FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Below are the common questions we get from clients. Please also see our Travel Tips and Terms and Conditions for more information.
What's the best time of year to come to Uganda?
There is no bad time of year to visit Uganda. Even during the rainy seasons (Mar-Jun and Oct-Nov) it may rain for only one or two hours before the sun shines again. It rarely gets cold, but it is advisable to carry lightweight rain gear in the rainy season.
What international airlines access Uganda?
From Europe major carriers are: British Airways, Brussels Airlines and KLM, all of which fly directly to Entebbe. International carriers from Europe connect with most North American carriers. Major African Airlines include: Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania and South African Airways. From the Middle East and South East Asia, check with Emirates. Check with our Ticketing Department for the best routing from your destination. Â
What other expenses should I expect after quoted safari costs?
Unless otherwise stated, tour prices quoted are ex-Kampala and include transport with fuel and driver/guide, accommodation, meals on safari, National Park and activity fees associated with your itinerary.Â
Clients will be directly responsible for airfare to/from Uganda, Visa fees if applicable, airport transfers, meals and accommodation in Kampala, transport in and around Kampala, supplemental activities not included in the itinerary, refreshments and beverages (between meal snacks, alcohol, other refreshments), personal items (porterage, telephone calls and souvenirs), tips and gratuities. Coffee and tea are usually available with meals in up-country properties and drinking water may be provided. It is advisable to always check what is included in menu prices.
How do I pay for my safari?
Most of our clients pay by telegraphic or wire transfers. Bank details are available upon request. With Managers' approval credit card payments can be made, but please note there is a 7-9% surcharge. In Kampala cash payments are accepted in any foreign convertible currency and in Uganda Shillings. Travelers Cheques are also accepted with a US$20 surcharge.
What deposit do IÂ need to pay?
Gorilla tracking safaris require a deposit of US$600 per permit to secure a permit. For all other safaris, a 50% deposit is required 10 weeks before intended departure or at the time of booking with the balance to be settled 30 days prior to commencement of the tour.Â
What kind of vehicle will I travel in?
Most safaris use 4WD minibuses (up to nine passengers) with pop-up tops and seven window seats for game viewing. Â Small group safaris (three or less) can be executed in 4WD station wagons. We also use 4WD long chassis land cruisers. Group of twelve and more people who would like to travel in one vehicle are offered 25-29 seat coasters that have about 16 window seats. Overland trucks and fourteen seater minibuses are available on request. VIP visitors can request luxury 4WD station wagons, seven seat minibuses and limousines.
Can I fly internally?
Yes, charter flights are available to almost all safari destinations, but be aware that charter costs are high. Scheduled flights are available to Murchison Falls.
How far in advance do I need to book a gorilla permit?
Book as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment. Permits are sold up to 2 years in advance!
What should I wear when gorilla tracking?
We recommend: a breathable and lightweight rain jacket or poncho, a warm jacket or fleece for overcast days and evening, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, sturdy waterproof walking boots (seasoned or well worn footwear), leather gardening type gloves, sunscreen, cap or sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, comfortable day pack for carrying water and minimum amount of personal items. Cameras and video cameras are allowed, but bring film and batteries from Kampala.
How do you deal with tipping?
Ugandans tip according to level of service and there are no fixed or assumed rates. Culturally people may not feel it appropriate to outwardly show their appreciation for money given, however salaries are generally low in Uganda compared to neighboring tourism destinations and all tips will be greatly appreciated. On average tips are in the region of: 5-10% in restaurants; US$5-10 per day, per client for safari driver/guides and US$5-10 per client, per day for Ranger Guides; US$5 per day for porters on mountaineering/hiking safaris and US$3-5 for Forest Walk guides. Tips are very personal and this is only a guide. Â Feel free to ask for advice.
Do I need to carry my passport and travel documents?
We recommend that you leave original travel documents and passports with us in our safe (if you wish) and travel with photocopies. East African residents will need to show copy Passports and Work Permits to obtain resident discounts. Most hotels and lodges have safe deposit boxes available.
Do the drivers speak English?
Yes, all Pearl of Africa Tours and Travel drivers/guides speak English and other local languages. If you require drivers or guides who speak other international languages, please advise and we can organize this for you.
Is Uganda Safe?
Occasional security issues may arise as in any other developing country. Pearl of Africa Tours and Travel 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. Basic precautions should be taken, as in all countries, and common sense should be used. It is not advised to display expensive jewelry, leave bags unattended or money lying around. Â
How much time should I expect to spend in the vehicle in any one day?
The longest day of travel is for a three-day gorilla tour and this can be up to nine hours in a vehicle. During this journey several stops will be made, including a visit to the Equator, a stop for lunch, and other stops for refreshments and other facilities. Most itineraries will not require any more than five hours in a vehicle in one day. Again various stops are made to ensure your comfort.
What should I expect to see on Safari?
The large mammals vary from park to park. In general a safari including two or more parks will include Elephant, Buffalow, Hippos, Lion, Crocodiles, Uganda Cob, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Warthogs, Hyeana, to name a few. Â Leopard sightings are rare, but leopard can be found in most parks in the country. Rhinos can be seen in Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary near Masindi and Impala and Zebra are seen in Lake Mburo. Giraffe are only found in Murchison Falls and Kideop. Cheetah can be seen in Kidepo.
Uganda is one of the best places in the world to view Chimpanzees. With trekking available in Kibale Forest, Kyambura and many other forested areas in Uganda. Gorilla tracking safaris are at Magahinga and Bwindi National Parks in the far South West of the Country, with access also available in Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire). Fourteen other species of primates can be seen in Uganda.
As part of the Albertine Rift Valley, Uganda is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and more than a thousand species of birds can be viewed, including many endemics. Unique species of butterflies are also found. More information is available on our website at bird life or national parks.
