Most Frequently asked questions about going to a new place, let alone across the ocean, can be a mix of emotions such as worry, excitement, dread, and anticipation, and for first-time travelers, it might feel more like a risky enterprise than an adventure. East Africa, like any new place, is a unique world with a stunning cultural diversity that will wow you. Once you arrive in, hospitality at its finest will greet you with a kiss from the magnificent sun, bringing warmth and the promise of exciting adventures ahead.
International travelers, particularly those traveling alone, frequently visit Uganda’s national parks and tourist destinations. Our drivers/guides are fully trained, licensed, and experienced on all routes. As is customary, armed park rangers accompany gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experience. This is not due to a specific risk, but rather to ensure everyone’s safety.
Absolutely. We frequently accommodate solo travelers, including solitary ladies, a private driver/guide based on your preferences and travel budget. Our driver/guides have extensive expertise making single guests feel at ease and safe throughout the journey.
Uganda is open to visitors throughout the year, the driest months of (December-February and June-September) are the most popular for gorilla trekking and game drives because the trails are firmer and wildlife easy to be spotted while during the rainy season, gorilla permits are easier to obtain, and the scenery is more lush.
There are a lot of surprises you will meet along the way during your time here as the wild is an unpredictable place and we always tell our clients to be prepared for anything and above all be open to all kinds of possibilities and keep a positive attitude in order to fully enjoy themselves and get the most out of their trip. Many first time travelers to Uganda have a lot of similar questions and we thought to address them so as to help other first time travelers who may have similar questions.
Gorilla trekking necessitates a high level of fitness due to the lengthy hours spent traveling over challenging forest terrain, including at altitude. Porters are available to carry your bags and aid with the trekking, and we recommend hiring them regardless of fitness level. Porter fees help the local community.
Before we get into it, let me just say that once you book a safari with us, we are responsible for your overall safety from the moment you land to the moment you return home. Even after the safari, we will check on you and make sure you arrived safely back home as well as get your feedback on our services. Now, let’s look at these frequently asked questions one by one;
Once you have decided on a certain safari package, confirmation on availability and booking is made with a deposit invoice with payment details, which includes; bank transfers or integrated direct online card payment link.
The amount of things to bring is of course largely determined by the baggage allowance of the airline you fly with. It’s advisable you bring only what will be necessary for your trip like a good lens camera, prescribed medication, Allergy medication (in case you have anything you are allergic too) pain killers, good walking shoes, insecticide, rain jacket, flashlight, sunscreen and enough clothes (mostly light and a few long sleeves for colder evenings). Otherwise travel light and be sure to have some space in your luggage for souvenirs you may want to take back home after your trip.
Note:
The color of clothes you wear on a game viewing safari do not really matter but if you are here for a Gorilla trekking safari it’s advised by some to put on Eco-friendly colors while with the Gorillas like Army green, beige, brown and preferably long sleeved shirts and pants for Gorilla trekking activity to avoid contact with different plant species which may (depending on person) cause some minor skin allergic reaction.
Please do not carry a drone for pictures and videos. Drones are not allowed through customs, and you will be highly inconvenienced while at the airport because you will be asked to leave your drone at airport with security and pick it up when on your return flight from Uganda. If you must carry a drone to Uganda, you will have to get authorization by the Ugandan head of homeland security.
Oh yes! It’s necessary that you get your yellow fever shot and most travelers get malaria shots as well which is important because you will not be prone to catching malaria.
You will need a yellow fever card that proves you got the yellow fever shots and please do check your passport to make sure it’s still valid for at least six months at your date of travel.
You can get an E-visa online or upon your arrival at the airport immigration.
We rarely do get such cases but when we do, we kindly ask clients to inform us immediately so we can do everything we can to make alterations to your safari to fit your new flight schedule where possible and where not possible, we will refund your money in line with our refund policies.
We get this question a lot and we always advise our guests to have some cash on them just in case a particular place does not have provision for visa cardholders you will not be inconvenienced. If you hope to do a lot of shopping especially in the craft market, its more convenient to have your money exchanged to the local currency.
- Yellow fever vaccination is necessary for entrance to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. We advise you to keep your certificate on you throughout your journey.
- East Africa at large is a malaria-prone region as we recommend ant malarial medication, insect repellant and long sleeves at night hours. Our partner lodges have installed mosquito netting on beds.
- Altitude can have an impact on treks such as gorilla tracking in the upper elevations of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or hiking the Rwenzori Mountains. So inform us in advance about any pertinent medical issues while in the process of booking plan accordingly.
- All of our drivers/guides carry a basic first-aid kit in the safari vehicle in case of an emergency.
- For each trip booking, we strongly encourage you to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care and emergency evacuation.
Every Simba African Expedition tour is designed with safety as a primary focus; it is not an afterthought.
- Uganda’s rural and park-access roads are among the terrain on which we operate, and all of our drivers/guides have the necessary training, experience, and licenses from Uganda Tourism Board.
- All our safari cars are 4×4 safari vehicles that are well-maintained, routinely serviced, and outfitted with first-aid medical kits.
- Armed Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers always accompany gorillas and chimpanzees experience on every trekking tour booked, which is standard procedure for all visitors. This is to ensure protection from wildlife interactions, rather than addressing any specific security issues.
In such cases we normally do a follow up on your luggage and have it delivered to you in case it arrives when you are already on safari and if it arrives the day, you set out for the safari, we will work around getting it from airport before we begin the safari. We also tell advice our guests to have a few necessities in your carry-on luggage to help you better prepare for such inconveniences.
A tip has really no limit. It’s up to you as an individual and your depth of appreciation for the person who has rendered you a service. For some people the more excellent the service is, the bigger they tip.
