African Safaris Guide

Category: Travel

  • Do I Need A Visa To Enter Uganda

    Absolutely yes! A valid visa is needed for most international travelers on a trip to Uganda except if they are part of the exempted countries. A valid Uganda tourist visa is available for single entry. This kind of visa is provided to visitors traveling to Uganda for tourism reasons, family visits, and medical treatment. The single Uganda tourist visa can be valid for up to about 3 months.

    The approval authorization validity is 3 months starting from the approval date. After the approval date, the approval authorization can be automatically canceled and rendered invalid. The applicant will be required to apply for a new visa once again.

    Once you have applied for the Uganda tourist visa valid for 3 months, then it means that you must travel within the period of validity of your visa.

    How and where to obtain a visa for Uganda

    The visas for Uganda can be applied online through the immigration portal www.immigration.go.ug/services/tourist-visa.

    Requirements

    Essentials to attach to your visa application include a copy of your passport valid for at least 6 months, a tour/travel itinerary or plan, trip booking, a recent passport-size photograph, vaccination certificate –yellow fever, hotel booking, or reservation from your Uganda Car Rental.

    If you are traveling for business (Meetings and conferences). The requirements to obtain a visa for Uganda for this category include a valid passport copy, a letter of invitation with a clear address and business to be attended in Uganda, a recent passport-size photograph taken in the last 6 months, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, immigration status of host in case it is an individual.

    Application for visas for studies- requirements needed include a passport copy (the bio-data page) valid for at least 6 months, a recent passport-size photograph, letter of invitation from the school, status of host in Uganda, yellow fever certificate, and admission letter from the school.

    Family visit –the requirements include a letter of invitation, the immigration status of the host, passport copy, hotel booking/reservation, status of host in Uganda, and yellow fever certificate.

    Useful steps for visa application in Uganda

    • Visit the immigration portal and log in. Select start a new application.
    • Accept the terms and conditions provided in the disclaimer.
    • Choose the visa/permit type, category, or sub-category.
    • Complete the visa application form.
    • Upload the documents required. It should be 6 digit application ID and it will be automatically generated as the reference number.
    • Make payment for your visa applications.
    • Once approved, especially for applications that don’t need additional payment, you will be provided with the approval letter. This will be generated and will be sent to the applicant on the home page.
    • Upon approval, make a top-up payment for applications that need additional payment. Afterward, an approval letter will be generated and emailed to the client.
    • Report to the immigration office or border for biometric capture and ensure that you have all the essential documents, payment receipts, letters of approval, and passports.

    Cost for Uganda visas

    A valid Uganda tourist visa can be obtained at USD 50 to 200 per person depending on the visa category/type you intend to apply for. The fees paid for your visas are non-refundable and subject to a bank charge.

    All documents attached should be in English format. You may need to process other documents in the course of the visa application. Note

    Visa issuance

    You can be issued the visa once the application is approved. You can be notified via email with a letter of authorization and barcode. You will be required to print out the letter to show upon arrival at the border or airport where the visa will be issued to you. Alternatively, you can also deliver your letter to a Ugandan embassy to obtain a visa.

    The airlines can deny you boarding the aero plane if you have not completed your visa application before your actual trip date.

    Visa exempted countries

    If you come from the exempted countries, then you may not need a visa. Some of the visa-exempted countries include Botswana, Burundi, Belize, Barbados, Bahamas, Antigua, and Barbuda. Citizens from the following countries also do not require visas to visit Uganda; Angola, Zambia, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Eritrea, Comoros, Vanuatu, Ghana, Swaziland, Seychelles, Malaysia, Malta, Singapore, Cyprus, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Malawi, Fiji, Mauritius, Kenya, Grenada and Solomon Island. Nationals/citizens from these states can be issued gratis visas upon arrival. There is no need to apply for a visa for Uganda.

    Different visa types in Uganda

    The various visa types in Uganda include Uganda tourist visas for single entry, diplomatic and official visas, transit visas, multiple-entry visas, and East African tourist visas.

