Health:
Most Tropical African countries are having problems of yellow fever and cholera. A valid International Certificate of Vaccination may be required. Air travelers who only pass through the airports of a yellow fever and cholera zone are exempt from the requirement.
It is also advised that all travelers be vaccinated against Meningitis, Typhoid and Hepatitis. Malaria is prevalent in East Africa and it is advisable to take anti-malarial and mosquito repellents. For your own comfort take a mosquito repellent, Mosquito nets are provided in most hotels, lodges and camps. Precautions should be taken against malaria both when visitors are in the country, and when they return home. It is advisable to drink only boiled or bottled water and avoid swimming in ponds and still water pools.
While doctors and dentists are available throughout many areas of the country, the major hospitals are located in the main towns. Bring any special medication you may need, and carry medical insurance. Most chemists in the major towns are open from 08h30 to 12h30 and 14h00 to 17h00 Monday to Friday and 08h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays. There are no emergency chemists open after hours or Sundays.

Insurance:
Evacuation insurance Clients are advised to purchase evacuation insurance before traveling. This covers evacuation in case of an accident, health difficulties, etc. Evacuation insurance for mountaineering in the Rwenzoris is covered in this package.
Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking that all clients must have, and demonstrate to the company prior to their departure, adequate insurance for the duration of the tour. Such insurance should fully cover death; personal injury, loss, accident, medical expenses, repatriation in the case of accident, illness or death, cancellation or curtailment of the tour by the company or client, and loss of, damage to, or theft of the clients’ personal property. Activities with a greater inherent risk, such as mountaineering, animal tracking, water rafting, swimming in lakes, should be covered.

Communications:
Postal services are fairly well organized in East Africa. You should have no problem sending or receiving letters. International call facilities as well as fax facilities exist at the main Post Office and in many Secretarial bureaus. International telephone communication is very good except from some upcountry areas it is a little difficult. The mobile telephone network is good and rapidly expanding. There are Email and Internet access services in every town.

Theft:
Traveling is better done during Daylight hours, since most thieves operate during the night. Please avoid being driven by a drunk driver. Be quite awake when walking around carrying anything of value.
Jewellery of financial or sentimental value should be left at the hotel/accommodation facility, as most major hotels have safety boxes and safes.

Carry minimum amounts of cash and keep it hidden or in a money belt, if possible. Secure your belongings such as passport or airline tickets and other valuables and documents; use safe deposit boxes where available. For the most part, however, Ugandans are very friendly and helpful. If in doubt seek local advice. For specific questions on current security conditions please contact us.
Most casual thieves operate in busy streets, Markets, Bus and Taxi parks. Avoid having large amounts of money or valuables loose in your daypack or pocket. Keep a close watch on your possessions.

Driving:
Visiting drivers must hold an International Drivers License. Driver’s licenses from other countries are not valid. A person driving into the country on business can have their car admitted without having to pay duty, provided they will not use it for hire or commercial purposes. They will also have to show that the car is owned by themselves or by their company. Uganda drives on the left hand side of the road.

Accommodation:
Uganda/Kenya/Rwanda have a wide range of standards when it comes to places to stay - from five star hotels and first class luxury lodges, to rustic bush camps, guesthouses and campsites. In towns, accommodation ranges from 3-5 star hotels and guesthouses. Upcountry it is of varying standard, often with no running water and electricity.
All accommodation rates are charged US Dollars however local currencies will be accepted at a prevailing rate of a given venue. Extras include Local Government Tax for Uganda Hotel, and a 2-10% service charge and 18% VAT in all countries of operation. Our Safari are all inclusive unless stated otherwise.

Food & Drink:
As a rule, quotes are based on Full board basis in all accommodation venues, Bed and Breakfast and half board basis can be arranged on request whilst on safari.
Drink selections are good including premium brands and imported wines. Tap water in Uganda is not safe but water for drinking is generally provided by hotels and clients are advised to drink this or bottled water which is widely available.
Safari (On safari)
Always remember that while some animals have become accustomed to the presence of people they are still wild animals. Keep your distance. It is illegal to feed any animal, make excessive noise to attract their attention, or to agitate and scare an animal, or deviate from designated roads for that closer photograph.

