WHAT TO WEAR FOR GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA, RWANDA, CONGO
Long trousers: Jeans are mostly recommended for most of the hikes and treks since they show less or no dirt and offer safety and protection from giant stinging nettles and weeds that may clasp at your ankles and legs during Jungle hours.
Long-sleeved shirts/t-shirts: The shirt should have a synthetic material since cotton ones get muggy. It protects you from insect bites and stinging nettles during the gorilla trek.
Light waterproof jacket/poncho: A rain jacket or a rain poncho will protect you from the rain during gorilla trekking in the forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga. These forests can receive rain at any time. Therefore, whether it’s a dry season or not a rain jacket should come handy.
Waterproof Hiking boots/shoes and long shocks: Waterproof boots or shoes and long shocks are the best footwear for gorilla trekking in Uganda and will make your hiking adventure enjoyable. Some of the areas in the parks can have leeches during the wet season. Regardless, while hiking in the forest, it’s a good idea to wear good waterproof hiking shoes and tall−comfy socks to avoid plants and critters from making their way up to your legs.
Strong gardening gloves: You strongly advised to wear sturdy gardening gloves during your gorilla tracking in Rwanda, Uganda & Congo. The gloves will protect you while supporting your selves on tree branches or vines. They give you protection against stinging nettles. When you meet the gorillas, you can put off them to take good photos.
Headband & Hat: Anyone who ever done a fair bit of hiking knows that you should have some sort of headband or bandana to wick sweat, provide head warmth and use for a variety of other things. A hat will help to block the sun or rain from your face and neck.
A fleece or a light warm sweater: This can be worn in the early mornings and cool nights. It gets so cold at night. The temperature is at 11°C/52°F and sometimes it’s lower than this in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park it’s at 10°C/50°F. This is why some Uganda luxury safari lodges here have fireplaces in cottages or rooms while other lodges offer guests hot water bottles for comfort throughout the cold night.
Sunglasses: These will protect you from the direct sunshine.
Avoid wearing bright colours: Bright colours should be avoided while carrying out safari activities in the jungle, but these can be used while enjoying dinner back at the lodge. It is strongly advised that during you gorilla treks in Uganda, you wear neutral colours such as green, Khaki, and light brown. It is not good to wear blue and black shirts while in the jungle since they attract tsetse flies and other insects
The age limit for trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo Africa is currently 15 years and any visitor below this age is considered a young vulnerable person and therefore not fit to do a gorilla trek in Africa. Below are the reasons why is the age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda 15 years and above.
Children below 15 years are known to have unpredictable characteristics that may lead to change of the mountain gorilla behaviors. For example, if a giant silverback gorilla tries to come near a visitor in the presence of a child, he/she may decide to scream or run hence disturbing the peace of these gentle primates.
When disturbed, the silverback can react by attacking the trekkers to defend itself and the family. Thus, to minimize such incidents, persons below 15 years of age are discouraged to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda.
Also, trekking mountain gorillas in the impenetrable forest of Bwindi and Mgahinga is very difficult usually involving moving through bushes with stinging nettles, hilly and slippery terrain, and also muddy areas for about 2-8 hours. This requires someone who is physically fit and persons below 15 years are rendered weak.
Why should I visit Uganda?(Why Visit Uganda?)What makes Uganda special?Is Uganda worth visiting? are frequently asked questions by many travelers planning their trips to Uganda. Uganda has a unique combination of safari attractions not available anywhere else that make Uganda a special African safari destination worth visiting. Whether it’s your first safari in Uganda or a return trip, Uganda will always offer you a unique special adventure.
21 Reasons why you should visit Uganda (Why Visit Uganda?)
A detailed list of the top 21 Reasons why you should Visit Uganda (Why Visit Uganda)
Mountain gorillas−To see the biggest apes in the world
Gorillas weigh over 250 kilograms. Mountain gorillas are not only the world’s largest and strongest primates but also the Earth’s rarest and most majestic creatures, sharing about 98.5% of our DNA. So similar to us!