    The East African tourist visa can be obtained at USD 100 per person and is valid for 3 months. Acquiring the East African tourist visa requires you to have a copy of the passport which is valid for 6 months, a return ticket, a travel/trip itinerary, a vaccination certificate for yellow fever, and a copy of a recent passport-size photograph.

  • Meet the Bonobos of DR Congo

    Bonobos also known as the Pygmy or Dwarf chimpanzees are exceptional primates with so many interesting facts worth discovering during a safari in Africa. Bonobos are great Apes-scientifically known as Pan Paniscus and are close relative to the Common chimpanzees (Pan Troglodytes).

    These Primates were discovered in 1929 as the last great apes to be scientifically described and are continuously mistaken for the Common Chimpanzees yet are different and totally new and interestingly, they are actually native to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Specifically, the Bonobos are found within the Southern and western side of the Congo River and they are major highlight for primate safaris in Congo. Make sure that you select  a primate safari package that including watching the Bonobos in Lola ya bonobos sanctuary.  Their numbers are currently estimated at between 30,000 and 50,000 individuals in the whole World and mainly occupy the lowland rain forest. Efforts to study and survey the Bonobos over the past years have been barred by the remote nature of their habitat as well as their patched distribution and the years of civil unrest within the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    There are several extraordinary characteristics that set the Bonobos apart and these include; their bodies are more human-like in that they have smaller and rounder heads, and have longer rear legs. The creatures have difference in weight between the female and male Bonobos and are also able to stand more upright like humans. Interestingly, these Apes are identified by their red lips. Just like the Common Chimpanzees, these primates share about 98.7% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest relatives than the gorillas.

    These exceptional great Apes are characterized by female dominance but the young male Bonobos are more dominant over the female ones. Surprisingly, homosexual behaviors are mostly common among the female Bonobos, which they always use to generate strong emotional bonds and maintain social dominance over the male Bonobos. Another interesting fact about the female Bonobos is that they keep relationships and settle conflicts with their partners through sex.

    Average male Bonobos weigh about 39 kilograms/85 pounds while the females weigh around 30 kilograms/65 pounds. In terms of height, male Bonobos measure up to 1.2 meters/4 feet while their female counterparts measure up to 1 meter/3.5 feet. They are very peaceful and matriarchal mammals although aggression is spread through play and sex. This doesn’t mean that their lives are entirely violence or conflict free, because just like other primates when two groups encounter one another, they engage in serious fights which can lead to injuries or more seriously to death.

    These primates are mainly frugivorous (depend on fruits) while they can also feed on other plant parts such as leaves and shoots. Their gestation period is about 7.5 months (32.5 weeks) and usually give birth to one baby although twin cases also happen. Bonobos can live up to 60 years in Captivity, which is exceptional of other primate species. These creatures can be seen in Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve, Lomako Yokokala Faunal Reserve, the Lac Tumba and Lui Kotale in the Wild while Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary (90 minutes west of Kinshasa, about 8 kilometers off Matadi road) the of the only destination in the whole world where these mammals can be seen in captivity

    In conclusion, the Bonobos-Pan Paniscus are interesting primate species native to the southern and western side of Congo River within the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although mistaken for the Common Chimpanzees, a safari to this country will make you understand and differentiate the primates.

  • How To Spend 5 Days In Rwanda

    Wondering how best you can 5 days in Rwanda while on safari in Africa? Well, Rwanda is remarkably one of a few most exceptional destinations you need to pay a visit this coming holiday. With a lot more that wait for you to explore, a primate safari is incredibly one best way you can spend your holiday in this spectacular country. With this kind of safari, you have a chance to trek mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and many other significant tourist sites. You can start and end it in Kigali and you head off to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking. If your plan is to spend about 5 days in Rwanda, there are so many ways that you can explore this country. Rwanda is a remarkable country of its own and rewards visitors beyond its breathtaking landscapes.

    First on day one, you arrive at Kigali capital-a renowned cleanest city with warm welcoming and hospitable people. After, transfer to a hotel of your choice for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay at Serena/Manor Hotel-luxury or Chez Lando Hostel-Moderate.