Energy / Electricity:
Local voltage in Uganda is 240volts, 50 cycle AC. 3-pin (square) sockets. Electric switches generally switch on downwards. Local voltage in Rwanda is 220/230/240volts, 50 cycle AC. 2-pin (round) sockets. Electric switches generally switch on upwards. Some camps and lodges upcountry do not have power but management can arrange to recharge your batteries from a nearby town at a cost, or use a safari vehicle for charging.

Entry and Health Regulations:
Visitors must be in possession of valid visa and health documents on arrival in Uganda, Kenya or Rwanda. Different regulations are applied according to nationality and country of origin and these should be checked with the nearest tourist office or diplomatic mission. Diplomatic mission/Uganda/Kenya/Rwanda Embassy or inoculation centers in the country of origin will provide information and health regulations and recommendations.

Customs and Exit Regulations:
Personal effect, film and camera may be imported temporarily free of duty. However, a customs bond may be required in connection with professional video equipment, tape recorders, radios, musical instruments and souvenirs from other countries to ensure goods can be re-exported. Firearms need special permit, which must be obtained in advance. Excess baggage is strictly monitored and charges very expensive, Customs officials normally inspect baggage on arrival and departure.

Immigration:
All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport. Visa requirements vary from time to time and are dependant on the nationality of the visitor. Since it is essential that no visitor arrive without the required documentation, visitors are strongly recommended to check the latest requirements either from the airline offices or through the nearest tourist office, Embassy or High Commission. Most nationals visiting Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda require a visa, and this can be obtained either pre-departure or at the point of entry at a cost of US$50 per person. Visitors are not allowed to take up work or residence in Uganda and Rwanda without the authority of the Principal Immigration Officer.

Photography:
Films are readily available in Uganda. Before taking pictures of the local people, permission should be sought and if necessary, a price agreed on. The driver guide should be able to assist. Law in the country prohibits taking photographs or video filming of the following areas;-Military bases, State Houses', any Armed Forces Base.

Local Laws:
All participants in tours operated by MUKA EAST AFRICAN SAFARIS are expected to obey laws and regulations of the country(s) visited and any failure to do so will relieve us of all obligations that they may otherwise have under these booking conditions.

Currency:
Currency country regulations prohibit the export of local currency. There is no restriction to the amount of foreign currency a visitor may import. Only authorized dealers are allowed to exchange money.

Medical Advice:
Uganda/ Kenya and Rwanda enjoy a healthy invigorating climate and visitors need feel no concern for their general health during their stay. However, malaria is endemic in certain areas and anti-malarial medication should be taken according to prescription recommendations. Visitors requiring special medication should pack sufficient supplies in their hand luggage. Chemist shops are well stocked, but the name of the generic medication may not be readily available. Filtered and purified bottled water is also available throughout East Africa.
There are excellent hospitals in Kampala, Nairobi and Kigali where blood is screened for the HIV virus by the most modern equipment. There are also very good dentists and opticians.
Clients are advised to take out their own medical and travel insurance before coming on Safari.

Security:
Despite some well-published isolated incidents, East Africa is a Safe destination for visitors. Visitors should take the same care as they would normally take in any other destination worldwide. Keep a close watch to your handbags, wallets and cameras when walking in crowded places. Avoid walking at night and place valuables in safe deposit boxes at hotels and lodges.

Time:
East Africa is GMT +3 hrs.

Flight Bookings:
The itineraries and prices published are for the land portion of the safari only. There is a wide choice of airlines offering services to Uganda and East Africa as a whole and we have found it best to allow our travelers the flexibility to choose the flight that suits their individual preferences. If you would like us to find flights for you, please ensure at the time of booking.

Departure Tax:
Airport departure taxes are included on tickets

Seasons:
High season – 15th December - 31st March & 01st July – 15th December. Low season – 01 April – 30th June. (Note that high season rates may apply)