Uganda: Primate & Safari Adventure

Introducing Rwanda 

Rwanda, often called the "Land of a Thousand Hills," is located in East Africa, bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Known for its stunning landscapes of lush green hills, serene lakes, and breathtaking wildlife. It is home to some of Africa's most remarkable wildlife, including the famous mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, as well as lush rainforests, sparkling lakes, and diverse ecosystems.

Beyond its incredible landscapes, Rwanda has a deeply moving history. The country has risen from the tragedies of the 1994 genocide and is now a symbol of hope, peace, and reconciliation. Rwanda was the ninth safest country in the world in 2017, as voted by the World Economic Forum, and is consistently ranked as one of Africa’s safest countries to visit. 

Whether you're tracking gorillas, enjoying a peaceful lake retreat, or exploring its rich history and vibrant culture, Rwanda offers unforgettable adventure and reflection. With its commitment to conservation, Rwanda is also a leader in sustainable tourism, ensuring that its natural beauty and wildlife are preserved for generations to come.

 

When is the best time to visit Rwanda? 

• Dry Seasons: June to September and December to February
  • Ideal for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and hiking in national parks
  • Pleasant weather with minimal rainfall
• Wet Seasons: March to May and October to November
  • Lush landscapes and fewer tourists
  • Can be challenging for outdoor activities due to occasional rain
• Overall, the dry season is preferred for most activities, but Rwanda is beautiful year-round.

 

What I need to know about travelling to Rwanda: 

• Visa Requirements

  • You can apply for a tourist visa online at https://irembo.gov.rw

  • If you are visiting Uganda and/or Kenya as well, apply for the East African Visa which will allow you to enter Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya multiple times. 

• Currency:

  • The official currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). While major credit cards are accepted in urban areas, it's a good idea to carry cash, especially when traveling to rural areas.

• Language:

  • Rwanda's official languages are Kinyarwanda, French, and English. English is widely spoken in urban areas, particularly in Kigali and tourist locations.

• Health and Safety:

  • Vaccinations: It's recommended to get vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and malaria before traveling.
  • Malaria prevention: Malaria is a risk in certain areas, so carrying anti-malarial medication may be necessary depending on your travel destination within the country.

• Time Zone:

  • Rwanda is in the Central Africa Time (CAT) zone, which is UTC +2. Rwanda does not observe daylight saving time.

• Electricity:

  • Rwanda uses 230V, with a Type C and Type J plug system. It’s a good idea to bring an adapter for your electronics

 

What are the best things to do in Rwanda?

• Chimp trekking
• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Rwandan Genocide Memorial
• Relax on Lake Kivu (third deepest lake in Africa)
• Explore Nyungwe Forest National Park 

 

Introducing Uganda

Uganda, affectionately known as the "Pearl of Africa," is a captivating country that combines breathtaking natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. Its landscapes are incredibly diverse, ranging from rolling savannahs teeming with wildlife to misty mountain ranges and lush rainforests. 

At the heart of Uganda’s allure lies one of the most profound and unforgettable wildlife experiences on Earth: Gorilla trekking. Nestled in the heart of dense, emerald-green forests, Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat is not only a bucket-list adventure but also a deeply emotional journey. The awe of standing just meters away from a giant silver back—watching them feed, groom, or play—is a moment that you will treasure for the rest of your life. 

 

What are the best things to do in Uganda?

• Primate trekking
  • Gorillas (Bwindi or Mhahinga)
  • Chimpanzees Kibale (Chi - ba - lee) & Kyambura Gorge (Cham - bur - a)
  • Golden monkeys (Mhaginga)
• White water rafting on the Nile River
• Safari
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Murchison Falls National Park 
  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Murchison’s Falls
• Lake Victoria
• Trekking
  • Rwenzori Mountains (highest mountain range in Uganda and are home to Africa's third highest peak, Margherita Peak). 
  • Mt Sabyinyo (meeting point of the Rwanda, Uganda & DRC border)

 

When is the best time to visit Uganda?

• June to October and December to March
  • These months fall within Uganda’s dry seasons, making it the best time to trek with primates & go on safari.
  • At this time of year, the roads and trails are less muddy, and the weather is more manageable. Though it can rain unexpectedly.
  • July - September is peak season. 
  • May - Jun is when Murchison is at peak flow. 
• November, April and May
  • Rainy season, particularly from mid-March to early June.  
  • If you're specifically looking to spot migratory birds, the best time is during the rainy season (from November to April), as many migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present during this period.
  • Uganda is a bird-watcher’s paradise, with over 1,000 species to observe.

 

What do I need to know about travelling to Uganda:

• Gorilla permits

  • Should be purchased at least 6 months in advance (12 months if travelling between Jul - Sep).

  • Bwindi is closer to Kigali, Rwanda (6 hours) than Entebbe, Uganda (10 - 12 hours).

  • It might be easier (and cheaper) to fly into Rwanda and drive to Bwindi to trek with gorillas.

• Visa Requirements

  • Most visitors will need an e-visa before arriving (Australian's included).

• Currency

  • Local currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
  • US dollars are accepted but you should carry shillings for small purchases.
  • ATMs are common in major cities.
  • Most lodges accept credit and debit cards, but only when WIFI is working. 

• Health and Safety

  • Yellow Fever vaccination is required.
  • Malaria is present; use mosquito repellents and consider antimalarial medication.
  • Drink bottled or filtered water.

• Language

  • Official language: English.
  • Swahili and regional languages like Luganda and Runyankore are also widely spoken.

