Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Uganda is during its two dry seasons: December to February and June to August. These months offer ideal conditions for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, as well as for game viewing in savannah parks due to shorter grass and easier wildlife spotting. December is a peak season with higher tourist activity, so early booking is recommended. February and September are great alternatives for fewer crowds and better accommodation availability. Uganda is a year-round destination, but travelling during the dry seasons provides the most enjoyable experience.

In Uganda, Rwanda, and other East African countries, modest attire is appreciated, so be mindful of local sensitivities and dress appropriately by covering your legs and arms when away from tourist areas and beaches. Pack plenty of cotton clothing to stay comfortable during the day, and opt for layers of lightweight attire. For travel to rugged or uneven terrain, bring boots, a sweater, and a raincoat. If you’re planning on chimpanzee or gorilla tracking, please refer to our ‘Gorilla Tracking Equipment’ packing list below.

Gratuities are graciously accepted and are left to the complete discretion of the customer. We can offer the following recommendations for tips but they are suggestions only:

Restaurants – Approximately 3% to 5%

Camps and lodges – $3 to $5 USD per guest based on a 1-3 day stay

Guides and drivers – $5 to $10 USD per client per day

Gorilla tracking head ranger – $10 USD per client per day

Park porters – $20 to $25 USD per person per day

Baggage porters at lodges and hotels – $1-$2 USD per stay per client

Walks in the forest – $5 USD per client

Crampons, grappling rope, climbing tackle, ice hatchet, dozing mat, resting pack, tent, slings, climbing pack or day pack, carabiners and waterproof sacks. Kayak sacks, for example, those made by Ortleib, are suggested and can be utilised for pressing your gear, dressing, sleeping bag and tent.

While you’ll have no trouble making international calls in Kigali or Kampala, connectivity can be more challenging in rural areas, though mobile coverage is expanding across East Africa. Most American and European phones work in Rwanda and Uganda due to roaming agreements, and local SIM cards are readily available. Internet access is available in internet cafes in major towns, including Kigali and Kampala, but speeds and reliability can vary by location. Our guides are equipped to receive calls on their mobile phones.

It’s advisable to carry cash, as only a few offices or hotels accept credit or debit cards, and card transactions can incur high fees. Ensure that your cash is in excellent condition, with US Dollar notes dated after 2013. Expect to spend between $30-$50 USD per day. ATMs are available mainly in Kigali, Kampala, and a few larger towns. One US Dollar equals approximately 3,500 Ugandan Shillings or 836 Rwandan Francs. Traveler’s checks are no longer accepted in Uganda.

Practise basic security measures and use common sense throughout your trip. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery and never leave cash unattended. Use security deposit boxes for valuables and travel documents when available. Rely on your driver guides and hotel staff for safety advice and avoid walking alone at night. If you have any security concerns, consult your Manya Africa Tours guide for assistance.

Rwanda is +2 hours GMT and Uganda is +3 hours GMT.

Both Rwanda, Uganda and other East African nations are located near the equator. This implies there isn’t much fluctuation of weather, making the two countries a flawless year-round goal for visitors. The rainy season runs from March to April and from October to November in many territories yet rain can be normal at some other time – particularly in the regions close to the gorilla parks. Despite the fact that the rainy season can slow down movement times, the views are frequently better in these conditions. Gorilla tracking will be available during these times and you can hope to keep running into some mud along your way.

The mountains and surrounding areas receive more rainfall and are significantly cooler than the open savannah. Temperatures on the plains typically range from 21°C to 30°C, but in certain months, they can drop as low as 10°C in the mountainous regions. We recommend that visitors plan their journeys according to their preferences, as the occasional brief rain showers add to the unique charm of this extraordinary experience.

• Rwanda and Burundi: 2-stick attachments (cycle), 240 V
• Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania: 3-stick attachments (square), 230/240 V

If it’s not too much trouble make sure to bring along your own adapters unless you’re going to lodges where these are provided. Most lodges and camps are happy to give you rechargeable batteries or candles if there is no power. In the rare moment that you have to recharge your batteries, please consult with your guide.

We are able to book flights with our Amadeus system to Inbound and Outbound destinations, or through our respective partners.

The following organisations operate flights to Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport:

• Emirates
• British Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• Qatar Airways
• Brussels Airlines
• Egyptair
• KLM
• Ethiopian Airlines
• South Africa Airways
• Kenya Airways
• African Express
• Uganda Airlines

Aerolink offers 2 flights daily between Kibale Forest, Murchison Falls, Kidepo, Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth. To travel to Rwanda you can use Kenya Airways, KLM, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines or South Africa Airways.

