Frequently Asked Questions

Gorilla Pledge

Contribute to the protection of the majestic mountain gorillas by taking the Gorilla Friendly™️ Pledge as a way of raising awareness and willing compliance of established gorilla visitation rules and regulations meant to ensure a rewarding experience and minimize the risk of disease transmission to, and behavior change of, the gorillas while visiting and observing them.

The Gorilla Friendly™️ Pledge is an online awareness raising campaign aimed at encouraging all those planning to visit the mountain gorillas and even those who are not to pledge to observe gorilla tourism rules during treks and to share feedback on their trekking experience after the visit through the Gorilla Friendly™️ Pledge website.

The Gorilla Friendly™️ Pledge campaign was initiated by the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) a coalition of Conservation International, Fauna & Flora International and WWF and Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network (WFEN) in 2014 and re-launched in 2020.

A valid passport with a minimum six months of validity is mandatory. Single entry tourist visas are available without difficulty. Multiple-entry tourist visas are difficult to obtain. You will need a valid Yellow Fever Certificate to enter Uganda and Rwanda. If you require a visa, you will need to show your Yellow Fever certificate during the visa application process.

Rwanda tourist visas

Visitors can get a visa upon arrival or online. Single entry visa is priced at USD 50 as per the new visa laws but the prevailing price of USD 30 is still on until official communication. Please see here.

An East African tourist visa is also available for clients wishing to travel between Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda, to be applied for online or at arrival at a cost of $100 and valid for 90 days. One has to apply to the respective country of the first point of entry.

Please visit the Rwanda immigration website  for the latest information on different visa types.

For more information about Rwanda tourist visas, contact:

• In the UK, the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda is located at 120 – 122 Seymour Place, London W1H 1NR. Telephone: +44 (0)20 722 49 832.
• In the USA, the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda is located at 1724 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington DE 200091. Telephone: +1 202 232 2882.
• List of Rwandan diplomatic missions around the world.

Uganda tourist visas

The latest advice from the Uganda immigration service is the following:

• Nationals of USA, the European Union and Japan require a tourist visa and should apply in advance of travel to Uganda. The visa fee of $50 is payable upon arrival at any Uganda entry point or during an online application.
• Uganda tourist visas are NOT required by nationals of Ireland, the East Africa community, COMESA. Other nationals should check the Uganda immigration website.
• Applications for all Ugandan visas should be made online on the Uganda immigration website.
• A single entry visa to Uganda costs US$ 50 and is valid for between two weeks and three months.

For more information about Uganda tourist visas, contact:

• 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.
• Please visit the Uganda immigration web site for more information on different visa types.
• List of Ugandan diplomatic missions around the world.

Please note that immigration rules and visa costs are subject to change at late notice. For any information on visas to Rwanda and Uganda, you are welcome to contact the Volcanoes Safaris team.

Ugandans and Rwandans appreciate modest dressing.

Uganda and Rwanda are warm - sometimes hot - on the plains but often cold in the hilly and mountainous areas. Layered clothing, a rain jacket, heavy sweater and boots are essential for higher altitude stays at Bwindi Lodge, Gahinga Lodge and Virunga Lodge.

Have a look at our other FAQs on this page for equipment for hiking and our equipment list for Gorilla tracking.

• Uganda: 240 volts. 3-pin (square) sockets.
• Rwanda: 230/240 volts at 50 Hz. 2-pin (round) sockets.

Our power is a mixture of solar, generator and main power. There are facilities for charging phones and other gadgets in the main living area and bandas in each lodge.

We provide adaptors at all our lodges. If you are travelling to other lodges on your trip to Rwanda and Uganda, you may want to bring your own adaptor.

We recommend the following clothing and equipment if you're hiking the Rwenzori Mountains:

Clothing

• Mountain gloves or mittens, or overmitts for climbing; light pair of gloves for camp
• Hats for sun/rain; warm hat for high altitude climbing
• Mountain jacket and raingear
• Fleece jacket and sweater; 'moisture-wicking ' T-shirts and long-sleeve trekking shirts
• Hiking or climbing trousers; shorts
• Lightweight long underwear

Footwear

• Camp shoes or sandals
• Walking shoes (runners)
• Gaiters (a set for low and high altitudes)
• Mountain boots that can fit crampons

Equipment

• Climbing rope and climbing harness
• Crampons and ice axe
• Carabiners; slings
• Day pack/climbing pack
• Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat. Waterproof sacks, such as large canoe bags (Ortleib) for packing tent, climbing gear, sleeping bag and clothes

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
• Your personal medication
• Sun screen (about SPF 45 or 60); dark sunglasses

Volcanoes Safaris does not organize or sell international flights.