They live in only three countries in the whole world; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While on your safari in Uganda, you will be where more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas live.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a memorable, life-changing safari experience and a unique adventure in the heart of lush dense spectacular montane forests. Mountain gorillas cannot survive in zoos, so trekking into their native habitats is your only chance to catch a peek.
Gorillas are fairly calm by nature and there is nothing quite as exciting as seeing these bulky intelligent great apes on their home ground play, groom each other and engage in other almost human-like behaviors while admiring their immense size and strength.
The trekking permit for our giant cousins is fairly priced in Uganda at US$700 compared to the neighboring Rwanda destination at US$1,500.
2.Uganda is the best place in the world to see wild chimpanzees
Uganda primate tour is not just about mountain gorillas; Uganda is Africa’s Premier Primate Destination hosting over 5,000 chimpanzees and 20 species of monkeys.
Kibale National Park in western Uganda is home to almost 1500 chimpanzees, the most captivating of all humanity’s closest relatives, sharing almost 99% of our DNA. The park is famous as the best place in the world to see wild chimpanzees.
Trekking to see these great apes in Kibale Forest makes for a wondrous combination of adventure and mystery. Chimps are known to spend most of their time in treetops playing, doze or even feasting on figs.
As the midday heat burns through the upper canopy, the chimps descend, sliding down vines and striding right past you.
If such an extraordinarily close encounter doesn’t give you goosebumps, their evocative heart-stopping pant-hoots will. Chimps are also known to drum on the buttress roots of giant fig trees with such force that the ground around you seem to shake.
A chimpanzee trekking tour is such a fantastic experience and is quite different from the gorilla trekking as it involves being very vigilant and fast to understand where the chimps are and how to find them.
Diverse habitats such as tropical lowland forests, montane forests, open savannah, marshland, rivers, freshwater lakes and crater lakes combine to give Uganda an enviable list of over 1073 bird species.
Like the gorilla, there is the highlight of seeing the rare prehistoric silvery whale-headed storks (aka shoebills) the Most Awesome Bird in Africa! The best spots to see shoebills are Mabamba Swamp and Murchison Falls National Park.
Kibale National Park, the home of chimpanzees boasts over 375 bird species including African Pitta, Green-breasted Pitta, Afep Pigeon, Crowned Eagle, Western Nicator, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Little Greenbul, and Abyssinian Ground-thrush.
Uganda is home to the ‘Big Five’
Can you name the “Big Five animals”? This term originally applied to Africa’s wild animal species that were most dangerous and difficult to hunt including the Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, and Rhinos.
However, the term today takes on a much gentler form as we use it to specify the safari guests’ wildlife bucket list. Watching these majestic animals in their natural habitat is arguably one of the most rewarding Africa wildlife safaris
For centuries, lions were not known to climb trees. Why do Lions Climb Trees in Ishasha? No one knows the answer for sure. What is for sure is that Ishasha is the best place in Africa where to see them.
Lions are largest and most imposing carnivores in Africa, and the most sought after member of the Africa Big 5, the most sociable of the large cats, living in loosely structured pride of typically 5 to 30 individuals.
Lions have special cultural significance in most countries on the continent. In Uganda, they are popular symbols of royalty, strength and bravery.
You can meet this undisputed king of the savanna jungle in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park on a lion tracking experience. This Uganda safari activity gives you an up-close and personal insight into the unique behaviors of these amazing cats.
Uganda has the world’s highest concentration of hippos in one place
Kazinga Channel is a place with the highest concentration of hippos in the world. The channel is strategically located in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This 40-kilometre long Channel connects two freshwater lakes; Lake George and Lake Edward. During the Kazinga Channel boat ride you will see hundreds of hippos in the water and onshore – a most amazing sight.
Hippos are the 3rd largest land animals in the world, only elephants and rhinos weigh more. A full-grown hippo can weigh between 1 1/2 to 3 tons…that is a lot of weight. Males are larger than females.
The dramatic scenery of Uganda
Scenically, Uganda holds its own with any other country. It really is a place of shimmering lakes, rivers, waterfalls, lofty mountains, rift valleys, savannah grassland, and mysterious forests. Exploring all these landscapes gives you an opportunity to witness the spectacular variety of attractions found within.
