Safari Intel · The field journal

Good to know
before you go.

A practical, visual guide to travelling well through East Africa — from the first question to the final campfire. Explore our comprehensive collection of travel guides, destination information, and safari preparation resources.

Safari planning guides

The details
that matter.

Filter by topic to find exactly what you need for your East African journey.

66+field guides
2countries covered
1local planning team
66 guides
When is the best time to visit Uganda?

Uganda Travel

When is the best time to visit Uganda?

A month-by-month guide to rainforests, savannah and gorilla trekking.

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Ultimate Uganda Safari Guide

Uganda Travel

Ultimate Uganda Safari Guide

Everything you need to know about planning a life-changing safari through Uganda.

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Uganda National Parks Guide

Uganda Travel

Uganda National Parks Guide

Explore all of Uganda's protected areas: what to see, where to go, and best experiences.

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Where to See Wildlife in Uganda

Uganda Travel

Where to See Wildlife in Uganda

A guide to spotting Uganda's iconic animals in their natural habitats across the country.

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Uganda Gorilla Trekking Guide

Uganda Travel

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Guide

Everything about tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi's ancient rainforests.

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Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda

Uganda Travel

Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda

Follow the calls and trails of wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, the primate capital.

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Murchison Falls Travel Guide

Uganda Travel

Murchison Falls Travel Guide

Discover Uganda's largest national park and the Nile's most dramatic waterfall.

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Queen Elizabeth National Park Guide

Uganda Travel

Queen Elizabeth National Park Guide

Tree-climbing lions, Kazinga Channel cruises, and diverse ecosystems await.

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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Guide

Uganda Travel

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Guide

Experience the ancient rainforest home of half the world's mountain gorillas.

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Kibale Forest Guide

Uganda Travel

Kibale Forest Guide

East Africa's primate capital: chimps, monkeys, and pristine forest trails.

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Kidepo Valley Guide

Uganda Travel

Kidepo Valley Guide

Uganda's remote wilderness: vast valleys, wild game, and pastoral cultures.

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Lake Mburo Guide

Uganda Travel

Lake Mburo Guide

Uganda's smallest national park with zebras, impalas, and aquatic adventures.

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Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Guide

Uganda Travel

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Guide

Track Uganda's reintroduced rhino population in this conservation success story.

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Jinja and the Source of the Nile

Uganda Travel

Jinja and the Source of the Nile

Adventure and spirituality at the world-famous Source of the Nile River.

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Sipi Falls Guide

Uganda Travel

Sipi Falls Guide

Three stunning waterfalls, coffee farms, and eastern Uganda's scenic beauty.

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Uganda Birding Guide

Uganda Travel

Uganda Birding Guide

Over 1000 bird species: a birdwatcher's paradise across Uganda's ecosystems.

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Rwanda Safari Guide

Rwanda Travel

Rwanda Safari Guide

The land of a thousand hills: wildlife, culture, and gorilla trekking.

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Best Time to Visit Rwanda

Rwanda Travel

Best Time to Visit Rwanda

Month-by-month weather guide for planning your Rwanda adventure.

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Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda Travel

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park's misty highlands.

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Volcanoes National Park Guide

Rwanda Travel

Volcanoes National Park Guide

Dramatic volcanic peaks, gorillas, and golden monkeys in Rwanda's northwest.

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Nyungwe Forest Guide

Rwanda Travel

Nyungwe Forest Guide

Rwanda's ancient rainforest: chimpanzees, canopy walks, and pristine nature.

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Akagera National Park Guide

Rwanda Travel

Akagera National Park Guide

Big Five wildlife, game drives, and Lake Ihema's scenic beauty.

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Rwanda Primates Guide

Rwanda Travel

Rwanda Primates Guide

Encounter gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees across Rwanda's forests.

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Kigali Travel Guide

Rwanda Travel

Kigali Travel Guide

Rwanda's vibrant capital: culture, history, food, and warm hospitality.

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Rwanda Culture and Experiences

Rwanda Travel

Rwanda Culture and Experiences

Discover Rwanda's rich heritage, communities, and authentic cultural encounters.

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Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Comparisons

Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Compare Bwindi and Volcanoes: which gorilla trek is right for you?

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What to Expect on a Gorilla Trek

Gorilla Trekking

What to Expect on a Gorilla Trek

A detailed walkthrough of a typical gorilla trekking day from start to finish.

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How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking

How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking

Physical preparation, mental readiness, and practical tips for success.

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What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

Essential gear, clothing, and supplies for a comfortable trek.

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A Respectful Guide to Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking

A Respectful Guide to Gorilla Trekking

What the forest asks of you, and what the encounter gives back.

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Gorilla Trekking Rules

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking Rules

The regulations designed to protect these incredible primates and ensure safety.

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Gorilla Trekking Etiquette

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking Etiquette

How to behave respectfully during your encounter with mountain gorillas.

