Uganda & Rwanda Travel Directory

Find the latest information about Uganda, Rwanda, visas covid-19 up-dates, the best places to visit, what to do and see, where to stay, when to visit and a lot more. Visiting Uganda and Rwanda like other destinations is comes with some challenges because it involves planning. Involving Mist Rwanda Safaris your trusted and reliable local tour operator in all aspects of planning your Uganda safari or Rwanda safari tour is amazingly the best way for you to have a holiday full of lasting memories in East Africa. 

Uganda and Rwanda all lie astride the Equator crossing and they are two destinations with incomparably unbeatable beauty, abundant wildlife, hospitable people and unique cultures (with more than 50 local tribes all living peacefully in Uganda alone; 4 tribes in Rwanda- the Twa, Tutsi and Hutu). When you take about safaris or tourism in Uganda and Rwanda, there are 3 major aspects that define the two East African states’ tourism sector- the magical National Parks, People & Culture; and mountain gorilla trekking.

About Uganda

Uganda is a landlocked country, located in East Africa. The East African state is bordered by Kenya to the East, South Sudan to the North, Congo to the West and Tanzania to the South. Its capital city is Kampala and there are several other newly created cities including Entebbe, Mbarara, Fort Portal tourism city, Gulu, etc.

Uganda is a home to the world’s largest tropical freshwater lake- Lake Victoria with surface area coverage measuring up to about 68800sq.kms and features as the second largest freshwater lake after North America’s Lake Superior. Even the source of the River Nile- the world’s longest river is right at Uganda making it a special destination with unique attractions. 

About Rwanda 

Rwanda is a landlocked country located in East Africa, astride the Equator crossing. It is surrounded by East African member states such as Uganda, Tanzania, D.R. Congo and Burundi. The capital city of Rwanda is Kigali and it is famous for its historic 1994 genocide where more than 800 lives were lost. 

The landscape of Rwanda is characterized by a chain of Virunga mountains including the highest of all- Karisimbi (4507m), part of the Congo-Nile divide lies within Rwanda and there are plenty of interior highlands comprising of the rolling hills and valleys. 

Uganda-Rwanda Visas

Visiting Uganda and Rwanda either for business or leisure/pleasures has never been simple like it is to-date. Citizens of the European Union, Japan, USA and other nationals need visas to enter Uganda and in Uganda, visas can be obtained online via www.visas.immigration.go.ug. In addition, you need a valid yellow fever immunization certificate to be allowed to enter to Uganda or Rwanda. 

There are different visa categories each with its price tag. The single entry visas in Uganda can be obtained at US Dollars 50 per person, multiple entry visas valid 6-12 months US Dollars 100, multiple entry visas 24 months valid US Dollars 150 and multiple entry visas valid 36 months US Dollars 200. 

Students especially those not among the East African member states require visas. Or you can obtain the East African Tourist Visa at US Dollars 100 valid for 3 months and allows multiple entry to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. You visit at least two of these partner countries for tourism reasons. 

Visa application steps

• 1st step: Select the visa type (single entry/ordinary) or East Africa Tourist Visa.
• 2nd step: Fill in the form with your personal and travel details required. 
• Upload clear copies of your recently taken passport size photography, valid yellow fever certificate and passport. In case you are interested in East Africa Tourist Visa, a travel itinerary/plan is needed and proof of return ticket.
• Once you have completed filling the online application, a barcoded email notification will be sent to you within 3 days. Print out the email which you will present at entry point into Uganda. 

Rwanda visas 

Rwanda visas, passports and yellow fever immunization cards are essential if you are planning to visit this country for business or tourism purposes. However, Singapore, Mauritius, Hong Kong and D.R. Congo nationals don’t need visas to enter Rwanda and they can stay up to about 3 months. 

How to apply for Uganda and Rwanda visas?

• Uganda Visas: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
• Rwanda Visas: https://irembo.gov.rw/rolportal/en/web/dgie/newhome

Covid-19

Corona virus updates/preventive measures/restrictions/travel guidelines

While on safari in Uganda and Rwanda like other countries- take note that the corona virus preventative measures and restrictions must be adhered to while in some travel destinations. The preventative measures still in place include;

• Negative PCR test conducted 72 hours prior boarding the planes has been suspended for ONLY FULLY vaccinated incoming and outbound travelers in Uganda and Rwanda.
• Fully vaccinated travelers/people don’t need to wear face masks while outdoor, except only in crowds. 
• It is mandatory to wear facemasks while indoor/in closed areas such as shops, public transport, office and schools where 2 (two) meter social distance cannot be adhered and this applies to everyone- vaccinated or not vaccinated.
• All vulnerable/high risk population such as elderly of 50 years and above plus persons living with co-morbidities irrespective of age must wear a facemask regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not. 
• Hand sanitizing/wash hands with soap and clean water.
• A distance of 10m must be observed when watching mountain gorillas or other great apes in Uganda and Rwanda plus facemask be worn covering the mouth and nose properly.
• All inbound and outbound visitors must present proof of full covid-19 vaccination with exemption of children aged 5 years and below. 
• Visitors with only partial or without vaccination shall be required to provide proof of a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours of travel. 
• Children below 5 years don’t need to provide a negative PCR test upon arrival or departure in Uganda or Rwanda. 
• Social distance of 2 meters must be adhered to and always avoid crowds. 
• A negative rapid coronavirus test certificate done within 72 hours of departure time is needed for all travelers transiting/arriving through/to Rwanda. 
• The passenger locator form must be completed by all transiting passengers through Rwanda and the Covid-19 rapid test card taken within 72 hours pre-heading to Kigali Airport must be uploaded. Find the passenger locator form via www.rbc.gov.rw. 
• Departing travelers at Kigali International Airport are required to have a negative rapid/PCR test conducted 72 hours’ prior departure.
• Body temperature screening is mandatory for all travelers to help identify covid-19 carriers.
•  Visas must be processed online- www.visas.immigration.go.ug for Uganda and in Rwanda https://irembo.gov.rw/rolportal/en/web/dgie/newhome. 
• 6 months’ valid passports and yellow fever certificates are required for you to be allowed to enter Uganda or Rwanda. 

