Msafiri tours is a tour operator that specializes in eco and experiential  tourism and travel packages within Uganda with high-quality service and competitive prices. Our strength is selling tailor-made tour packages to groups and individuals

The first step is to find the right Uganda tour for you. Once you decide which tour, there are two possibilities:

1) choose a tour for us to tailor make
2) arrange your travel as a FIT (independent of any group).

The advantages of a group tour are that costs are low, you will be escorted by a Msafiri tour guide at all times and certain meals and entrance fees to attractions are included in the package. When you decide to book a tour individually (FIT) the price structure depends on a variety of factors such as date, type of transportation, hotels, transfers and tours etc.

Unless otherwise specified for a specific trip or fare, you may cancel your trip and receive a refund. As we have to make non-refundable deposits with hotels and service providers to reserve space, we are obligated to charge cancellation fees for cancellations closer to the departure date. The schedule for cancellation penalties is as follows, subject to change:

Domestic flights:
20% refund

Ground-arrangements:
Up to 60 days before departure – £100,00 p/p
60 – 30 days before departure – 25 % penalty
30 – 15 days before departure – 50 % penalty
15 days to departure date – 100% penalty (non-refundable)

If you foresee the chance of having to cancel your Uganda trip, we recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. If purchasing an extension, make sure that the insurance covers the dates of the extension.

Yes, unless otherwise specified for a specific trip or fare (such as set group departures), changes may be made without penalty 31 days or more before departure, depending on availability. Within 30 days, changes are subject to a £50 per person fee. Within 14 days, they are subject to a £100 per person fee. Changes or cancellations made within this period may also be subject to fees resulting from changes in hotel reservations.

es, you may! Check with our Msafiri tours office for advice and options. Our UGANDA tours may be fully customized, subject to logistics and availability. Two things should be taken into consideration before we set up your extension.

1. Flight availability
   2. Hotel availability
   As a rule, if you plan your extension ahead of time, you can easily find flights and hotels available at a standard price. The extra hotel days are simply added to your package price, as well as any required transfers (if necessary). Don´t wait until the last minute — last-minute bookings cost considerably more.

Yes, you can. Just make sure to specify your preferences in Msafiri Tour´s booking form before sending. Our specialist will give you a quote for any kind of request you may need. Just keep in mind that If you decide to book an individual package, it will be more expensive than the set group departure.

All of Msafiri’s tours are designed to share the most exciting and rewarding attractions in Uganda with you. Many attractions, activities and entrance fees are included in the tours, and these are specified in the description of each tour package. Others are completely optional and have been paid for in advance or on-site. Our representatives will do their best to make available the widest array of tour options while you are in Uganda. Note: we cannot make refunds for any included features of the itineraries not used by participants during the tour operation.

Some Immunization vaccinations are required. Vaccination for yellow fever and Covid 19 is mandatory. The yellow fever shots last for ten years but only take effect 10 days after inoculation, so plan. Malaria is spread by mosquito bites; when travelling in Uganda, one should take proper precautions by bringing mosquito repellent containing DEET and by wearing long pants and long-sleeve shirts, especially after sunset. You may wish to take antimalarial tablets; consult your doctor for suitable tablets and the proper dosage. It is not recommended to drink tap water in Uganda.
If you have special medical conditions or take prescription drugs, it is strongly advised to bring copies of medical documentation with you in case of emergency.

Msafiri tours are improving the item FAQ regularly and with your help, we´d like to build a complete information centre for questions and answers. We appreciate your input, so if you can´t find the answer to your question on this page, please get in touch using the contact form. We appreciate your help and promise to respond to your question promptly.

Our qualified tour guides, licensed, are carefully chosen by the company owners. We test their communication skills, character, knowledge of history and geography as well as their psychological conditioning, which is vital in managing Msafiri tour groups and especially adventure trips. As a minimum requirement, all of our tour guides are required to speak, English and one ot two local Ugandan languages fluently.

Uganda requires a visa for some citizenships. Please confirm with your local Ugandan consulate to determine if you will require a visa or not to enter the country. 
The process is entirely online, and you can apply from the comfort of your own home at all hours. No more trips to the embassy and lost time. 

