Frequently asked Questions


Travel and tourism is one of those things that certainly give rise to questions, disquiets and doubts/worries, so be reminded that we’re here to put your thoughts at ease. When to travel to Africa for a safari? What is included in itinerary /safari? Can a trip combine different countries? For frequent questions don’t be bothered rather to check below.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if your question is not answered among these below.

Generally, dry seasons in Uganda start from December/January through to the mid-March and from June through to mid-September. Kindly note that dry months are the most popular tourist’s seasons, with July, August Christmas and throughout the New Year being the peak seasons.

Heavy rains drops in October-November and April-May. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that every day it rains. Please note that there’s always a tropical shower during night or a shorter shower during the day, but immediately after rain comes sunshine! And that’s my pearl of Africa (Uganda). Weather will never be a reason for you to avoid travelling in the wet season –this might even be considered for easy availability tracking of gorilla. Research has it that it’s now difficult for travel agency to predict climate changes in the East Africa. However, in Uganda the temperature is very stable and pleasant with sunshine almost to a full (365 days) a year.

It’s considered that during the day, the temperature averages are between 23 and 27°C, though in some places it’s usually cool at night. One remarkable aspect about Uganda safaris is: whether you travel in the dry, dusty months or in the wet season, you will never find the crowded tourism like in Kenya or Tanzania. If you spot a lion or leopard, it is very likely that you will be the only one to see it – even in peak season!

  • Never to be stubborn on wild animals:
  • No tourists/traveler is allowed to feed wild animal unless you are permitted by the official rehabilitation program.
  • Remember to leave/ keep proper distance from animal and in anyway if signs of fear or aggressiveness are show, then back off immediately to be protected.
  • Never to be involved in chasing or following wild animals that is struggling to escape from your game drive premises. Keep watching them from reasonable length to avoid dangers.
  • Be slow and quiet in your movements, and in full view to avoid scaring or stressing wild animals.
  • Never to touch wild animals structured carefully by rehabilitation official, researcher or conservationist program that has the required permits.
  • Always remember to follow the Guide or park ranger guidelines or dos and don’ts dos to reduce human impact on wildlife places.

RWS provides a licensed Guide will meet and assist you when you clear Customs and Immigration at Entebbe, Uganda or Kigali, Rwanda, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi Kenya that will guide throughout and later take you back to the airport when you are leaving -- airport hugs and tissues to wipe away your tears at having to leave, those are included. Your Guide will be with you every step of the way, answering every question you can think, identifying animals, primates and birds you see, explaining why they are in such places, introducing you to East African men, women and children and their cultures……remember that you coming to my home country and welcomes everyone happily.

RWS Quoted Prices include:

  • All activities mentioned in the safari itinerary and park Entrance Fees.
  • Accommodation as specified in the safari itinerary.
  • Safari Transfers Ground transport in safari comfortable 4WD vehicles.
  • Accommodations and Meals as specified in the safari itinerary.
  • Services of an English speaking safari Guide/Driver.
  • Government safari taxes.

Oops as it might be a bit complex to reply-but it’s determined on how many days/long you want to stay with RWS on a safari, this will also depend what to do where to do it from, how many Permits you need, activities to look at/participate in, what countries you want to visit. To determine the fares can arrange a 7-day 6-night Gorilla Tracking, wildlife culture including grand transportation to and from Entebbe in Uganda or Kigali in Rwanda, lodging near the park for as little as $2000.00 per person plus the Permit ... or we can take a 2-more weeks tour of several countries (Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya) which will cost thousands of dollars per person. Please don’t hesitate to contact us in what you are interested in, how you do want it, and how long you wish to be on a safari - we will create a custom safari/trip for you unforgettable and life-long memories.

  • Below are the considered things that one before a gorilla trek.
  • Below 15 years of age are not permitted on gorilla trek.
  • Travelers that are sick or have any infectious disease are not permitted to trek.
  • Its normally 1 (one) hour allowed with the gorillas at a distance of about 5 meters
  • 6-12 people per group are the maximum number of visitors permitted.
  • No one is allowed to photography while his/her flash camera is on.
  • No client is allowed to eat or drink in the vicinity of the gorillas.
  • No travelers/tourists are allowed to touch the gorillas even those one comes closer or decide to touch you).
  • Trekkers must be fit and well equipped, which travel with warm clothing for the wet climate high in the mountains.

It’s very possible that one can combine countries on one itinerary. For example one can begin his/her journey from maasai mara in Kenya for both wildlife and culture, then join Uganda where you are able to see tree climbing lions then do gorilla trekking in bwindi impenetrable national park that connects you to volcanoes national park for the same (gorilla trekking), Dian fossey Tom Hike, Iby ‘iwacu cultural village tour. These habitats result in some behavioral differences and definitely result in different hiking and viewing differences. For budget issues travelers are advised to visit all national parks in one country, but if time and budget permit, we recommend our travelers to visit a few recommended national parks in different countries.

