Flyga Twiga™
Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Safari Guide CheckList

The home of some of the last Mountain Gorillas on Earth, Uganda & Rwanda, make for best and safest Gorilla Trekking. In Uganda, you also can have exceptional experiences such as seeing the Climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park or go on a Horseback Safari in Lake Mburu.

In Rwanda, you can stay at some of “Africa’s Best” Lodges and experience Local Communities and true Sustainable Tourism.

Here is a Guide for this unique African Safari Adventure.

If your Safari includes flying between Lodges and Safari Camps, please note that the weight limit for luggage on most Safari Planes is 15 kg. You can leave your extra luggage in our offices and pick them up before your return International Flight. 

Pre-Trip Checklist:

• Shots
  In order for travel to East Africa, you MUST have a Yellow Fever Shot. This shot is suggested to be had no less than 14 days before Travel.

  In addition, you may want to consider other shots, as needed. Uganda, who as a nation is at the forefront of preventive medicine in Africa, also requires children under the age of five (5) to have proof of the Polio Vaccine.

  
  
  
  
  

• Prophylactics
  Uganda and Rwanda have Malaria. You should discuss with your Physician which anti-Malarials are best for you.

  
  Please see your local Medical Professional who specializes in Travel. Be sure to keep your Yellow Fever & Inoculation Card with your Passport at all times!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Travel Insurance
  This is really necessary for going on Safari. Remember, you are out in the Bush! Proof of Travel Insurance is required fourteen (14) Business Days prior to arrival in-country.

  
  
  
  
  

If you feel necessary, consider including your Camera and Equipment on some form of Insurance.

Also, be sure to have all the Serial Numbers written somewhere, and left at home, in case anything happens.

• Make Copies
  Of all documents, such as passports, Credit/ATM cards, any identification you will be taking with you. If you are associated in any way your government's Military and have been issued a Military ID, it is advised you do not carry this with you. Leave a copy of all your documents in a place for easy retrieval or with someone you trust, in case they need to be accessed during your Safari. It is also advised to leave copies of your passwords, to key email and internet accounts.

  
  
  
  

• Phone Service
  Just because you have an “international plan”, do not assume your Cellphone will work in Uganda and Rwanda. In fact, if they do – be SURE you know ALL the fees involved. Even seasoned Travelers can get hit with unexpected fees!
  
  Flyga Twiga offers, at cost, the purchase of a SIM card, if you will need to make telephone calls when on Safari. Most places in both Uganda and Rwanda increasing offer internet wi-fi access, but it is still hit or miss. We spent 4 hours one afternoon in November 2023 trying to connect to the internet at a Safari Lodge that “guaranteed” it had internet access.
  
  
  
  

• Phone Apps
  There are three (3) Apps I believe will make your Ugandan and Rwandan Gorilla Trekking Safaris better.

The first and foremost is WhatsApp. Most communications with your Drivers/Guides, etc will be via WhatsApp. Please be sure to have this on your cellphone. You will receive the number for the person meeting you at the airport before you depart for your Gorilla Trekking Safari Adventure.

Flightradar24 is a Swedish internet-based service that shows real-time aircraft flight tracking information on a map. This is invaluable when dealing with multiple International, Longhaul Flights.

The XE Currency App allows you to quickly convert your currency into Ugandan Shilling (UGX) or the Rwandan Franc (RWF). Also, I have ound that if you are using a Credit Card without a Currency Converter Fee, the XE price is nearly exactly to what you pay in conversion.

• STEP
  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Department of State. STEP can be found here.

  
  
  
  

• Money
  Call ALL Credit Card companies, Banks, etc. to give them all countries you will be traveling through, as well as the dates of Travel. Also, please note, some East African ATMs may only give you the option to get cash from your Checking Account; not both Checking and Savings. And, currently, in Uganda and Rwanda, as a security procedure, you can only access $200 USD a day from ATM withdrawals. The amount is subject to change without notice. That said, almost all places in in both countries, outside of local, traditional markets, accept Credit Cards.
  
  Carry large bills, such as $50s/$100s. Larger bills are given better Exchange Rates. It is not advised to tip in small US Dollars in either Uganda or Rwanda. It is not always easy, or beneficial, for locals to exchange US Dollars. Rather, it is best to tip in Ugandan Shilling (USh) or the Rwandan Franc (FRw).
  
  
  
  
  

  Please note: ALL US Dollar bills must be dated after 2006. Please try and get the newest bills possible with as few marks as possible. (For instance, no “Where’s George?” stamped on the bills!).
  
  Your Guides will be take you to safe ATMs and be with you when you retrieve money. You will want to do this in Entebbe or Kigali for your Safari tip money, as most Safari Lodges and Camps do not have ATMs.

Gear /Safari Kit:

• Passport & Yellow Fever Card
  Also known as the “International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis” (Form CDC 731). I can’t say this enough – if the agent is checking for Yellow Fever Cards and you don’t have it, you may get put in quarantine! Really! Currently, in Uganda you are given the option of paying $40 USD to be given the Yellow Fever Shot at the airport. But, that isn’t any way to start a Safari, now is it?
  
