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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about planning your East African safari

Planning Your Safari

Costs depend on duration, accommodation, and permits. We design safaris for all budgets.

Uganda and Rwanda can be visited year-round for gorilla trekking. The dry seasons (June-September and December-February) are generally considered the best times as trails are less muddy and wildlife is easier to spot. However, the wet seasons (March-May and October-November) offer fewer tourists, lower prices, and lush green landscapes. Gorilla trekking is available every day of the year.

We recommend booking 3-6 months in advance, especially if your trip includes gorilla trekking. Gorilla permits are limited and sell out quickly during peak season (June-September, December-February). For off-peak travel, 2-3 months notice is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings may be possible but availability cannot be guaranteed.

Most nationalities require a visa to visit Uganda or Rwanda. Uganda offers e-visas and visas on arrival ($50 USD). Rwanda also offers e-visas ($30 USD). If visiting both countries, consider the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100 USD) which covers Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for 90 days. Apply online before travel for the smoothest experience.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into both Uganda and Rwanda. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Polio. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised as both countries are in malaria zones. Consult your doctor or travel clinic at least 6 weeks before your trip for personalized medical advice.

Health & Safety

Yes, both Uganda and Rwanda are among Africa's safest countries for tourists. They have stable governments and welcoming people. Rwanda in particular is known for its exceptional safety and cleanliness. Use common sense precautions, follow your guide's advice, keep valuables secure, and avoid walking alone at night in cities. Our guides are trained in first aid and safety protocols.

Wear long trousers tucked into socks, long-sleeved shirt, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support, and a rain jacket. Bring gardening gloves for gripping vegetation, a hat, and insect repellent. Wear neutral colors (green, brown, khaki) - avoid bright colors. Carry a small daypack with water, snacks, and camera. Porters are available to carry your bag.

Gorilla trekking can range from 30 minutes to 6+ hours of hiking depending on where the gorillas are located that day. The terrain is mountainous at 2,200-2,600m altitude with steep, sometimes slippery trails through dense vegetation. Moderate fitness is recommended but porters are available ($15-20) to assist with carrying bags and providing support. Walking sticks are provided free of charge.

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years in both Uganda and Rwanda. Trekkers must be in reasonably good health. You cannot trek if you have a contagious illness (cold, flu, COVID symptoms) as gorillas are susceptible to human diseases. In some cases, a medical fitness certificate may be required. People with mobility issues should discuss options with us in advance.

Booking & Payments

Booking is easy! Contact us via email (info@rohosafarisuganda.com), phone (+256 786 796471), WhatsApp, or our contact form. Share your preferred dates, interests, group size, and budget. We'll create a customized itinerary for you. Once you approve the itinerary, we'll send an invoice for the deposit to confirm your booking.

We require a 30% deposit to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your arrival date. For bookings made within 60 days of travel, full payment is required at the time of booking. We accept bank transfers, credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), and mobile money (MTN/Airtel). All prices are quoted in USD.

Cancellations 60+ days before arrival: Full refund minus administrative fees ($100). Cancellations 30-59 days before arrival: 50% refund. Cancellations less than 30 days before arrival: No refund. Please note that gorilla permits are non-refundable but can be rescheduled subject to availability. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover unforeseen cancellations.

On Safari

Besides English and Swahili, tour guides in East Africa often speak other languages depending on their visitors. Commonly used languages include French, German, Spanish, and Italian, especially in popular safari destinations across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

We use well-maintained 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers and Safari Vans with pop-up roofs for game viewing. All vehicles have charging ports for electronics, a cooler/fridge for drinks, and excellent off-road capability. Our vehicles are regularly serviced and equipped with first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and communication equipment.

We offer budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodation options to suit every traveler. From eco-friendly camping and budget lodges to luxury tented camps and boutique hotels. All our accommodation partners are carefully vetted for quality, location, cleanliness, and service. We'll recommend the best options based on your preferences and budget.

Absolutely! All our safaris are fully customizable to match your interests, timeline, and budget. You can add extra activities, extend time at specific destinations, combine multiple tours, or create something entirely unique. Contact us with your ideas and we'll design the perfect itinerary for you. There's no extra charge for customization.

A gorilla trekking permit costs $800 USD per person in Uganda and $1,500 USD per person in Rwanda. Both permits allow one hour with a habituated gorilla family. Uganda occasionally offers discounted permits during low season. Permits should be booked well in advance through a licensed tour operator. We handle all permit arrangements as part of your safari package.

Gorilla Trekking

You'll start with a morning briefing at the park headquarters where you're assigned a gorilla family. Led by experienced trackers and armed rangers, you'll hike through the forest until you find the gorillas. Once found, you spend one magical hour observing them - watching them eat, play, groom, and interact. It's an emotional, life-changing experience. Photography is allowed but without flash.

Both offer incredible gorilla trekking experiences. Uganda ($800 permit) is more affordable and offers longer treks through diverse forest habitats. Rwanda ($1,500 permit) typically has shorter treks, more luxury accommodation options, and is combined easily with Kigali city experiences. For the ultimate experience, we recommend trekking in both countries on our combined safari packages.

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