Travel Advisory & Safety Updates
Your safety is our priority. We believe in transparent, up-to-date information so you can travel with confidence.
East Africa is a welcoming and vibrant destination, but like any region in the world, it is important to be informed about local conditions. We monitor updates from the U.S. Department of State, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and local authorities to ensure our itineraries remain safe and secure.
General Safety Overview
For the vast majority of tourists, a trip to Uganda and Rwanda is trouble-free. The primary tourist circuits (National Parks, Gorilla Trekking sectors) are well guarded and prioritize visitor safety.
However, we advise all travelers to exercise standard caution:
- Avoid walking alone at night in major cities like Kampala or outlying areas of Kigali.
- Keep valuables hidden (cameras, phones, jewelry) in busy urban areas to avoid petty theft.
- Follow Guide Instructions: In National Parks, always listen to your ranger. They are experts in animal behavior and terrain safety.
Country-Specific Advisories
Uganda
Current Status: Exercise Increased Caution
- Regional Risks: We strictly avoid travel to the Karamoja region (northeast) and the immediate border areas with South Sudan and the DRC (except for official crossings and secured parks like Bwindi) due to potential unrest.
- Road Safety: Driving in traffic can be challenging due to the high number of motorbikes (bodaboda). We do not recommend self-driving for first-time visitors. Our professional drivers are experienced to navigate local road conditions safely.
Rwanda
Current Status: Exercise Normal to Increased Caution
- Border Zones: While Rwanda is generally very safe, we advise against visiting the immediate borders with DRC and Burundi (such as the Nyungwe Forest border areas) without an organized tour. The main tourist areas (Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu resorts) remain secure.
- The Plastic Bag Ban: Rwanda is a pioneer in environmental protection. Plastic bags are illegal. Do not pack them in your luggage (use reusable cloth bags or clear zip-lock bags for toiletries only if necessary, though even these can be scrutinized). Luggage is often searched at the airport, and plastic bags will be confiscated.
3. Health & Vaccination Requirements
Yellow Fever
- Uganda: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travellers. You may be asked to present this upon arrival.
- Rwanda: A certificate is generally required if you are arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever.
- Important: If you are traveling from Uganda to Rwanda, border officials will almost certainly ask to see your Yellow Fever card.
Malaria
- Both countries are malaria zones.
- We recommend visiting a travel clinic before your trip to get prophylactic medication (pills).
- Sleep under treated mosquito nets (provided by all our partner lodges) . You can also use insect repellent containing DEET.
4. Emergency Contact Numbers
Save these numbers in your phone before you travel.
| Service | Rwanda | Uganda |
|---|---|---|
| General Emergency (Police/Fire) | 112 | 999 or 112 |
| Medical Emergency | 912 | 911 (Private) |
| Traffic Accidents | 113 | — |
| Tourist Police | — | +256 414 254 561 |
| AMREF Flying Doctors (Air Evacuation) | +254 20 699 2299 | +256 312 200 400 |
Our Commitment to You
- Trusted Guides: You are never alone. Our guides are locals who know the pulse of the country and will steer you away from any potential issues.