Other vaccines to consider 

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• Polio
• Meningococcal diseases
• Rabies etc

Food & water-borne diseases to be cautious about

Be cautious of food and water-borne diseases while on Uganda safaris or Rwanda safari tours. Know what you eat or drink, and ensure it is clean and avoid consuming contaminated water/food. The common food and water-borne diseases include cholera, schistosomiasis, typhoid, hepatitis A, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, exercise a high degree of safe food and water precaution while on a holiday. 

Safety & security- Uganda and Rwanda

For decades, Uganda and Rwanda have enjoyed relative peace and stability making them East Africa’s preferred destinations. The two countries are safe and secure to visit for business, leisure/tourism purposes etc. However, be extra keen while in public areas as there are prone to petty crimes. 

Note: attackers target public areas such as markets, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls/centers, restaurants, schools, places of worship, airports, etc. But, the good thing is that security is always alert and don’t be surprised finding the security forces in Kampala, Kigali, check points or any other areas. 

Also, take note of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, jewelry snatching, theft in hotels, vehicles, etc. Never leave any valuables in the car unattended to; displaying your jewelries attracts robbers and must be avoided while in public, don’t walk or drive at night.

Avoid following crowds- such demonstrations. Always observe the instructions from the local authorities and also stay up-to-date by following the local media for current information. 

Where to go for safaris

Uganda and Rwanda are favorite destinations in Africa due to their unique tourist attractions. Mountain gorillas are the prime attractions and major reason for most visits made to these 2 East African states. In Uganda, mountain gorillas reside in the 2 parks- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park- South-western part of the country and in Rwanda, they exist in Volcanoes National Park- Northwestern side of the country.

When to visit

Uganda and Rwanda are visited yearly. They experience favorable weather and climatic conditions due to their strategic location astride the Equator crossing. But, the dry season is the best time to go gorilla trekking or hiking/game viewing in Uganda or Rwanda that is from June to September, December to February. 

Gorilla permits and how to book 

In Uganda, foreign non-residents pay US Dollars 700 to obtain gorilla trekking permits, US Dollars 600 for foreign residents and East Africa citizens 250,000 shillings. In Rwanda, travelers require US Dollars 1500 per person to book Rwanda gorilla permit. 

Uganda or Rwanda, Mist Rwanda Safaris is a trusted local tour operator that is readily available to assist you obtain your gorilla permit and also plan for the entire gorilla safari tour. Reach out to our reservation team via email: info@mistrwandasafaris.com, bookings@mistrwandasafaris.com or call +250785372824. 

Other best places to visit include Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mt. Elgon National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park and Kibale National Park.

In Rwanda, there are 3 more parks worth visiting. They include Nyungwe Forest National Park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Akagera National Park.

Gorilla trekking rules

• You must be 15 years to be allowed to visit a gorilla group 
• Valid gorilla permits are required for all gorilla safaris done in Uganda or Rwanda
• Maximum distance of 10m must be kept away from a family of gorillas.
• Cover your mouth when coughing and nose when sneezing.
• Due to covid-19, facemasks must be worn at all times when visiting gorillas.
• No visiting gorillas if sick or ill.
• Regularly hand sanitize or wash the hands.

What to do in Uganda & Rwanda

There are plenty of exciting activities to engage in Uganda or Rwanda. They include mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking/tracking, birding, cultural encounters, nature walks, game viewing/game drives, boat cruise, and others. 

What to pack

Pack lightly for Rwanda or Uganda safari considering essentials first on your list. The essentials to include in your packing list include waterproof walking or hiking boots, camera, daypack, long sleeved shirts, trousers, insect repellents, visas, valid passports, yellow fever immunization certificates, anti-malarial tablets/medications, sweater, rain-jacket, snacks, bottled water, pair of binoculars, sun hat, etc.

Getting around Uganda & Rwanda

The best way to get around Uganda and Rwanda is by road transportation or by air. By road, the Uganda and Rwandan roads are of good standards as per the East African standards. Car rental services are the best alternative for travelers to reach or explore either countries and at Mist Rwanda Safaris, we have a range of rental cars available for hire at the most affordable prices whether you are budget or luxury travelers. 

By air, domestic air travel isn’t fully developed in Uganda or Rwanda. But, it is possible to connect to far destinations in Uganda on fly in safaris starting from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield for instance to Kihihi/Kisoro then you drive to Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking.