGANDA
When tracking the gorillas or chimpanzee it is best to wear sturdy clothing to protect against scratches, nettles and mud. It is warm in the plains but often cold in the hilly and mountainous areas; it is best to wear layers of clothing as temperatures tend to change. A rain jacket, warm sweater and boots are also therefore essential. Ugandans appreciate modest dressing.
Must Haves
· A good wide-brimmed sun hat – for the intense African sun
· A bandana/buff - for the dusty, dry regions
· Lightweight walking boots – for going up and down steep hills (sometimes in mud), preferably ‘worn in’
· Comfortable tennis shoes or sandals – for around the camp/lodge
· Golf shirts or T-shirts
· Long-sleeved cotton shirts – to provide protection from sun, as well as from mosquitos in the evenings
· Shorts - note that short skirts are not practical and not recommended
· A sport bra - for bumpy drives
· A micro-fibre zippered jacket and light rain gear - for rainy season and rainy days
· Swimwear - whilst at all times respecting modesty of local custom
· Warm fleece, anorak, scarf, gloves and beanie - for morning and evenings, for the winter months, and for higher altitudes, where it is cool even in warmer months
· One better dress, or trousers and shirt – for going out to in Kampala/Entebbe
A Detailed List of the Most Practical Items to Pack
· Khaki, green, beige, neutral colours – NO army camouflage clothing
· Shirts with long sleeves
· T-shirts
· Long sturdy/safari trousers
· Light-weight breathable rain jacket with a rain hat
· Fleece or light wool sweater
· Strong waterproof walking boots - comfortable and ‘worn in’
· Lightweight wool socks
· Moisture-wicking underwear
· Personal toiletries - consider Citronella soap which acts as an insect repellant
· Sufficient sanitary products
· Sun block, after-sun gel, moisturiser, lip balm
· Strong insect repellent - for mosquitos and tsetse flies
· Hat and sunglasses
· Torch – a headlamp works well
· Protective gloves – to grip vegetation, inexpensive garden gloves work well
· Binoculars and camera equipment (plus water/dustproof bag)
· Daypack - for carrying water, packed lunch, binoculars and camera equipment
NOTE: A walking stick is highly recommended, and may be hired from your guide, or borrowed from the lodge
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Limited
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
POWER
Camps and lodges in remote areas of Uganda generate their own electricity - either by solar power or by diesel generator. These power sources in turn charge banks of batteries called the inverter system, which provides 220Volt power for lighting and ceiling fans. Some lodges and camps only have power at certain times of the day. Solar power is weather dependent and therefore erratic. So be aware that continuous and uninterrupted charging of electronics is not always possible. In these instances alternative lighting is generally available e.g. storm lanterns, but continuous and uninterrupted charging of electronics will not be possible.
Hairdryers & Electric Shavers
It is often not possible to use hairdryers or electric shavers in remote camps/lodges, as they have low-wattage fuses which will trip the power. You will be able to charge your equipment in a designated area in the camp. Some camps provide adapters, but it is advised to travel with your own.
The most commonly found plug/socket type in Uganda is the ‘G’