Frequently Asked Questions

Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport is served by airlines including Uganda Airlines, Air Arabia, Air Tanzania, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, flydubai, RwandAir and others.

Rwanda is served via Kigali International Airport by several regional and international carriers. (Travel routes within Rwanda are mostly tarred, with a few stretches to specific parks like Akagera.)

Ihunde Safaris does not provide travel insurance. It’s the responsibility of the Agent/Client to obtain adequate cover for the duration of the tour, including evacuation cover in case of emergency.

Please bring all personal medications required. Medical services and facilities are basic.

We advise malaria prophylactics (prevention medication) and mosquito repellent. Always use mosquito nets provided at accommodation. Consult your doctor before traveling.

Clients should be fit for adventurous activities such as hiking, gorilla and chimp trekking. Rafting/canoeing/kayaking may pose additional risks and should be undertaken with care.

Some vaccinations are recommended and/or required. Uganda and Tanzania require proof of yellow fever vaccination. Other commonly recommended immunisations include DTP, Hepatitis A, meningitis, tetanus and typhoid.

Yellow fever vaccination is not compulsory for Rwanda unless you are from a high-risk region. Seek advice from your home country on current requirements.

Tap water is not suitable for drinking. Use bottled or filtered water, often available in your safari car and at accommodation.

The East African tourist visa for Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda costs US$100 (for those traveling to all three). Your passport must have a minimum six months validity remaining.

Uganda

Apply online. Tourist visas are generally no longer issued on arrival. Uganda follows reciprocity rules depending on nationality.

Rwanda

Many visitors can obtain a visa on arrival (commonly US$30 for 30 days), with visa-free access for some nationals under bilateral agreements and certain organizations.

Kenya

Travelers generally obtain an electronic visa prior to arrival (e-visa). Visas are typically not issued on arrival.

Tanzania

Travelers generally apply online for a tourist visa. Passport should have at least six months validity and an unused visa page.

ATMs and Visa cards can be used for cash withdrawal (daily limits apply). Alert your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.

Some establishments do not accept cards. Where accepted, a 5–10% surcharge may apply. Traveler’s cheques are no longer accepted.

MasterCard is accepted in some places, but carry some cash to exchange at banks/forex bureaus. Note: US dollar bills issued before 2009 are often not accepted, and small denominations may attract lower exchange rates.

Uganda

Uganda Shilling (UGX): notes include 1,000 to 50,000; coins for smaller denominations.

Rwanda

Rwandan Franc (RWF): notes include 500 to 5,000; coins from 1 to 100 francs.

Kenya

Kenyan Shilling (KES): notes include 50 to 1,000; coins from 50 cents to 40 shillings.

Tanzania

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS): notes include 1,000 to 10,000; coins from 50 to 500.

Tipping is optional and depends on the service received. As a guideline: 5–10% in restaurants; about US$10 per day per client for driver/guides and ranger guides; about US$5 per day for porters on hiking safaris.

Generally yes. Use normal precautions: avoid displaying expensive jewellery, don’t leave bags/money unattended, and ask your driver guide where unsure.

Cities are generally safe for tourists, though petty theft can occur. Your driver guide will advise on areas to visit.

Despite some negative press, gay and lesbian travelers do visit. We recommend discretion due to the conservative nature of the countries.

Yes. Gorilla permits must be booked in advance. Only eight people may visit each gorilla group per day. Minimum age is 15 years, and a reasonable level of fitness is required.

To book permits, you’ll share: full names, nationality, birth date, passport number, preferred trekking date, home address, and permit fees. You may not be allowed to trek if you have a communicable disease.

• Lightweight rain jacket
• Long-sleeved shirt & trousers
• Waterproof walking boots
• Leather gardening gloves
• Sunscreen, sun hat, insect repellent
• Small daypack + water

No flash photography is allowed.

General

Antiseptic hand wash, daypack, sunscreen, flashlight, insect repellent, waterproof bags, and 240V plug adapters (UK-style square pins are used in many places).

Clothing

Soft luggage (space is limited), walking shoes, sun hat, sandals, waterproof jacket, layers for evenings, warm clothing for mountainous regions, sunglasses, swimsuit.

Equipment

Binoculars (waterproof), camera, several smaller memory cards instead of one large card.

Avoid photographing bridges, military buildings or soldiers. Ask before photographing people. Some may request a tip—negotiate or choose not to take the photo.

For gorilla/chimp trekking, book as early as possible—commonly 3 months (or 6 months for peak season). Permits are booked and paid at the same time. Last-minute trips may be possible for small parties depending on availability.

Most clients pay by wire transfer or credit card. Credit card payments may incur a 4% surcharge using an online link. Availability is not guaranteed until Ihunde Safaris officially confirms the safari.

All bank charges are at the expense of the client.

Many lodges are small and exclusive with few rooms. We recommend booking early for specific lodges. Accommodation ranges from lodge rooms to furnished safari tents with private bathrooms and hot/cold running water.

We use pop-up roof 4WD safari vehicles (minivans or Land Cruisers) and ensure everyone has a window seat. Minivans typically carry up to 7; Land Cruisers may carry 2–6 depending on configuration. Larger groups may use coaster buses (25–29 seats).

Solo travelers are welcome. Costs may be higher compared to sharing. We mostly run private safaris, and scheduled group options are limited—but we can advise if any suitable departures exist.

Yes—within what lodges/hotels can support. Please inform us during booking and remind your tour guide while on safari.

There’s no bad time to visit. Many travelers prefer dry seasons (Dec–Feb and Jun–Sep). In rainy seasons (Apr–May and Oct–Nov), showers may be short with sunshine soon after.

Yes. Other language guides/translators (German, Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, etc.) can be arranged if requested at inquiry.

Depending on the itinerary, travel time ranges from 2–9 hours a day, with regular stops for stretching, meals and photography. Average is often around 6 hours. Flights are available for some routes to reduce driving.

Local SIM cards can be purchased on arrival. Many lodges offer Wi-Fi for email and social media. Our driver/guides have cell phones and stay in contact with the office throughout safaris.