Frequently Asked Questions

With us, you get exceptional personal assistance before, during, and after your vacation. Budget is important and we strive to get your dream vacation within the budget you've set for it. There's no pressure to go above and beyond what you're comfortable with. You can't enjoy your vacation when you're stressed out about paying for it.

We provide honest advice about all resorts and destinations to help you choose the perfect resort for you. You also benefit from our extensive personal connections which carry a certain gravitas when needing anything addressed. We have an easier time getting you perk (getting your room upgraded)-it's easier for us to get a "yes" because we work with them often.

We also arm you with our personal call number to call and reach us if you need something while you're away. You won't get that from a travel site.

No. We have access to all the same pricing for resorts as the online booking sites do and we can price-match online booking engine pricing when comparing apples to apples. In many cases, we can find discounts and other promotional offerings that are not offered to the general public.

A number of international airlines fly to and from Uganda – these include – Brussels Airlines, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Egypt air, South African Airways, Emirates or Qatar Airways, Air Tanzania, Fly Dubai, Rwandair Express, British Airways, Fly540, Precision Air.

You should arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours prior to departure for domestic flights, and three hours for international flights. We strongly recommend reconfirming your flight time 24 hours prior to departure, for both origin and destination flights.

Absolutely no. We can customize anything you see on this website or provide you with a one-of-a-kind travel experience based on your unique needs, interest, and budget. We love to take our time getting to know you and your travel dreams. We then take that information, add in our extensive experiences, and provide you with a vacation that will exceed your expectations. We are here to help you travel better.

Uganda can be visited any time of the year due to its location next to the Equator. The country generally has cool temperatures with a period of rainy and sunny season. Even during the rainy seasons (March – June and October – November) it may rain for only one or two hours before the sun shines again. It rarely gets too cold, and is advisable to carry lightweight rain gear in the rainy season. It can get cold at night.

You will be greeted by our representative at airport on your arrival. He/she shall be holding a placard of your name for identification. We shall also provide you list of emergency 24 hours contact numbers for any emergency.

Uganda is one of the safest and most welcoming countries in Africa especially for visitors to the country more so if visitors follow certain security and safety guidelines. Rarely do you hear about security risks for tourists or accidents. The Uganda government ensures maximum security for tourists in the country and also for its citizens, these ranging from traffic police to national park police for all national parks in the county. Uganda is safe, but just like any country, you need to keep away from trouble and keep yourself safe.

A valid visa is required for travel to Uganda. A passport with a minimum validity of 6 months prior to expiry is required. A single-entry visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Visas-on-arrival are available at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) for US$50. However, it is advised that visitors travelling from a country where visa services are available should obtain a visa prior to arrival in order to avoid potential delays at the airport. If you are planning to combine Uganda with a visit to Rwanda or Kenya it is recommendable to request for the East African Tourist Visa instead of a single-entry visa. This special visa costs US$100 per person and allows 90-days multiple entry to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Regretfully, Tanzania is not part of this special visa arrangement.

The Ugandan Shilling is the currency of Uganda. There are a many ATMS available throughout the capital which accept Visa, although they become scarcer as you enter the rural areas. Most banks will accept ATM cards or Visa credit cards for money withdrawal in Uganda. While you can withdraw a limited amount of cash per day from ATM machines in Kampala, there are very few opportunities to withdraw cash once you are on safari in Uganda.

Payment by credit card in Uganda attracts additional charges of between 5–10% and occasionally more. Please check with lodges, hotels and restaurants in advance, if you plan to pay by credit card. It is advisable that you bring cash and have money changed upon arrival in Kampala. US dollars, British pounds and Euros are easy to change. However, for some expenses, like the payment of a tourist visa at the airport/border, it is advisable to have dollars available. It is often possible to pay for tourist activities with US dollars.

Kindly note that US dollars bills issued before 1999 are not accepted in Uganda. Exchanging low denomination dollar bills (less than a USD100 bill) attracts a lower exchange rate. Exchange rate for cash US$ in large denomination (100 & 50) attracts better rate than the smaller notes.

With Uganda being located within the tropical altitude, it’s advisable you take malaria prevention medications, as well as vaccination against yellow fever which is mandatory. Immunizations against DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio) and Hepatitis A are recommended too, and this is required before you enter Uganda. Besides vaccination you are advised to bring insect repellent, for emergency carry a mosquito net in your bag, though there are mosquito nets in most hotels and lodges across the country.

Signature Tours and Travel Ltd highly recommends purchasing travel insurance, as it protects your travel investment, health, belongings and vacation memories before and during your vacation. Most travel insurance plans cover trip cancellation, interruption or delays, medical, dental, emergency medical transportation, lost luggage, missed connections, itinerary changes and more. At a minimum your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability.

