Uganda and Rwanda: Important Travel Information

Uganda is a somewhat tiny country, covering 241 136 sq. km., of which 44,000 sq. km. are freshwater. The average daytime temperature in this equatorial location is often between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius. 125 mm of rain falls there annually throughout the months of April and May and November through early December. However, the country offers a suitable all-year climate for tourists because the sun continues to shine during the rainy season and rain continues to fall during the dry months.

English is the primary language, and the fundamental infrastructure is reliable and improving quickly. Its reported bird list of over 1000 species reflects the tremendous diversity of its ecosystem, which ranges from savanna to forest to snowcapped mountains.

English is the official language.

Money: Ugandan Shilling

Rwanda is a small, landlocked nation that occupies around 26,340 square kilometers in eastern and central Africa. It boasts 23 lakes, numerous rivers, and five notable volcanoes. The elevation of much of the nation is from 1,500 to 2,500 meters above sea level.

During prehistoric times, the montane rainforest covered up to one-third of Rwanda. Nyungwe, which is located in the southwest of the country and spans almost 1000 square kilometers, is currently the only sizable area of forest that remains in Rwanda. The northeastern Volcanoes National Park also has some forest, although the majority of the natural vegetation is open moorland and bamboo forest.

The terraced agriculture that lends Rwanda’s landscape its lovely and pleasant character currently dominates the highlands in many sections of the country. The classic African bush, a mixture of savannah and grassland with acacia trees predominating, is quite different from the vegetation found in the eastern half of Rwanda. The hottest months are August through September, with average temperatures ranging from 24 to 27 degrees.

English, French, Kinyarwanda, and Kiswahili are the official languages.

Rwandan franc is the local currency.

Visa info

Uganda: When visiting Uganda, the majority of nationalities need an entry visa. The Ugandan High Commissions in the countries where they are represented can issue visas, or they can be purchased for USD 50 at the airport upon arrival. In general, Ugandan high commissioners overseas charge higher costs for visas. USD notes must be in good shape, free of rips and blemishes, and dated 2009 or later.

Rwanda: Upon arrival, individuals from Australia, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States are granted a Rwandan entry visa without the need for an application. For a 30-day period, the $30 entry visa charge is valid.

For stays of up to ninety days, citizens of Singapore, Hong Kong, Mauritius, and the Philippines are exempt from entry and tourism fees.

At entry points, EAC nationals will receive a free six-month tourist pass that can be renewed.

All other nationalities will need to obtain visas, which can cost anywhere from USD 60 for a single admission, depending on their nationality. Before departing, citizens of these nations should apply for a visa and pay the required amount.

IMPORTANT: Regardless of whether you drive or fly, you MUST complete the visa paperwork and approval in advance of your arrival from the Rwandan High Commission overseas, which is listed below.