FAQ
Below are the common questions we get from clients. Please also see our Travel Tips!
1.What is the best time of year to come to Uganda?
There is no bad time of year to visit Uganda. Even during the rainy seasons (March – June and October – November) it may rain for only one or two hours before the sun shines again. It rarely gets cold, but it is advisable to carry lightweight rain gear in the rainy season. It can get cold at night (especially in high areas such as Sipi / Mount Elgon, the Rwenzoris and Kisoro / Kabale) so bring a light jumper or a scarf.
2.What other expenses should I expect after quoted safari costs?
Unless otherwise stated, tour prices quoted are ex-Kampala and include transport with fuel and driver/guide, accommodation, meals on safari, National Park and activity fees associated with your itinerary.
Clients will be directly responsible for airfare to/from Uganda, Visa fees if applicable, airport transfers, meals and accommodation in Kampala, transport in and around Kampala, supplemental activities not included in the itinerary, refreshments and beverages (between meal snacks, alcohol, other refreshments), personal items (porterage, telephone calls and souvenirs), tips and gratuities. Coffee and tea are usually available with meals in up-country properties and drinking water may be provided. It is advisable to always check what is included in menu prices.
3.Which international airlines access Uganda?
From Europe, major carriers are: British Airways, Brussels Airlines, KLM and Turkish Airlines, all of which fly directly to Entebbe. International carriers from Europe connect with most North American carriers. Major African Airlines include: Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania and South African Airways. From the Middle East and South East Asia, check with Emirates or Qatar Air. Check with our Ticketing Department for the best routing from your destination.
4.How do I pay for my safari?
Most of our clients pay by wire transfers or credit card. Bank details are available upon request. With Managers’ approval, credit card payments can be made, but please note there is a 7-9% surcharge. In Kampala cash payments are accepted in any foreign convertible currency and in
5.What is the best time of year to come to Uganda?
There is no bad time of year to visit Uganda. Even during the rainy seasons (March – June and October – November) it may rain for only one or two hours before the sun shines again. It rarely gets cold, but it is advisable to carry lightweight rain gear in the rainy season. It can get cold at night (especially in high areas such as Sipi / Mount Elgon, the Rwenzoris and Kisoro / Kabale) so bring a light jumper or a scarf.
6.What other expenses should I expect after quoted safari costs?
Unless otherwise stated, tour prices quoted are ex-Kampala and include transport with fuel and driver/guide, accommodation, meals on safari, National Park and activity fees associated with your itinerary.
Clients will be directly responsible for airfare to/from Uganda, Visa fees if applicable, airport transfers, meals and accommodation in Kampala, transport in and around Kampala, supplemental activities not included in the itinerary, refreshments and beverages (between meal snacks, alcohol, other refreshments), personal items (porterage, telephone calls and souvenirs), tips and gratuities. Coffee and tea are usually available with meals in up-country properties and drinking water may be provided. It is advisable to always check what is included in menu prices.
7.Which international airlines access Uganda?
From Europe, major carriers are: British Airways, Brussels Airlines, KLM and Turkish Airlines, all of which fly directly to Entebbe. International carriers from Europe connect with most North American carriers. Major African Airlines include: Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania and South African Airways. From the Middle East and South East Asia, check with Emirates or Qatar Air. Check with our Ticketing Department for the best routing from your destination.
8.How do I pay for my safari?
Most of our clients pay by wire transfers or credit card. Bank details are available upon request. With Managers’ approval, credit card payments can be made, but please note there is a 7-9% surcharge. In Kampala cash payments are accepted in any foreign convertible currency and in Uganda Shillings. Note: it can be difficult to withdraw large amounts of cash in Kampala (and even more so upcountry).
9.What deposit do I need to pay?
Gorilla tracking safaris require a deposit of US$600 per permit to secure a permit. For all other safaris, a 50% deposit is required 10 weeks before intended departure or at the time of booking with the balance to be settled 30 days prior to commencement of the tour.
10.What kind of vehicle will I travel in?
Most safaris use 4WD minibuses (up to nine passengers) with pop-up tops and seven window seats for game viewing. Small group safaris (three or less) can travel in 4WD station wagons. We also use 4WD long chassis Landcruisers. Groups of twelve and more people who would like to travel in one vehicle are offered 25-29 seat Coaster buses that have approximately 16 window seats. Overland trucks and fourteen seater minibuses are available on request. VIP visitors can request luxury 4WD station wagons, seven seat minibuses and limousines.
11.How far in advance do I need to book a gorilla permit?
Book as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment. Permits are sold up to 2 years in advance!
12.Can I fly internally?
