Travel Information

Travelers from non-visa-exempt countries intending to visit Uganda for tourism, holidays, or business are required to apply and obtain a visa. Application for a Ugandan visa is done online, and it's issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.

Uganda is a safe country for international travelers, and the government remains committed to ensuring that the nation and its visitors are safe and secure. Nonetheless, as with any travel destination, it is vital for visitors to keep vigilant, follow the advice of their guides, and exercise caution in urban areas by avoiding crowded places unless accompanied by a local guide.

Uganda has a pleasant tropical climate throughout the year, making it possible to explore the country at any time. However, the dry seasons from December to February and June to August are ideal for wildlife viewing. During these months, thickets in the parks are shorter, providing clearer visibility of animals and minimal disruption due to little or no rainfall.

Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory before admission into Uganda. A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required during the process of applying for a Uganda visa and on arrival at any of the entry points in the country.

Additionally, we recommend that you get immunized against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and meningitis.

Taking malaria prophylaxis is also strongly advised, as Uganda’s equatorial climate favors mosquito breeding that can transmit malaria.

Uganda is home to more than half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population, guaranteeing travelers interested in gorilla trekking a 99% chance of encountering them.

Gorilla treks in Uganda can last between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Some groups may be within a short trekking distance, while others may require a longer, more strenuous hike through challenging terrain.

Most of Uganda's tourist attractions are far apart, requiring considerable travel time to move from one destination to another. The average driving time to these locations varies significantly, depending on the starting point, the specific destination, and the condition of the roads.

On average, the estimated driving time ranges between 3 and 9 hours.

Yes, internet access is available in Uganda, and you will stay connected during your safari. At Samora Africa Safaris, we offer MiFi devices in the safari vehicles, ensuring you remain connected while on the move. Additionally, most lodges provide internet access, typically available in common areas such as the lounge and restaurant.

Please note, however, that since many safari destinations are in remote areas, internet connectivity may be slower than in urban areas.

Apart from road transport, there is air travel for those seeking to avoid lengthy road journeys. The available domestic airlines offer scheduled or charter flights to airdromes in or near the national parks of Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, and Kisoro.

However, due to limited availability, it is recommended to book flights well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, and Samora Africa Safaris is here to help you with the booking process.

English, the official language and the medium of instruction in Ugandan schools is the primary language used during safaris. However, we have local guides fluent in other foreign languages, such as French, German, Spanish, and Italian. For travelers who are not proficient in English, we can customize your safari by providing guides who speak their preferred languages.

Yes, we can customize itineraries to align with our client's interests and preferences by providing them with accurate and relevant information. In cases where specific requested changes may not be feasible, we advise you transparently and offer suitable alternatives.

Yes, we allow our clients to modify the accommodation options during the planning process, provided the preferred choices are available. Clients who wish to upgrade to more luxurious lodging options are welcome to do so, and we offer a variety of selections to accommodate their preferences.

Please note, however, that such changes or upgrades may result in adjustments to the overall tour cost initially quoted.

Samora Africa Safaris accepts instant bookings, subject to the availability of permits for tracking the desired primates. However, due to the limited number of permits Uganda Wildlife Authority issues daily, we highly recommend booking your tour with us at least two months or more before the safari's start date.

When going on a safari in Africa, we advise that you carry your Visa/ATM card and some cash. While your Visa/ATM card allows you to withdraw money and make larger payments (where applicable), carrying cash may be crucial for smaller purchases, tipping, and handling emergencies in case card machines are unavailable or malfunctioning.

The most convenient foreign currencies that can be easily exchanged at airports upon arrival or in any urban center for local currency include USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, JPY, and AED.