Frequently asked questions

We recommend clients do not give money to beggars or children; it is better to give donations to established charities that help the homeless or street children or schools. Exercise books, pens and pencils are useful gifts but not money or sweets as they create a dependency culture. Volcanoes Safaris can make arrangements to visit schools and orphanages on request. Please ask a member of Volcanoes staff for advice.

Ugandans and Rwandans appreciate those who dress modestly. Cotton clothing is the most comfortable during the day. Uganda and Rwanda are warm in the plains but often cold in the hilly and mountainous areas; a rain jacket, heavy sweater and boots are therefore essential. See also our recommended packing list and equipment for Gorilla tracking and Rwenzoris.

Volcanoes is involved in supporting a number of community /school projects. We welcome further participation in these activities. Please ask us for more details.

Uganda: 240 volts. 3-pin (square) sockets. Rwanda: 230/240 volts at 50 Hz. 2-pin (round) sockets. It is best to travel with your own adaptor. At Volcanoes lodges these are provided. Most camps/lodges, even if they do not have power, can make arrangements for recharging batteries. Consult your guide.

Warm clothes, fleece or light wool sweater, moisture wicking undergarments, lightweight wool socks, long-sleeved shirt, strong waterproof walking boots (comfortable for going up and down steep hills), sturdy trousers, sunglasses, a torch, fast film, binoculars, sun screen, a sun hat, a breathable lightweight rain poncho or parka with a rain hat, gloves to grip vegetation (inexpensive gardening gloves work well) and a small backpack to carry water and a packed lunch. It is best to have layers of clothing as temperatures tend to change. The guides will make you a walking stick if needed.

Climbing - mountain gloves or mittens / overmitts for climbing; climbing rope; crampons; ice axe; climbing harness; carabiners; slings; day pack/climbing pack; tent; sleeping bag; sleeping mat; waterproof sacks, such as large canoe bags (Ortleib) for packing tent, gear and sleeping bag and clothes. Clothing - hats for sun/rain; warm hat for high altitude climbing; mountain jacket; rain gear; fleece jacket and sweater; long-sleeve trekking shirts; T-shirts; hiking, climbing pants; shorts; light weight long underwear; light pair of gloves for camp. Footwear - camp shoes or sandals, walking shoes (runners) gaiters (a set for low and high altitudes); and mountain boots that can fit crampons for going to summit. Medical - Malaria prophylaxis; Diamox (helps acclimatisation and reduces risk of edema); non-prescription painkillers (like panadol - avoid aspirin); sleeping pills (for those who find it hard to sleep at altitude); first aid kit; medication; sun screen, about 45 or 60 spf; dark sunglasses.

Volcanoes Safaris does not organise or sell international flights. We have partnered with AirTreks, based in San Francisco, the leader in international flight planning, to assist our clients with arranging flights to Entebbe in Uganda or Kigali in Rwanda. Airtreks' travel consultants work with each traveller to find the best choice of airlines, routes, and fares. For a co-ordinated and customized flight itinerary at a cost-effective price please contact Airtreks at volcanoessafaris@airtreks.com, or call (+1) 415-977-7100 and ask for the Volcanoes Safaris representative. From Europe the easiest way to get to Entebbe (for Kampala in Uganda) directly from London is with British Airways www.britishairways.com. Kenya Airways www.kenya-airways.com and British Airways have daily connections between London and Nairobi, from where you can connect to Entebbe or Kigali with Kenya Airways. Brussels Airlines www.brusselsairlines.com fly to Entebbe, Kigali or Nairobi from Brussels. Ethiopian Airlines www.ethopianairlines.com fly from London to Entebbe and Kigali via Addis Ababa. KLM www.klm.com fly to Entebbe or Nairobi from Amsterdam. From the US, Emirates www.emirates.com fly from New York to Entebbe and Nairobi via Dubai. Alternatively clients can fly from New York, Washington DC or Atlanta to Johannesburg with South African Airways www.flysaa.com and then take a connecting flight. Rwandair www.rwandair.com has regular connections between Kigali and Entebbe, Kigali and Nairobi and Kigali and Kilimanjaro (Near Arusha in Tanzania).

Main roads are generally good but travel is much slower than on European or American roads. Secondary roads are of variable quality and often slow and bumpy especially around the gorilla parks. Be prepared for long car journeys often taking most of the day. Four-wheel drive vehicles are required for certain routes in the rainy season. Light aircraft can also be chartered to the main airfields.