  
  

• Visa
  Uganda’s Visas, for Citizens of the USA, are good for 3 months. Rwanda’s is good for 90 Days. Therefore, no more than 90 days before Travel, you should go online to purchase your E-Visas. Here is the link to the official Uganda E-Visa Site. Here you can apply for an East Africa Visa, good for Travel in Uganda and Rwanda. Kenya no longer participates in the East Africa Visa.

  Please note: Be sure to go to official sites and not one who can "expedite" the process.
  
  
  

• Camera!
  Next most important! That said, if you take an extremely expensive camera, be aware that it must be with you at all times.
  
  
  

• Binoculars
  If they are a “must have” for you. I have been on Safaris where I was the only one with a pair. And, while I did share, it was clear the other guests assumed the Guide Company would provide them. Not all Safaris provide them. You don’t need an expensive pair. Just ones to give you a closer view. As for which ones to purchase, think about how often you will use the pair after you get home.
  
  
  

• Electronics
  Bring any Computers, I-Pads, Photography Back-up equipment you will need or want. Almost all of the Lodges we partner with have internet access and in most cases it is wireless. Please be sure to pack all your Electronics, including USB Backups, in your Carry-on Luggage.

• Medications
  Any medications you are currently taking. There is absolutely no guarantee, even with the best pharmacies in Africa, that medicine there is not counterfeit. As with any valuables, pack these in your carry-on luggage. If you are Traveling through the UAE, please check here, Question #7, for a list of prohibited medications.
  

  Over-the-counter “in case I need them” meds for upset stomach and as suggested by your Travel Doctor. I am extremely careful and we partner with only the best. But, this is East Africa. Believe me, they don’t want you to get sick and try to use good hygiene. But, just as things happen anywhere in the World, they can happen in East Africa. So, a small supply is always a good idea to pack.

• Vitamins
  Even though we will be out in the wild, our health is the most important. And, especially with the long flights and time zone changes, it is vital to keep your energy up!

• Headsets
  For Domestic Flights, if you are sensitive to noise. Safari Planes can be loud.

• Rucksack
  For gear on Safari Game Drives

• Cellphone
  Unlocked for a SIM card or check your International Plan

• ALL chargers and a universal converter

• Non TSA Locks
  I advise that you find Non TSA Locks for your luggage for use in Hotel Rooms, Safari Lodges, and Camps. These you can use on your luggage, when not flying, as an extra Security Device. You will know they are Non TSA, as there is no “Keyhole”. These can be ordered on on-line. Please let me know if you have any questions.

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• Hat & Sunglasses
  This is its own category as it is SO important. Along with a good hat, Sunglasses are vital to your health. The reason is you are so close (and often directly ON!) the Equator in Uganda. And pretty darn close in Rwanda! Yet, it is still easy to go out in the Sun without Sunglasses. Especially for fair eyed people, this can be extremely damaging. Invest in some good sunglasses before your Safari. Pack them in your carry-on bag for safety!
  
  

• Personal stationary and envelopes for thank you tips for Safari Guides and Lodge Staff, if you so choose. This is a nice, old-fashioned Safari touch that is a nicety, not a necessity. Most Lodges and Camps in Uganda and Rwanda have envelopes for tipping. We will go over the Tipping Culture & Guide before your Gorilla Trekking Safari.
  
  

• Heavy duty/freezer style plastic bags for toiletries and any items you want to seal up. Bring extra! They are light and you always need more than you think! Alternative, reusable bags are available in many Travel Stores in the Accessories Section. The risk of items being damaged on long haul International Flights is high and I prefer to protect my valuable Uganda & Rwanda purchases.
  
  

• Mosquito Repellent and Sunscreen
  Depending on the duration of your Safari, you won’t need to lug a whole lot of chemicals to Africa. Think about how much sunscreen you might use over the course of two weeks or so.

  
  

• Bathroom Bag
  This is easier for a woman to carry, but necessary for everyone to have in their gear bag. Basically, you may find yourself going to the bathroom where there isn’t one. This is especially true for long Game Drives. In the Bush, it is called “Checking the Tires”.

  I suggest for a bathroom bag you get a small bag, put a small pack of tissues & wet wipes. This is also a good place to keep your hand sanitizer.
  
  

• Batteries, Chargers, & Travel Converters
  While high end hotels in Uganda & Rwanda most often have extra Travel Converters for Guests, they do run out. And, batteries are a must, as they are one of the most counterfeited items in Africa.

Safari Clothes:

Ever wonder why you see people on Safari in bland colors? Well, you want to blend in with the Bush! And, you want to be SAFE!

Let me give you an example of why proper Safari Gear is so important. I was in camp in Nyet, Jonglei State, South Sudan. To give you an idea how remote this was - there were no roads and the nearest Doctor was over an hour away. The nearest hospital was, after the hour  to the Doctor, an additional hour and half flight away. And, NO flights went in during bad weather or after dark. Even then, the United Nations World Food Program, the only group with regular flights, came once (once!) a week.

