Help Center

Travel Information

1Ugandan Visas.
Any person intending to enter Uganda should do so only for a lawful purposes and in accordance with national immigration laws, guidelines and formation Visas for Uganda can be purchased in advance through the Ugandan Embassy or consulate in your home country or they can be obtained on arrival at Entebbe international airport at the immigration department. Single entry Visa is USD 100 per person. Uganda visa can be applied online www.immigration.go.ug. Note: Visas do not permit gainful or voluntary employment in Uganda. Visa information is subject to change please consult Ugandan Embassy if you are not sure www.immigration.go.ug.
2Rwanda Visas.
Rwanda a strict visa procedures and it’s advisable, if you intend to visit Rwanda check on this web link; https://www.migration.gov.rw/index.php?id=203.This website is of Rwanda directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. Following the website you can find necessary information concerning visa entry. Class V-1(s) it’s a single entry visa suitable for holiday purpose. For the nationals of United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Israel, United States of America, Germany, Republic of South Africa and Sweden can be issued Rwanda visa entry up on arrival without prior application valid for 30 days at a fee of (USD 30) Following the webpage link, you can apply your visa online and you will be asked to fill your entry point and normally we use entry point number 5 (Cyanika). The border crossing near to Volcanoes national park, this is when you are coming from south western Uganda. If you are arriving to Kigali by plane, you can fill in entry number 1(Kigali international Airport), you will be also to attach an invitation letter which will be sent to you by your contact person Gakima safaris limited You are advised to read this information both on the gakima web and upon submission you will receive a tracking code, this can be used to keep on track how far your application is by simply check from webpage https://www.migration.gov.rw/index.php?id=203 the Rwandan authorities will send you a letter of approval to your email. Then you print this letter and bring it with you upon at the overland. This letter allows you to purchase entree visa at the airport. Note: Visas do not permit gainful or voluntary employment in Rwanda. Visa information is subject to change please consult Rwandan Embassy if you are not sure https://www.migration.gov.rw/index.php?id=203
3Money and currency Uganda.
Cash can be changed easily at major Banks and foreign exchange bureaus. The forex bureaus offer slightly better exchange rates than the Banks. Credit cards are not usually accepted, however they can be used at some of the major in Uganda. The unit of currency is the Ugandan shillings. Please check for the latest exchange rates for before you go to your destination.
4Money and currency Rwanda.
In most cities of Rwanda it’s early to exchange or withdraw money from the ATM, travelers’ cheques and credit cards are not easily accepted however the US dollar is hard currency of preference for daily expenses and tips in the major cities. The unit of currency is the Rwandan Franc. Please check for the latest exchange rates before you go to your destination.
5Health.
Visit your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicine you may need. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
6Religion.
In Uganda Christians carry the largest population 84%. The next most reported religion of Uganda is Islam with Muslims representing 12% of Ugandan population. The reminder population fallows traditional religions.
7Stopovers.
Please note that the washrooms along the way/ highways are of not standards of the Europeans for example squatting toilets, no flushing or at times no toilet papers.
8Driving in Uganda.
You can drive in Uganda using foreign driving license for up to 3 months after which you will need to obtain a Ugandan driving license from the Ugandan revenue Authority or an international driving permit. Traffic drives on the left in Uganda. The speed limit on high ways in Uganda is 80km/hr. And 50km/hr. in built up area.
9Driving in Rwanda.
Traffic drives on the right in Rwanda. The speed limit on high ways in Uganda is 60km/hr. And 40km/hr. in built up area. Visitors advised to use a 4x4 vehicle driven by an experienced driver.
10When to visit Uganda.
Uganda can be visited any time you wish.
11When to visit Rwanda.
Rwanda can be visited any time you wish however for those interested for mountain gorilla and chimps trekking, it’s very tricky and challenging during rainy season (March - May and October - November).
12Tipping.
Tipping is a sign of, appreciation and you are free at your own will to tip your guides, driver hotel and restaurant keepers. And its normal to tip (USD 1–15) depending to your level of satisfaction.
13AMREF Flying doctors.
You are advised to apply for a flying doctor membership. This membership provides a quick and reliable air evacuation and medication when needed AMREF flying doctors offer two covers (Annual and Tourists) select one of the package Maisha platinum (South Sudan, Kenya, Burundi, Zanzibar, Ethiopia and Tanzania) or Maisha Gold (Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Uganda and Zanzibar) or chose Maisha Silver (Tanzania Zanzibar and Kenya) Contact AMREF Flying doctor website for more information.
14Uganda’s Electricity.
We advise our clients to carry along international adapter with you for charging your travel gadgets.
15Rwanda’s Electricity.
We advise our clients to carry along international adapter with you for charging your travel gadgets.
16What to wear Uganda.
Day time temperatures are generally worm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing’s. Evenings are colder especially at high altitudes (areas around Bwindi, Mgahinga, Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi) so it’s advisable to carry a couple of sweaters too. During community walks and traditional visits women are advised to wear long skirts and a top that covers her shoulders.
17What to wear Rwanda.
Day time temperatures are generally worm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing’s. Evenings are colder especially at high altitudes so it’s advisable to carry a couple of sweaters too, for those doing gorilla gardeners graves, clothes that are ideal for forest walk are highly recommended because of the think vegetation and thorns. During community walks and traditional visits women are advised to wear long skirts and a top that covers her shoulders.
18Drinking Water Uganda.
It’s advisable to drink bottled water (Mineral water) during your stay in Uganda as the water flowing from taps is not treated. Tap water can be used for brushing your teeth but not good for swallow any of it. If you are not comfortable with the idea, use bottled water instead.
19Drinking Water Rwanda.
You are advised always to drink bottled water (Mineral water) during your stay in Rwanda as we can’t assure you that the water flowing from taps is fully treated. Tap water can be used for brushing your teeth but not good for swallow any of it. If you are not comfortable with the idea, use bottled water instead.
20Language Uganda.
The official languages are English and Swahiri although multiple other languages are spoken in the country, Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English.
21Language Rwanda.
The official languages of Rwanda are English and French however traditional local Kinyarwanda language is the most spoken.