Also, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was selected as the world’s 3rd best must photograph travel destinations after Asian cities of Colombo and Yokohama.
Uganda’s Lake Bunyoni is one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa. You can read all kinds things about Lake Bunyony; how deep it is (2nd deepest Lake in Africa), how it was formed, but when you visit Lake Bunyonyi, all those things disappear into thin air.
What you see is one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa. Visitors here are simply awed by its mystical, magical beauty of Lake Bunyonyi.
It is dotted by 29 islands of different shapes and sizes, encompassed by a ring of terraced hills, their greenery accenting this mystical lake like a lovely frame and is no wonder that Lonely Planet called it “A scene from Lord of the Rings.”
Bunyonyi – means the “place of little birds,” not only is it a place for birds but a restorative place, a place of solace, of rest, of quietness, reflection, and tranquility.
After days of being on safari, traversing the hills and valleys of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of the Mountain Gorillas, Lake Bunyonyi is the perfect place to put it all into perspective.
Take in the beauty of Lake, to relax and chill out and partake in one of the fun-filled things to do and see such boating, canoeing, swimming, biking, hiking, nature walks and village tours.
The world’s second-largest freshwater lake is in Uganda
Known in Luganda local language as Nalubaale, Lake Victoria has a surface area of 59,947 square kilometres (23,146 square miles) which makes it;
Africa’s largest lake,
The world’s largest tropical lake, and The world’s second-largest freshwater lake after Lake Superior in North America, although Lake Baikal in Siberia is larger by volume and depth.
Lake Victoria also contains more than 3,000 islands. The prime example are the Ssese Islands, an archipelago of 84 islands, located in the northwestern section of the lake.
Many of these islands like Buggala are accessible to visitors who are interested in seeing stunning scenery and exploring the unique local
Even with its relatively shallow depth, Lake Victoria hosts an enormously diverse and fascinating fish species, include numerous colorful
The source of the world’s longest river is in Uganda
Spilling out of gigantic Lake Victoria, the world’s second-biggest lake is Nile River, the planet’s longest river.
The 6,650 km-long Nile River is also one of the wonders of Africa and it is because of its fascinating history that many people visit Uganda. Rafting grade-five rapids on the Nile in Jinja is a world-class adrenaline adventure
Further downstream the Nile, the impressive Murchison Falls thunders through one of the country’s most scenically spectacular national parks.
World-Class Hiking & Trekking in Uganda
Are you daydreaming about mountain climbing, and hiking, trekking in Africa, Uganda is the preeminent destination for all your outdoor adventures.
The legendary snow-cappedRwenzori mountains (aka the ‘Rain Maker’), the highest mountain range in Africa−at 5109m and Mount Elgon(4321m), Africa’s eighth highest mountain offers superb mountain hiking adventures.
Claudius Ptolemy, the Greco-Roman mathematician, astronomer, and father of geography, in 150 AD cited the Rwenzori mountains as the source of the Nile calling them “Mountains of the Moon” because it seemed unearthly to have snow-covered peaks on the steamy equator.
But they are one of the greatest beauties on earth crowning one of its great wild habitats in the 996 km² Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
So nature lovers and real adventurers wanting to escape the safari crowds should put the Rwenzori mountains and mount Elgon on their list. There are hikes and treks available to suit all levels and needs, from 1-day jaunts in the forest to 10-day hikes with technical climbs.
The cultural and friendly People of Uganda
Cultural Performance in Kidepo Valley National Park Uganda tour
Uganda is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Africa. There are over 56 tribes and over 41 different spoken local languages. As you tour Uganda, the common denominator of all these tribes you will notice is one powerful fact that Ugandans the friendliest people you have ever met in Africa.
Meeting some of the people from these great tribes allows you to see the value of each of their cultures and their pride in the homeland. The cordiality is even more appealing and pleasant, especially when trying to explore the various cultural activities and sites around the country.