The gorilla lives in four parks in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. In Uganda they are seen in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi in Uganda has four habituated families with 32 permits available daily. The gorillas there live in thicker tropical forest and tracking is more challenging as the hillsides are steeper and it can take 3-10 hours. Three of the families (Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura) are accessed from Buhoma in the north, staying at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. You can also go for nature walks to see birds, monkeys and orchids. The fourth family, in Nkuringo in Southern Bwindi, is accessed from Kisoro, staying at Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge. Access to this group is on a very steep trail. Mgahinga, in Uganda, is a great place to appreciate the unique Virunga volcanoes and has one habituated family, which is about 2-5 hours walk. Sometimes this group moves across the border and viewing is very erratic. You can track gorillas at Nkuringo in Southern Bwindi instead which is about 2 hours drive away. There are eight permits available. In Mgahinga you can also climb a volcano or go for a nature walk, visit the endangered golden monkey or go birding. Parc National Des Volcans (PNV) in Rwanda has seven habituated gorilla families (Group 13, Sabinyo, Amahoro, Umubano, Susa, Kwitonda and Hirwa. Most groups are half-day walks but Susa can take 7 hours. There are 36 permits available daily. Tracking in PNV and Mgahinga is usually easier than Bwindi as the afro-montane forest is lighter. You can also climb a volcano, visit the remains of Dian Fossey’s grave and the graves of the gorillas which she studied, or see the endangered golden monkey. Djomba in the DRC also has a number of habituated gorilla families but Volcanoes does not currently take clients there.

Only a limited number of permits are available in each gorilla park. It is therefore essential to book well in advance. Permits need to be paid for at the time of the initial safari booking so that they can be purchased immediately. Delay in payment can result in permits not being secured. Those going gorilla tracking need to be properly equipped and should consult our website for a packing list. To protect gorillas from disease, no children under 15 or people with illnesses may go tracking. Trackers must be fit and in good health as tracking in thick forest at heights up to 3,000m traversing steep-sided mountains and ravines can be tough, arduous and wet. Porters can be hired to carry equipment. Part of the gorilla permit fee goes to communities living around the gorilla parks. Permits are non-refundable except for medical reasons and a medical certificate has to be provided. Gorilla viewing can be denied at short notice because of national park or border closures, security changes or gorillas going out of range. In such circumstances refunds are at the discretion of the authority and are not within the company's control. Obtaining a gorilla permit therefore is not a guarantee of seeing a gorilla. One hour is allowed with the gorillas, at a distance of at least 7 metres. Flash photography is not allowed, so fast film is useful (400-1600 ASA). Personal DVD recorders are allowed. Professional film makers require permission and need to purchase filming permits. At the National Parks you will meet your ranger who explains the rules for tracking gorillas and will take you up to the gorillas. Please follow the rules stated.

There are no set percentages for tips. Local culture believes the level of tips should be at the discretion of the client and any token of appreciation is gladly received. These are our suggestions: About 3-5% in restaurants; at lodges/camps US$ $3-5 per guest for a stay of 1-3 days; for driver/guides US$ $5 - 10 per day per client; for the Head Ranger when gorilla tracking $10 per day per client who shares it out; porters at parks - $20-25 per day per person; Hotel/lodge baggage porters - $1 to $2 per client per stay. Forest walks - $5 per client.

Seek medical advice before travelling. In the UK, MASTA (The Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad) can be consulted on +44 9068 224100 or on line at www.masta.org. In the USA, CDC can be consulted on www.cdc.gov. Bring any personal medication required. Anti-malaria tablets and mosquito repellent are essential. Seek advice on vaccination inoculations that may be required. Travel to and from some African countries such as the DRC requires a Yellow Fever inoculation. Drink bottled or boiled water only. Medical services, especially up-country, are basic. Ensure the insurance cover includes medical and evacuation cover.

It is a condition of booking that all clients must have, and must demonstrate to the company prior to their departure, adequate insurance for the duration of the tour. Such insurance should fully cover personal injury; medical expenses; repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death; cancellation or curtailment of the tour by the company or client; and loss of, damage to, or theft of the clients' personal property. Activities with a greater inherent risk, such as mountaineering, animal tracking on foot and white-water rafting should be covered. Please see the Travel Insurance page for more information. Theft, personal injury or any disruption to arrangements should be reported immediately to the company and to the nearest police station.

On safari, luggage should be limited to two items of baggage per person.

Upon your arrival in Entebbe or Kigali, a Volcanoes Safaris representative will meet you after immigration control. If you have any problems call our 24-hour Ugandan telephone number on +256 (0)772 741718 or our Rwanda 24-hour number on +250 0830 2069.

Relative to other African countries, Uganda and Rwanda are expensive destinations. Most costs are covered in the safari. For personal expenditure Travellers Cheques and some cash are best; US$30-50 per day is a reasonable minimum. One US Dollar is about 1800 Ugandan Shillings and 550 Rwandan Francs (September 2007). Please be aware that high denomination US Dollar bills (only post-2000) are usable. Bills should be in excellent condition with no stains or tears. Credit cards are accepted by very few outlets in Kampala and Kigali and a few hotels/lodges up-country. Only cash is accepted by most places. ATM machines are available in Kampala and Kigali only.

