Dear Travelers,
We are delighted to partner with the Founder of the Justice Tourism Foundation on this special journey to Uganda (JTF) to visit the local people as well as treks to see both the incredible Mountain Gorilla and local chimpanzee. JTF is a not-for-profit grassroots heart-centered innovative social impact travel organization focusing on socially responsible slow travel as a way to connect travelers with the indigenous communities with the aim of promoting the local economy and to uplift wellbeing of host communities in Uganda through creation of sustainable livelihoods opportunities in support of many United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) including access to quality formal and vocational education, access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, climate change adaptation and management, environmental conservation, improved food security, promotion of Human rights, gender equality and the preservation of diverse and indigenous cultures while giving travelers the chance to explore Uganda through customized tours.
We feel their mission and goals align closely with Nanda Journeys with an aim to build a global community of impact-minded travelers through sustainable tourism beyond the traditional.
I hope you can join me on this incredible journey to explore Uganda! We welcome you to the Nanda Family and can't wait to journey the world with you!
Globally yours,
Nicola Balmain
Travel Requirements (Visa and Current Passport both required)
You must have a valid passport for this journey, in good condition that is valid for no less than six months beyond your scheduled return date to the United States. You must have 1-2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Note that the blank pages labeled Amendments and Endorsements are not acceptable, it must be the pages labeled Visas.
You will need to get a tourist visa for this journey. You will be directed to apply individual for your Uganda entry visa prior to your travel.
Uganda visa application can be applied for online through their official government website. If your application is approved, they will provide you with an electronic Travel Authorization/Visa Approval Letter to take with you for travel. This cost is currently $50 per person.
Official Website: http://www.visas.immigration.go.ug/
https://immigration.go.ug/mandatory-online-visa-applications-all-visa-prone-travellers-uganda
Step 1: Log onto www.visas.immigration.go.ug and start a new application and accept the disclaimer.
Step 2: Choose the application type (you will need an Ordinary / single entry visa).
Step 3: Fill in the electronic form with y our personal details.
Step 4: Add the required documents depending on the category you choose including reason for travel. Note you will need to have a copy on your computer of a passport size photo along with a clear copy of your passport photo page, a copy of your yellow fever certificate prior to submitting your application.
Step 5: Submit the application and required documents.
Step 6: Make payment for your single-entry visa ($50 USD)
Once the application is submitted and paid for, it will be reviewed by an Immigration Officer after which a decision will be made within 2-3 days. If approved, an email with the Travel Authorization/Approval letter will be sent to you on the email provided on the website so you can download it, print it and take it with you on your trip.
Please note that during the approval process additional information may be requested. You can track the status of your application by using the manage your application provision on the same portal. All applicants are advised to submit their visa applications at least ten days before their intended date of travel but we would recommend 30 days prior.
Travel Requirements (Vaccinations)
To travel to Uganda, you will need to get a Yellow Fever Vaccination and must show you are fully vaccinated for Covid-19. There are other vaccinations that are recommended, but not required. To review those, visit the travel health notice and vaccination information on the CDC website. You should plan to make an appointment with your personal physician or a travel doctor to discuss what they may recommend for you based on your current health.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/uganda
More information on the Yellow Fever Vaccine can be found on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/vaccine/index.html
Travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will need provide a valid certificate of vaccination to enter Uganda as well as when you apply for your travel visa. Travelers who are not vaccinated must provide a negative PCR test completed no more than 72 hours before departure to both enter and exit Uganda. Please note that COVID-19-related entry requirements may change without warning. Further information and updates can be found on the website of Uganda’s Ministry of Health. Costs for this are not included in the program pricing and should you have a negative PCR test, program costs are NON-REFUNABLE
Tips: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a search tool by state for U.S. Yellow Fever Vaccination Centers (and keeps an official registry). You will need to find an authorized vaccination center as they will need to issue you the appropriate proof of vaccination for travel.https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellow-fever-vaccination-clinics/search
Additional FAQs
Are local guide tips included?
The tips for your local guides are not included. Tipping is recommended for the two driver guides who will be traveling with you on this journey. We recommend a minimum of $50 per person for each of the 2 guides ($100 total). They can be tipped in cash at the end of your journey in either USD or local currency, but they will prefer the Uganda schilling.
