The busiest tourist seasons falls into two periods: the first in December through January, with Christmas and New Year being extremely busy, and the second between July and beginning of October. If you travel during these times and want to go on Gorilla trekking, you should book in time, as the Permits are quickly sold out.

Rainfall in East Africa can vary. However, most rain falls during the ‘long rains’ in April and June. But even this period, as well as that of the short rains in November can be wonderfully suited for safaris because it is not so dusty and the National Parks are not so full. This is when the country is at the most beautiful with green grass, newborn animals and an abundance of wild flowers.

If you want to climb Rwenzori Mountains, Mt. Elgon or Virunga volcanos the best time are the drier months from July to October and January to February.

Anti-malarial prophylactics are strongly recommended, although malaria does not exist in all areas. Obviously, the best preventive is not to get bitten. Therefore, bring a good insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers and socks in the evening.

It is advisable to visit your physician at least a month before travelling in order to update any vaccinations, obtain anti-malarial treatment and any long term medication that you may require.

Dehydration is a common problem, and we like to advise guests to drink as much water as possible to prevent this. Please bring a sunscreen of at least factor 15-30 to prevent sunburn and sunstroke. Dark glasses and a good hat or cap that shades the face are also essential.

There is a good international hospital and a small private clinic in Kampala; otherwise the medical supply cannot be compared to that of neighbouring Kenya. We cover our guests with Flying Doctors Society in case of an emergency. This enables air evacuation from a remote area to Kampala or Nairobi.

A hat, sunglasses, flashlight and binoculars are useful accessories. Many hotels, lodges and camps have swimming pools so you are advised to bring swimsuits. If you are hiking or climbing at higher altitudes, you require extra items of clothing and footwear - details would be provided on booking. Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. Laundry is possible on most upmarket and luxury safari properties.

Due to limited space available in vehicles and light aircraft, we advise you to keep your luggage to the minimum. We suggest you pack your bush kit into a duffel bag of no more than 15-20kgs. Security in the luggage rooms of our recommended city hotels is excellent so you can leave bags and suitcases behind with a peaceful mind.

The remaining gorillas live in the Virunga Mountains on the border between Rwanda and Congo, with Rwanda giving the bulk of permits to visitors. With a bit of luck, you can also see the chimpanzees in other national parks, for which a Permit is also required. Uganda is suitable for watching wild animals all year round. The country is particularly interesting for ornithologists.

We will arrange a local SIM card for you that will be handed to you together with all other travel documentation on arrival in Africa. On this SIM card, we will store all relevant numbers such as our office and cell phone numbers should you wish to get in touch with us during your trip. For this purpose, we will also load some credit on the SIM card which allows you to make local as well as short international calls. We will communicate the telephone number to you a couple of weeks ahead of your arrival so that you can pass on this telephone number to friends and family who you would like to be able to be in touch with you.

Please, note that having a SIM card and mobile phone does not constitute a guarantee of being reachable and able to make phone calls as some of the places you will be travelling to still have limited network coverage.

International dialling code: +256