FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
SAFARIS IN UGANDA
Questions :
1.
Is Uganda a safe country?
2. What is included/excluded
in the price?
3. What is
the best period to travel in Uganda?
4. How big are your groups?
5. Can
I book my safari with you when I am travelling alone?
6. Do I need a visa?
7. Can I
do the gorilla tracking?
8.
What transport do you offer?
9. How
are the accommodations?
10. How can I
pay for my safari?
11.
Are vaccinations required for my visit to Uganda?
12. Are ATM cards /
credit cards / traveller cheques accepted?
13. How much should
I tip?
Answers
:
1.
Is Uganda a safe country?
Although Uganda has a turbulent history and
suffered from war for many years, it is a safe country to
visit nowadays. You will be warmly welcomed by the friendly
residents and Kampala is announced to be one of the safest
capital cities in (East) Africa!
Most
national parks are situated in the south(west) of the country
and are safe to visit. The border area with Rwanda and DRC
remains stable. All national parks and wildlife reserves
are well protected by the rangers of the Uganda Wildlife
Authority. Visitors of Bwindi National Park are always accompanied
by a military escort during their activity.
The national park that is most
in discussion is Murchison Falls. Due to twisted information
and the impression that the area, some foreign ministries
are giving a negative travel advisory for Murchison Falls
National Park. However, tourism programs continue normally
and many tourists are still travelling to this area. We
carefully selected the routes to be taken and thanks to
the measures that are implemented UWA guarantees security
for all intending visitors.
Because of the presence of
the Lord Resistance Army (LRA) in the north, it is not advisable
to go anywhere beyond Murchison Falls National Park. Although
the LRA and government are meeting each other regularly
for peace talks, the situation in the north remains unstable.
In Eastern Uganda Sipi Falls
and Mount Elgon are safe to visit. Due to the presence of
the Karamojong in the northeast visitors should not continue
north by road. For those who wish to visit Kidepo National
Park we advise to book a national flight, as travelling
by car can be unpredictable.
In conclusion, Uganda is a
beautiful country and as the unstability is far up north,
this will not and should not affect your visit to the rest
of this beautiful country!
2. What is included/excluded in the price?
All mentioned prices are inclusive of :
- ground transport per comfortable 4WD
safari vehicle
- visit to all mentioned places in the
program
- the service of an English speaking driver/guide
- national park entrance fees
- activities that are mentioned in the
itinerary, except for the optional activities
- overnight in the mentioned accommodations,
base don a twin or double room
- full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- bottled mineral water of 2 liters per
person per day in the vehicle
- government taxes
- ranger fees
Not
included are:
- international flight
- visa (available at the airport)
- meals and snacks that are not mentioned
in the itinerary
- beverages other than the bottled
mineral water in the safari vehicle
- tips and gratuities for the guides
- laundry
- gorilla permit
- optional activities that are mentioned
in the program
- items of personal nature
- travel insurance
- international transaction costs
In most case we mention the extra charge of
optional activities in an itinerary. If not, or if it is not
clear for you, please contact us for the additional fee.
3. What is the best period to travel in Uganda?
Officially Uganda has a dry season from December/January
till mid March and from June till mid September. These months
are also most popular with tourists, with July and August
as the peak season.
Most rain falls in October-November and April-May.
However, this doesn’t mean that it rains all day. Usually
it is a tropical shower at night or shortly during the day,
but in Uganda you can trust that after rain comes sunshine!
The weather is no reason to avoid travelling in the wet season.
You might even consider it because of the availability of
gorilla permits.
Like in the rest of the world, climates seem
to be changing and make it more difficult for us to predict
the weather during your safari. On the contrary, the temperature
is very stable and pleasant, with sunshine 365 days a year.
During the day the temperature averages between 23 and 27°C,
though in some places it can cool down night.
One remarkable aspect about coming to Uganda
is, whether you travel in the dry, dusty months or in 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, even in peak season!
4. How big are your groups?
We offer tailor-made safaris for every number
of participants. No minimum number is required, but of course
the more people the more attractive the price will be.
Our comfortable Land Cruisers offer seats for 6 people. However,
to ensure that everybody has a window seat and luggage can
be stored well, we usually don’t take more than 5 people
in the these safari vehicles.
Besides the Land Cruisers we also own several 4WD minibuses
which can take a maximum of 9 people. For your own convenience
we try to limit this number to 7, unless the luggage is highly
restricted.