In central Uganda, you can visit the Kabaka’s (king’s) palace at Mengo and the Kasubi royal tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to learn about the fascinating culture of the Baganda people of Buganda Kingdom.
In western Uganda, you can visit the Toro King’s palace to learn about the Batoro people of Toro Kingdom.
Also in western Uganda, you can visit the last remaining member of the endangered Batwa pygmy tribe who lives at edges Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks to learn about their unique hunter-gatherer culture.
And, in northern Uganda, visit the mysterious IK people of mount Monrungole−a small tribe of between 10,000 to 11,000 people.
The Karamajong semi-nomadic pastoralists are another amazing detail of northern Uganda’s rich cultural display. Karamojong is very proud of their traditional style of living, which is even in Uganda often misunderstood. They highly value their traditional beliefs and have rejected outside religion such as Christianity and Islam. To them, Akuj is still the god of their faith.
The food in Uganda
Uganda food is one of these jewels that deepens your appreciation of this little country.
Uganda is the Tropical Fruit Basket of Africa. Ugandans consume more Bananas than anyone else in the world. There are over 50 varieties grown Uganda from the small dessert Bananas to Gonja – which you roast and eat as a snack. Matooke is the perfect banana for stir-fried dishes, the daily bread of Ugandans.
Pineapple, such as you have never tasted before, Uganda’s are simply the best. Papaya, fresh from the odd-looking but sweet tasting Jackfruit, the world’s largest fruit that grows on a tree.
One cannot leave out Lemons, Oranges, Tangerines, Pawpaws, Watermelon, Jackfruit, and Avocados. When it comes to fruits on a safari in Uganda, you will have more than you imagined.
Uganda is home to three World Heritage Site
Uganda has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Two of them are National Parks including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park the home mountain gorillas and Rwenzori Mountains National Park, that encompass the snowcapped Rwenzori mountains−the 3rd highest mountain in Africa.
Another world heritage site is the Kasubi Royal Tombs. While in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, a visit to the Kasubi Tombs is well worth your time.
It is an important historic site and cultural site, burial place of four former Kings of the great Buganda Kingdom, Uganda’s largest tribal kingdom.
Uganda is a perfect destination for budget travelers
Uganda is the most recommended and complete country in Africa for travelers on budget safaris.
Entry to the national parks is generally much lower than that of neighboring countries and for around US$ 90-120 you can secure yourself a bed in a beautiful hotel, guesthouse or lodge.
Uganda has been gifted with perfect weatheryear-round
climate-uganda
Crossed by the equator, Uganda has the perfect weather all year round. In fact, the weather in Uganda still amazes even the Ugandans themselves, as it can rain and shine within a few minutes.
In fact, when planning your trip to Uganda, you will not need to worry about extreme cold and hot seasons because Uganda has a warm, sunny climate most of the year.
The temperature range from 25-29°C (77-84°F), except mountainous areas such as the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains or mountains of the moon which are much cooler.
For most of Uganda, there are two rainy seasons during the year. Even during the rainy seasons, the sun comes out since most rain showers come at night or during the early morning hours.
16.Uganda is Africa’s most green and fertile country
Someone once said that you planted a walking stick overnight in the soil of Uganda, it would take root before the morning downed.
And this is certainly true that all reasonably established Africa safari destinations, Uganda is the most fertile, the most green, the most overwhelming tropical. Uganda is where the eastern savannah meets the West African jungles.
For example, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a perfect opportunity of seeing the elusive leopard or its trademark tree-climbing lions. Head to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest park and follow your morning wildlife drive with a cruise down the Nile to the base of the falls.
It is a great way to see elephants, buffalo, crocs and loads of hippos while relaxing on the boat with a beer.
Not many visitors make it as far north as Kidepo Valley National Park, but those who do are rewarded with a fantastic selection of animals and some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
If you are hoping to tick off the Big Five, add Ziwa Sanctuary to your itinerary to get up close to white rhino, which you track on foot.
Tourism protects Uganda’s people and wildlife
Your visit to Uganda is one way of helping to protect one of the mountain gorillas, one of the most endangered creatures on earth. 75% of the money raised from gorilla permits is used to fund conservation projects that support the survival of one of our closest primates.
