East Africa Visa, Health & Safari Travel Guidance

East Africa Tourist Visa (Single Entry - $100): Allows multiple entries across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for up to 90 days. You must apply through the country of first entry.

• Uganda eVisa: Must be applied online via visas.immigration.go.ug ($50 single entry).
• Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Mandatory prior to departure via etakenya.go.ke (~$34).
• Tanzania eVisa: Online application at visa.immigration.go.tz ($50 ordinary / $100 US citizens).
• Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank pages.

Mandatory Yellow Fever Certificate: An international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever (Yellow Card) is legally required for entry into Uganda and Rwanda, and for travelers transiting through endemic zones.

• Timing: Must be administered at least 10 days before arrival. Once taken, protection is valid for life.
• Exemptions: Travelers aged 60+ or with medical contraindications can enter with an official doctor’s waiver letter.
• Malaria Prevention: Anti-malarial pills (e.g. Malarone/Doxycycline) and insect repellent (DEET 30%+) are strongly advised.

Permits & Age Limit: Minimum age for mountain gorilla tracking is 15 years in Uganda ($800) and Rwanda ($1,500). Permits sell out months in advance and must be secured ahead.

• What to Pack: Sturdy waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves for gripping vegetation, long pants tucked in socks, rain jacket, small backpack.
• Encounter Protocol: Maintain a 7-meter distance from gorillas. Face masks may be required during the 1-hour encounter. No flash photography.

US Dollar Bills: Must be printed in 2013 or newer, crisp, un-torn, and without ink marks (older notes are rejected by African banks and park gates).

• Cards & ATMs: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at luxury safari lodges and city hotels. ATMs dispense local currency (UGX, KES, TZS, RWF).
• Plugs & Power: UK standard 3-pin plugs (Type G), 220-240V. Inverters available in all our 4x4 safari vehicles for camera/phone charging.