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Understanding Gorilla Permits

Gorilla Trekking

Understanding Gorilla Permits

What permits are, how to obtain them, and why they matter for conservation.

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Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Seasonal guide: weather, accessibility, and gorilla activity throughout the year.

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What Happens on Gorilla Trekking Day

Gorilla Trekking

What Happens on Gorilla Trekking Day

Hour-by-hour breakdown of your gorilla trekking adventure.

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How to Plan an African Safari

Safari Planning

How to Plan an African Safari

Step-by-step guide from destination selection to final preparations.

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How Many Days for a Uganda Safari?

Safari Planning

How Many Days for a Uganda Safari?

Different itinerary lengths and what you can realistically experience.

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How Many Days for Rwanda?

Safari Planning

How Many Days for Rwanda?

Recommended trip lengths based on your interests and travel style.

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Uganda Safari Cost Guide

Safari Planning

Uganda Safari Cost Guide

Budget breakdown: accommodation, guides, permits, meals, and transport.

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Rwanda Safari Cost Guide

Safari Planning

Rwanda Safari Cost Guide

Pricing details for safaris, gorilla permits, and experiences in Rwanda.

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Budget vs Mid-Range vs Luxury Safari

Safari Planning

Budget vs Mid-Range vs Luxury Safari

Understanding the different safari experience levels and what to expect.

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Private vs Group Safari

Safari Planning

Private vs Group Safari

Pros and cons: choose the safari style that suits your travel goals.

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Family Safari Planning

Safari Planning

Family Safari Planning

Tips for traveling with kids: age-appropriate activities and logistics.

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Honeymoon Safari Planning

Safari Planning

Honeymoon Safari Planning

Romance, adventure, and intimate moments in the African wilderness.

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First-Time Safari Guide

Safari Planning

First-Time Safari Guide

Everything a first-time visitor needs to know before their safari.

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What to Pack for an African Safari

Safari Planning

What to Pack for an African Safari

Comprehensive packing list for comfort and practicality in the field.

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The Big Five in Uganda

Wildlife

The Big Five in Uganda

Find Uganda's iconic predators and large herbivores in their natural habitats.

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Where to See Lions in Uganda

Wildlife

Where to See Lions in Uganda

Prime locations for spotting Uganda's impressive lion populations.

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Where to See Elephants in Uganda

Wildlife

Where to See Elephants in Uganda

Uganda's elephant hotspots and the best times to encounter them.

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Chimpanzees in Uganda

Wildlife

Chimpanzees in Uganda

Understanding Uganda's chimp populations and how to track them responsibly.

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Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Wildlife

Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Mountain gorillas: habitat, behavior, conservation, and trekking experiences.

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Uganda's Wildlife

Wildlife

Uganda's Wildlife

A comprehensive overview of Uganda's diverse fauna and ecosystems.

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Rwanda's Wildlife

Wildlife

Rwanda's Wildlife

Discover Rwanda's animals, birds, and reptiles across various habitats.

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Birding in Uganda

Wildlife

Birding in Uganda

Over 1000 species make Uganda a world-class birding destination.

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Wildlife Photography Tips

Wildlife

Wildlife Photography Tips

Capture stunning safari moments with practical photography guidance.

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What to Pack

Travel Tips

What to Pack

Complete packing guide for East African adventures.

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Money and Currency

Travel Tips

Money and Currency

Currency, ATMs, card usage, and financial tips for Uganda and Rwanda.

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Internet and Connectivity

Travel Tips

Internet and Connectivity

Staying connected on safari: SIM cards, data, and communication options.

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Health and Travel Preparation

Travel Tips

Health and Travel Preparation

Vaccinations, malaria prevention, and health precautions for East Africa.

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Safari Vehicle Guide

Travel Tips

Safari Vehicle Guide

Understanding safari vehicles, seating, comfort, and wildlife viewing.

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Accommodation Guide

Travel Tips

Accommodation Guide

Options from luxury lodges to budget camps: what to expect and how to choose.

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Travel Times Between Destinations

Travel Tips

Travel Times Between Destinations

Driving times, flight options, and route planning for Uganda and Rwanda.

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Road Travel in Uganda

Travel Tips

Road Travel in Uganda

Tips for overland travel: conditions, safety, and what to expect.

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Road Travel in Rwanda

Travel Tips

Road Travel in Rwanda

Rwanda's roads, travel logistics, and getting around the country.

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Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Travel Tips

Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Ethical practices for observing wildlife while protecting their wellbeing.

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Why Meaningful Travel Matters

Responsible travel

Why Meaningful Travel Matters

How a safari can leave something good behind for landscapes and communities.

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Destination guides

Explore
each country.

Deep-dive guides for Uganda, Rwanda, and their most extraordinary destinations.

Partners & associations

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