Most travelers who have not been on a safari in Uganda should be at ease, we have designed a Q& A guide that will help answer some of the questions you may have before deciding to take on that safari. Uganda is a very safe country and its people are very welcoming and friendly, you should not hesitate to contact us in case this guide does not answer your questions.
The best time to go for a safari in Uganda is during dry seasons which occur from June to August and from December to February. These are the best months to go for game drives, gorilla trekking and other adventurous activities, however if you are interested in birding the best time to visit is during rainy seasons from March to May and November.
When packing for the safari you should consider the clothes you pack, it is advised you pack shorts, light tops and t-shirts, hat, sun glasses, sunscreen and a back pack. If you are interested in gorilla trekking which is done in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga National Park consider packing long pants, long sleeved shirts, jackets, gloves, hiking boots, insect repellants, and rain coats. Most upscale lodges feature swimming pools, so bring your swimsuit and do not forget to carry a camera, binoculars and a first aid kit.
With the existence of Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, Uganda is home to Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) however, rhinoceros do not exist in its national parks. Uganda offers a wide variety of other wildlife species, including giraffes, zebras, hippos, and various antelope species. Most travelers visiting Uganda are often interested in the unique and captivating experiences of gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
The cost of a safari in Uganda varies depending on the duration of the safari, the type of accommodation you prefer, the number of people engaging in the safari, and the activities to do. Gorilla trekking permits are one of the major expenses, it is always advisable to contact a tour operator for detailed information and customized safari packages based on your budget.
Most travelers visiting Uganda use the help of tour operators who arrange transportation means, usually we (fairend safaris) transport our clients in private 4WD customized safari Land cruisers of 3 seater, 5 seater and 7 seater as well as a safari 4×4 vans with pop up safari roofs for better viewing. For large groups we arrange coaster buses. All our drivers are well trained and experience and will always keep you safe on the road.
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are paid in advance upon safari confirmation due to high demand, during peak season lodges need a deposit upon booking, and it is recommended to pay in advance to get the best lodgings. For your convenience, Fairend Safaris has implemented Visa and Master card transactions, where you can pay with your credit card on a secure link that we email you with the invoice rather than going to the bank.
When it comes to payment we are quite flexible and normally request for payment of permits and a partial deposit for accommodation. The rest of the money can be paid at least three weeks before the safari or on arrival. This can be accomplished through electronic transfers, which are less expensive than going to the bank, or by Visa, MasterCard, or American Express, which are easier and more convenient but incur a 4.5% fee.
It is not advisable to carry large sums of money since most of our customized trips are all inclusive packages, travelers can carry enough cash for personal expenses like shopping and tiping. Most accommodation facilities and malls accept credit card payment.
There is no age limit for most wildlife safaris in Uganda however, for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking travelers only above 15 years are allowed to participate. It is difficult for children to participate in these two activities due to the time and distance involved and their reaction to these primates. Travelers willing to participate in this activity but have children are always advised to leave the children at lodges and at the parks as there are always other activities they can participate in
Most tourist areas accept payments in dollars or euros however, you can change your money to local currencies, keep in mind that written on notes and torn ones are hard to accept as they may not be considered as legal tender outside your country. Always carry bigger bills of $50 to $ 100 as they attract a higher exchange rate compared to the smaller bills of $20 and below.
Uganda is a safe country and popular for solo travelers and there are guides who help you with all the information you may need. Most itineraries we make are flexible and can work for both solo travelers and large groups, we make them to minimize costs if necessary.
Fairend Safaris
We specialize in customized safari expeditions right into the heart of Africa. Let’s take you on a journey of a lifetime.
Contact us, send us an email and our customer support team will is here to answer all your questions.