Photography is not allowed near military buildings or soldiers. Before photographing people it is polite to ask. Bring sufficient films, including fast film (400-1600 ASA) for gorilla tracking and batteries. For digital photography, please bring extra batteries and a car charger as not all lodges/camps have electricity. Volcanoes Safaris lodges have facilities to charge batteries. Flash photography is not allowed, so fast film is useful (400-1600 ASA). Personal DVD recorders are allowed. Professional filmmakers require permission and need to purchase filming permits. Those interested in photographing gorillas should note that photography is often easier when the weather is not sunny.

Prices INCLUDE transport and a driver/guide for the itinerary agreed, accommodation on a shared basis and meals as stated (in Kampala, Entebbe and Kigali bed and breakfast only and on safari full board) and, where appropriate, boat trips, park fees, one chimpanzee and one gorilla permit. At Volcanoes gorilla lodges, the tariffs are on an all-inclusive basis and in addition to accommodation and meals, include unlimited consumption of all alcoholic and soft drinks; laundry services and any activities clients wish to do around the lodges. A complimentary massage is also offered. All gorilla permits need to be purchased at the time of booking or a deposit equivalent to 20% of the cost of the safari paid, whichever is higher. Gorilla viewing is subject to availability of permits, which are limited; any additional gorilla permits required should be purchased when booking. Gorilla permit prices are subject to change without warning.. Prices EXCLUDE airfares to Uganda/Rwanda, entry visas and airport taxes. At non-Volcanoes lodges all personal expenditure such as tips, telephone calls, laundry and drinks are excluded. For single rooms, a supplement (SRS) needs to be paid. From the safari price paid by clients Volcanoes contributes $100 per client to the Volcanoes Partnership Trust, a separate non-profit organisation which undertakes community and conservation activities.

Safety standards conform to local standards and regulations. For specific inquiries check with us.

For latest information consult the relevant government's consular advice and Volcanoes’ website: www.volcanoessafaris.com, or get in touch with us. Basic precautions should be taken, as in all countries, and common sense used. Do not carry excessive jewellery and money or leave them lying around. Use safe deposit boxes where available; secure travel documents and valuables. Do not walk unescorted at night. If in doubt seek advice from your Volcanoes guide.

International telephone communication is very good from Kampala and Kigali but more difficult from some up-country areas. The mobile telephone network is good and rapidly expanding. Most European or American mobile phones with a roaming agreement work in Uganda and Rwanda. Local SIM cards can also be purchased in many outlets. Internet facilities are available in Kampala and Kigali and in most major towns in Uganda and Rwanda although the quality and speed of the connection varies. Our guides have cell phones which can be used for incoming calls.

Uganda is three hours ahead of GMT. Rwanda is two hours ahead of GMT.

A valid passport is mandatory. Multiple-entry visas are difficult to obtain. Single entry visas are available without difficulty.

Rwandan visas are NOT required by nationals of USA, Germany, South Africa, Great Britain, Sweden, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Kenya, DRC, Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi. Please note that it is no longer possible to acquire Rwandan visas on arrival at the airport, so other nationals should either submit their application demands to Rwandan Embassies/Diplomatic Missions abroad, or request for an online Entry Facility Form, which allows them to obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. Please visit http://www.migration.gov.rw/services.php#visa for details.
Clients who need a visa will be required to present a copy of the accepted Entry Facility Form at the airport in order to obtain their Visas. A single entry visa to Rwanda costs US$ 60. In the UK the Rwandan Embassy is located 120 - 122 Seymour Place, London W1H 1NR. Telephone: +44 020 722 49 832. In the USA the Rwandan Embassy is located at 1724 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington DE 200091. Telephone: +1 202 232 2882.

Ugandan visas are required by citizens of the European Union, the USA and Japan; other nationals should check. Entry visas can be obtained at Ugandan missions overseas or at Entebbe airport or land borders. A single entry visa to Uganda costs US$ 50, and is valid for three months. In the UK the Ugandan Embassy is located at Uganda House, 58/59 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DX. Telephone: +44 (0)20 7839 5783. In the USA the Uganda Embassy is located at 5811 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20011. Telephone: +1 202 726 7100.

 

Uganda and Rwanda are both near the Equator. As a result the climate does not change much, this makes both countries all year round destinations. The rainy seasons tend to be from March to April and October to November, but this varies in different areas and it can rain any time of year, especially in the gorilla parks areas. Travel can be slower in the rainy season but the views are often better. Gorilla tracking can be muddier but remains open. In the mountainous areas it is much colder than on the plains and the rainfall is greater. The temperatures on the plains tend to be between 21°C and 30°C and in the mountainous areas they can go down to 10°C in certain months. So our advice is to travel when it is most convenient and usually the rain, which is often for short periods, is part of the great experience. A client may avoid tracking in the "official" rainy season only to find that it pours throughout his visit during another period! For this reason Volcanoes does not close our lodges during the rainy season as they do in savannah countries.