• Cultural Etiquette

  • Respect for elders is key.
  • Greet with a handshake or nod in rural areas.
  • Dress modestly at religious sites or villages (i.e. cover shoulders and knees).

• Electricity

  • Voltage: 230V, 50Hz; plug type: G (three rectangular pins).
  • Bring a power adapter.

• Time Zone

  • Uganda follows East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3.

 

 

If you’re ready to start planning your trip, check out our blog: 'Ultimate guide to trekking with mountain gorillas and chimps'.

Embark on an unforgettable safari through the iconic landscapes of Uganda's best safari park - Queen Elizabeth National Park - where luxury meets untamed wilderness.

 

What you can expect on your safari?

• Opulent safari camps and lodges, where luxury meets the untamed wilderness.
• Daily game drives in private, luxury safari jeeps with expert guides who unveil the secrets of the wild as you go searching for Africa's most exotic animals. 
• Gourmet meals prepared fresh each day.
• Cocktails by an open fire, spa treatments, and star-gazing under the vast African sky.

 

About Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park, epitomises the essence of the African wilderness. Spanning 1,978 square km, it boasts diverse ecosystems that range from savannah, to dense forests, thriving wetlands, and crater lakes. Its iconic inhabitants include tree-climbing lions, huge African elephants, and elusive leopards. The only thing better than the big animals you'll see in Queen Elizabeth, are the more than 600 bird species who call this game park home. This attracts birdwatchers from across the globe & Uganda is internationally renowned as a "bird-watchers paradise".

The Kazinga Channel, a 32km natural channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, is a vital lifeline for Queen Elizabeth and hosts diverse wildlife. Boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel offer intimate encounters against the backdrop of stunning African scenery, and you can expect to spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, an abundant bird species, and much more as you peacefully float along the water.

 

Mountain gorillas live in forests at elevations of 2,000 - 4,000m. They have thicker fur than other great apes which helps them to survive in a habitat where temperatures often drop below freezing. There are approximately 1,000 of these fascinating creatures left in the world and Bwindi National Park in Uganda is home to about 400 of them. During your adventure, you're going to be spending the day tracking this gentle giants, an experience you'll remember for the rest of your life. 

 

Widely regarded as the best chimp tracking destination in the world, Kibale National Park offers a thrilling glimpse into the lives of our closest relatives. Trek through lush forests, guided by expert trackers, to encounter these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. As you navigate the dense foliage, the calls of chimpanzees echo through the canopy, heightening anticipation. Witness their playful antics, social interactions, and familial bonds up close, providing invaluable insights into their behavior. Beyond chimps, Kibale's biodiversity dazzles with diverse flora and fauna. The experience fosters a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts and the interconnectedness of all life, leaving an indelible mark on every visitor.

Africa has a tipping culture that is similar to America and it is appreciated when you tip guides, hotels, restaurants, and other key service providers.

 

Here are a few notes about tipping:

• Tipping can be in USD or in the local currency. 
• The best way to tip:
  • Guides is to roll/fold the money in your hand and shake their hand, or present them with an envelope. 
  • Lodge staff is to place the tip in the communal tip box upon check-out. 
• The best time to tip is at the end of each activity/safari or when you are checking out. 
• Tips recommended below should be split between the group, unless specifically noted as per person.

 

Here is an approximate calculation of tips you might be expected to pay on this tour: 

Activity	Guideline	Estimated tip	Notes
TOUR Guide	US$30 - $50/day	$240 - $400	Your guide will be with you for 8 days, from when they collect you at the airport, until when they drop you in Entebbe.
Golden monkey trek	Rangers: US$15 - $20/trek Trackers: US$10/trek	$20 - $50	Usually 2 x rangers and 2 - 4 x trackers (actual number may vary). Plus a porter tip @ $10 - $15/porter. And allow a few dollars for the entertainment at registration. USD cash is best and it is best if you can tip each person individually by shaking their hand with your tip in your palm.  The trackers who stay with the gorillas/chimps/monkeys should be tipped before you start hiking back. Everyone else should be tipped at the end of the trek.
Gorilla trek		$20 - $50
Chimp trek		$20 - $50
Lodges	US$5 - $10 per person, per night	$35 - $70	7 nights in total
Boat safari		$10 - $20
Other/Buffer		$30 - $50
Approx. tip per person		$365 - $690	We recommend bringing smaller USD notes to make it easier to tip. You can also pre-arrange your tips in envelopes if you want to make it easier.

In the event of an emergency, please contact the following in the order provided:

1. Our Australian office (first instance)
   • WhatsApp: +61 432 822 652
   • Email: [email protected]
2. Our East African office (second instance)
   • WhatsApp
     • Aloyce (Guest Relations | Tanzania): +255 624 009 895
     • Jacob (Guest Relations | Kenya): +254 726 555 776
3. The Australian Embassy
   • High Commission of Australia in Kenya (for all East African countries)
     • Address: Limuru Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
     • Phone: +254 204 277 100

If you are unable to reach Adventure Out Loud, please contact:

• Uganda 
  • Lake Mutanda Resort 
    • Phone: +256 787 971220
    • Address: Mukozi Village, Kisoro, Uganda

 

Talk to one of our African experts about adding one or more of the following to your adventure:

 

SAFARI
GORILLAS	CHIMPS
ZANZIBAR	MAFIA ISLAND
VICTORIA FALLS	CAPE TOWN

 

We have been exploring Africa since 2008, and can help you with all of Africa's big attractions. Simply call us on +61 432 822 652 or email [email protected]