Genaral Tips :
- Please note the age limit of 15 years and above for gorilla tracking.
- Book your permits well in advance as only 8 permits are issued per gorilla group in a day. There are 21 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi.
- You should be free from infectious diseases such as Flu which can be passed to the gorillas since humans share 98% DNA with gorillas. If you are found to carry an infectious disease you will not be allowed to track.
- Every participant has the chance to hire a trekking assistance (porter) who will help carring the bags and support whenever it is needed. For the trekking assitant an additional fee of US$ 15 is charged. Even those who consider themselves very old and don’t think they are hikers or adventurous can also successfully visit the gorillas. This can be done through hiring personal assistants to carry your daypack also to assist you in difficult areas.
- Do not use flash photography.
- Littering in the forest is not allowed!
- You are required to maintain a distance of 7 metres when you reach the gorillas. In certain instances the young gorillas may come closer to you out of curiosity to touch you. However, you are not expected to respond because the silverback could respond violently as it tries to protect the young one from you.
Languages Spoken: Swahili is the official language of Tanzania while Arabic is widely understood on Zanzibar. In swahili “Jumbo,” or “Mambo” means hello. “Habari” means how are you and “Asante Sana” means thank you. English and Luganda are the main languages spoken in Uganda.
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling. (TZS)
Visa: Most nationalities need a visa to enter Tanzania, which is $50 for a three-month single entry paid in USD and can be obtained at the border. If you are a US Citizen, the visa is $100 USD for a three-month multiple-entry visa.
Weather: There are two seasons in Tanzania and Uganda– dry and wet. The wet season brings long rains falling from March to May. June-November is the dry season during this time low lying areas are hot and humid.
What to Pack: If you’re going on safari make you’re wearing the right safari clothes, with a great safari hat, a good pair of safari boots, and at least one jacket as it can get very cold at night. If you’re heading to the coast, you’ll want a bathing suit. Bring proper walking boots, long trousers and rain gears as you will be hiking through Bwindi Forest. Hiking boots, gloves, rain jacket camera and extra batteries. Waterproof bags to protect cameras and other equipment when hiking, just in case it rains. Insect repellant is recommended.
Stay Connected: Vodacom and Airtel are the service providers on the mainland. Holatel is the most widely used in Zanzibar, however most hotels and lodges have internet connection (wifi).
Water: The water in Tanzania is not safe to drink. Bottled water is available for purchase for cheap.