Yes, we do have trip extension opportunities for those interested in exploring the world; For Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Africa among others in Africa, other destinations like Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and so many. We advise you contact us and we recommend a trusted partner depending on the nature of your trip.

For those who would like to stay longer and may still require our services, need to notify us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements for accommodation, transport and the activities they will engage in.

Yes, we can tailor-make your tour in every detail. Please write to us and we will send you a detailed proposal.

Solo travelers are welcome but please note that the cost of the safari will generally be higher than if you joined a group. We shall advise in case of scheduled safaris but group dynamics will be at play.

Most of the safari lodges and camps we recommend are small, exclusive and dearly sought after. To ensure availability we suggest planning and booking your travel arrangements immediately you think you want to travel. Our Travel consultant will advise on availability of both lodges and gorilla permits.

You may email our office and let us know when you would like to travel, how many people will be traveling, and the trip you are interested in. If you would like to arrange a tailor-made trip simply let us know your requirements and we will gladly make suggestions. With your input we can easily design a safari that suits your needs.

We will then check availability (this takes 12-24 hours as we check the Gorilla permits, Chimpanzee permits, lodges and camps availability), and if space is available, we will make a provisional booking in your name. There is no obligation on your part at this stage.

Most important to note is that our trip prices cater for only and only ground handling. Signature Tours and Travel Ltd quotes prices depending on the choice of accommodation and variations in room sharing, the number of travelers on the trip, choice of activity etc. The prices basically include your accommodation, all meals, and transport. Inclusive also are primate tracking permits (if any), boat hire fees and ferry, park and other sites entrance fees and services of all the guides and leaders, or any other activity as specified in the Itinerary. Not included are: Flight charges to and from your country of origin; travel and health Insurance; visa and passport fees; telephone calls; alcoholic drinks; tips to drivers, guides and hotel staff; laundry and other items of a personal nature. Notes in detailed Itineraries always provide sufficient information regarding what is included and excluded in your tour price.

No, all our trip quotations do not include tips. Tipping in Uganda is not mandatory, but it’s a recent culture that has been widely spread and most service providers are always expectant especially from foreigners. You can also ask your tour leader to advise on tipping in some special cases, say a group of entertainers. Those of you who are able to give cash, any amount starting from US$5 will be highly appreciated especially by the local community service providers and hotel staff.

Yes, but if you require drivers or guides who speak other international languages, we can organize for German, Spanish, Chinese speaking guide or translator, but you are required to inform us at the time of inquiry.

We take care of your dietary needs as far as the hotels cooperate which is usually positive when you let us know in advance to make the necessary arrangements with the different lodges in your itinerary. Make sure that your driver-guide contacts the reception on arrival at the lodge.

In Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya, where drinks are often separate from food. Full board rate includes food except drinks but all kind of drinks are always available in the bar. Budget for USD 4-5 for a glass of wine, USD 1for a bottle of water, USD 2-3 for a bottle of beer. Other drinks in the bar include different types of wines and spirits certain high end imported drinks i.e. Scotch whiskey, Champagne, Rums, All this if available, are typically for your own account.

Yes, we allow travelers who want to travel with children as long as you follow the right immigration and flight procedures. In Uganda, children who are below 4years are not charged for entering national parks. Accommodation and meal fees are also exempted for that age category depending on the facility. However, children who are between 4 - 12years have special discounted fees for activities and entrance in national parks and other tourist areas. Accommodation too is discounted for that age group. Activities like Gorilla tracking and others that involve challenging treks are only limited to adults.

Yes, we offer well designed packages for family groups, including those travelling with children of any age. For most of family trips, please consider children as those between the age of 4 and 12 years.

We will work towards finding the perfect accommodation for your needs. The majority of safari lodges and hotels are small-scale, offering a unique experience with few rooms.

The three categories are mainly; budget, mid-range or Upmarket. Budget accommodation may be simple and basic rooms, bandas or tents, with double/twin beds and mosquito nets when necessary. You may have to share bathroom facilities, as private bathrooms are not always available. Electricity and piped/mains water supply may not always be available. Some remote locations may have ‘long-drop’ or compost (Eco) toilets.

Mid-range or Upmarket accommodation offer comfortable rooms or furnished safari tents with a private bathroom. Flush toilets and hot and cold running water are available.

Signature Tours and Travel Ltd provides ‘pop-up roof’ 4WD safari vehicles for game viewing. The 4WD are minibuses, coaster buses or Land cruisers where we ensure that everybody has a window seat to enjoy the best views. We limit the number in minibus to seven while for land cruiser some carry seven, five, and three depending on size, to allow plenty of legroom and luggage storage. Groups of twelve and more people who would like to travel in one vehicle use the 25-29 seat Coaster buses that have approximately 16 window seats.