Gorilla trekking can take a varied length of time depending on the group that is tracking, the general location of the gorilla family, the terrain, weather and a few other factors. Sometimes the tracking will take as short as 30 minutes, other times it will take as long as 7 hours.

As you hike through the forest, follow the lead of your guide. As you climb up the steep slopes of the volcanoes, and through the forest, you will need to pull yourself up steep paths by grasping onto plant roots, branches, bushes, etc. a walking stick could also come in handy. You will get thirsty, so be sure to carry enough water. The trek through the forest can be tiring but the encounter with the gorillas is worth all the effort.

Gorilla trekking can be done all time, that is to say the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) or rainy seasons (March to May and October to November). Trekking in rainy season is quite challenging, that’s why we (RWS) recommend to trek during dry season. One of the benefits when trekking during the rainy season is that accommodation at lodges and hotels are at discounted rates.

Mountain gorillas are in a limited habitat range and are only found in three countries that span four national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).all these countries are located in east Africa and central sub-Saharan Africa.

RWS offers a wide range of group travels, Family Adventures and solitude travels across East Africa. The minimum number of group travel is from 6 and above, minimum age (for Family trips) varies depending on destination, and RWS has set minimum ages to ensure that the activities included suit each age range. Additionally, you’ll notice that some of the more adventurous destinations have a higher minimum age than noon adventurous.

Still solitude travelers are considered in our travel, such travelers are booked according to their requests especially to non-crowed destinations that provide privacy on safaris and to clients.

Once you have confirmed the final itinerary with us, you will be asked to pay a deposit of 40%. Gorilla permit are paid fully at the time of booking. Please note that availability of accommodation and permits is subject to change without prior notice unless it’s paid for, then it will be guaranteed officially confirmed by RWS.

Immediately after payment has been received or reflected on our account, then reservations for permits, accommodation and activities will done For your convenience, the balance payment of 60% should be settled 45 days before the start of your safari.

We accept payment by VISA credit card (please include 5% service charge) and bank transfer in either dollars or Euros to our bank account in Uganda. Please note that all bank charges are at the expense of the client.

All Visitors to Uganda, East Africa and Africa at large are required to have a valid Yellow Fever vaccine Card from the world health organization or any recognized hospital – passengers arriving within 6 days after leaving or transiting countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and not holding a yellow fever vaccination certificate are subject to vaccination upon arrival and possible quarantine measures

Recommended:

- Vaccination against yellow fever for any passenger.

- Malaria prophylaxis: malaria risk, mainly due to p. falciparum, exists throughout the year in the whole country.

Exempt from yellow fever vaccination:

- Children under 1 year of age.

You can pay using credit card/debit card - or, you can wire the money safely from your bank to ours which is ENFT transfer. We strongly advise and recommend that you shouldn’t send money by Money Order or any commercial money transfer company - use your credit card/debit card or your bank, that are much safer.

Only a few banks accept ATM cards or Visa credit cards for money withdrawal in Uganda. While you can withdraw a limited amount of cash per day from ATM machines in Kampala, there are very few opportunities to withdraw cash once you are on safari in Uganda.

Payment by credit card/debit card in east Africa can attract additional charges of between 5% and more. Do check with lodges and restaurants in advance, if you plan to pay by credit card. We therefore advise you to bring cash and have money changed upon arrival. US dollars, Great Britain Pound and Euros are easy to change. However, for some expenses, like the payment of a tourist visa at the airport/entry point, then dollars are easier to use for clearing visas.

It is often possible to pay for tourist activities with US dollars. Please note that US dollars bills issued before 2009 are NOT accepted in Uganda. Exchanging low denomination dollar bills (anything less than USD50.00 bill) attracts a lower exchange rate.

Tourist visas can be bought in advance via the embassy or consulate in your country or simply purchased upon arrival at the entry point (Entebbe International Airport, Kigali international airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi or at any overland border.

An east African tourist visa issued by Kenya or Rwanda is accepted to enter Uganda if the passenger has first entered the country which has issued the visa. It is a multiple-entry visa and is valid for 90 days.

Visa issuance: - e-visas can be obtained before departure at https://visas.immigration.go.ug . Passengers must have a printed e-visa confirmation. Visa photos are not allowed and a single entry tourist visa costs US$ 50.00 and US$100.00 per person for a multiple entry up to 90 days stay in East African countries. Regretfully, Tanzania is not (yet) a member of the East African VISA community; there if you wish to travel to Tanzania a separate visa is required.
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bookings@routewildsafaris.com

3B Nakasero Road,
Kampala Uganda

We are Travel and Adventure Professionals. We organise safaris and tours in all the tourist attractions in the East African Region.





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