Flights to Uganda are available from Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Egyptair, Ethiopian Airlines, African Express, and Kenya Airways.

Flights within Uganda are offered by Aerolink which operates twice daily flights between Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Kidepo. Fly Uganda also offers scheduled flights to Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Kidepo.

Flights to Rwanda are available from Rwandair, KLM, Kenya Airways, Brussels Airlines, Qatar Aiways, Turkish Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines.

Helicopter transfers within Rwanda can be arranged daily to Volcanoes Virunga Lodge and other destinations.

Flights within East Africa are operated by Kenya Airways, Regional Air, Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, Air Kenya,  Safarilink, Precision, Coastal Aviation, Uganda Airlines, and RwandAir, making the connection between Uganda, Rwanda and the savannah plains of Kenya and Tanzania easier than ever before!

Please note that Volcanoes does not handle international flights. The airlines operating to the region are subject to change so please check with the airline concerned. Please also be sure that the timings of your flights connect with the beginning and end times of your safari.

EQUIPMENT FOR GORILLA AND CHIMPANZEE TRACKING

We recommend the following clothing and equipment for tracking the gorillas and the chimpanzees:

• Warm ‘moisture-wicking’ clothes, including a fleece or light wool sweater, lightweight wool socks and a long-sleeved shirt
• Strong waterproof walking boots (comfortable for going up and down steep hills)
• Sturdy walking trousers
• A breathable lightweight rain poncho or ‘parka’ with a rain hat
• Gloves to grip vegetation (inexpensive gardening gloves work well)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and sun hat
• Torch
• A good supply of rechargeable camera batteries and/or fast film
• Binoculars
• A small backpack to carry water and a packed lunch
• Walking stick
• Tips or gratuities for the guides and porters

It is best to wear layers of clothing as temperatures fluctuate. Early mornings in the mountains can be cold, although as the sun rises in the sky, and you climb, you will start to feel the heat. It rains often, generally in the afternoons.

The ranger guides will make you a walking stick if needed, or you can borrow one from your lodge. You will find the walking sticks come in very useful when climbing up and down slippery slopes.

There are no set percentages for tips or gratuities. 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:

• Restaurants - 3-5%
• Lodge staff - US$5 per person per day
• Guides / drivers - US$5 per day per person
• Community walk guide / Batwa guide - US$ 5 per person
• Kazinga Channel boat trip staff - US$5 per person
• Gorilla tracking guides - US$ $5-10 per person per day for the main guide. A smaller amount for the rangers
• Gorilla tracking porters - US$ 15 per person per day in Uganda and US$ 15 per person per day in Rwanda
• Intore dancers at Virunga - $5 per person
• Batwa dancers at Mount Gahinga - $5 per person
• Lodge baggage porters - US$ 1-2 per person

You are advised to seek medical advice before travelling. Seek advice on any vaccinations that may be required.

Currently, all visitors to Uganda and Rwanda are required to present a valid Yellow Fever Certificate on arrival as a condition of entry into the country. It is also required as part of the online visa application process for both countries.

In the UK, MASTA (The Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad) can be consulted on +44 9068 224100 or online at http://www.masta-travel-health.com/

In the USA, CDC can be consulted on http://www.cdc.gov/

Bring a good supply of any personal medication required. Anti-malaria tablets and mosquito repellent are essential.

Drink bottled or boiled water only. Medical services, especially up-country, are basic. Check that your travel insurance includes medical and evacuation cover.

For the latest health and travel security information, please feel free to contact one of the sales team.

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.

For more information visit our Safari Insurance Page.

Most costs are covered in your safari.

Few outlets accept credit cards in Kampala and Kigali. Where they do, surcharges can be high. Outside the capitals, not many establishments accept credit cards.

ATM machines are available in most large towns and in Kampala and Kigali.

For daily cash expenditure, we suggest US$30-50 per day. One US Dollar is about 3715 Ugandan Shillings and 920 Rwandese Francs (Oct 2023).

Please be aware that only post-2006 US Dollar bills are acceptable. Bills should be in excellent condition with no tears, stains or markings.

