FAQs

UGANDA

Where is Uganda located?

Uganda is located in east Africa, astride in the equator, between longitudes 29 east and 35 east and between latitudes 4 north and south, at an average altitude of 1,100 meters above sea- level. The total area is 236,580sq.km.

Where and how do I apply for a visa?

You can acquire a visa at Uganda’s High Commission or embassy in your country of residence or on arrival at Entebbe International Airport.

Visitors from the following countries are exempted from visas. These are; East African Community (EAC) Citizens, Nationals of COMESA countries (Angola, Comoros, Eritrea, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe). Other countries are; Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Jamaica, Lesotho, Malta, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Tonga, Vanuatu, Italy (Only diplomatic passports) and Cyprus.

How do I access Uganda?

Several airlines fly to Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport, including; Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, Egypt Air, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, RwandAir, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines,  Fast Jet, Fly Dubai and Fly-SAX.

Can I fly internally?

There a few charter flights to most of the destinations. The costs vary depending on the destination and duration. There are also a limited number of internal flights only to the major towns of the country.

Do I need any immunization before travelling to Uganda?

You need to immunize against Hepatitis A and B, Mengitis, tetanus, polio and typhoid. A rabies vaccination is also essential especially if you are expecting to get closer to animals.

What’s the best time to come to Uganda?

You can visit Uganda at anytime. Uganda has two rainy seasons (March – May and September– December). The rains however last between one and two hours. In some areas like the Elgon region, Ruwenzori Mountains and the Kigezi sub region, it gets cold at night. It is advisable to carry rain gear and warm clothes.

Do I need to carry my travel documents all the time?

It is recommended that you travel with at least photocopies of your travel documents. East African residents will need to show copies of Passports and Work Permits to obtain resident discounts. Most hotels and lodges have safe deposit boxes available. You also need to be aware of thieves who may snatch your documents on the street.

Is Uganda safe?

Uganda is generally safe.  IvaMar Safaris 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.

What other expenses should I expect besides the quoted safari costs?

Quoted pices often include; transport with fuel and driver/guide, accommodation, meals on safari, National Park fees and game drives. The exclusions often include; airport transfers, meals and accommodation in Kampala, transport in and around Kampala, supplemental activities not included in the itinerary. The other exclusions are; tips/gratuity, refreshments and beverages (between meal snacks, alcohol, other refreshments) and personal items (porterage, telephone calls and souvenirs).

How do I pay for a safari?

You can wire transfers or use credit card. In Kampala cash payments are accepted in any foreign convertible currency and in Uganda Shillings. You can also pay using mobile money and other electronic forms of transfers. It is however it can be difficult to withdraw large amounts of cash in Uganda. It is advisable to pay at least 50% deposit before intended departure or at the time of booking.

What kind of vehicle will I travel in?

IvaMar safaris uses 4WD safari vehicle including omnibuses and land cruisers. We can also provide coaster buses for large groups. Luxurious visitors can request for 4WD station wagons, seven seat minibuses and limousines. You tell us what you want and we provide it.

What languages do the drivers speak?

All IvaMar Safaris drivers/guides speak English and other local languages. If you require drivers or guides who speak other international languages, we can organize on request.

Where do I find gorilla tracking permits?

Gorilla tracking is limited to only 18 people per day and the permits are available only for people above 18 years. These can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is advisable to book in advance to avoid last minute disappointments.

Which period is suitable for gorilla tracking?

Gorillas are available all year through, but tracking is suitable during fairly dry seasons of February to March and July to September.

Where do I find chimpanzees?

Chimpanzees can be found almost where mountain gorillas exist. The Ngamba Island on L. Victoria has been reserved for Chimpanzees.

RWANDA

How do I access Rwanda?                                                    

You can access Rwanda through Kigali International Airport. The airport has the following airlines: RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Qatar Airways.

Is Rwanda safe?

Rwanda is generally safe, with a few report security incidents.

Can I fly internally?

There are a few charter flights to most of the destinations. The costs vary depending on the destination and duration.

Do I need to carry my travel documents all the time?

It is recommended that you travel with at least photocopies of your travel documents for security purposes.

What other expenses should I expect besides the quoted safari costs?

Quoted prices often include; transport with fuel and driver/guide, accommodation, meals on safari, National Park fees and game drives. The exclusions often include; airport transfers, meals and accommodation in Kampala, transport in and around Kampala, supplemental activities not included in the itinerary. The other exclusions are; tips/gratuity, refreshments and beverages (between meal snacks, alcohol, other refreshments) and personal items (porterage, telephone calls and souvenirs).

What kind of vehicle will I travel in?