We strongly advise you not to carry your luggage in a suitcase as it can be bulky and difficult to carry. We highly recommend a backpack or a soft bag. This does not imply that you will be required to carry your bags for any great distance; a small backpack can be used to carry daily trip essentials like snacks, toiletries, notebooks etc. During treks, like Gorilla tracking and mountaineering, porters are always available to carry your luggage for you.

Yes, you can store excess luggage at starting point hotels, but however this is done at your own risk. Some hotels may charge a nominal fee for the service. This is an advantage for those who may have trip extensions options and part of the luggage is not required for one part of the tour.

Unless it is indicated in your tour details that you will be provided with camping equipment, trips that involve camping and eco-home stays do require you to carry your own sleeping bag, sleeping mat and, if need be, a tent. A head lamp is equally important especially at night.

Yes, we will send you a detailed list of hotels at the time of confirmation of our services and before asking you for advance payment.

Yes, and you are required to buy a gorilla permit in advance of your trip. Only eight people are allowed to visit each gorilla group per day, the demand is high. To buy your gorilla permit, you will need to provide us with your full names, nationality, birth-date, and passport number, preferred date of trekking, your home address and gorilla permit fee. The minimum age for visiting the gorillas is 15 years. A certain level of fitness is required for the gorilla tracking, and you may not be allowed gorilla trekking if you are suffering from a communicable disease.

We recommend: lightweight rain jacket, a warm jacket for overcast days and evening, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, waterproof walking boots, leather gardening type gloves, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, comfortable day pack for carrying water and minimum number of personal items. In case of sighting Gorillas, no flash photography is allowed and fast film is therefore recommended.

Chances of seeing the gorilla are over 95%. If you are in the very unlikely situation not to have seen them, you will be given the choice of either a 50% refund of the cost of your gorilla permit or another chance to spot them the next day (when permits are available). Please note that it is the national wildlife authority that issues the refund. Your driver/guide will be happy to assist you in the procedure, but Signature Tours and Travel Ltd cannot return the funds directly.

The ease of seeing the gorillas depends on the movements of the gorilla family on that particular day. For Uganda, some say that the Rushegura group in Buhoma is easy to spot, but we cannot guarantee this. In general, you can expect the tracking to be quite tough, so we advise you to train for the gorilla tracking. Altitude averages 2000 meters, the muddy hills of Bwindi are steep. The time it takes to find the gorillas can be anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours. If you have a low level of fitness which limits you from walking long distances in rugged terrain, we advise that you consider tracking in Rwanda where the rangers will assign you to an easier or more difficult tracking according to your fitness level. The gorilla permits in Rwanda, however, are more expensive.

The Rwanda Government charges USD $1,500.00 for each person each day; Uganda charges USD $600.00 per person per day. Gorilla Permits are non-refundable - we can try to resell your Permits if you need to cancel, but there is no guarantee that we will be able to find a person who will purchase a ticket for the date of permit.

We are safari consultants and offer land arrangements. We do run or guide all the safaris on the ground with our own vehicles and trained safari guides. We offer a wide travel packages – some are group trips with set departure dates however the majority of our trips are tailor-made to suit our client’s specific needs. We work very closely with Lodges and Camps.

A very important element of traveling to a largely unknown destination is the peace of mind to know that you will be properly taken care before, during and after your trip. At Signature Tours and Travel Ltd, we take a conservative stance in deciding which Lodges and guides we will work with – they must have a lengthy and consistent record of truly exceptional service, be fully licensed. While in Africa you will be met at each location and transferred from airports, to hotels to lodges and camps; your safari representatives are on call 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have or to handle any eventuality – from medical emergencies to retrieving a bag that may have been left behind and having it delivered to your next destination. In this way it is possible to travel with all the security of a packaged tour, but all the flexibility and privacy of an individual traveler not compromised.

International telephone calls are made from most areas in Uganda and local SIM cards can be purchased. International roaming facilities are available. Internet services are widely available at internet cafes, although the quality and speed of the connection varies. Some lodges have Wi-Fi. All our drivers/guides have cell phones and maintain contact with the Office throughout safaris.

Yes, you can fly internally while on safari in Uganda, there are domestic scheduled flights to some of the safari destinations and where unavailable there are charter flights to most of the safari destinations. Let us know you prefer flights instead of driving or a mix of both.

Please bring all personal medications required. Medical services and facilities are basic. You are advised to take malaria ‘prophylactics’ (prevention medication) in addition to carrying a mosquito repellent. Be sure to use the mosquito nets, which are provided at your place of accommodation. Consult your doctor before traveling for more information Clients must be fit and healthy to undertake adventurous activities such as mountaineering and hiking, gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking, white-water rafting, canoeing, and kayaking may pose additional risks and should be undertaken with care and caution.