Let's Plan Your
Uganda Experience

For June–August (peak season), book 4–6 months ahead — permits sell out. For December–January, 2–3 months is usually sufficient. For the rest of the year, 4–8 weeks is generally adequate though we always recommend booking as early as possible. We check availability in real time and will tell you honestly whether your preferred dates are viable.

15 years — absolutely. This is a Uganda Wildlife Authority regulation with no exceptions, regardless of group or individual circumstances. Children under 15 cannot obtain a gorilla permit. For family safaris with younger children, we have excellent alternatives including Lake Mburo, Ziwa Rhino Ranch, and Entebbe Wildlife Education Centre.

For international clients, yes — it is mandatory for Roamblr bookings. Your policy must include medical emergency cover and emergency evacuation of a minimum $100,000. Uganda's national parks are remote. The nearest major hospital to Bwindi is in Kabale (45 minutes) and to Murchison in Masindi or Gulu (1–2 hours). Without evacuation cover, a medical emergency in the bush becomes very expensive very quickly.

June–August is the driest and best for game viewing. December–January is a shorter dry season and excellent. However gorillas can be tracked year-round — the rainy season makes the Bwindi forest more atmospheric and permits are cheaper and more available. The best time for birding is actually during the rains (April–May, October–November) when migratory species arrive.

USD cash (crisp notes printed after 2009) is accepted almost everywhere and is the best currency for international visitors. You can exchange to Uganda Shillings (UGX) at Kampala forex bureaux for day-to-day spending. ATMs are available in Kampala and Entebbe but unreliable in rural areas near national parks. We recommend arriving with enough USD cash for your entire in-country spend beyond what you have pre-paid to us.

Ugandan citizens do not need a visa to travel within Uganda. For international visitors, Uganda offers an e-visa online at visas.immigration.go.ug — apply at least 2 weeks before travel. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya and is excellent value for multi-country visitors. We can advise on current visa requirements for your specific nationality when you enquire.