GANYANA SAFARIS
Safari FAQs
Practical answers about visas, safety, payments, permits, trekking rules and travelling with Ganyana Safaris.
Use these frequently asked questions as a starting point. Final details such as permit prices, taxes, visa rules and accommodation availability are confirmed when your itinerary is prepared.
Most visitors require a tourist visa before entering Uganda, although some nationalities are exempt for short stays. Visa rules can change, so please confirm the latest requirements on Uganda’s official immigration portal or with the nearest Ugandan embassy before travel.
Uganda visa applications are submitted through the official immigration portal: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/.
Once approved, the approval letter is sent to the email address used during application. Print it and present it with a valid passport or travel document at your port of entry. Typical requirements include a passport bio-data page, recent passport-size photograph, Yellow Fever vaccination certificate and the applicable visa fee.
Yes. We strongly recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance before your safari. Your policy should cover medical care, emergency evacuation, baggage, cancellations and any activities included in your itinerary. We can also advise on local insurance options where appropriate.
Ganyana Safaris works with emergency evacuation providers including AMREF Flying Doctors, one of East Africa’s best-known air ambulance services. Emergency evacuation cover can be arranged where required and added to an itinerary for extra peace of mind.
Cards are accepted in some hotels, larger towns and selected businesses, but cash is still important on safari. ATMs are available in Kampala and other major towns, although withdrawal limits and card acceptance vary. We recommend carrying enough cash for remote areas.
MasterCard is accepted in some places, but Visa is more widely supported. We recommend travelling with some cash, plus a Visa debit or credit card as a backup.
You may cancel your tour before departure. The date Ganyana Safaris receives written cancellation notice determines the applicable cancellation charge:
- 40+ days before departure: 15% of the total amount
- 39 to 22 days before departure: 30% of the total amount
- 21 to 15 days before departure: 60% of the total amount
- 14 to 6 days before departure: 80% of the total amount
- 5 to 0 days before departure: 100% of the total amount
We use comfortable 4WD safari vehicles, including Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for game viewing. Vehicle allocation depends on group size, route and itinerary. We aim to give guests good visibility, enough legroom and practical luggage space throughout the safari.
Safari accommodation in Uganda generally falls into budget, mid-range and luxury categories. Options may include lodges, bandas, tented camps or furnished safari tents. Facilities vary by category and location, but mid-range and luxury properties usually provide private bathrooms, comfortable beds and hot or warm water where available.
Taxes and lodge charges can change from time to time. We confirm the applicable taxes, park fees and accommodation charges when preparing or updating your safari quotation.
We offer tailor-made safaris for different group sizes. Fixed-departure tours normally require a minimum number of participants. Larger groups may benefit from better per-person pricing depending on the itinerary and accommodation level.
Yes. Solo travellers are welcome. To reduce costs, you may choose to join a group where a suitable departure is available. If you prefer a private safari or single room, please tell us early so we can advise on availability and any single supplement.
Chimpanzee trekking permit prices vary by location and can change. Kibale National Park is one of the most popular chimpanzee trekking destinations, while other options include Kyambura Gorge and other forest reserves. We confirm current permit costs when preparing your itinerary.
The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking is usually 12 years. Some parks, including Kibale National Park, may offer alternative activities for younger children while adults go trekking.
Uganda can be visited throughout the year. The drier seasons, usually from December to February and June to September, are popular for safaris and trekking. Wetter months can still be rewarding, with greener landscapes and fewer visitors in some areas.
Uganda is socially conservative and local laws and attitudes can be sensitive for LGBTQ+ travellers. We recommend discretion, careful planning and speaking with us privately before travel so we can advise practically and respectfully.
Tipping is discretionary and should reflect your satisfaction with the service. As a guide, many travellers tip safari guides around USD 10 per guest per day, with smaller tips for lodge staff, porters or support teams. We can advise based on your itinerary.
Please seek medical advice before travelling. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is commonly required for entry into Uganda, and your doctor may recommend additional vaccinations and malaria prevention depending on your itinerary.
Before gorilla trekking, park authorities provide a briefing on safety and conduct. Visitor numbers per gorilla group are limited, and guests must follow ranger instructions, keep the required distance, avoid trekking when ill and respect time limits with the gorillas.
Bwindi has several habituated gorilla families across sectors such as Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Family names and group sizes change over time, so we confirm the latest trekking sector and permit availability when planning your safari.
Most travellers complete their Uganda safaris without serious illness, especially when they follow medical advice, drink safe water, use mosquito protection and take prescribed medication correctly. Bring any regular medication with you and tell us about relevant medical needs before travel.