In East Africa, flights are operated by Rwandair, Kenya Airways, Coastal Aviation and Precision Air. Associations between the savannah fields of Tanzania/Kenya and Rwanda/Uganda are presently less demanding than they have ever been. Helicopter exchanges can likewise be organised regularly inside Rwanda to destinations, for example, Virunga Lodge. The carriers that are working in the area may change every once in a while, so make a point to check with your aircraft before adding a flight to your timetable. Most importantly, ensure that your flight connections fit to the beginning and end times of your Safari. Please consult your Manya Africa Tours experts for specific tour start times.

Overmitts, gloves or mountain gloves for climbing, rain gear, wool sweater and coat, long sleeved shirts for trekking, rain and sun caps, mountain coat, a warm cap for moving at high-elevations, t-shirts, shorts, climbing and climbing pants, long lightweight clothing and lightweight gloves for the camp.

Footwear – Sandals or camp shoes, an arrangement of gaiters for low heights and a set for high elevations, mountain boots that can suit crampons, strolling/running shoes.

Before embarking on your East African tour, you must obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers the entire duration of your visit. This insurance should include medical coverage, evacuation, and trip cancellation. Proof of sufficient travel insurance must be provided to the organisation before departure. For specific details about evacuation coverage, you can visit the AMREF Flying Doctors insurance website.

Before your trip, consult with a healthcare provider for advice on necessary vaccinations and health precautions. In the UK, you can contact the Medical Advisory Service for Travelers Abroad (MASTA) at www.masta.org or +44 9068 224100. In the US, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. Bring personal medications, mosquito repellent, and anti-malaria tablets. Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required for travel to Uganda and the DRC. Use bottled or filtered water to avoid health issues, and be aware that medical facilities may be basic, especially in remote areas.

Feel free to take lots of photos, but always ask permission before photographing people. Avoid taking pictures of military personnel or areas near military installations. Bring extra batteries and an auto charger for your camera, as not all lodges provide power. If you’re a professional filmmaker, you need to request permission and purchase a special filming permit. Flash photography of wildlife is prohibited, so use fast film (400 to 1600 ASA) and remember that cloudy days are better for photographing gorillas. DVD recorders are allowed.

Pack essential medical items including dark sunglasses, sunscreen with SPF 45-60, malaria prophylaxis, and rest aids if you have trouble sleeping at high altitudes. Bring a basic first aid kit, any prescribed medications, and non-prescription painkillers (avoid aspirin). Consider bringing Diamox, which helps with acclimatisation and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. If your local pharmacy does not stock these items, you can find them online from various suppliers.

For Rwanda:

A single entry tourist visa is quite easy to obtain, whereas multiple entry visas require more negotiation.

If you’re not a national of one of the countries listed above, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa before your trip to Rwanda. You can either request a visa online through the Entry Facility Form or you can request one from the Rwandan Embassies/Diplomatic Missions. If you fill out an online request, you’ll be able to pick the visa up once you arrive at the airport. For further details please visit the Migration Rwanda website. Please be aware, Rwandan visas are no longer offered at Kigali Airport.

You’ll be asked to show a copy of the Entry Facility Form that was accepted before your visa is given to you. The cost for a single entry Rwandan visa is $50 USD. The Rwandan Embassy in the United Kingdom is located at 120 – 122 Seymour Place in London, UK, W1H 1NR. You can call the embassy at +44 020 722 49 832.The Rwandan Embassy in the United States is located in Washington DC at 1724 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, 200091. The phone number there is +1 202 232 2882.

For Uganda:

If you are a citizen of Japan, the United States or the European Union, you’ll need a visa to visit Uganda. If you are from another country you should check first and find out whether a visa will be required.

Ugandan visas are no longer offered at Entebbe Airport. Please visit https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ to apply online for a visa.

A single entry Ugandan visa will cost $50 USD and will be valid for between two weeks and three months. For further information about the visa requirements to enter Uganda please visit the official website at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. The Ugandan Embassy in the United Kingdom is located here: Uganda House Embassy, 58-59 Trafalgar Sq., London UK, WC2N 5DX. You can reach the embassy at +44 (0)20 7839 5783.

The Ugandan Embassy in the United States is located in Washington DC at 5811 16th Street NW, Washington DC USA, 20011. You can reach Embassy officials at 1 202 726 7100.

Travellers from Germany can find help here:
– Bridge Corporation, Huttenstraße 22,10553 Berlin
– E-Mail: info@bridge-corporation.com www.bridge-corporation.com
– Tel.: 030 809 203 22 , Fax: 030 306 401 58

If you’re travelling to more than one East African country please obtain the EAC Visa.