Furthermore, the local economy benefits from the economic and employment opportunities that tourists bring to the area which creates a positive attitude towards wildlife conservation. Indeed, responsible tourism can be an alternative to poaching and discourage people from engaging in it.
Without tourism in Uganda, there will be no one to support the people who make their living from it, and the rangers who protect the wildlife. So communities can turn to wildlife for food. Tourism here really does protect traditional ways of life, and cultures, and wilderness.
There is a National Park called Kidepo Valley
Prepare to be rendered silent by the beauty of Kidepo Valley National Park. This national park in the extreme northeastern corner of Uganda is famous for its alluring scenery of uniquely formed valleys, the untampered wilderness, and freely roaming animals.
With the sweeping plains of Kidepo and Narus Valleys overshadowed by the brooding mountains cape of Mt Morungole (the sacred peak of the mysterious Ik people,) this Uganda safari park has huge appeal just for scenery alone and according to CNN, it might be the most picturesque of all Africa safari wildlife parks.
The vegetation is high catching grassland and savannah that spread into horizons beyond the eye can see. The broad savannah and its mountain backdrop indeed paint a gorgeous scenery and if there wasn’t a single animal living there it would still be a wonderful place to visit.
But, that’s not a concern because the animal populations are high and the sightings are easy. Kidepo has a healthy population of the Big Five (except for a lack of rhino) and many species here are not found elsewhere in Uganda such as cheetahs, hyenas, caracals, jackals, and ostriches.
20.Uganda is pretty safe
Having stepped out of the shadows of a deep dark past under Idi Amin and the Lord’s Resistance Army, Uganda is no longer a country to be feared; in fact is widely regarded as one of Africa’s safer destinations. It is a country which can be explored with reasonable confidence.
Kampala the capital city of Uganda is also one of the safest city in Africa and about 99% of the tourists come and leave the country without any problem.
Finally, Uganda is the Pearl of Africa
Of all the 54 countries in Africa, Uganda is truly the pearl of Africa. It is no wonder that explorers and travelers for years, have declared Uganda as a rare find of incredible beauty. Those who have visited this little country would agree.
According to Lonely Planet, Uganda is Africa condensed into one country. It is because of its natural beauty, natural wonders, its friendly and welcoming people that Sir Winston Leonard Churchill in his book “My African Journey” concluded declaring Uganda as ‘The Pearl of Africa’ in the year 1908.
He emphasized this when he talked of its magnificence, weather, color and birds, reptiles, insects, beasts, mammals and vegetation. He looked critically into all this and analyzed and described it as a fairy tale. Words are not sufficient to describe it, but you need to visit and see the country yourself.
You are advised to book a gorilla permit 3-6 months in advance to avoid short notice disappointments especially during high the seasons from June to September then December to February. If you are asking Do Ineed to book a gorilla permit in advance? Or when to book a gorilla permit for your trekking safaris in Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo in Africa? Gorilla permit booking in advance confirms your gorilla trek /gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo.
If you are planning your Gorilla safari during the ‘low seasons’ of March-May and October to November (the rainiest months), booking your gorilla permit 4 months earlier can be good-although you may be able to confirm a space a month in advance of your trip.
The earlier you book, the more choices you have on the various gorilla trekking regions where to track and but also you will have a wide range safari lodges for your accommodation where to stay during your gorilla safari in Rwanda, Uganda or Congo which are equally very competitive during the high season if not booked in advance. Last-minute booking may be possible during low seasons or were just one or two people are tracking but Congo, Rwanda andUganda gorilla trekking permit availability is not guaranteed if you are to book at last minute.
To guide our Uganda safari travelers, we have put together ALL the major Uganda entry requirements or what is required to travel to Uganda using a Uganda Visa or the East African Tourist Visa for stipulated periods of time and COVID-19 travel Standard Operating Procedures.
What do I need to travel to Uganda during this period of COVID-19?
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport and at land border crossings, visitors will need to provide valid a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test certificate issued no more than 72 hours before boarding the aircraft.