5. Can I book my safari with you when I am travelling alone?
As explained above even single travellers are
very welcome. However, to reduce the costs it might be possible
join other groups. Essential is that your interests, budget
and preferred route correspond with the group that you want
to join and of course other members should agree too. Note
that finding other groups to join can be quite difficult,
especially in low season.
If you would like to stay in a single room
please notify us well in advance and we will try to meet your
request. Take into consideration that single rooms are not
common and if accommodations have sufficient availability,
you will stay in a double room for single use. Single rooms
supplement will apply.
6.
Do I need a visa?
Despite the fact that you need a passport which
is valid for another six months, you are also required to
have a tourist visa before you enter Uganda. Visas can be
purchased upon arrival at Entebbe Airport. Photos are not
required and a visa cost US$ 50 per person.
7 . Can I do the gorilla tracking?
If you are interested in a mountain gorilla
safari in Uganda or Rwanda you are required to buy a gorilla
permit. As only eight people are allowed per day at each gorilla
group, the demand is high. Of course we would be happy to
assist you with this, all we need to know is the preferred
date. In order to be able to buy the gorilla permit you have
to provide us with your full names, nationality and passport
number. A certain level of fitness is not required for the
gorilla tracking, though you will be refused on the tracking
when you are sick. Also note that the
minimum age limit for visiting the gorillas is 15 years.
Please click
here for more information about the gorilla trekking safari,
rules and tips.
8
. What transport do you offer?
Provided cars for the tours are open roofed
4WD safari vehicles. Our comfortable Land Cruisers offer seats
for 6 people. However, to ensure that everybody has a window
seat and luggage can be stored well, we usually don’t
take more than 5 people in the these safari vehicles.
Besides the Land Cruisers we also own several 4WD minibuses
which can take a maximum of 9 people. For your own convenience
we try to limit this number to 7, unless the luggage is highly
restricted.
9 . How are the accommodations?
For your safari you basically have the choice
to stay in budget or luxury accommodation. Budget accommodation
consists of simple and basic rooms, bandas or tents, providing
double or twin beds and mosquito nets when necessary. Private
bathrooms are not always available and therefore you might
to have to use the public showers and toilets/pit latrines.
Hot water is not guaranteed.
Luxury accommodations are 4 or 5 star lodges,
providing comfortable rooms or luxury furnished tents and
a private bathroom. Flush toilets as well as hot and cold
running water will be available.
Middle class accommodations are rare in Uganda and can only
be booked in some places.
10 . How can I pay for my safari?
Once you confirmed the final itinerary with us, you will be
requested to pay a deposit of 30% for the safari. In case
gorilla tracking is included in the program we also ask you
to make a full prepayment for the gorilla permits. Note that
availability of accommodations and permits is not guaranteed
until officially confirmed by us. Reservations will be made
as soon as the payment has been received on our account.
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. The balance
of 70% should be paid upon arrival, BEFORE the start of your
safari. Regretfully we can not accept traveller cheques as
of now. The balance can be paid by VISA or in cash in dollars,
euros or Ugandan shillings.
Click here
for the Terms and Conditions.
11. Are vaccinations required for my visit to Uganda?
Different types of vaccinations are recommended
and/or required before entering Uganda.
Besides bringing mosquito repellent, we also
advise you to take malaria prevention medications. Vaccination
against yellow fever is mandatory, just as a cholera stamp
in your vaccination passport. Immunizations against DTP (Diphtheria,
Tetanus and Polio) and Hepatitis A are recommended as well.
Please consult your local doctor or health
department for a detailed and updated advice.
12 . Are ATM cards / credit cards / traveller cheques accepted?
Unfortunately it is still difficult to withdraw
money in Uganda. Mastercards are not accepted and only a few
banks allow you to draw money with a Visa credit card (among
others Standard Chartered and Barclays). Traveller cheques
are a safe way to carry money, but are also accepted at a
small number of banks in Kampala. Besides, the exchange rate
will be less favourable and and high bank fees will be charged.
Therefore we advise you to bring cash and
have money changed upon arrival in Kampala. Both US dollars
and Euros are easy to change, though for some expenses, like
the payment of visa, entrance fees and activities in national
parks, it is easier to have dollars available.
Important: US dollars bills from the year
1999 and below are NOT accepted!
13 . How much should I tip?
Of course a tip fully depends on the level
of your satisfaction, but even a small amount to show your
gratitude will be highly appreciated. You can think of USD
5-10 per day if you were happy with the service of the guide
and 5-10% in (luxurious) hotels and restaurants. The small,
local restaurants are not used to tipping.
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