It had been a long day, as I headed back to my Tented Banda (a tent on a raised cement slab). My Tent was near a lush bush. A nice, dead leaf had fallen on my Banda. I stuck-out my foot to go brush it off. I missed and swung my leg again. On the second swing I heard sweet little hissing sound. Well, looking down there was the most beautiful green I have ever seen.  Unfortunately, the green was on a Green Mamba.

I don’t say this to scare you. But, I had on my Camp Boots. Not tslops or flip-flops. Not flimsy street shoes. I had the proper clothing. When you go on Safari, especially a Walking Safari, you become part of the Food Chain - as in you are no longer TOP of the Food Chain. Pack, plan, and prepare properly.

Clothing should be long pants. Shirts can be long sleeve or short. Fleeces and warm scarves are best for chilly mornings in the Bush - and it can get COLD in the Virunga Mountains. Of course, Boots (as mentioned above!). Olive drab or khaki colors are best. Camouflage is frowned upon – as it is associated with military & some African militaries aren’t the “Support Our Troops” kind of guys. You get the idea. 

The clothes don’t need to be high end, or carry a fancy label. One of my favorite Safari Cargo pants are from the Gap. Of course, Katmandu™ , LLBean™, Cabela’s™,  are all good places to look.  I love Katmandu's gear. Your primary focus should be function and comfort.

Why not dark colors? The Tsetse Fly is attracted to them. Mosquitoes love dark colors. And, if you really needed to hide in the Bush, you want to blend in. It is best to avoid dark colors on Safari.

I personally like to dress for dinner. While most Safari Camps are casual, a nice dress or pair of slacks & clean shirt, after an Evening Game Drive on the Savannah can be quite refreshing. Safari chic!

As a side note, please don’t purchase fly fishing clothes - unless you are going for a Fly Fishing Safari! Many people mistake Fly Fishing outfits for Safari outfits. They can look similar. The Fly Fishing shirts, in particular, are not appropriate, as the venting allows Mosquitoes to get in. Plain clothes that breath well are sufficient.

Lastly, don’t overpack! As mentioned above, if you have a flying Safari in Kenya, you will have weight limits. 

And, I wish I could do my laundry as well as the Ugandan and Rwandan Safari Lodges & Camps Staff.  Some Safaris have laundry included and others may charge. By using their services, you are helping Flyga Twiga’s commitment to Sustainable Tourism. Employing and supporting Local Communities!

For every one person in the Safari Industry, 6 other family members are supported.

Safari Clothing List:

• Boots - If you chose to do a Walking Safari - most Safari Camps will not allow you to walk without boots!

• Socks

• Shirts

• Pants - I love cargo pants! They are the most practical pants on Safari.

• Fleeces or a Safari jacket.
  As the Bishop of the Diocese of the Rift Valley once asked me, “Did you ever think you could freeze to death in Africa?” This is because of the misconception that it never gets cold – it does!
  I prefer fleece to the “old fashioned” Safari jackets. Realistically, they are lighter and warmer. Fleeces are what the Uganda & Rwanda Wildlife Authorities wear – for those reasons.

• A warm hat for cold Morning & Night Game Drives. Watch Caps are perfect!

• A good broad-brimmed Safari hat

• Fleece or warm scarf

• A comfortable outfit for dinner

• Undergarments, as necessary

• Pool shoes or flip-flops for the pools at the Game Lodges

• Slippers, if you prefer, to wear inside your room or tent

• Toiletries in small amounts

• Light rain jacket, especially if you are going during the Green Season

• Jeans, walking shoes, outfits for in-town. East Africa, and Kigali, Entebbe, and Kampla in particular, have some very fashionable parts of town. You want to fit in when transferring through these towns and are out to dinner.

• Swimsuit

• Pajamas. Some Safari Lodges will specifically ask if you wish to be woken, if any animals wander into camp at night.

• A light robe with pockets. That is one hotel item that is most often provided by Luxury Safari Lodges, but not Tented Camps.

• Also, assume there will not be a hair dryer in Tented Safari Camps. If you can not live without a hair dryer, bring a small travel one and a universal converter. But, please be aware you may not be able to use them on Generator / Solar Power.

Kit Specific to Gorilla Trekking:

• Walking Sticks
  
  These are life savers! The issue of “Cool'“ goes out the window Trekking in Africa. You will also want to support the Local Communities by hiring “Porters” during your Treks. This allows you to have your hands free to use Walking Sticks.

  
  

  Please note: You will be provided Wooden Walking Sticks, if you can’t bring yours.

  
  

• Gloves for the Nettles
  
  I like to purchase a pair (I found great ones at Military Clothing) and leave them with my Porter as a Gift. Even if they don’t fit him (almost all Porters are Male), he can give them to someone in his Family who can use them.

Don’t forget – you will want to purchase wonderful African art and products. So, leave room in your suitcase! 

If there are items that you believe will make your Safari more pleasurable, but do not see them on the list, please contact me. There may be a reason I have left them off the list. That is what I am here for – to help you have the best experience in Africa!

 happy day! Safe safari! 

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