Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read our general FAQs, where you can find essential information that applies to all of our programs.

Resources to Learn & Teach about Uganda and Rwanda

Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.

Terms and Conditions

It is very important to review our Terms and Conditions before signing up for a GEEO program.

GEEO Program Confirmation Process

We require a minimum of 6 participants for most GEEO programs. We officially confirm that a program will run once at least 8 people have signed up, which provides a margin for individual cancellations. Nearly all GEEO programs ultimately meet this enrollment quota, and in the rare event that a program does not meet the minimum requirement and GEEO cancels the program, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative or provide a refund of your deposit if you prefer. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we will notify the entire group once 6 people are booked and again once 8 people are booked. We always emphasize the importance of exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements, especially given the unpredictable nature of travel. For example, we typically recommend booking flights with flexible change/cancellation policies.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in writing by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105.

• If you cancel 60 days or more prior to the start of your program, all your program fee payments will be refunded excluding your $350 deposit, which is kept on file for future use and never expires.
• If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.
• If you cancel within 30 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive no refund, but your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.

Trip Notes

1. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: To participate in this trip, travelers should be in excellent physical condition, without any heart problems, and prepared to spend strenuous days in humid rain forests, with steep terrain and high altitude trekking for chimpanzee and gorillas. Please ensure you meet these physical requirements.
2. YELLOW FEVER: Please be advised that it is necessary to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entering Uganda and Rwanda. All travelers must be vaccinated against yellow fever to participate in this program. We recommend contacting a travel health clinic (like Passport Health) to determine the cost of yellow fever vaccination before registering for this program.
3. TRAVEL DAYS: Long drives and poor road conditions are the rule as opposed to the exception in both Rwanda and Uganda. Despite this, the diversity and scenery of the African landscape, the local culture, and abundant wildlife are all well worth the experience.
4. WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS: We can never guarantee wildlife sightings, especially when it comes to primates like the mountain gorillas. However, the mountain gorilla trek is organized to ensure success. Before heading into the jungle, the local guides receive coordinates from trackers on the whereabouts of the gorillas, and the trackers stay with the gorillas until the group arrives.
5. ACCOMMODATION: Much of the accommodation on this tour is in simple furnished tents with shared bathroom facilities. Please remember that this is an underdeveloped part of the world, and as such, accommodations may not be similar to the standard you are used to in other parts of the world. Interruptions to electricity and water can be common. We appreciate your patience and understanding, as well as your sense of adventure.
6. ILLNESS: Please note that if you are unwell with anything contagious, even a common cold, you may be denied participation in any of the treks to ensure the safety of the gorillas and chimps. This is a National Park regulation, and trekking permits will not be refunded if you are denied entrance due to illness.
7. CAMERAS: As it is very dark and damp in the jungle. Please ensure your camera equipment is appropriate for such conditions and that you bring dry bags for protection from moisture/rain.

ELECTRICITY: Variable voltage, power spikes, and sporadic, unscheduled power cuts of varying duration can be expected in Uganda and Rwanda.

Group Leader Description

All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure’s group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager and leader who organizes the trip and will be there to assist you when needed. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. All of the CEOs in East Africa are experienced group leaders, with a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife. During the trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, we use an experienced and certified tracking guide as well as armed guards to accompany you for your safety. We also use local guides for some included activities where we think more specific knowledge will enhance the experience at the places that are visited.

Fitness Level

This trip includes some high-altitude hikes with steep terrain or more strenuous activities, but it is accessible to most travelers who are in excellent physical condition (without any heart problems). Please ensure you meet these physical requirements.

Meals

When an evening meal is not included, you will be advised by your hotel or group leader of a good local establishment. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival. Please note all bottled drinking water will be at your own expense.

About our Transportation

Road travel can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the itinerary above, and consider that this is often on poor quality, bumpy roads. Despite this, most travelers feel that the diversity of the African landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience.