Uganda has Upmarket safari lodges, tented camps and hotels all providing world-class accommodations. There are a number of the world’s highest-rated and most awarded hotels found in Uganda too. Rooms have proper beds with mattresses and duvets, en suite (attached, in-room) flush toilets, basins and showers with hot and cold running water. Other amenities include mosquito netting, lamps, purified water, insect repellent, flashlights, wardrobes, and ethnic furnishings. For those looking for the ultimate luxury in Uganda, there are numerous properties where each presidential-sized suite has its swimming pool.
Our Adventurous travellers are interested in walking, Gorilla trekking, canoeing, white water rafting or camping safaris and tours where facilities are more limited. In some cases, guests sleep on cots in dome tents and the camp toilet and shower are shared by group members. In other cases, guests may overnight under the stars.

Not! While staying at a luxury tented camp in Uganda you will enjoy the comfort of a proper room with the sights and sounds of camping – the best of both worlds. Most tented camp rooms consist of a very large walk-in tent with entry doors. The walls are a canvas with large roll-up viewing sections. Inside you will enjoy a bed (usually 2 twin beds or a king) with pillows and duvets, bedside tables, a dressing table, a mirror, a wardrobe, throw rugs or full carpeting, battery-powered (solar) lighting, an en suite shower with hot and cold running water, flush toilet, and basin. Some tents include baths, air conditioning and private plunge pools

Most of the safari lodges and camps in Uganda have a minimum age limit of 12 years of age. There are however several great lodges and camps that allow children under the age of 12. Please contact our Msafiri tours office for more information.

We are safari and tour consultants; travel agents who specialize in Uganda and other parts of East Africa. Our focus is on safaris, tours and trips for the discerning traveller. We are not a big company nor do we want to be. We offer several group trips we would be happy to arrange a personalized safari or tour to fit your needs – this is our real passion! If we feel that you are looking for something we do not offer we will happily suggest another Ugandan company more suited to handle your request.
We know Uganda and East Africa Very well. We don’t only not ensure that each safari, trip or tour meets the high standards we demand from our clients, but it is our policy to regularly and personally, visit every service provider we recommend, and many others also because we love  Uganda.
Msafiri tours are a member of the Uganda Association of Tour operators. (AUTO) is recognized as a symbol of professionalism and integrity in Uganda and East Africa.

A very important element of travelling to a largely unknown destination is the peace of mind to know that you will be properly taken care of before, during and after your trip
While in Africa-Uganda you will be met at each location and transferred from airports to hotels to lodges and camps by Msafiri Tours representatives. Your Uganda Msafiri tours 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 traveller.

We specialize in Uganda and offer a ground operation travel service which includes transportation, accommodation, food, actual tour and safari itineraries. Our team of professional tour guides and drivers lead the safaris.
We offer a wide variety of Uganda travel packages – some are group trips all tailor-made to suit our client’s specific needs.

Requests for references are welcome – please inquire by email or by phone from our contact page on the website

Many people think they can save money if they book direct with a service provider like a hotel or driver in Uganda. This is not typically the case, especially when you factor in the extra time, effort and risk involved…If you book direct with individual lodges and camps in Uganda they may offer you a discount but then you are stuck trying to figure out who is meeting you at the airport and who is driving you into the bush and so on…You also lose the security of having one company overseeing all of your arrangements on your tour in Uganda and the ability to make changes if they are necessary due to flight delays or other unforeseen problems.

Here are a few most important things that we pride ourselves in when dealing with your safari or tour in Uganda. Whether you book with Msafiri tours or another travel agency make sure you work with a company that:

1) Has hands-on knowledge.

Make sure that whoever you book with has extensive personal travel experience in Uganda.  We know Uganda and East Africa very intimately. Each of our professional safari consultants is local or has lived in Uganda for a very long time.

2) Is prompt and reliable.

Are calls answered? Are emails and phone messages replied to promptly? Does the company offer a Ugandan phone number you can call? We are best known for our attentive service, attention to detail, and honesty.

3) Can handle all of your Uganda travel arrangements including accommodations, transport, food etc?

We can and it pays to have one Company watching over your entire trip from start to finish.

4) Is Uganda based /licensed/registered?

Genuine travel companies in Uganda need to be members of the Association of Uganda tour operators ( AUTO)

5) is friendly!

Planning a trip to Uganda is an exciting process, made even more so when you are working with a travel agent who is both friendly and passionate about what they do! Call or email Msafiri tours now and start planning your dream safari, school tour, Gorilla trekking safari, or any other tour today!

