Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda and Rwanda

QN: When is the ideal time to visit for a safari in Uganda?

You can travel to Uganda at any time. Most visitors include mountain gorilla tracking in their travel plans, and permits are readily accessible year-round.

Uganda is a tropical nation with a lot of precipitation. March through May are the rainy months, making them difficult to travel through. Some lodges lock their doors during this time of year, and some roads become extremely muddy and difficult to drive.

Visiting Uganda to see the gorillas during the dry season months of June through August and December through February is advised. The dry season months are also ideal for wildlife watching in savannah reserves because animals congregate around rivers and waterholes, and the shorter grass is easier to identify.

However, visitors who travel during the rainy months or the “low season” have the national parks all to themselves because there are very few vehicles in the parks, and they travel for less (discounted rates).

QN: How much does gorilla trekking cost in Uganda?

The current cost for a gorilla permit in Uganda is $800. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park are the two parks in Uganda that provide gorilla trekking. Both allow you to spend an hour with a gorilla group once you arrive at their site. There can only be eight persons in the group.

The gorilla habituation experience is also an exclusively available activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A restricted number of four visitors each day who can stay for four hours can monitor two semi-habituated groups. During the gorilla habituation experience, silverbacks often mock charge to keep their distance because they are still becoming used to humans. The cost of this unique experience is $1,500.

QN: How secure is Uganda for visitors?

Uganda is a secure country to visit. Although there have been times of unrest in the northern part of the country, these problems are primarily in the past. However, it is advised that you get local guidance regarding the most recent state of safety before visiting the Karamoja region and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Like any other developing country, petty crimes are committed in metropolitan centres; therefore, visitors should exercise usual safety precautions when visiting cities and avoid travelling at night. Security police are present in every national park to protect everyone when visiting.

QU: How is the wildlife experience in Uganda?

The variety of species in Uganda makes it an attractive place to see wildlife. Beautiful jungles in Uganda are home to several primates. Chimpanzee trekking is almost as interesting as mountain gorilla tracking, which is the main draw.

Visitors may spot several monkey species all around the nation, and Mgahinga National Park is home to habituated golden monkeys native to the Albertine Rift.

Uganda boasts several excellent savannah reserves where more traditional animal watching is provided on game drives and boat excursions. The Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya are the two savannah reserves that provide the most thrilling animal sightings. Still, Uganda’s visual splendour is unmatched, and its birding is nothing short of exceptional.

QN: How can I choose a reputable Ugandan tour company?

Thanks to most providers who specialise in Africa, any African vacation may include an Uganda gorilla trekking package. However, a specialised Uganda operator is advised if you want to explore the nation further.

There are numerous reliable local businesses in the nation, and many of them provide excursions to see the Uganda gorillas. Always read customer reviews, as these will give you a fair idea of the dependability and calibre of the drivers and guides that the various operators provide.

QN: What is the ideal time to visit Rwanda?

The ideal time to go on a safari in Rwanda depends on your specific interests and tolerance for inclement weather. Most tourists travel to Rwanda for gorilla trekking, which is possible all year round. Trekking in the Virunga Mountains’ Volcanoes National Park, home to gorillas, can be difficult due to the area’s humid environment, particularly at the height of the wet season (March, April, October, and November).

The finest gorilla trekking times (June to August) are also ideal for hiking in Nyungwe National Park. Most of the primates in Nyungwe may be found at any time of year, although chimpanzees are more straightforward to see during the Wet because they prefer to migrate deeper into the forest when food supplies are low.

The Wet season months might be advantageous if you have appropriate waterproof clothing and are okay with occasionally getting caught in the rain because they are frequently less popular and lodges offer reduced prices. Additionally, gorilla permits are simpler to get during the wet season.

QN: Is Rwanda Safe for Tourists?

Travellers can feel secure in Rwanda. Sadly, the legacy of the genocide, which resulted from a long-standing dispute between the Hutu and Tutsi peoples, marred the nation. There haven’t been any events since the 1994 genocide.

Rwanda is well-led, and the people are incredibly kind and welcoming. As many have returned after years of exile and have studied abroad, Rwanda has a cosmopolitan vibe. Like every nation, most crime happens in cities and other metropolitan areas, so tourists should use typical vigilance there. If you made your reservations with a trustworthy operator, you will unlikely experience any issues with guided activities.

QN: What kind of accommodations can be expected in Rwanda?

Rwanda has advanced significantly since the country’s early years of safari tourism a few decades ago. All of the major tourist locations now provide first-rate lodging alternatives. In or near Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Akagera National Parks are now tourist-class hotels, when there were formerly just a few local guesthouses accessible.

In recent years, a number of the small, upscale safari hotels that are so well-liked in nations with more established safari industries have also opened. This has helped Rwanda become more well-known among frequent travellers from Africa who like traditional safari vacations.

QN: How do I pick a reputable tour company for a trip to Rwanda?

Specialised Africa tour providers may often add a Rwanda gorilla trekking package to any African vacation. You should carefully select your operator if you’re considering spending a holiday in Rwanda rather than using it as an extension of a trip to another nation to ensure you’re in the correct hands. Check out the tour guides and companies that provide Rwanda gorilla trekking tours.

Always check the reviews left by customers and think about going with a local provider. This implies that your money will be invested in the Rwandan economy, and you will contribute to nearby communities’ well-being.

QN: How much does a gorilla trip in Rwanda cost?

A gorilla tracking permit in Rwanda now costs US$1,500.

There are only 12 habituated groups of gorillas in Volcanoes National Park that visitors may see. Each group of gorillas can be visited by a maximum of eight people per day, with one hour allocated. This expensive charge is justified by the fact that. This results in a daily cap of 96 permits.