About Accommodation

Hotel accommodation in Uganda will be in simple but comfortable twin-share rooms. All rooms are equipped with adequate mosquito netting. Tented accommodation will be in simple furnished tents on wooden platforms, usually with shared bathroom facilities. All tents are large walk-in tents with mosquito-netting, two beds, and provided linens. A sleeping bag or extra mosquito-netting is not needed for this tour. Please remember that this is a developing area and, as such, the level of accommodations may not be similar to the standard you are used to in other parts of the world. Interruptions to electricity and water can be common. We appreciate your patience and understanding, as well as your sense of adventure.

Single Travelers

Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org to request a single room.

Emergency Contacts

Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS: G Adventures Local Office (Nairobi, Kenya) From outside Kenya: +254 727 208 832 From within Kenya: 0727 208 832 G Adventures Local Representative (Rwanda) Robert: +250 784 744 586 If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 AIRPORT TRANSFER: If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please call the local emergency contact numbers listed below for more information.

Packing List

Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person. Suggested Checklist

• Personal clothing for hot to warm weather – we recommend packing 6-8 days of outfits, so you only have to do laundry once or not at all
• Neutral-colored clothing (your clothes will likely get very muddy, so take old clothing for the gorilla trekking. No bright colors should be worn; greens, khaki and similar neutral clothes are recommended)
• Gardening gloves (highly recommended for gorilla trekking)
• Sun hat
• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
• Trekking socks (woolen or synthetic, not cotton)
• Thermal base layer for early morning trek (woolen or synthetic, not cotton)
• Hiking pants (convertible/zip-off and quick-dry recommended)
• Snacks for trekking (protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, energy sweets)
• Walking poles (highly recommended)
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Quick-dry towel (towels will not be provided during this trip)
• Daypack
• Sport sandals or flip-flops
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
• Toiletries – do not rely on hotels for shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.
• Camera (or use your phone)
• First-aid kit, including: lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking

Optional Checklist

• Lightweight silk sleeping bag liner
• Travel pillow
• Money belt
• Water bottle
• Headlamp
• Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
• Chargers for electronics as well as converters/adapters, if needed
• AirTags or Tile trackers
• Packing cubes
• Earplugs
• Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy here
• Ziplock bags for wet clothing
• Reading/writing material
• Hand sanitizer/baby wipes

Document Checklist

• Passport (with photocopies)
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Travel insurance ID card
• Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
• USD/EUR cash
• Credit/debit card
• G Adventures vouchers
• GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent a few days before departure

Laundry

We recommend packing enough clothes so you don't have to do laundry.

Passports and Visas

All GEEO programs require that the participant have a valid passport. Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double check the information we provide below by searching here. U.S. citizens need a visa to travel to Uganda and Rwanda and must apply for a visa online in advance of travel, or else you will be refused boarding by the airline and/or entry into Uganda. We recommend the East African Tourist Visa ($100 USD), which is valid for one trip to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya—travelers can travel freely directly between these three countries, entering and exiting each country multiple times. (Travelers visiting Kenya must also obtain a Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorization.) Please note your first entry point must be the country through which you applied for East Africa Tourist Visa. In other words, if you are arriving in Nairobi before traveling to Uganda, you will need to apply for the EATV through the Kenyan Embassy. To apply for the visa, you will need your yellow fever vaccination card, return flight booking confirmation, a copy of your passport, and a passport-style photo. For travelers who do not obtain the East Africa Tourist Visa, a single-entry tourist visa for Uganda is $50 USD (must be applied for online in advance), and a single-entry tourist visa for Rwanda is $50 USD. Travelers can get a visa on arrival in Rwanda at the border crossing (cash USD, exact change, bills must be in new condition). IMPORTANT NOTE You must present a World Health Organization (WHO) yellow fever vaccination certificate (also called a Yellow Card) to travel to Uganda and Rwanda. See "Vaccinations" below for more details.