For digital photography, remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards. Volcanoes Safaris lodges have facilities to recharge batteries but packing a car charger or power bank can also be useful.

If you are shooting film, bring as much film as you think you will need during your trip. You are unlikely to be able to buy it in Uganda or Rwanda.

Flash photography is not allowed in the vicinity of the mountain gorillas or the chimpanzees, so fast film is useful (400-1600 ASA). The mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are most usually found in the forests. Dark tree cover may obscure the light so bear this in mind when you’re setting up your camera.

Personal video recorders are allowed however professional filmmakers require permission to film in the National Parks and need to purchase commercial filming permits in advance. You are welcome to contact our sales team for advice on organizing these permits.

Drones are highly restricted in Rwanda and Uganda and require proper documentation and declaration, regardless of commercial or personal use. Attempting to enter Rwanda or Uganda with a drone, without the needed permit or registration, could potentially lead to very serious consequences including denial of entrance. If you are considering bringing a drone into Rwanda or Uganda, please be sure to research and abide by the respective laws and suggested practices. Drone permits and regulations are issued by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority and the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, in Rwanda and Uganda respectively.

Before photographing people, it is polite to ask their permission first. Photography is not allowed near soldiers or military buildings.

Uganda and Rwanda are generally secure countries but use your common sense and take the same basic safety and security precautions that you would in any other country.

Make use of safety deposit boxes in the lodges to keep your travel documents and other valuables secure. Do not carry excessive jewellery and money or leave them lying around.

Do not walk unescorted at night. Staff at our lodges are always available to escort you.

Uganda is three hours ahead of GMT.

Rwanda is two hours ahead of GMT.

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. Our safari guides have mobile phones which can be used for incoming calls.

Most European or American mobile phones with a roaming agreement work in Uganda and Rwanda. Local SIM cards can be purchased cheaply (upon presentation of your passport).

Internet facilities are widely available in Kampala and Kigali and in most major towns in Uganda and Rwanda although the quality and speed of the connection varies. Free Wi-Fi is available in all our lodges. However, the remote locations do affect connectivity.

The Equatorial climate of Uganda and Rwanda is a major attraction with temperatures on the plains ranging between a very agreeable 21°C and 30°C. The climate does not change much, meaning both countries are ideal holiday destinations throughout the year.

In the mountainous areas it is colder than on the plains (especially at night) and the rainfall is greater. Temperatures in the mountainous areas can go down as low as 10°C in certain months.

The rainy seasons tend to be from March to April and October to November, but this varies and it can rain any time of year, especially in the gorilla park areas. Travel can be slower in the rainy season but the views are often better as the rain clears the air of dust.

Gorilla tracking can be muddier during the rainy season but with the right equipment and a helpful porter to guide you, gorilla tracking still remains open to visitors.

Our advice is to travel when it is most convenient for you. Visitors generally agree that the rain, which is usually just for short periods of time, is part of the great travel experience.

For guests who are driving between Volcanoes Lodges.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge to Bwindi Lodge

This scenic drive passes through the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and provides the chance to search for Ishasha’s famous tree-climbing lions, as well as elephants and many of the park’s 600+ bird species.

From Kyambura Gorge Lodge, take the Kasese road and continue to the Katunguru – Ishasha junction and Uganda Wildlife Authority Queen Elizabeth National Park headquarters.  Look out for the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge signpost that marks the Ishasha road turning. Turn left onto the murram dirt road and drive 81 km through the park to Kihihi. The drive from the junction in Ishasha to Kihihi town is about 10 km.

From Kihihi, take the Kanungu road up to Kanyantorogo. Take the Butogota road for approximately 33 km then turn right. (Look out for the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge signpost). Drive for 17 km to Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in Buhoma.

The journey from Kyambura Gorge Lodge to Bwindi Lodge should take approximately five hours.

Bwindi Lodge to Mount Gahinga Lodge

From Bwindi take the Ruhija road and drive for 70 km to the Kabale – Kisoro tarmac road. Turn right onto Kisoro road and drive for about 55 km to Kisoro town.

From Kisoro town, take the Bunagana road and turn left opposite Kisoro police station (50 metres). Drive past Travellers Rest Hotel and take the next right at the Volcanoes Safaris’ signpost. Follow the Mgahinga – Kisoro road for approximately 14 km and turn at the signpost showing Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mount Gahinga Lodge is on the right of the road, a few hundred metres before the park entrance.

