The most challenging and stressful part of life is planning for a trip to a new destination and so it is for visitors on plan to explore Uganda and Rwanda this coming season. Things can be worse especially if you have no current information at hand about a destination of your dreams. However, Uganda and Rwanda do not discriminate visitors on African safaris regardless of what your travel needs are whether it is wildlife experiences that you desire to be part, thrilling adventures or cultural encounters among others.
A trip to Uganda and Rwanda means a great opportunity for you to have magical encounters with the endangered mountain gorillas, big game, breathtaking sceneries, diversity of culture, historical sites and favorable climatic conditions as well as the warm welcome. When it comes to visitor safety and security, Uganda and Rwanda consider it a major priority and it is of no doubt that the two destinations have had prevailing peace for longer period of time.
How to prepare for a trip to Uganda/Rwanda
What makes visitors’ travel experiences successful depends on how well-prepared, organized the person is. Whether you are a repeat or first time visitor, for any plans to explore Uganda or Rwanda, you need that one trust worthy Travel Company to help you arrange for your tour. To keep up to date about Uganda and Rwanda, please visit our website. The other sources of information include local newspapers or watch national geographic films and most especially ‘Gorillas in the Mist.’ If you have all these at hand then higher chances are you will have a lifetime experience in Uganda or Rwanda.
Packing for a tour in Uganda/Rwanda
When you think of a trip to Uganda and Rwanda, how you pack also matters a lot. Packing for a safari depends on what your travel interests and if it is gorilla safaris then the key items you need in your packing list include waterproof hiking boots that are also light weight, waterproof daypack, first aid kit, gardening glove, camera with no flash light, long sleeved shirt or t-shirt, trousers, hat, insect repellent a mention but a few.
Reasons why you should visit Uganda or Rwanda
When it comes to African safaris, there are a million reasons why you need to pay a visit to Uganda and Rwanda. Uganda is best dubbed the pearl of Africa offering nearing all that you wish to see in Africa. It is ideal for wildlife safaris, primate adventures (mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee and golden monkey tracking and a chance for you to encounter variety of primate species), diverse bird species that make up a total of about 1080, diversity of culture-no wonder it is best described as a melting pot of cultures, exceptional landscapes and ideal climatic conditions, historical sites, adventures including the adrenaline adventures at the source of the Nile. Visitors on gorilla safari in Uganda can trek mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park and those who wish to visit Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the best place for you. Besides gorilla adventures, a visit to Rwanda also offers you opportunity to explore its diverse historical sites, the Rwanda Genocide Memorial center most especially Hotel Rwanda. Equally, you have opportunity to catch a glimpse at varied primates in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park including chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys and others. On the other hand, visit Akagera National Park and get the best of African wildlife experiences where you have a chance to view elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions, leopards, the Masai giraffes and several antelopes plus savanna bird species.
Best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda
Planning for a trip to Uganda but you are not sure when it is best to visit? Depending on what your travel interests are, Uganda is undeniably one of a few safari destinations with pleasantly warm and tropical climate making it all year round destination. Before you think of a trip to this magical country, two important seasons (the dry and wet season) must be put into consideration. Most visitors on African gorilla safari in Uganda prefer traveling during the dry season which begins from June to September and from December to February. Most visitors prefer this season the fact it is a season when the ground is relatively drier and this makes it easier for them to hike through the steep slopes and thick jungles while in search for mountain gorillas. This doesn’t mean that there is no gorilla trekking or any wildlife activity taking place during the wet season. The wet or rainy season equally is ideal and it always starts from March to May and from October to November. This season comes with heavy rainfall and there is plenty of forage for these creatures to depend on which makes it a bit easier for trekkers to find them compared to the dry spell when there is scarcity of food for these endangered apes to feed on. The disadvantage with it is that it is that the ground becomes muddy, slippery and thus making it a bit hard for trekkers to hike through the dense vegetation and steep slopes while looking for a group of these rare creatures.
Health tips
When it comes to safaris in Africa, visitors’ health matters a lot. However, to ensure that there is good health, it starts with an individual him/herself. Before you embark on a trip to Uganda or Rwanda, in most cases you are required to be immunized against certain diseases or illnesses. Among others include yellow fever which you may be required to have a yellow fever certificate. Being a new destination, you also need insect repellents to help protect you from biting insects like mosquitoes and others.
Money tips
Like most African states, Uganda and Rwanda equally remain cash based economies however; other currencies are also welcome for instance the US dollar as the tourism sectors mainly uses a dollar for most transactions. On the other hand, Credit Cards are rarely used and so are Traveler’s Cheques. To ease your transactions in the rural setting either in Uganda or Rwanda, you will be required to exchange your currency into Uganda shilling or local currency in Rwanda. Currently, most banks have ATM machines widely spread in most towns but use visa ATM card that can be got from some of the banks.
Tipping in Rwanda and Uganda
To tip while on safari isn’t a must do thing but your tip plays a great role. You can tip driver guides, waitress, waiter and other service providers.
Mobile use or cell phones
Like most African states, Uganda and Rwanda equally have the best cell phone network. You can even purchase a Ugandan simcards for instance MTN, UTL, AfriCell or Airtel. For any need to make international calls to Europe, Asia and North America, you may incur a charge of 20 cents per minute or be part of beneficiaries of promotion charges mostly for countries like US or UK, India and Pakistan.
Internet access in Rwanda and Uganda
Internet is one of the most significant things you need while on safari in Uganda and Rwanda and remarkably, you can get internet services most internet cafes within the cities in Uganda and Rwanda. As well, hotels, lodges and guest houses do provide Wi-Fi services to their clients. Or alternatively, purchase your own data provided that you have a smart phone or a laptop.
Electrical current and plugs
Uganda uses mainly 240 volts and mostly the UK plug while in Rwanda; you will need 230 volts and mostly the European plug. As well, converter plug is of good use to fit your appliances.
