22 Jun Answering Questions for First-Time Visitors to Uganda and Rwanda
Planning a trip to Uganda or Rwanda is exciting with so many adventures and experiences to enjoy. At Venture Uganda we listen carefully to clients’ requirements and use our local knowledge and tourism expertise to design personalised itineraries. Then, behind every great trip is good preparation, so we take care of arrangements to ensure smooth delivery.
There are a few things for clients to think about before setting off on the holiday of a lifetime and, for those who have not visited these beautiful countries before, it’s natural to have some questions too.
So, we thought we’d share our answers to some of the questions we’re most often asked.
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda and Rwanda?
Yes, all travellers will need a visa but these are sometimes free of charge and vary in duration, depending on your nationality. The maximum fee is USD 50 for a single entry visa.
In Rwanda, visas can be obtained upon arrival whereas in Uganda, you must apply and pay online before travel, bringing a copy with you to present on arrival.
Anyone traveling to multiple destinations may purchase an East African Tourist Visa – 90-day, multiple-entry, covering Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya and costing USD $100. This must be purchased through the first East African country of entry.
Venture Uganda is happy to guide clients through the visa application process.
What happens on arrival?
Clear arrival instructions will be provided before departure, and a Venture Uganda guide will be there to give guests a warm welcome at the airport and assist with practicalities such as changing money and checking into lodges.
Guides manage every aspect of the tour, ensuring clients feel safe and happy so they can relax and focus on having an amazing time!
When appropriate, guides will discreetly step away to allow guests private time to enjoy their experience together.
More useful information about arriving at Entebbe International Airport can be found on this blog.
Can guests make a donation to local communities or organisations?
Many guests ask whether they can donate to local communities or organisations and we are always happy to advise on what is genuinely needed and how donations can be made responsibly. Sports equipment and scholastic materials for schools are often a good choice.
We also encourage clients to visit private tourism activities that we have established with communities to help them share their culture and boost their incomes. As well as being fun and informative, these visits help ensure tourism has a positive impact.
Find out more about donating here, or get in touch for advice.
Do guests need vaccinations or health advice?
We recommend clients seek travel health advice, from their local travel clinic or online, six to eight weeks before travelling, allowing plenty of time to arrange vaccinations and begin taking anti-malarial medication, if necessary.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is no longer required to enter Uganda or Rwanda.
Venture Uganda provides basic first aid kits in all vehicles.
Guests taking personal medication should ensure they bring sufficient supplies for the duration of their trip, as some medications (brands) may not be available locally.
Is there anything guests should read before travelling?
To get the most out of a visit to Uganda or Rwanda, guests may wish to learn more about the country’s wildlife, history, languages, culture and politics before travel.
A recent award-winning book is “Walking with Gorillas: The Journey of an African Wildlife Vet, a memoir from Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda’s first wildlife veterinarian.
Another great choice is ‘Uganda Safari’ by the hugely knowledgeable resident cartographer, Andy Roberts.
Of course there have been a great many books written about the Rwandan genocide but the country is no longer defined by this event and there is much more to learn about modern politics, development, culture and wildlife. The Bradtt Guide could be a good starting point.
Birders visiting either Uganda or Rwanda will want a copy of Stevenson and Fanshawe’s, ‘Birds of East Africa’ or to buy the app.
How much should guests tip?
Tipping is entirely optional but always appreciated.
We offer clients a comprehensive guide to tipping covering how much to give, to whom, when, in which currency, how to give etc.
Generally though, we suggest USD 10-20 per person, per day for the safari guide who manages the tour and stays with clients throughout. $15-30 pp. in the staff tip box at a lodge upon departure. When gorilla tracking, $10-20 per person in the group and also $5-10 for porters. In restaurants, add 10% to the bill.
Tips are not the only way to show appreciation; you can make cash donations to any of the projects you visit, either directly or through Venture. Alternatively, support Venture’s 2026 responsible travel project: we are planting trees (over 400 so far).
To learn more about how Venture Uganda can help you make the most of your adventure holiday browse our website or email enquiries@ventureuganda.org.