Money Exchange

The local currency in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), and the local currency in Rwanda is the Rwandan franc (FRw). As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. We recommend that you obtain cash from ATMs in Kampala and Kigali traveling; they will dispense the local currency. We do, however, recommend that you bring at least $200 USD in cash for emergency use or in case you have trouble with the ATMs. Your tour leader will inform you where you can exchange money throughout the tour and approximately how much cash you will need. Please note that due to past problems with forgery, USD notes that were issued prior to 2006 are not accepted in Africa. Large note (e.g, $50 or $100) can be difficult to change in some places but will provide the best exchange rate. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops in major cities and towns, but please do not rely on them as a method of payment, because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that you may be charged an international transaction fee; ask your financial institution about their international fees. Visa/Plus cards are the most widely accepted by businesses in East Africa; it can be more difficult to locate ATMs and businesses that accept Mastercard/Cirrus cards. If you normally use a Mastercard, we highly recommend that you also obtain a Visa card prior to departure. If you are carrying U.S. dollars, the bills should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and dated recently. Please note that in many areas, there may be occasional power-outages when there will be no electricity for hours at a time. In addition, ATMs outside of larger population centers often run out of cash or can be out of order unexpectedly. These factors could affect your ability to access money from ATMs. As such, please do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

Tipping

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of this program and an expression of satisfaction with the people who assist you on your trip. Tipping is also one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the East African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal “thank you,” and the action should in no way be awkward. The best method of tipping someone who has served your entire group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope, which the tour can present to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s). You may use the following as a guideline: Tour leaders and drivers: $3-4 USD per day Trekking guides: $10-15 USD (full day) Local guides: $1 USD per couple of hours Restaurant/café servers: 10% of the cost of the bill

Vaccinations

GEEO cannot provide any medical advice, so it is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations or medications you will need for this trip. All travelers must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entering Uganda and Rwanda. It must be an official World Health Organization (WHO) yellow fever vaccination certificate, also called a Yellow Card or the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). We recommend contacting Passport Health (http://www.passporthealthusa.com/), which has travel clinics located throughout the United States, to determine the cost of yellow fever vaccination before registering for this program. You can also check the CDC's recommended vaccinations for your destination. Please take this seriously!

Flights

We find the best prices for flights are often available around 90-120 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly by route and time of year. You should wait until this trip is confirmed before you book non-refundable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. This program begins in Kampala and ends in Kigali. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Kampala, which usually means departing the U.S. one days prior. You may want to arrive in East Africa one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. The program ends on Day 8 upon arrival at Kigali View Hotel. Please note that accommodation at the hotel is not included that night, but we can arrange accommodation for you if you intend to spend the night in Kigali. Otherwise, when arranging your departure flight, please book flights that depart after 8:00 p.m. That departure time takes into consideration the travel time to the airport and normal check-in and security wait times.

Plugs and Converters

There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers. The adapter is the plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two to three-pronged power cord to match the prongs required by the local outlets. The transformer changes the local voltage to that required by your device. Uganda uses Type G plugs (the same used in the United Kingdom), and their voltage is 240V. (Standard U.S. electrical outlets are 120V.) Rwanda Type C plugs (the same used in mainland Europe), and their voltage is 230V. Most new devices, including phones and laptops, are made to work with the different voltage rates, but some devices, like hair dryers, may only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device's plug or manual to see what voltage range it requires. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity; for example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work with voltages between 100V to 240V. If your device can’t handle the higher voltage, you’ll need to purchase a transformer/converter. You can find world transformers/converters online or at many retail stores in the travel section.

Weather

July is one of the best times to visit Uganda and Rwanda in terms of weather, with minimal precipitation and warm temperatures ranging in the 60s to low-80s. It is often chilly in the early morning, particularly in the jungle, but it will warm up quickly. Bring a thermal layer (woolen or synthetic) that you can shed if you get too warm.