Airlines have been directed not to permit passengers without an authentic negative COVID-19 test certificate.
Foreign national passengers who arrive without a valid negative test certificate will be denied entry.
The certificate must be from an accredited laboratory in their country of Origin.
SMS and digital certificates will not be accepted, so travelers must carry along an official printed certificate.
All arriving passengers will be subject to temperature checks and will be screened for infectious diseases by the Port Health Authorities.
If a traveler shows signs or symptoms of any infectious disease they will be taken by ambulance to a local isolation center to undergo a coronavirus test at their own cost.
Test results will be returned within 24 to 48 hours; passenger will be expected to remain at the isolation centre until the test results are returned.
Visitors are required to wear quality N95 masks, surgical masks, or cloth masks with filters at all time while at the airport or any other point of entry to Uganda.
Regular entry requirements for Uganda
Uganda Gorilla safari trekking Permits
Do I need a passport to travel to Uganda?
Yes, at the time you book your safari tour to Uganda, be certain to obtain a passport or check your current passport and make sure the expiration date is at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
Should your passport be stolen, it will be easier to get a replacement if you have a photocopy or scan of the important pages.
Uganda Visa: Uganda Visa application
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda? Uganda like any other sovereign country requires one to have her visa if he/she is to enter into her boundaries except the nationals of the Visa-exempt countries.
Which countries are visa−free to Uganda? Uganda visa-exempt countries/Uganda visa-free countries include; Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Lesotho Sierra Leone, Gambia, Comoros, Mauritius, Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, and St. Vincent-Tonga.
How do I get a Visa for Uganda? An e-visa can be applied for online through the official Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ at least 5 working days before the intended dates of travel, and will usually be approved within 3 working days of application.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Uganda? However, when the e-visa system was implemented in 2016, a statement was issued to the effect that it would completely replace the Visa on arrival system, but this has yet to happen.
So as things stand, you can still buy a Uganda visa on arrival at any overland border or Entebbe International Airport, a straightforward procedure that usually takes no more than a few minutes, except maybe when a couple of major airlines arrive within an hour of each other.
Uganda Visa categories
Uganda has several types of visas where a visitor can choose the one that works for him/her depending on the reason of the visit. Below are the different types of Uganda visa;
Uganda Single Entry/ Ordinary/Tourist Visa
This is Issued for single entry to persons whose nationalities require a visa to enter Uganda either for business, tourism or medical reasons. It is valid for 90 days.
Note: Don’t overstay your Visa or the date of the immigration stamp in your passport, or you will be liable for a hefty fine. And note that even though you hold a three-months Visa, immigration authorities may only stamp for a period of one month or less.
This can be extended to 90 days at any immigration office in Kampala or upcountry. Irrespective of what they might tell you, there is no charge for this.
In Kampala, you may be asked to provide an official letter from a sponsor or the hotel where you are staying.
Uganda Single Entry Visa requirements.
Passport copy (bio-data page)
Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Fever)
Recent Passport-size Photograph
Uganda Multiple-Entry Visa.
Multiple-Entry visas to Uganda are applied and paid for online. First-time applicants are only granted a 6 months Multiple-Entry Visa and must have proof of having travelled to Uganda, at least 5 times within a period of one year immediately preceding their application.
First-time applicants should always ensure to apply for a 6 months Multiple-Entry Visa. They will be able to apply for more time upon expiration of the 6 months.
However, applicants who have continually visited Uganda over a period of more than 1 year can apply for a period exceeding 6 months ( that is 12 and 24 months). And they must also have proof of continuous legal travel in and out of the country to that effect.
For any of the applications, whether 6 months or more, one must have proof of continuous travel into the country in the stated period of time if their application to be considered.
Any person who applies for a period beyond which they do not qualify, will if approved, only be granted a visa commensurate to the time they qualify for.
N:B: The 6-month restriction does not apply to Canadian and American citizens due to a reciprocal arrangement.
Uganda Multiple-Entry Visa requirements.
