Health:
Most Tropical African countries are having problems of
yellow fever and cholera. A valid International Certificate
of Vaccination may be required. Air travelers who only
pass through the airports of a yellow fever and cholera
zone are exempt from the requirement.
It is also advised that all travelers be vaccinated against
Meningitis, Typhoid and Hepatitis. Malaria is prevalent
in East Africa and it is advisable to take anti-malarial
and mosquito repellents. For your own comfort take a mosquito
repellent, Mosquito nets are provided in most hotels,
lodges and camps. Precautions should be taken against
malaria both when visitors are in the country, and when
they return home. It is advisable to drink only boiled
or bottled water and avoid swimming in ponds and still
water pools.
While doctors and dentists are available throughout many
areas of the country, the major hospitals are located
in the main towns. Bring any special medication you may
need, and carry medical insurance. Most chemists in the
major towns are open from 08h30 to 12h30 and 14h00 to
17h00 Monday to Friday and 08h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays.
There are no emergency chemists open after hours or Sundays.
Insurance:
Evacuation insurance Clients are advised to purchase evacuation
insurance before traveling. This covers evacuation in
case of an accident, health difficulties, etc. Evacuation
insurance for mountaineering in the Rwenzoris is covered
in this package.
Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking that all
clients must have, and demonstrate to the company prior
to their departure, adequate insurance for the duration
of the tour. Such insurance should fully cover death;
personal injury, loss, accident, medical expenses, repatriation
in the case of accident, illness or death, cancellation
or curtailment of the tour by the company or client, and
loss of, damage to, or theft of the clients’ personal
property. Activities with a greater inherent risk, such
as mountaineering, animal tracking, water rafting, swimming
in lakes, should be covered.
Communications:
Postal services are fairly well organized in East Africa.
You should have no problem sending or receiving letters.
International call facilities as well as fax facilities
exist at the main Post Office and in many Secretarial
bureaus. International telephone communication is very
good except from some upcountry areas it is a little difficult.
The mobile telephone network is good and rapidly expanding.
There are Email and Internet access services in every
town.
Theft:
Traveling is better done during Daylight hours, since
most thieves operate during the night. Please avoid being
driven by a drunk driver. Be quite awake when walking
around carrying anything of value.
Jewellery of financial or sentimental value should be
left at the hotel/accommodation facility, as most major
hotels have safety boxes and safes.
Carry minimum amounts of cash and keep it hidden or in
a money belt, if possible. Secure your belongings such
as passport or airline tickets and other valuables and
documents; use safe deposit boxes where available. For
the most part, however, Ugandans are very friendly and
helpful. If in doubt seek local advice. For specific questions
on current security conditions please contact us.
Most casual thieves operate in busy streets, Markets,
Bus and Taxi parks. Avoid having large amounts of money
or valuables loose in your daypack or pocket. Keep a close
watch on your possessions.
Driving:
Visiting drivers must hold an International Drivers License.
Driver’s licenses from other countries are not valid.
A person driving into the country on business can have
their car admitted without having to pay duty, provided
they will not use it for hire or commercial purposes.
They will also have to show that the car is owned by themselves
or by their company. Uganda drives on the left hand side
of the road.
Accommodation:
Uganda/Kenya/Rwanda have a wide range of standards when
it comes to places to stay - from five star hotels and
first class luxury lodges, to rustic bush camps, guesthouses
and campsites. In towns, accommodation ranges from 3-5
star hotels and guesthouses. Upcountry it is of varying
standard, often with no running water and electricity.
All accommodation rates are charged US Dollars however
local currencies will be accepted at a prevailing rate
of a given venue. Extras include Local Government Tax
for Uganda Hotel, and a 2-10% service charge and 18% VAT
in all countries of operation. Our Safari are all inclusive
unless stated otherwise.
Food & Drink:
As a rule, quotes are based on Full board basis in all
accommodation venues, Bed and Breakfast and half board
basis can be arranged on request whilst on safari.
Drink selections are good including premium brands and
imported wines. Tap water in Uganda is not safe but water
for drinking is generally provided by hotels and clients
are advised to drink this or bottled water which is widely
available.
Safari (On safari)
Always remember that while some animals have become accustomed
to the presence of people they are still wild animals.