Gorilla tracking occurs in four key national parks across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In Uganda, you can track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans is another prime location, renowned for its research history led by Dian Fossey. In the DRC, Virunga National Park is the fourth major site for tracking these magnificent creatures. Each park offers a unique gorilla tracking experience, with varying terrain and different habituated gorilla families to explore.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to nine habituated gorilla families. These include the Mubare, Oruzogo, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Bitukura, Nkuringo, Mishaya, Nshongi, and Kahungye families. Each family has its unique characteristics and can be tracked from different locations within the park. For instance, the Mubare family is the oldest, while the Nshongi family is the largest with 25 members.

The Susa gorilla family, located in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans, is notable for its size and historical significance. It has 28 members and includes 3 silverbacks. This family gained fame through the research of Dian Fossey and is known for having twins, Impano and Byishimo. Tracking this family can take up to 7 hours, making it one of the more demanding experiences.

Gorilla tracking permits are limited in number and are highly sought after. It is essential to book your permit well in advance to secure your spot. An advance payment is required to confirm your booking. Failing to book early may result in missing out on available permits.

Before heading out, ensure you are well-prepared by checking our packing list under the “What do I need to pack for gorilla tracking?” FAQ on this page. Essential items include lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, and a camera with a zoom lens. Hiring a porter to carry your belongings is also an option for a small fee.

Gorilla tracking permits are generally non-refundable. In cases of medical emergencies, a doctor’s certificate may be required to request a refund. Additionally, permits may not be refunded if tracking is cancelled due to factors like park closures or security changes. Refunds in such situations are at the discretion of the park authorities and are beyond our control.

Gorilla tracking involves navigating through thick forests and rugged terrain, which can be physically demanding. If necessary, you can hire a porter to assist with carrying your belongings. It is important to be in good physical condition and prepared for varying weather conditions, including potential rain.

Upon meeting the ranger at the national park, you will receive detailed instructions on the guidelines and regulations for gorilla tracking. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful experience for both visitors and the gorillas.

Tracking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can take anywhere from 3 to 10 hours, depending on the specific gorilla family and the terrain. The park’s dense forest and rugged slopes can make the trek challenging, especially in comparison to other locations such as Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans or Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park. Once a gorilla family has been encountered, you get to spend one hour with them on our tours.

In Uganda, tracking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park typically involves a more challenging trek due to the park’s dense jungle and steep terrain. However, it offers a chance to explore nine different habituated families. In Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans, the trek is usually shorter and less demanding, with ten habituated families to choose from. Both destinations provide unique experiences, but the level of difficulty and the number of families available vary.

From the Buhoma area in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, visitors can track five gorilla families: the Rushegura, Mubare, Ortogo, Habinyanja, and Bitukura families. This northern section of the park provides relatively easier access to these families compared to the southern parts of the park.

Children under the age of 15 are not permitted to participate in gorilla tracking to protect both the gorillas and the children. Additionally, individuals with any illnesses are not allowed to join the trek. This policy helps to prevent the transmission of diseases to the gorillas.

The gorilla habituation experience allows you to spend more time with the mountain gorillas compared to standard tracking. While traditional gorilla tracking is limited to one hour of observation, the habituation experience provides up to four hours of interaction. This includes accompanying researchers as they work to habituate the gorillas, offering a deeper insight into their behaviour and environment.

When tracking gorillas, you are allowed to observe them for a maximum of one hour. It is crucial to maintain a distance of at least 7 metres from the gorillas to ensure their safety and well-being. Flash photography is not permitted, but you can use film with an ISO rating between 400 and 1600 for capturing photos. If you wish to film the gorillas, you will need to obtain prior permission for a filming licence.

Tracking may be cancelled or altered due to unforeseen circumstances such as border closures, changes in gorilla locations, or national park closures. In such cases, the refund policies are subject to the park authorities’ discretion. It’s advisable to stay flexible and check for any updates or changes before your trek.

The following equipment is required for gorilla tracking:

• Light fleece or downy sweater
• Warm garments
• A lightweight parka or rain poncho and rain cap
• A sun cap
• Long underpants or leggins
• Long sleeve shirt
• Woollen lightweight socks
• Strong pants
• Gloves for holding vegetation
• Waterproof strolling boots that are solid and can deal with climbing steep slopes

Pack with the goal of layering your garments since the temperature has a tendency to change.

The following gear is also required for gorilla tracking:

• Sunscreen
• Quick film
• Shades
• Binoculars
• A light and a little rucksack for carrying a packed lunch and water

On the off chance that you require a mobile stick you can either obtain one from the lodge or a guide can make you one.