Our Travel Tips

Clothing

Lightweights and rainwear, with warm wraps, especially in mountainous and forest environments are advised for the evenings. During the safari, keep clothes to a minimum and mostly of neutral coloring - khakis, browns, and greens, and wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes. A sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant are essential.

Driving

Visiting drivers must hold an International Driver’s License. Driver’s licenses from other countries are not valid. Uganda drives on the left hand side of the road. Rwanda drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Energy / Electricity

Local voltage in Rwanda is 220/230/240volts, 50 cycle AC. 2-pin (round) sockets. Electric switches generally switch on upwards. Local voltage in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania is 240volts, 50 cycle AC. 3-pin (square) sockets. Electric switches generally switch on downwards. It is advisable to carry a power bank if you want to charge your phone while on safari or not at your accommodation.

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. Never get out of your vehicle except at designated points.

Health

Visitors from or passing through yellow fever and cholera zones (most of tropical Africa and South America) may be able to produce a valid International Certificate of Vaccination. It is also advised that all travelers be vaccinated against Meningitis, Typhoid and Hepatitis. As Uganda and Rwanda are in a malaria zone, visitors should also take prophylactics against malaria although the best way to avoid catching malaria is to avoid bites by using mosquito repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net. For your own comfort take a mosquito repellent. Mosquito nets are provided in most hotels, lodges, and camps.

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. Medical Insurance should be purchased before you leave your own country and should include emergency air evacuation coverage if you’re spending any time in remote parts of the country. There are some medical rescue organizations available.

Insurance

Evacuation insurance Clients are also advised to purchase evacuation insurance before traveling. This covers evacuation in case of an accident, health difficulties, etc. Evacuation insurance for mountaineering in the Rwenzori is covered in this package
It is also advisable that clients purchase the necessary health insurance for themselves. The company will not be held liable for the sickness of a client as a direct or indirect consequence of traveling.

Travel Insurance is also a condition of booking that all clients must have prior to their departure. 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.

When with the Gorillas

A 7-meter (21 feet) distance should always be observed from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
You must stay in a tight group when you are near the gorillas.
Always keep your voices down. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
Do not smoke, drink, or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guide’s instructions (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully.
Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will end the visit early.
After the visit keep your voices down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.