The drive from Bwindi Lodge to Mount Gahinga Lodge should take five to six hours. However, the drive may take up to seven hours during the rainy season.

Mount Gahinga Lodge to Virunga Lodge

From Mount Gahinga Lodge, drive to Kisoro town and proceed to the Uganda/Rwanda border (Cyanika border post about 22 km). From Cyanika take the Ruhengeri road – drive for about 12 km to Nyarwondo trading centre and turn left. From here, Volcanoes Virunga Lodge signposts will guide you to the lodge on top of the hill (approximately 5 km).

The drive from Mount Gahinga Lodge to Virunga Lodge should take about two hours. This includes the time it takes to clear immigration.

Kibale Lodge to Kyambura Gorge Lodge

From Kibale Lodge, drive for 1.5 km to the Kasenda - Fort Portal junction turn left and join the Fort Portal – Kasese road, and drive to Kasese town. At the Kasese roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the Mbarara-Kasese road and drive for 50 km to Katunguru.

The drive along Katunguru Road offers views of Queen Elizabeth National Park with occasional sightings of elephants, Uganda kobs, buffalos, water bucks, and warthogs.

Look out for the Kyambura Gorge Lodge signpost at the Kyambura Trading Centre and turn left on the Katerera road. It is a 1 km drive to Kyambura Gorge Lodge.

The drive from Kibale Lodge to Kyambura Gorge Lodge takes approximately 2.5 hours.

In case of emergency, please call + 256 772 741 718 for Uganda and +250 788 389 576 for Rwanda.

For guests who are driving from Kampala to Volcanoes Lodges.

Kampala to Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Take the northern bypass (to avoid heavy traffic) and drive west towards the Busega roundabout. Here take the Masaka – Mbarara highway (for approximately 287 km). From Mbarara town, take the Bushenyi – Kasese road to Kyambura trading centre in Rubirizi district.

Look out for the Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge signpost at the trading centre. Turn right on the Katerera road. It is 1 km drive to Kyambura Gorge Lodge.

The drive from Mbarara to Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge is approximately 130 km. This journey should take 6 – 7 hours allowing for a lunch stop on the way.

Alternatively, daily scheduled flights operate from Entebbe Airport to Kasese Airstrip. The flight time is two hours.

Kampala to Kibale Lodge

Take the northern bypass (to avoid heavy traffic) and drive west towards the Busega roundabout. Here take the first exit and stay on the Mityana – Fort Portal highway (for approximately 285 km). From Fort Portal, look out for the Kibale Lodge signpost, turn left on the Kamwenge road, drive for 10 Km to Kasis, and look out for the Kibale Lodge signpost and turn.

Drive 20 Km to Kasenda and look out for the Kibale Lodge signpost turn left and drive for 1.5 km to Kibale Lodge.

This journey should take 6 – 7 hours allowing for a lunch stop on the way.

Alternatively, daily scheduled flights operate from Entebbe Airport to Kasese Airstrip. The flight time is two hours.

Kampala to Bwindi Lodge

Take the Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara highway (approximately 280 km). Drive through the main street of Mbarara. After 3 km, take the right turning onto the Kasese road (Bushenyi and Rubirizi districts).

Continue to the Katunguru – Ishasha junction and Uganda Wildlife Authority Queen Elizabeth National Park headquarters (about 10 km).  Look out for the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge signpost that marks the Ishasha road turning. Turn left onto the murram dirt road and drive 81 km through the National Park to Kihihi. The drive from the junction in Ishasha to Kihihi town is about 10 km.

From Kihihi, take the Kanungu road up to Kanyantorogo. Take the Butogota road for approximately 33 km. Turn right at the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge signpost and drive for 17 km. Drive through Buhoma, past Bwindi Community Hospital. You will find Bwindi Lodge clearly signposted, on the left side of the road.

The drive from Kampala to Bwindi Lodge should take approximately ten hours.

Alternatively, daily scheduled flights operate from Entebbe Airport to Kihihi Airstrip. The flight time is one and a half hours.

Kampala to  Mount Gahinga Lodge

Take the Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara highway (approx 280 km). Drive through the main street of Mbarara and follow the Mbarara – Ntungamo – Kabale road (158 km). From Kabale town, take the Kabale – Kisoro road (80 km). The Kisoro road has a number of bends, hills and valleys; drive with extra care.