There are many opportunities for cultural interaction. We arrange tours to local Ugandan schools, markets, and villages. Village visits may last a few hours or overnight with your guide may be arranged. In some cases, guests may participate in daily chores such as planting crops, brewing beer, or carrying water. From carrying firewood to sitting for hours around a smoky fire listening to stories many people feel that their lives are forever changed by this experience. Please note many safari camps and lodges are located in wildlife-rich areas in Uganda far from human settlement and offer no cultural interaction with locals.

Electricity in Uganda and East Africa is 220/240 volts. Some safari lodges and camps in Uganda are not connected to a mains electrical supply. Solar lighting (backed up by batteries) is common, with many lodges having a generator which runs part of the day (morning and late evening while guests are partaking in activities). Lanterns also provide light at night. In most areas, you will not be able to use a hairdryer or electric shaver.

Yes – at nearly all hotels, lodges, and permanent tented camps you will be able to recharge your camera and video batteries either in the room or in the main area. Many camps and lodges have the correct adapter plugs however we recommend that you bring your plugs – plugs C and H for Uganda. Please make sure your electronic equipment switches automatically from 110 to 220 electricity (most do – it will say on the plug or in the manual). If they do not switch automatically a converter will be needed.

Internet access is available at most large city hotels, typically for a small fee. The majority of safari lodges and camps in Uganda do not have internet access (but some do).

Tri-band and quad-band cell phones work in most major Ugandan cities and towns however you must check to ensure your service provider has an agreement with the local provider. Keep in mind most lodges and camps require guests to keep satellite phones turned off and use them only for outgoing calls so as not to disturb other guests. Also, keep in the high per-minute call rates.

The vast majority of hotels in Uganda have telephones and can be easily reached. Smaller safari lodges and tented camps can send and receive messages via radio. In an emergency, we suggest the client’s friends and family contact our office so we may assist.

Absolutely! And by booking a safari through Msafiri tours you are helping to conserve Uganda’s environment and wildlife. Msafiri tours actively support local conservation efforts. Our latest endeavour is the sponsorship of the “Children to experience the joys of tourism through our “Buy a tour gift a tour” scheme  

We are unable to handle your air ticket arrangements but we have great contract rates with sister companies who can book flights for you.

Many of the ma, SN Brussels, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airways fly into Uganda several times a week.

Air tickets typically need to be purchased within 30 days of making a reservation.

t Msafiri Tours our number one concern is your safety. If we felt that travelling to Uganda was unsafe we would not arrange tours to Uganda
In general petty theft is common in Uganda’s major cities and towns. Visitors should take the same care as they would normally take in any other destination worldwide. Keep a close watch on handbags, wallets, and cameras when walking in crowded places. Avoid walking at night and place valuables in safe deposit boxes at hotels.
While at safari lodges and tented camps you are typically far removed from human settlement and crime is virtually non-existent. We still advise that valuables be locked away in a room safe or kept under the supervision of the camp or lodge manager while on safari.
When planning a Uganda safari or tour, it is best to work with a company that has intimate knowledge of each destination – not just its wildlife and attractions but also its unique cultures, economy and government as safety issues often stem from these areas. We are based in Uganda and local knowledge is our strength.

hile viewing wildlife there is a degree of danger as the behaviour of wild animals cannot be guaranteed. However, most animals are frightened by the sight/smell of humans and rather than attack will flee (unless cornered or provoked). Attacks on humans are rare.
While on safari in Uganda you will be accompanied by licensed guides who are well-trained and armed with an amazing understanding of the wildlife with which they share their lives daily. In addition, many guides carry firearms for your safety in Uganda.
At your tented camp or lodge, it is not uncommon for wildlife to wander through as camps and lodges are typically not fenced. An attack on sleeping travellers in Uganda would be highly unusual. Never venture outside your accommodations at night without your guide. Always consult with your Msafiri tour guide/s when in doubt.

The vast majority of travellers to Uganda return from their safaris and tours happy and healthy!
No matter where you travel in Uganda a course of anti-malaria tablets is essential and many doctors advise a dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine. All childhood vaccinations should be up to date. We recommend that you visit a local travel health specialist in your home town for further details.

