Looking to a safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Now let’s get started with planning a memorable trip to Bwindi so that once you step foot in the park you enjoy smooth travels through this amazing national park in East Africa.
- Where is Bwindi? Map of Bwindi
- Stay Safe in Bwindi
- Mobile Phones & Internet
Ranger Tips for Bwindi Visitors
Our ranger tips will give you all the info you need to start planning your adventure to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- What to see when you get here
- Where to stay
- Our favorite tours and activities
- The fantastic facilities available in the park.
Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- The main focus of tourism in Bwindi is gorilla tracking, although the area is also famous for other wildlife.
- the best times to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- How to get around Bwindi Forest
When to Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Many people wonder about the best time to visit the year.
- More about Bwindi’s Mountain gorillas.
Planning a Gorilla Safari to Uganda
In case you are interested in taking a gorilla safari to Uganda, below is a summary of the information that will guide you through planning a wonderful travel experience in Uganda, Africa.
When to visit;
Uganda has a warm climate all year round and because it lies on the equator, seasonal temperature variations and are insignificant. The main factor you should consider when planning a tour to Uganda is the rainfall pattern, most especially if you are planning a hike in the Rwenzori Mountains or camping tour in Uganda’s national Parks. The wettest months are April, May, October and November. During these months camping isn’t very practical (you’ll be packing up your tent in the rain as often as not), hiking can be an endurance test and some unsurfaced roads may be impassable.
Having the necessary paper work: always check well in advance that you have a valid passport and that it won’t expire within six months of the date on which you intend to leave Uganda. Should your passport be lost or stolen, it will be easier to get a replacement if you have a photocopy of important pages. In case there is any possibility you will want to drive or hire a vehicle while you are in the country, do organize an international driving license, which you may be asked to produce together with your original license. Any AA office in a country in which you are licensed to drive will do this for a nominal fee. You may sometimes be asked at the border or international airport for an international health certificate showing you have had a yellow fever shot.
Security and Safety
It is also advisable to detail all your vital information on one sheet of paper, photocopy it and distribute a few copies into your luggage, your money belt and amongst relatives or friends at Home. the things that you want include cheque numbers and refund information, the travel insurance policy details and 24 hours emergency contact numbers, passport number, details of the relatives or friends to be contacted in case of an emergency, bank and credit card details of the relatives or friends to be called in case of an emergency, bank and credit details and cameras and the lens numbers.
The Visas
Many nationals of most countries need a visa in order to enter Uganda. This can be obtained in advance at any Uganda embassy or at high commission abroad but in most cases it will be easy to buy the visa upon arrival. The visa rulings are prone to any changes so all visitors are needed to check with their embassies or high commissions before coming to the country. You might also import some personal effects like the binoculars, cameras, films and musical instruments. The obscene literature is not allowed. The pets accompanied by recent health certificate and the special permission from the commissioner of customs will be allowed. These are not allowed in national parks/ reserves. The firearms cannot be imported without an import certificate from police fire arms department.
About travelling with Children:
The Ugandans are very friendly to children and make them so friendly. On buses and matatus, the rule seems to be that you pay full fare for the seats they occupy, and those who seat on the laps are free. The hotels and safari lodges are able to provide an extra bed for children or a mattress. Some of the hotels also allow negotiating per bed and not per person and are easy in any part of the country. Don’t take white clothing as the ubiquitous red dust and mud get everywhere. The national park fees are negotiable for children. Always carry the child’s health abroad or to any destination in any country.
Drinking and Eating
In case you don’t mind about variety, you can eat cheaply almost anywhere in the country. In most towns, many restaurants often called hotelis that serve the unimaginative but filling the meals for under $2. The local food is based around meat, or chicken stew eaten with one of the four staples; Matooke, rice, chapatti and posho. In larger towns, you will find many restaurants that serve both western and Indian food. This can be followed by vegetables and many fruits including; Mangoes, Oranges and many more.
The brand names for the drinks include; pepsi, Coca Cola as well as Fanta and these are cheap by international standards. You can also buy the imported South African fruit juices at Super markets in Kampala and other large towns. Tap boiled water is normally safe to drink in larger towns but bottled mineral water is widely available if you prefer not to take risk. The most widely taken beverage is chai which is a sweet tea where all the ingredients are boiled together in a pot.
About Health
It’s also advisable that the visitors to Uganda take anti-malarial medication. The use of mosquito repellents as well as the nets are recommended for use especially those taking out camping holidays in Uganda.
About the Currency used
The unit currency of Uganda is the Uganda shilling and it is divided into denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 for coins and paper notes are available in denominations of 1000, 5000, 10000, 20000 and 50000. There are no restrictions and the movement of currency into or out of Uganda for current transactions.