    On the second day, head off to Nyungwe Forest National Park. A drive to Nyungwe Park is so rewarding as it takes you through breathtaking sceneries in and around while also have a chance to take incredible photos. Make a stopover at areas like Butare national museum, Nyanza or Malaba coffee factory. On arrival, check in at Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Nyungwe Top View Hotel or Gisakura Guest House.

    The next day, you set off for chimpanzee tracking or canopy walk. With 13 primate species that thrive in this park, chimpanzees are some of the few incredible and most fascinating creatures you need to consider a must to explore while on safari in Rwanda. While on chimpanzee tracking, you also have a chance to catch a glimpse at other incredible primates such as L’Hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons as well as birds. On your fourth day, drive to Volcanoes National Park while enjoying amazing views of Lake Kivu. While here, spend a night at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Muhabura Hotel.

    On the 5th day, you track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The trek starts with early morning breakfast at your respective lodge and after, you head off to park headquarters for briefing on dos and don’ts for gorilla trekking by one of the park officials. You will be assigned to one habituated gorilla family to track in a group of eight visitors. This adventure involves you hiking through the dense rainforest and steep slope in search of mountain gorillas and this may last you about 2 to 6 hours or more depending on your hiking speed, nature of gorilla habitat and location of these creatures in the course of the day. On getting a group that is assigned to you, you have an hour of magical encounter with these dramatic creatures for you to take photos, learn more about their behaviors and body gestures among other things. Later, return to the lodge for check out and then drive back to Kigali.

  • Things You Should Pack When Travel

    Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. It’s how you carry yourself, how you speak, what you read. We have got to change our ethics and our personal financial system and our whole way of understanding the world. It has to be a world in which people live rather than die a sustainable world.

    I didn’t want to be a fashion designer, and for a good half of my career I didn’t like it. I always wanted to do other things. It’s the attitude you bring to clothes that make the difference. Everything I do is a matter of heart, body and soul.
    Age and size are only numbers.

    Confidence! If you have it, you can make anything look good

    I still appreciate individuality. Style is much more interesting than fashion, really. Attitude is everything. It’s really easy to get colors right. It’s really hard to get black – and neutrals – right.

    Happy couple
    Style is much more interesting than fashion, really.

    Travel With Friends All The Time

    Never in my wildest dreams did I entertain the idea that I would become a fashion designer. I am no longer concerned with sensation and innovation, but with the perfection of my style.

    I’ve treated the waistcoat as if it were a corset, so that it becomes the first layer in the process of putting clothes on the body. There is constant motion between layering and revealing.

    A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

    Take things that matter

    Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. It’s how you carry yourself, how you speak, what you read.

    I think it’s an old fashioned notion that fashion needs to be exclusive to be fashionable. I am no longer concerned with sensation and innovation, but with the perfection of my style.

    You’re only as good as your last collection, which is an enormous pressure. Elegance is not the thing of those who have just escaped from adolescence.You have a more interesting life if you wear cool cloths.

    Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.

    Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty.

    Don’t miss the morning coffee!

    I always thought what you wore underneath was as important as what you wear on top. Beauty is perfect in its imperfections, so you just have to go with the imperfections.

    War taught me that not everything is glamorous. I didn’t want to be a fashion designer, and for a good half of my career I didn’t like it. I always wanted to do other things.

    When I was young, I lived like an old woman, and when I got old, I had to live like a young person.

  • 4 Alternatives to Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

    Gorilla trekking is one of the leading and most thought after experiences in the travel market. No wonder millions of travelers flock into Rwanda for this dramatic experience of a life time. Tracking mountain gorillas in the wild is the most exciting and inspiring experience in life especially exploring the daily behavior of these magnificent primates that share about 98% of their DNA with humans. In the world, mountain gorillas are estimated to be less than 900 and very few destinations offer visitors a golden opportunity to sight at them in their natural habitat. Many tourists have been taking gorilla safaris in Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park, the favorite place for short gorilla tours.