In the vast majority of cases, it is safe to eat ALL of the foods offered by lodges and camps as they take great care to ensure that food is prepared healthily. If you are worried about contracting a “stomach bug” don’t eat salads, avoid ice cubes in drinks (many places use purified water for ice cubes – simply ask if you are concerned), and eat only fruits that have thick skins which are peeled (oranges, bananas).
It is wise to drink only bottled drinks which are readily available (ask that water is opened in front of you as they may try to reuse the container at some of the larger, lower quality, hotels). In addition, don’t swallow water during a shower and use purified water for brushing your teeth. Don’t worry – bottled water is readily available.

Most travellers in Uganda never see more than 4 or 5 mosquitoes a day. For those of you travelling at other times, there will be more insects however for most travellers the positive aspects of their safari experience far outweigh any annoyance caused by insects.

English is spoken widely throughout Uganda.

The majority of safari lodges and camps we use in Uganda offer complimentary laundry service (some charge a small fee) weather permitting, however, please note that undergarments are often excluded. You may wish to bring a small supply of liquid laundry soap (a small plastic travel bottle filled with Woolite works well for hand washing).

The food served at most up-market safari lodges and tented camps is of the highest quality. Gourmet cooks bake fresh bread and produce soups, salads, and entrees that could easily grace tables at top restaurants around the world.
Meals are international in flavour with soups, salads, cold meats, pasta dishes, meat and fish dishes, and bread. Your day normally starts with tea and biscuits before your morning activity. Returning to your lodge or camp late morning, brunch is enjoyed – cereals, fruit, bacon, eggs, sausage, and toast are on offer as are salads, quiches and cold meats. Before your afternoon activity, tea and light snacks are served. Dinner consists of an appetizer followed by meat, fish and pasta dishes served with assorted vegetables and sauces.

Special diets are not a problem as long as we know your needs in advance.

On most safaris, drinks are included in the all-inclusive daily rate. This includes unlimited bottled water and soft drinks but local beers, wines and spirits are separate and have to be paid for by the client.

Luggage should be kept to a minimum. Most Uganda safaris limit you to 20 kg / 44 pounds per person packed in a soft duffel bag. In East Africa, the limit is typically 15 kg / 33 pounds per person. The number of bags is not as important as the total weight of your bags. It is OK to have a duffel and a small carry-on bag. Hard-sided suitcases and soft-sided internal frame carry-on luggage (the type with a handle and wheels) are not acceptable as they will not fit in the baggage compartment on small aircraft which are often used for transfers between lodges and camps. On safaris that have no small aircraft transfers the weight and size allowance is not as important however you should still strive to bring as little as possible. Remember – a complimentary laundry service is offered at most safari camps and lodges.

When on safari it is best to wear grey, brown or khaki-coloured clothing from June through October, and green clothing from November through May so as not to alert wildlife of your presence. White (which gets dirty very fast) and other bright colours are not recommended (blue attracts tsetse flies – but not enough to worry about). Camouflage clothing is not allowed.
Bring cool, comfortable clothes, but that can layer to keep you warm at night or on game drives. It is also advisable to bring a pair of sandals, comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes), a swimsuit, and a hat to block the sun. There is no need for heavy boots.

No, you do not… all camping equipment will be provided for you.

Park fees are almost always included in the overall trip cost. Your consultant will advise you if any park fees must be paid direct.

Yes! Most African countries require that you have a valid passport with an expiration date no less than six months after your return to the United States.
US citizens require entry visas for Kenya (purchase before travel US $50 per person), Mozambique (purchase before travel US $40 per person), Tanzania (purchase before travelling the US $100 per person), Zambia (purchase at border US $50 per person), and Zimbabwe (purchase at border US $30 per person). Entry visas are not required for Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, or South Africa.

To ensure availability we suggest planning and booking your travel arrangements at least 12 months in advance.

First, you need to contact our office in Uganda or the UK. We are in between 09 AM and 6 PM on weekdays. Call or email our office and let us know when you would like to travel, how many people will be travelling, 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 tour that suits your needs.

