Travel info

Climate

One of the reasons Uganda is described as the pearl of Africa is because of its beautiful weather all year round the average temperatures are between 21ºC and 31ºC all year round. There are two rainy seasons from March to May and October to November. Temperatures in mountainous areas may go down to 10°C in certain months. Parks, Lodges and other facilities are open all year round. Any time of the year is good to visit Uganda.

Health & Medical

Please bring all personal medications required, clients are fully responsible for securing adequate medical insurance. And its highly recommended that clients cover their own travel insurance to protect them from heavy costs and medical Just incase they may get sick during their safari. We use AMREF Flying Doctors offering evacuation cover; an Air ambulance cover for the tourist is only aimed at providing air evacuation services for members with serious medical conditions. The low cost charge for access to the scheme and quick response is based on the concept that the flight cost from the clients is eventually recovered from their insurance company overseas. Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes except for high altitude mountains over 2000m; you cannot be vaccinated against malaria. Precautions are essential avoid mosquito bites by covering up with long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and when necessary sleep under a mosquito net. Also check with your doctor for suitable anti-malarial tablets (malarone).

Vaccinations & Immunization

Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers. Other vaccines to consider Hepatitis B, Meningococcal Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid It is recommended that you drink bottled or boiled water only sodas and alcoholic drinks are considered safe coffee and teas, as well as fresh fruit juices, are prepared with boiled water. Please for more information about health in Uganda, check out the ministry of health Uganda’s website.

Photography

It is only polite to ask people before taking photographs but note photographs of military buildings or soldiers is not allowed.

Safari Equipment & Gadgets

Handy devices and gadgets that you will need on safari to capture precious sights and sounds or video. A camera, charger, extra batteries, memory card and binoculars are priority. In addition you will need the 3 pin UK style adapters but you are better off carrying convertible adaptor to make your charging easy while at the camp or lodge.

Currency

The currency in Uganda is the Uganda Shillings. US dollar, GB Pound and EURO are readily exchangeable. Large US dollar bills attract the best exchange rates. Currency exchange rates vary and are posted at all banks and forex bureaus around Kampala and in the local newspapers. The rates can be checked from Bank of Uganda website using this link.

Clothing

Cotton clothing augmented by a cardigan/sweater or jacket should be adequate during your stay in Uganda. In the mountainous areas, waterproof jackets, waterproof walking boots and heavy sweaters will be essential.

Gorilla Tracking

This is a tiring activity therefore one should be physically fit to enjoy gorilla trekking. Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger/guides will lead the group; porters are also available to carry personal belongings at a small fee of USD15. Minimum trekking age is fifteen years. Anyone with signs of transmissible disease like flowing nose and sneezing or cough will not be allowed to trek. For more information, please click on this link (Uganda Wild life Authority).

Accommodation

Electricity and piped/mains water supply may not always be available, though clients will always find a hot shower waiting for them after a day’s activity. In some places have eco toilets. With food you are assured of fresh produce and a variety of tropical fruits which taste so much better than canned foods.

CANCELLATION POLICY

All cancellations should be made in writing. The following cancellation charges will be payable (Calculated on the total value of the Booking). No cancellation fee is applicable to bookings cancelled more than 60 Days before date of departure. Should a client cancel a booking 60 days or less prior to the date of departure of the tour for any reason (except due to death or hospitalization), the client shall be liable to pay a cancellation penalty. The cancellation penalty is calculated by having regard to the nature of the booking, length of notice of cancellation and reasonable potential to find alternative customers. Having regard to the aforementioned factors, the following percentages may be forfeited by the customer in respect of the arranged tour price due to a no-show based on the number of days between receipt of the cancellation notice and the date of the departure:

• 60 Days: No fee applies (unless Gorilla Permit has been booked – which is nonrefundable)
• 30 – 60 days: 50% of the tour price is held as cancellation.
• 10 – 29 days: 75% of the tour price is held as cancellation.
• – 9 days: 100% of the tour price is held as cancellation.

All cancellations need to be made in writing and confirmed by the reservations team by email. The above-mentioned cancellation fees are applicable to any pre-booked or pre-paid Activity Packages which will also be charged if a tour is cancelled.

• A deposit of 30% is required on confirmation of your booking.
• Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the agent is required to make full payment at least 30 days prior commencement of service.