For 6 Months:-
Passport (Bio-data page) with at least 6 months validity
Recent Passport size Photograph
Valid Police clearance from Interpol or home country
Proof entries and exits into Uganda in the last one year
Recommendation letter from referee one (1) in Uganda
Cover Letter stating reasons for Multiple Entry
Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Fever)
For 1 Year (12 Months):-
Recent Passport size Photograph (not older than 6 months)
Police clearance from Interpol or home country
Vaccination certificate (Yellow Fever)
Recommendation letters from referee Two (2) in Uganda
The passport (Bio-data page)
Cover Letter stating reasons for Multiple Entry
Proof entries and exits into Uganda in the last one year
Recommendation letters from referee one (1) in Uganda
24 Months:-
The passport (Bio-data page)
Recent Passport size Photograph (Not older than 6 months)
Police clearance from Interpol or home country
Proof entries and exits into Uganda in the last one year
Recommendation letters from referee one (1) in Uganda
Cover Letter stating reasons for Multiple Entry
Recommendation letters from referee Two (2) in Uganda
Vaccination certificate (Yellow Fever)
Uganda Transit Visa Requirements:-
A Uganda transit visa is a temporary visa issued to a traveler for a short period of time, for example, if the traveler wants to tour Uganda and visit some attractions without staying there and also connect to other Africa safari destination like Tanzania. It usually expires after 24 hours.
Uganda Transit Visa requirements
Passport (Bio-data page) with at least 6 months validity
A letter stating the reason for transit and country of destination
Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Fever)
Recent Passport size Photograph
East Africa Tourist Visa
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Travel Visa is a single entry visa for travelers visiting Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya simultaneously. It is valid for 90 days and cannot be extended.
It is multi-entry within the three countries; however, it expires automatically if a traveler goes outside of the three (3) countries.
This visa is a result of a joint initiative made by the Heads of States of the respective partner countries to boost regional tourism and create opportunities for tourists to explore the diversity of East Africa. A tourist who gets the East Africa Tourist Visa must start travel from the country that has issued the Visa.
How to Apply for an East African Tourist Visa?An application for an East Africa Tourist Visa may be made manually or online. The application may be made prior to the intended date of travel or on arrival at the first point of entry into Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda where applicable.
Applications can also be lodged at any of the diplomatic representation of the Republic of Uganda, the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda and, at the Immigration Offices of the respective countries or online where applicable.
Uganda: For those beginning their trip in Uganda, you can find information on the official Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ –
Rwanda: For those beginning their trip in Rwanda, the East African Visa is issued upon arrival at the border post, online, at the office of a diplomatic mission of Rwanda in the applicant’s country of residence.
Kenya: For those beginning their trip in Kenya, you can find information on the visa application process on the consular section of your local Kenya embassy’s website
East Africa Tourist Visa requirements.
Travel itinerary
Return Ticket
Vaccination Certificate (Yellow fever)
Copy of recent Passport size Photograph
Copy of the passport (Bio-data page)
Uganda Visa Fees: How much is a visa to Uganda?
Uganda Visa category
Uganda Visa fees
Uganda Single Entry Visa (valid for 90 days)
US$ 50
East African Tourist Visa (Valid for 90 days)
US$ 100
Uganda Multiple entry visa (6months)
US$ 100
Uganda Multiple entry visa (12months)
US$ 100
Uganda Multiple entry visa (24months)
US$ 200
Uganda Transit Visa (not more than 2 days)
US$ 50
Is Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate required for Uganda?
The situation with yellow fever shot changes regularly, but as things stand you must produce an international health certificate showing you have has a vaccination for Yellow Fever when you visit Uganda or upload it when you apply for an e-visa.
Note that in 2016, the WHO extended the period of validity for an international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever from ten years to life.
Note: For security purposes, its recommended to detail all your important information in one document, which you can then print out and distribute in your luggage, and/store on a smartphone, and /or email to your webmail address and a reliable contact at home. The sort of things you want to include in are;
Travel insurance details
24-hour emergency contact number
Passport number
Details of relative or friends to be contacted in an emergency
gorillasafarisandtours 