    Historically, Rwanda has been and still one of the famous destinations for gorilla trekking. It is true that gorilla trekking is a life changing experience; but have you ever thought about other or alternative areas to visit to see mountain gorillas besides Rwanda? In most cases, we run of options when it comes to gorilla experiences and what to add on our safaris some thing which leaves us stranded in life. Because our travel interests in most cases are affected by various factors like the cost of enjoying an attraction for instance gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $1500, we then opt to avoid such areas or even get no option at all and yet there are also best alternatives that can make you achieve your dreams

    Below is a list of alternatives for gorilla trekking in Rwanda; we hope this will be of a great help as you prepare to pay a visit to Africa.

    Uganda gorillas:

    Uganda is one of the few countries in the world that you must visit for gorilla trekking. It is the most famous and perfect alternative for gorilla trekkers. Uganda is proud to be a home to more than 480 mountain gorillas, out of 900 that are estimated to be still living in the world.

    Visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking is the most rewarding travel experience. Visitors have higher chances to achieve their dreams given the fact that the country has a total of about twelve habituated gorilla groups that are ready for visitors to track mountain gorillas in the wild. Besides, visitors have two alternative choices to track mountain gorillas, if they fail to track in one at least they can visit the other and at the end of day they achieve their dreams.

    Gorilla trekking in Uganda is specifically done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both national parks are situated in South Western Uganda and they are a little bit close to each other. If you are not hurry and you wish to extend your stay, you can also take up Mountain Gorilla Habituation Experience.

    The gorilla habituation experience is only done in Uganda and no where else in the world but in the two habituated gorilla groups that are found within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The habituation experience is one way that visitors can enhance their travel experiences on mountain gorillas where they spend all the 4 hours with these giant apes in the wild unlike gorilla trekking where you can spend only one hour! This is fascinating!

    The experience is indeed unforgettable although it comes at a cost! Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $600 per visitor during the peak season and $450 per visitor during the low season.

    Gorilla viewing in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC):

    The DR Congo is a renowned war zone country and it is still recovering from the insecurity. For interested travelers, it is advisable that you first check the security alerts concerning DR Congo before you travel. However, visitors who get into this country will appreciate the astonishing hidden gem that for long has never been exploited by many travelers. Visitors have higher chances to track mountain gorillas in the Virunga national park that boosts of over 200 mountain gorillas. Tracking mountain gorillas in the Virunga national park is possible in any of its eight habituated gorilla groups.

    Unlike other destinations, gorilla permits in DRC are relatively affordable and they cost $450 per visitor. Alternatively, visitors can also visit Kahuzi Biega National Park where they can get opportunity to track the Eastern Lowland gorillas. The park is composed of four habituated gorilla groups but only two of them are utilized for gorilla trekking. The permits also cost $450 per visitor.

    Monkey tracking at Nyungwe Forest Lodge:

    Nyungwe Forest Lodge is located in Rwanda and it is composed of various types of primates of which monkey trekking is one of the perfect tourist activity that is provided to visitors. Travelers have wide choice of trekking options right from chimpanzee tracking, grey cheeked mangabey, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and golden monkeys. Nyungwe forest is one of the largest tropical rain forests in Africa and it offers refuge to more than 13 various primate species. Despite tracking monkeys in the Nyungwe forest, you can as well visit Kibale national park a renowned primate capital that also boosts of over 13 different primates, and most importantly there are over 1500 chimpanzees that live in the jungles of Kibale.

    Chimpanzee trekking at Greystoke Mahale:

    Greystoke Mahale lies on Lake Tanganyika in Western Tanzania. It is a renowned area for up close encounter with chimpanzees. There are more than 1700 chimpanzees that are inhabited in the Mahale Mountains National Park and tourists have higher chances to sight at the 60 strong Mimikere group that are fully habituated for visitors to track.

    In conclusion, there are many alternatives for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Visitors can choose to track mountain gorillas not only in Rwanda but also across Uganda and DRC. Visitors are free to combine their gorilla safaris with numerous primate experiences in any destination. Don’t burry your dreams, come and explore the hidden treasures in East Africa!