Are Gorilla and Chimp trekking ranger tip included?
They are not priced in, but tipping is recommended. They should be tipped at a minimum of $25-30 per trek ranger ($100-120 total for the trip should be set aside). You will have two rangers with you for the Gorilla trek and 2 different rangers for the Chimpanzee trek so plan for $25-30 per ranger.
Summary of tips needed: (at a minimum)
· Village representative tip: $50 per person
· Gorilla Trek Ranger tip: $50 (2 rangers so need to give $25 to each)
· Chimp Trek Ranger tip: $50 (2 rangers so need to give $25 to each)
· Additional Porter tip $25-30 per person per instance of hire (paid in equivalent in Uganda shilling)
· National Guide/Driver Tip: Will recommend they tip them at $50 person guide (as they will have 2).
· There is no need to tip Justice Tourism Foundation person at the airport.
Are internal flights in Uganda included?
Yes, in coach class of service with the noted baggage limits outlined below. 1 bag of no more than 33 pounds is the weight limit to avoid additional bag fees. Excess fees will apply for an additional bag or overweight bag and can be paid to the airline directly.
Checked baggage:
v On all services, the maximum luggage weight is 15 kgs /33lbs in soft sided bags.
v As a guideline, standard checked luggage should have the three dimensions of 24 inches (60cm) height, by 18 inches (45cm) length and 13 inches (33cm) width.
v For hand luggage, 12 inch- es (30cm) height, by 21 inches (53cm) length, by 9 inches (23cm) width.
Excess/ Additional Luggage:
v On Scheduled flights, to accommodate additional luggage, you will need to book and pay for an additional freight seat in advance. The extra seat will allow for an additional 75kgs/165lbs excess luggage. Please note that any additional luggage must still meet the baggage policy described above.
v If you wish to carry additional luggage on space availability, prevailing rate of USD 3 will apply per kilo for local flights in Uganda. Additional luggage bookings must also be booked in advance prior to your flight date.
Are Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits included?
Yes, we will secure the permits on your behalf. Note permit costs are non-refundable, therefore a $1,250 non-refundable deposit is required at time of registration.
Can I get a single room?
Yes, an additonal supplement of $499 applies for guests in a single room. NOTE: Accommodations for all guests at the Bliss Hotel or either in a shared double-bedded room, or a single room. There are no twin-bedded rooms at the Bliss Hotel.
Can I extend my time in Uganda?
Please check with our office, we are happy to assist if you want to fly in early or extend your stay. 888-747-7501 or email info@nandajourneys.com
Packing recommendations?
Casual clothes like jeans are fine for this journey. You will need sturdy hiking boots (broken in), a camera with no flash, gardening gloves (village activities), long-sleeved shirts, sweater or sweatshirts for cooler days, insect repellent, and sunglasses. Nanda Journeys will provide additonal recommendations and periodic email updates to prepare you for travel to Uganda.
Is Uganda a recommended country to visit?
CNN recently name Uganda as one of the best countries to visit in 2023. Read why HERE
Should I be worried about Ebola?
On January 11, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ugandan Ministry of Health declared that the Ebola outbreak was over after zero reported infections for 42 days. The US State Department also ended testing for returning travelers to the USA.
I am concerned about the recent LGBTQ proposed law in Uganda.
Nanda Journeys and the Justice Tourism Foundation are inclusive grassroots social impact travel organizations which welcomes LGBTQ+ community in Uganda with open heart and pure love and tolerance for gender diversity. Yes, it’s a sensitive subject in reference to the recent proposed Anti homosexuality Bill which was passed by the Uganda parliament.
The Bill is still under legal scrutiny process and has not yet been turned into a law. It is our hope that the President of the Republic of Uganda will reconsider the decision taken by the legislative arm of government and repeal this law to ensure that Ugandans can live without fear of violence and harassment. The safety of our clients is our number one priority and we will always make sure that our guests are in a safe environment to enjoy and experience an undiluted Ugandan authentic hospitality during their visit to Uganda.
For further information or to discuss an of your Uganda questions, call Nanda Journeys 888-747-7501 or email info@nandajourneys.com