We will then check availability (this takes 24-48 hours as we check and if space is available, we will make a provisional booking in your name. There is no obligation on your part at this stage.
Normally we can hold a provisional booking for 2 weeks within which time we will provide air ticket quotes and allow you to decide if you wish to confirm your bookings.
Reservations are confirmed on receipt by Msafiri tours of 20% of the land cost non-refundable deposit per person. the deposit amount will be noted on each personalized itinerary.
Initial trip deposit/payment must be accompanied by completed terms and conditions/reservation form, liability release/assumption of risk agreement and insurance acceptance and booking forms. Each traveller must complete separate copies. Please contact our office for a copy of our booking forms.
Your trip deposit and/or final trip payment may be made by a person, business or certified check made out to Msafiri tours and posted to our office. You can also make a direct bank transfer, our bank details will be provided on request. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will mail you a confirmation letter, invoice, and trip details including a travel checklist.
Your final trip payment is due 75 days before departure. If a reservation is made within 75 days of the trip departure the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation.
Upon receipt of the final payment, your paid invoice will be posted to your mailing address.

While on safari in Uganda you will be transferred between lodges, camps, hotels, projects and different national parks by road, boat and air.
Air travel is the most convenient and preferred method of moving between destinations. Depending upon your choice of safari you may travel by scheduled flights. The majority of commercial airlines use modern jet or turboprop aircraft. Alternatively, guests may fly aboard smaller single, or twin, engine charter aircraft seating 6 to 12 people.

In Uganda, most safaris are conducted in 4×4 vehicles to sit 4 or 5 passengers all with window seats with a guide and roof hatches for game viewing. We also use open-sided 4×4 vehicles for game viewing. Big groups will use minibuses but still with high windows for good viewing.
Wildlife may also be viewed from a powerboat river boat depending upon the National park we go to.

Shopping while on safari is limited. Often lodges and camps have small crafts shops where you may purchase postcards, local goods such as carvings or books, clothing (hats, shirts), and film. At airports and in larger towns, you will find Ugandan crafts markets where you may buy all sorts of carvings, masks, drums, jewellery etc…In general souvenirs and curios are inexpensive. Fun-spirited bartering is the norm in Uganda.
In most cities, there are up-market jewellery and art galleries where you can easily spend hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on Ugandan art. Most reputable shops offer to ship off your purchase at extra cost.

You will need very little spending money on most safaris or trips, meals and activities are included in your package cost.
Credit cards may also be used in large towns at restaurants and shops with MasterCard and Visa being the most accepted. However, use may be restricted in small towns and country areas and non-existent in small retail shops. Please note that American Express is not commonly accepted in Uganda.
Please note that in Uganda hotels, lodges, camps, restaurants and shops often charge a small fee for the use of a credit card.
Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are situated outside most banks in towns and cities in Uganda and international credit cards often can be used to withdraw currency. However, as Africa is unpredictable, please do not rely on ATMs for your currency needs.

Most travellers do not need to change money into a local currency like US dollars, or British pound sterling and credit cards are widely accepted. Small bills (US $1, US $5, US $10, and US $20) are best.

Tipping at restaurants (at your discretion) is 10%. Tipping at lodges and camps is always welcomed but the amount varies greatly. As a rough estimate, you can tip US $15 (US $10 for your guide and US $5 for camp staff) for each traveller per day at each lodge/camp.

All clients are required to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan upon booking. This should cover you for events that may occur before, or during travel, such as tour operator bankruptcy / financial default, trip cancellation, trip delay or interruption, terrorism, lost stolen or delayed baggage, emergency accident (before or during travel), sickness and evacuation of at least US $200,000 per person, 24-hour medical assistance, traveller’s assistance, and emergency cash transfer.

In general Uganda experiences dry weather from January to February and June through October. There are two rainy seasons – the long rains which fall mid-March through May and the short rains which arrive in mid-October and continue until mid-December.
Temperatures are moderate throughout the year with average daytime temperatures around 70 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Evenings and mornings are often chilly, with cold night times

The best wildlife viewing is during the dry season periods.
Wildlife viewing is, in part, predicated on the amount of surface water available. During the rains, wildlife is scattered as there is abundant surface water (puddles, perennial rivers) to drink. Once the rains end wildlife congregates around remaining surface water supplies (pools, lakes, and large rivers).

Uganda is one of Africa’s last outposts of raw adventure; a refuge from the modern world. From the splendour of Wildlife in parks to endangered mountain Gorillas and other primates, Uganda and its people offer a travel experience truly unlike any other.
I hope our answers to Uganda Frequently Asked Questions helped. If you have any other questions, please contact us.

We hope to look forward to showing you Uganda.

Should you need any more references please contact these organizations.