FAQ's

When planning a safari, especially one that involves camping, there are always going to be various questions. Here we hope to have answered most of them.

What is adventure camping?

Taking you off the beaten track, you'll find yourself eating meals around a campfire and sleeping in tents under the stars. Pack an adventurous spirit and a sense of fun as this is travelling at its ultimate best.

What vehicle will we be travelling in?

Our scheduled adventure camping safaris and private group trips are all run using our 22 seater Mercedes overland truck. This vehicle is perfect for the African terrain, it is also high allowing for excellent game viewing, has comfortable coach seats, seat belts, a couple of interior tables, a viewing balcony, storage space and fully equipped kitchen.

Do you require a minimum number of clients to run the scheduled adventure camping safaris?

Yes we do. To run any of our safaris we require a minimum of 7 clients. The average scheduled adventure group size is around 14, so please ask at the time of your enquiry as to group numbers.

What's included in the scheduled adventure camping safaris?

Safari truck, main meals, driver/guide/cook, 2 man tents, all cooking equipment, camping fees, park entry fees, game drives, boat cruise, ferry fees, ranger fees, falls climb (available at Murchison).

What's not included in the scheduled adventure camping safaris?

Airfares, visas, vaccinations, airport transfers, travel insurance, all beverages, water, personal snacks, day 1 breakfast & last day dinner, curios, gratuities, items of a personal nature and optional trip activities.

Where do we meet for the start of the scheduled adventure camping safaris?

On the morning of your trip departure our adventure safaris leave from Jinja.

Please be at Nile River Explorers Backpackers in Jinja town for a 7:00am departure.
If meeting us in Kampala please be at the fountain, outside Umchumi Supermarket, at Garden City Shopping Mall for 10:00am.

Where do we get dropped off at the end of the scheduled adventure camping safaris?

Please advise your tour leader if you wish to get off at Garden City, Kampala, or Nile River Explorers Backpackers in Jinja. Do be aware that the scheduled adventure safaris will arrive back in Kampala/Jinja by late afternoon/early evening.

Can I buy drinks and snacks en-route?

Yes, this can be done throughout your safari, particularly on day 1 in Kampala where you can get the majority of personal supplies.

Do you provide bedding whilst camping?

Although we provide tents we do not provide personal bedding, though do enquire at the time of booking to see if we have mattresses available which can be hired. Where possible please make sure you have your own sleeping bag, pillow and/or therma rest.

What type of person travels with Ku Tunza and I am the right type of person?

A wide range of people from all walks of life and various countries join us for safari. We have no age restriction but we do ask clients to have a "sense of adventure" and be a team player. The groups are made up of single travellers, couples, friends and families.

I'm travelling alone, will this be a problem?

Not at all, many of our clients travel alone, however, with regard to accommodation do advise us in advance so that we can make sure you have your own tent.

What about meals, do I have to cook?

No, meals are provided where stated on the itinerary. Meals are planned by the crew to make the most of what is available locally - fresh meat is available most days and fresh fruit and vegetables are available all the time. Ku Tunza ensures the menu is varied, that quality ingredients are used and servings large, so you wont go to bed hungry! However your crew will appreciate any help with peeling vegetables, helping to clear away plates and the occasional watchful eye over the BBQ.

I'm vegetarian - will you be able to cater to my dietary requirements?

No problem as long as you advise us in advance what you do/don't eat or if you suffer from any food allergies etc, we will do our best to accommodate you but again please realise that the choice of foods may not always be the same as you will be able to purchase at home.

Am I expected to tip the trip guide or cook?

Tipping is certainly not compulsory but if you feel your guide/cook has done a good job and offered you an enjoyable and knowledgeable trip then rest assured they will always be happy to receive a tip. As the saying goes, it's never expected, but always appreciated.

What's the climate like in Uganda?

As most of Uganda is at a fairly constant altitude, with mountains only in the east (Mt Elgon) west (Rwenzori Mountains) the bulk of the country is tropical, with temperatures averaging about 26c during the day and 16c at night. The hottest months are December to February with temperatures up to 30c. The rainy seasons are generally from April to May and October to November.

What clothes should I bring for the scheduled adventure camping safaris?

Mosquito repellant, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, trainers/walking boots/sandals, loose & lightweight clothing - t-shirts, shorts, trousers, jeans, fleece/jacket (it can get cool at night) headtorch, malaria tablets/medication, towel/sarong, personal items - wet wipes, wash bag and some campfire stories!

What are the roads like in Uganda?

Over the last couple of years the roads have improved, but some stretches can be rough and pot holed, and within the national parks they are unsealed.

What about the risk of malaria and other health issues?

The best way to prevent malaria is to not get bitten by wearing long sleeves/pants, putting on repellent and ensuring that your tent is zipped up to prevent mossies getting into the tent. Please seek the advice of a specialist health centre or visit your doctor prior to your trip to give you up to date advice on prophylactics but please be aware that this still does not give you 100% protection. Your doctor will also give you advice on other health requirements.

Passports and Visas

Most nationalities require visas for the countries we travel through. Generally we can obtain visas en-route or at point of entry, but we do suggest you check with the relevant embassies regarding your nationality entry requirements. Please ensure that you bring US dollars to pay for your visas. Your passport must also be valid for at least nine months from the start date of your trip.

Insurance

At Ku Tunza Travel we believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. Therefore you must take out comprehensive travel insurance on all Ku Tunza Travel safaris. If at the start of your safari you cannot prove you have travel insurance you may not be allowed on the trip.

Will the scheduled itinerary change from the one offered?

Generally speaking each itinerary has had a lot of work put into it to ensure that you get to see the highlights of the country you're visiting. Sometimes there are factors beyond our control, which means that the itinerary may change and Ku Tunza reserves the right to do this. Generally these changes are minor, but occasionally this will happen whilst on the road, this is the time to make the most of it and enjoy the adventure of being in Africa.

Dress Sense

Please remember that whilst travelling through foreign lands you need to consider the local customs and dress. Therefore on our safaris we hope you will dress accordingly and respect the people, places and areas that you will be visiting by wearing the appropriate clothing - nothing too strappy, short or revealing - that goes for the gentlemen too! If in doubt speak with your Ku Tunza Guide who will advise you on what's hot and what's not.

How do I book a scheduled adventure camping safari?

Please either phone or email us with the trip and dates you are interested in. Once we have received your details we will email you a booking form for you to complete and return, whereupon we shall tentatively reserve you a seat.

Payment Details

If trip payment is to be made in US$ cash please note that only large denominations and bills dated after the year 2000 will be accepted. This also applies for any optional activities you may wish to do.

Optional Activities

Please advise us at the time of booking if you wish to do any of the scheduled safari optional activities. Payment for chimp trekking is to be included in your trip payment. Payment for the rhino walk can be paid to your safari guide on the morning of your trip departure.

Volunteers

For all volunteers we offer a 5% discount off the scheduled adventure trip price (not including optional activities), though this has to be verified prior to the trip departure date and is at the discretion of the Director.

Spending Money

It's hard to predict how much each individual will spend, but on our scheduled adventure safaris you may spend as little as US$5 per day or as much as US$20. Do note that any US$ spending money should be changed into Ugandan Shillings before the day of your trip departure.