Travel Tips & More
TRAVEL TIPS FOR UGANDA & RWANDA
If Uganda and Rwanda aren’t yet on your travel radar or bucket list, they sure should be. These two beautiful East African countries are breathtaking safari destinations for all categories of travellers. Whether you are a nature lover or the kind of persons that lets the stomach dictate his/she travels, there is something for everyone in these two places. They are cultural melting pots, rich with phenomenally extraordinary animals, mouth-watering dishes everyone is sorted in these places.
However, planning safaris to Uganda and Rwanda require care and understanding some aspects of the safari destinations. Therefore, we bring you tips on how to get around, safety in Uganda and Rwanda, what to pack, health and security concerns to help you navigate the attractions and local cultures as easier as possible.
Is Uganda and Rwanda safe?
Yes, Uganda and Rwanda are very safe for safaris, although you will need vigilance and common sense when touring these two countries given the high crime rate. Avoid flashing fancy items in public places and most importantly avoiding looking so much like a compete tourist. Also, ensure that you only pack the bare necessities with you and most importantly never move alone especially at night. But if you must, use Uber for going around because like some places in New York or Los Angeles aren’t safe at night, the same applies to the Cities in Rwanda and Uganda, especially the latter.
It is always important to always inquire from the locals (especially Hotel staff) on the safety of places before heading out.
Do I require insurance when travelling to Uganda and Rwanda?
Definitely yes, owing to the high crime rate in Uganda and Rwanda, it is important to ensure that your personal belongings are covered. Additionally, these two countries are known for offering adventurous activities-gorilla trekking, mountain climbing, as well as bungee jumping and white water rafting in Uganda where you will need insurance to cover some of the unplanned circumstances.
It is super exciting to get your adrenaline fix but you have to do it with peace of mind hence purchase travel insurance when travelling to Uganda and Rwanda.
Undertake enough research and planning for your Uganda and Rwanda safari
Before you even think of travelling to Uganda and Rwanda, it is always advisable to spend some time researching on the different safari destinations you wish to visit, the activities you wish to undertake, the different foods you wish to try out and many others. You can go as far as buying a guidebook and use online platforms as a way of making your safari stress-free and unforgettable.
Also consider when and where you wish to take your safari and even draft a possible itinerary before leaving.
Tipping in Uganda and Rwanda
A tip of $10 to $15 to waiters/waitresses, Park Rangers, porters and driver guides in Uganda and Rwanda is a courteous practice. While it is not mandatory, it also doesn’t hurt to appreciate someone who has delivered a good service. Given the meager salaries most of them are paid, your tip goes a long way in changing someone’s standard of living.
Do I need a visa to travel to Uganda and Rwanda?
Yes, visas are needed for entering these two beautiful countries and therefore feel free to check-out the visa requirements for the destination you are planning to visit, because citizens of some countries are visa exempt.
You shouldn’t drink tap water
Tap water in both countries is not safe for drinking or even brushing teeth, thus always make an effort to use bottled water which is always provided as part of your safari package or at the accommodation facility. Prevent any chances of cholera and Typhoid, and save a lot of money from your trip.
Adapter needed for Uganda and Rwanda
An adapter is one of the important things you will most likely need when exploring Uganda and Rwanda for the very first time. It should be noted that the standard voltage in each of these countries is 240V.
How to get around Uganda and Rwanda
Unlike the organized transport system you are used to, getting around Uganda and Rwanda might not be as easy as you wished. Before anything else, remember that there is no metro or sub-way in any of these countries. Larger Cities such as Kampala and Entebbe in Uganda as well as Kigali and Musanze in Rwanda have extensive, reliable and relatively affordable public transport systems, although still don’t lead you to the remote areas where most safari destinations are found. However, Car Rental services are well developed in both countries and are found everywhere within the Cities.
Best places to exchange money in Uganda and Rwanda
Another crucial travel tip for Uganda and Rwanda is knowing the best places to exchange your foreign currencies. Right from arrival at the Airports, the many Forex Exchange Bureaus, Banks and sometimes Hotels provide this service.
Try learning basic words in local languages
Learning some basic words in local languages is another noteworthy travel tip for Uganda and Rwanda whereby the latter has four official languages while the former has two. The good thing however is that English is widely spoken in both countries.
Taste some of the mouth-watering local dishes
Foodies are in for a real treat in Uganda and Rwanda because they offer a wide range of local dishes worth trying out. While in Uganda, try the Rolex, Luwombo, Nsenene, matooke and many others while in Rwanda you can’t afford to miss Brochettes, Isombe, Ikivuguto, and Igisafuria and so much more.
Best time to go to Uganda and Rwanda
Since these countries have almost the same climate, they can be explored all year round, although drier months-June to September and December to February have warm temperatures and little rains thus perfect for gorilla treks, chimpanzee treks, mountain climbing and nature walks that involve walks through different ecosystems.