Keep your distance. It is illegal to feed any animal,
make excessive noise to attract their attention, or to
agitate and scare an animal, or deviate from designated
roads for that closer photograph.
Energy / Electricity:
Local voltage in Uganda is 240volts, 50 cycle AC. 3-pin
(square) sockets. Electric switches generally switch on
downwards. Local voltage in Rwanda is 220/230/240volts,
50 cycle AC. 2-pin (round) sockets. Electric switches
generally switch on upwards. Some camps and lodges upcountry
do not have power but management can arrange to recharge
your batteries from a nearby town at a cost, or use a
safari vehicle for charging.
Entry and Health Regulations:
Visitors must be in possession of valid visa and health
documents on arrival in Uganda, Kenya or Rwanda. Different
regulations are applied according to nationality and country
of origin and these should be checked with the nearest
tourist office or diplomatic mission. Diplomatic mission/Uganda/Kenya/Rwanda
Embassy or inoculation centers in the country of origin
will provide information and health regulations and recommendations.
Customs and Exit Regulations:
Personal effect, film and camera may be imported temporarily
free of duty. However, a customs bond may be required
in connection with professional video equipment, tape
recorders, radios, musical instruments and souvenirs from
other countries to ensure goods can be re-exported. Firearms
need special permit, which must be obtained in advance.
Excess baggage is strictly monitored and charges very
expensive, Customs officials normally inspect baggage
on arrival and departure.
Immigration:
All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport.
Visa requirements vary from time to time and are dependant
on the nationality of the visitor. Since it is essential
that no visitor arrive without the required documentation,
visitors are strongly recommended to check the latest
requirements either from the airline offices or through
the nearest tourist office, Embassy or High Commission.
Most nationals visiting Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda require
a visa, and this can be obtained either pre-departure
or at the point of entry at a cost of US$50 per person.
Visitors are not allowed to take up work or residence
in Uganda and Rwanda without the authority of the Principal
Immigration Officer.
Photography:
Films are readily available in Uganda. Before taking pictures
of the local people, permission should be sought and if
necessary, a price agreed on. The driver guide should
be able to assist. Law in the country prohibits taking
photographs or video filming of the following areas;-Military
bases, State Houses', any Armed Forces Base.
Local Laws:
All participants in tours are expected to obey laws and
regulations of the country(s) visited and any failure
to do so will relieve us of all obligations that they
may otherwise have under these booking conditions.
Currency:
Currency country regulations prohibit the export of local
currency. There is no restriction to the amount of foreign
currency a visitor may import. Only authorized dealers
are allowed to exchange money.
Medical Advice:
Uganda/ Kenya and Rwanda enjoy a healthy invigorating
climate and visitors need feel no concern for their general
health during their stay. However, malaria is endemic
in certain areas and anti-malarial medication should be
taken according to prescription recommendations. Visitors
requiring special medication should pack sufficient supplies
in their hand luggage. Chemist shops are well stocked,
but the name of the generic medication may not be readily
available. Filtered and purified bottled water is also
available throughout East Africa.
There are excellent hospitals in Kampala, Nairobi and
Kigali where blood is screened for the HIV virus by the
most modern equipment. There are also very good dentists
and opticians.
Clients are advised to take out their own medical and
travel insurance before coming on Safari.
Security:
Despite some well-published isolated incidents, East Africa
is a Safe destination for visitors. Visitors should take
the same care as they would normally take in any other
destination worldwide. Keep a close watch to your handbags,
wallets and cameras when walking in crowded places. Avoid
walking at night and place valuables in safe deposit boxes
at hotels and lodges.
Time:
East Africa is GMT +3 hrs.
Flight Bookings:
The itineraries and prices published are for the land
portion of the safari only. There is a wide choice of
airlines offering services to Uganda and East Africa as
a whole and we have found it best to allow our travelers
the flexibility to choose the flight that suits their
individual preferences. If you would like us to find flights
for you, please ensure at the time of booking.
Departure Tax:
Airport departure taxes are included on tickets
Seasons:
High season – 15th December - 31st March & 01st
July – 15th December. Low season – 01 April
– 30th June. (Note that high season rates may apply)