Yes, charter flights are available to almost all safari destinations, but be aware that charter costs are high. A limited number of internal scheduled flights are available.
13.What should I wear when gorilla tracking?
We recommend: a breathable and lightweight rain jacket or poncho, a warm jacket or fleece for overcast days and evening, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, sturdy waterproof walking boots (seasoned or well worn footwear), leather gardening type gloves, sunscreen, cap or sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, comfortable day pack for carrying water and minimum amount of personal items. Cameras and video cameras are allowed, but bring film and batteries from Kampala.
14.Do I need to carry my passport and travel documents?
We recommend that you leave original travel documents and passports with us in our safe (if you wish) and travel with photocopies. East African residents will need to show copy of Passports and Work Permits to obtain resident discounts. Most hotels and lodges have safe deposit boxes available.
15.Do the drivers speak English?
Yes, all Wave Expedition drivers/guides speak English and other local languages. If you require drivers or guides who speak other international languages, please advise and we can organize this for you.
16.What should I expect to see on Safari?
17.How much time should I expect to spend in the vehicle in any one day?
The longest day of travel is for a three-day gorilla tour and this can be up to nine hours in a vehicle. During this journey several stops will be made, including a visit to the Equator, a stop for lunch, and other stops for refreshments and other facilities. Most itineraries will not require any more than five hours in a vehicle in one day. Again various stops are made to ensure your comfort.
18.Is Uganda safe?
Occasional security issues may arise as in any other developing country. Pearl of Africa Tours and Travel maintains up-to-date information on all parts of the Country and will advise Clients accordingly at the time of booking if any risks appear to be present. Basic precautions should be taken, as in all countries, and common sense should be used. It is not advised to display expensive jewelry, leave bags unattended or leave money lying around. Generally, Uganda is considered to be a safe and very welcoming country.
lt to withdraw large amounts of cash in Kampala (and even more so upcountry).
19.What deposit do I need to pay?
Gorilla tracking safaris require a deposit of US$600 per permit to secure a permit. For all other safaris, a 50% deposit is required 10 weeks before intended departure or at the time of booking with the balance to be settled 30 days prior to commencement of the tour.
20.What kind of vehicle will I travel in?
Most safaris use 4WD minibuses (up to nine passengers) with pop-up tops and seven window seats for game viewing. Small group safaris (three or less) can travel in 4WD station wagons. We also use 4WD long chassis Landcruisers. Groups of twelve and more people who would like to travel in one vehicle are offered 25-29 seat Coaster buses that have approximately 16 window seats. Overland trucks and fourteen seater minibuses are available on request. VIP visitors can request luxury 4WD station wagons, seven seat minibuses and limousines.
21.How far in advance do I need to book a gorilla permit?
Book as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment. Permits are sold up to 2 years in advance!
22.Can I fly internally?
Yes, charter flights are available to almost all safari destinations, but be aware that charter costs are high. A limited number of internal scheduled flights are available.
23.What should I wear when gorilla tracking?
We recommend: a breathable and lightweight rain jacket or poncho, a warm jacket or fleece for overcast days and evening, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, sturdy waterproof walking boots (seasoned or well worn footwear), leather gardening type gloves, sunscreen, cap or sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, comfortable day pack for carrying water and minimum amount of personal items. Cameras and video cameras are allowed, but bring film and batteries from Kampala.
24.How do you deal with tipping?
Fortunately tipping in Uganda isn’t compulsory.
25.Do I need to carry my passport and travel documents?
Yes,We recommend that you leave original travel documents and passports with us in our safe (if you wish) and travel with photocopies. East African residents will need to show copy of Passports and Work Permits to obtain resident discounts. Most hotels and lodges have safe deposit boxes available.
26.Do the drivers speak English?
Yes, all Pearl of Africa Tours and Travel drivers/guides speak English and other local languages. If you require drivers or guides who speak other international languages, please advise and we can organize this for you.
27.What should I expect to see on Safari?
28.How much time should I expect to spend in the vehicle in any one day?
The longest day of travel is for a three-day gorilla tour and this can be up to nine hours in a vehicle. During this journey several stops will be made, including a visit to the Equator, a stop for lunch, and other stops for refreshments and other facilities. Most itineraries will not require any more than five hours in a vehicle in one day. Again various stops are made to ensure your comfort.
29.Is Uganda safe?
Occasional security issues may arise as in any other developing country. Pearl of Africa Tours and Travel maintains up-to-date information on all parts of the Country and will advise Clients accordingly at the time of booking if any risks appear to be present. Basic precautions should be taken, as in all countries, and common sense should be used. It is not advised to display expensive jewelry, leave bags unattended or leave money lying around. Generally, Uganda is considered a safe and very welcoming country.
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