IvaMar safaris uses 4WD safari vehicle including omnibuses and land cruisers. We can also provide coaster buses for large groups. Luxurious visitors can request for 4WD station wagons, seven seat minibuses and limousines.

What languages do the drivers speak?

All IvaMar Safaris drivers/guides speak English and other local languages. If you require drivers or guides who speak other international languages, we can organize on request.

What means of payment do I use?

There are ATMs throughout Kigali which are accessible to visitors. Credit cards are accepted in some upper-market restaurants and hotels, but it is best to confirm prior to ordering.

What vaccinations do I need?

Yellow fever, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Typhoid, Hepatitis B and Rabies.

What is the time zone in Rwanda?

The entire country of Rwanda is in Central Africa Time Zone (UTC+02:00).

KENYA

How do I access Kenya?

Kenya has several international airports including; Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, Kisumu International Airport and Malindi International Airport. Airlines including; Kenya Airways, Emirates Airways, Etihad Airways, Qatar airways, Brussels, South African Airways, British Airways, fly to Kenya.

Can I fly internally?

There a few charter flights to most of the destinations. The costs vary depending on the destination and duration. There are also a number of internal flights to the major towns and cities of the country.

Is Kenya safe?

Although there have been reported cases of terrorist attacks, Kenya is generally safe. It’s advisable to seek travel advisory before travelling to Kenya, especially the coastline and areas bordering Somalia.

Do I need to carry my travel documents all the time?

It is recommended that you travel with at least photocopies of your travel documents. 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. You also need to be weary of thieves who may snatch your documents on the street.

What other expenses should I expect besides the quoted safari costs?

Quoted prices often include; transport with fuel and driver/guide, accommodation, meals on safari, National Park fees and game drives. The exclusions often include; airport transfers, meals and accommodation in Kampala, transport in and around Kampala, supplemental activities not included in the itinerary. The other exclusions are; tips/gratuitie, refreshments and beverages (between meal snacks, alcohol, other refreshments) and personal items (porterage, telephone calls and souvenirs).

What kind of vehicle will I travel in?

IvaMar safaris uses 4WD safari vehicle including omnibuses and land cruisers. We can also provide coaster buses for large groups. Luxurious visitors can request for 4WD station wagons, seven seat minibuses and limousines.

What languages do the drivers speak?

All IvaMar Safaris drivers/guides speak English and other local languages. If you require drivers or guides who speak other international languages, we can organize on request.

What is the time zone in Kenya?

GMT +3

Are credit accepted in Kenya?

Credits Cards are widely accepted in all major hotels and establishments, with the most recognized being Master Card, Visa and American Express. However, you will need some cash handy because smaller shops will only accept cash.

TANZANIA

How do i access Tanzania?

Tanzania has airports including; Julius Nyerere International Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport. Airlines that fly to Tanzania are; Kenya Airways, Emirates Airways, Etihad Airways, Qatar airways, Brussels, South African Airways, and British Airways. Flights from Tanzania connect to all major cities of the World.

Can I fly internally?

There a few charter flights to most of the destinations. The costs vary depending on the destination and duration.

Is Tanzania safe?

Tanzania is perhaps the safest country in the region, with little reported attacks. Because the lodges and camps are in remote areas of the country, theft is not usually an issue. It is important to keep copies of all travel documentation in case of emergencies. Keep your property safe and be aware of your environment. Even though crime is not very bad in Tanzania it’s best not to walk around at night.

Do I need to carry my travel documents all the time?

It is recommended that you travel with at least photocopies of your travel documents.

What other expenses should I expect besides the quoted safari costs?

Quoted prices often include; transport with fuel and driver/guide, accommodation, meals on safari, National Park fees and game drives. The exclusions often include; airport transfers, meals and accommodation in Kampala, transport in and around Kampala, supplemental activities not included in the itinerary. The other exclusions are; tips/gratuitie, refreshments and beverages (between meal snacks, alcohol, other refreshments) and personal items (porterage, telephone calls and souvenirs).

What kind of vehicle will I travel in?

IvaMar safaris uses 4WD safari vehicle including omnibuses and land cruisers. We can also provide coaster buses for large groups. Luxurious visitors can request for 4WD station wagons, seven seat minibuses and limousines.

What immunization and what health precautions should take?

Lower areas of Tanzania have malaria and a prophylaxis is recommended. Cholera, typhoid and hepatitis occur in some areas. Modern health care facilities are very limited. If you are coming from a yellow fever endemic area you may be required to show proof of immunization. It is a good idea to be up to date on common vaccinations such as tetanus, polio and hepatitis A & B.