1.  Charter flights have strict weight limits, and failure to observe weight limits will require a larger plane at additional, if not inability to travle.  Weight restrictions are total of clients weight, luggage, and hand luggage.

2.  As of July 01, 2002 Gorilla trekking permit fees will be $275 per permit
per person. At time of booking a deposit of $85 per permit is required, then the
balance of $190 per permit will be due 90 days prior to trekking dates.

3. Uganda Visa is required by most nationalities.

The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda
5911  16th Street,  N.W.
Washington D.C., 20011
Tel. 202 726 7100

Single entry visa for Uganda is $50 lasting 3 months
Multiple entry for Uganda is $90 lasting 6 months

Rwanda visa is not required for U.S. passport holders.

4. Yellow Fever Inoculation Certificate is required.

5. Departure tax is $40 (In most cases included in airline ticket)

6. Currency during travel:

• Credit cards can only be used in Kampala, at Lake Victoria Hotel,
• Entebbe and Mweya Safari Lodge.ATM machines are NOT readily available.
• Travellers Cheques can be changed for Uganda Shillings at the airport
• on arrival, good to receipt issued at time of purchase of T/C's
• For the most part only cash can be changed once on safari, larger
• bills attract a better rate of exchange.
• Uganda Shillings can be changed back to U.S. Dollars at the airport on
• departure.
• U.S. Dollars cash notes MUST be dated 1990 or newer and must be in
• good condition, not torn etc.
• Local guides, porters etc, prefer to be tipped with Uganda Shillings but will accept U.S. Dollars cash...Travellers Cheques are very difficult or impossible for them to cash.

7. Bargaining....always try, some galleries shops have "fixed prices"
but never hurts to try. At markets, always try. All part of the fun !
 

8. When trekking gorillas or chimps, always avoid bright colours and
bright white, muted colours are best, greens, browns, blues etc.

9. Tipping:

• at restaurants, anywhere from $0.50 to $1, depending on
• service and how much for the meal....10% is a good rule of thumb.
• Driver/guides.......................                   $5 per client per
• day.
• Camps and lodges                                $2 to 3 per client per
• night
• Gorilla trekking guides and trackers       $10 per client per trek.
• Baggage porters at hotels/lodges           $2 per client per stay
• Kibale forest guides                                $3 per client per walk

10. Smoking...never in our vehicles, never in a room if sharing with a
non smoker. Not allowed in National Parks on game drives, walks, trekking
gorillas, chimps etc. Smokers must be respectful of others at all times.
Recommended tipping....
 

11.  Recommended clothing list...

• Strong walking boots with ankle support.
• Relevant socks
• Light shoes
• Cotton or gortex trousers
• shorts
• long sleeved shirts for trekking
• sweater
• light jacket
• water proof clothing (not bright colours)
• hat for sun and or rain
• daypack
• plastic bags for cameras and film
• Be prepared for cool, dry, warm, wet weather when trekking Gorillas.

The availability and scheduling of gorilla treks is depends upon the availability of a strictly limited number of gorilla permits and the purchase and resale of permits is strictly limited by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Booking for all gorilla permits in Bwindi and Mgahinga is done at UWA Headquarters in Kampala. Fees increase to $550 for two treks on 1 July from the current $500· Advance booking can be done only by members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operations.

Permits must be sold at face value, whoever sells at higher value will be penalized.  Primary sale of permits by individuals or tour companies anywhere is illegal. All permits MUST be sold by Uganda Wildlife Authority only.

The tracking time is limited from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All visitors are expected back at the campground by 7:00 p.m.