Uganda to Rwanda: Gorilla Treks & Safari Drives - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include admiring a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, trekking to see chimpanzees in Uganda, and keeping your eyes peeled for the plentiful elephant and hippo populations in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  Accommodation includes one night in a standard hotel and six nights in simple furnished tents/rooms. Hotel rooms are twin-share with mosquito netting (except in high-altitude Musanze). Tented accommodation consists of large, walk-in tents on wooden platforms with two beds, provided linens, and shared bathroom facilities. Standards may differ from home countries, with possible interruptions in electricity and water.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  Seven breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners are included. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements should be specified prior to arrival. Bottled drinking water is at your own expense.

• What transportation will we take on this trip?

  Transportation will be by private van and walking. Road travel can involve long drives and poor road conditions at times, but the diverse African landscape, culture, and wildlife are considered well worth the experience.

• How large will the group be?

  The maximum group size is 12, with an average of 8 participants.

• Who will be leading the group?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/driver will lead the group throughout the tour. Experienced gorilla trackers and local guides will also assist with specific activities. All CEOs are experienced group leaders with broad knowledge of the region.

• How old must I be to join this trip?

  The minimum age to join this trip is 15 years old. There are no exceptions for safety reasons, as strictly controlled by the Government.

• What is the physical rating for this trip?

  This trip has a physical rating of level 4. Travellers should be in excellent physical condition, without heart problems, and prepared for strenuous days trekking in humid rainforests, steep terrain, and high altitudes for chimpanzee and gorilla sightings.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join without evidence of coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation (minimum USD200,000). Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and luggage loss are strongly recommended. Ensure coverage for all included adventure activities.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. You should confirm specific details with your booking agent.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for my trip?

  All countries require a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Visas for Uganda and Rwanda are generally required and must be obtained in advance, often through online electronic visa applications. An East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) allows free movement between Rwanda and Uganda for 90 days, but your first entry point must be the country through which you applied. You must bring USD cash for border visas.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?

  You should contact your physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory for entry to Uganda and Rwanda, especially if travelling from an endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions, so preventative medication and insect repellent are recommended.

• What happens if I get sick during the trip, especially concerning treks?

  If you are unwell with anything contagious, even a common cold, you may be denied participation in treks to ensure the safety of gorillas and chimps. Trekking permits will not be refunded if denied entrance due to illness.

• Are wildlife sightings, especially gorillas, guaranteed?

  While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the mountain gorilla trek is organized for success. Local guides receive coordinates from trackers on the gorillas' whereabouts and stay with them until the group arrives.

• Where will gorilla trekking take place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four areas: Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. Depending on permit availability, your group could be tracking gorillas from different areas of the park, all still part of Bwindi.

• What optional equipment is recommended for trekking, and can I rent it?

  Gardening gloves and neutral-coloured clothing are highly recommended for gorilla trekking, as clothes are likely to get muddy. Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes, hiking pants (convertible/zip-off and quick dry), trekking socks (woollen or synthetic), and thermal base layers are also suggested. Walking poles will be provided, and gaiters can be rented for approximately $10 USD (inform your CEO in advance).

• What is the electricity supply in Uganda and Rwanda?

  The power supply in Uganda and Rwanda is nominally 240VAC, 50hz. Variable voltage, spikes, and sporadic, unexpected, unscheduled power cuts of varying duration can be expected.

• Are there any specific recommendations for camera equipment for jungle conditions?

  As it is very dark and damp in the jungle, ensure your camera equipment is appropriate for such conditions and bring dry bags to protect it.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities include Nile River Whitewater Rafting from Kampala (140USD per person), Bigodi Swamp Walk (20USD per person), Kazinga Channel Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park (30USD per person), and Porter Hire for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (20USD per person).

• How much spending money do I need for my trip?

  Spending money requirements vary per traveller for drinks, shopping, and tipping. It is recommended to bring enough USD cash for additional drinks/snacks and souvenir shopping, as most other items are included.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund for unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters requiring route changes.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The local currency in Rwanda is the Rwanda Franc, and in Uganda, it is the Ugandan Shilling. US$ is the most widely accepted currency for exchange, but British Pounds and Euros may also be exchanged. US$ notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Larger notes ($50, $100) may be harder to change but offer better rates. Travellers’ cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus system debit cards are most widely accepted; Mastercard/Cirrus cards are less common. Credit cards are accepted in major cities only, often with a 5%-10% fee. Power outages and ATMs running out of cash are common outside major centers, so a combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards is best.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, part of the tour, serving as an expression of appreciation. It is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Recommended guidelines (per person): G CEOs and drivers: $3-4 USD each per day; Trekking Guides: $10-15 USD for a full day; Restaurant/Café servers: 10% of the bill (especially for large groups); Local guides: $1 USD for every couple of hours.

• Will I get my own room?

  If you have booked the 'My Own Room/Tent' option, you will receive your own single room/tent for all night stops. Otherwise, single travellers on group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement for solo travellers, who are paired with someone of the same sex. Some Independent trips may require a single trip price for solo travellers.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of the hotels and lodges for a charge.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated. Exploitation in the sex trade is strictly against company philosophy. CEOs have the right to expel group members found with drugs or utilizing paid sex workers.

• What are the trip-specific safety considerations?

  In cities, exercise caution and use pre-arranged taxis at night. During trekking/safari, always follow national park/reserve rules and guide instructions for wildlife and personal safety. Refrain from photographing police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration/border crossings, army barracks, personnel, or government buildings, as it is illegal and can result in confiscation of equipment.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The company prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travellers, including the LGBTQ+ community. Resources are available on their LGBTQ+ page for specific concerns and to ensure comfort throughout the trip.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  For dire needs, first call the local representative (Robert: +250 784 744 586 in Rwanda) or the local office (+254 727 208 832 in Nairobi, Kenya). If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. For international assistance, call the 24-hour Sales team at +1 416 260 0999 (outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and the UK) or the provided toll-free numbers.

• What happens if I experience problems when arriving?

  If your pre-booked arrival transfer doesn't arrive within 30 minutes of clearing customs, take a taxi to your starting hotel and apply for a refund of the transfer cost upon your return. In case of flight schedule changes or cancellations within 48 hours of arrival, call the emergency contact number to advise of new flight information, or your transfer may not be rearranged.

• Do I need to complete a medical questionnaire before the trip?

  Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician, to ensure they have the necessary fitness and mobility for the trip.