From Kisoro town, take the Bunagana road and turn left opposite Kisoro police station (50 metres). Drive past Travellers Rest Hotel and take the next right at the Volcanoes Safaris’ signpost. Follow the Mgahinga – Kisoro road for approximately 14 km and turn at the signpost showing Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mount Gahinga Lodge on the right of the road, a few hundred metres before the park entrance.

The drive from Kampala to Mount Gahinga Lodge should take approximately 8 – 9 hours.

Alternatively, daily scheduled flights operate from Entebbe Airport to Kisoro Airstrip. The flight time is one hour and five minutes.

For guests driving from Kigali to Volcanoes Lodges.

Kigali to  Virunga Lodge

Take the Kigali – Butare road. After 3 km, turn right onto the Kigali – Musanze (Ruhengeri) road.

Drive through Ruhengeri town and turn right onto the Ruhengeri – Cyanika road. Drive for approximately 17 km to Nyarwondo.

On the Ruhengeri – Cyanika road, look out for a Volcanoes Virunga Lodge signpost. Turn right here and take the murram dirt road. Volcanoes Virunga Lodge signposts will guide you to the lodge on top of the hill (approximately 5 km).

The drive from Kigali to Virunga Lodge should take approximately three hours.

Kigali to  Mount Gahinga Lodge

Take the Kigali – Butare road. After 3 km, turn right onto the Kigali – Musanze (Ruhengeri) road.

Drive through Ruhengeri town and turn right onto the Ruhengeri – Cyanika road. Drive for approximately 28 km to the Cyanika border. After clearing with Uganda/Rwanda immigration, continue to Kisoro town (approximately 14km).

From Kisoro town, take the Bunagana road and turn left opposite Kisoro police station (50 metres). Drive past Travellers Rest Hotel and take the next right at the Volcanoes Safaris’ signpost. Follow the Mgahinga – Kisoro road for approximately 14 km and turn at the signpost showing Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mount Gahinga Lodge on the right of the road, a few hundred metres before the park entrance.

The drive from Kigali to Mount Gahinga Lodge should take approximately four hours. This includes the time it takes to clear immigration.

Kigali to Bwindi Lodge

Take the Kigali – Katuna road (95 km) to the Rwanda/Uganda border post at Katuna border. After clearing immigration for both countries, continue to Kabale town (22 km).

From Kabale, take the Kabale – Kisoro road. After 30 km, turn right and take the Ruhija road (marked by a big signpost). Continue on the Ruhija road until you reach the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where you will find a signpost to Buhoma. Turn left here.

Follow the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge signs. Drive through Buhoma, past Bwindi Community Hospital. You will find Bwindi Lodge clearly signposted, on the left side of the road.

The drive from Kigali to Bwindi Lodge should take approximately seven hours.

Kigali to  Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Take the Kigali – Katuna road (95 km) to the Rwanda/Uganda border post at Katuna border. After clearing immigration for both countries, continue to Kabale town (22 km).

From Kabale, turn right and take the Kabale – Ntungamo road (75 km).

As you approach Ntungamo town, turn left at the Fuelex fuel station and follow the Ntungamo – Rukungiri road. After 15 km, turn right at Kagamba junction. Drive to Ishaka town (35 km), then turn left and continue to Rubirizi town in Rubirizi district.

From Rubirizi town continue to Kyambura trading centre where you will see a Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge signpost. Turn right on the Katerera road. It is 1 km drive to Kyambura Gorge Lodge.

The drive from Kigali to Kyambura Gorge Lodge should take approximately six hours.

Kigali to Kibale Lodge

Take the Kigali – Katuna road (80 km) to the Rwanda/Uganda border post at Katuna border. After clearing immigration for both countries, continue to Kabale town (22 km).

From Kabale, turn right and take the Kabale – Ntungamo road (80 km).

As you approach Ntungamo town, turn left at the Fuelex fuel station and follow the Ntungamo – Rukungiri road. After 15 km, turn right at Kagamba junction. Drive to Ishaka town (35 km), then turn left and continue to Rubirizi town in Rubirizi district.

From Rubirizi town continue to Kyambura trading centre where you will see a Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge signpost. Drive past the signpost unto Katunguru Road to Kasese town and pass the Kasese Airstrip to Fort Portal - Mpondwe Road.

Turn right at the Kasenda -Fort Portal Junction and drive for 1.5 km. Look out for the Kibale Lodge signpost

The drive from Kigali to Kibale Lodge should take approximately eight hours.

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