About Friends Wood Tours

Your trusted gateway to unforgettable safari experiences in Uganda and East Africa.
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Who We Are

Friends Wood Tours & Travel is a dedicated tour company committed to offering authentic and memorable travel experiences across Uganda and East Africa. We specialize in wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking, birding adventures, and cultural journeys that connect travelers to the true essence of Africa.

TRAVEL INFORMATION AND TIPS

WHY TRAVEL TO UGANDA

Gorilla tourism is apparently the biggest activity in the Uganda travel industry. Over half the remaining population of the endangered mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is such a marvelous experience. Only one family lives in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has Murchison Falls – The most explosive and powerful waterfall in the whole world and centerpiece to Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls National Park is apparently the largest and oldest Uganda safari park. It is the only place where you get a chance to see the big five game animals. Another great reason to visit should be Chimpanzee trekking. Kibale Forest National Park is the primate capital of East Africa and has the highest concentration of primates amongst all African travel parks. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest is indeed a lifetime opportunity.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TRAVEL TO UGANDA

 Africa is expensive! If you are planning to visit, you should be willing to spend that much. Uganda travel packages range from as low as $400 and can go as high as $2000 plus depending on a number of factors. Some of these factors include duration of your vacation, travel style (budget, mid-range or luxury), services and facilities included in your package. In Uganda, your activities and accommodation greatly determine the final cost of your travel holiday. There are so many cost reduction measures you can adopt to make your travel as affordable as possible. Some of these include opting for *budget accommodation facilities*, minimizing your days, joining a group and carrying out a few activities. Of course there are a lot more ways to save money on your vacation

GORILLA TREKKING AND WHEN TO GO GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA

 You will have to book your gorilla trekking permit 3months to 6 months before you travel to Uganda.Gorilla trekking is permitted for persons ages 15years and above, 8people per each gorilla trekking group, 1hr for each gorilla trekking group.A gorilla trekking permit costs $800USD for foreign non-residents with lower rates for residents and East African citizens. For an immersive Gorilla Habituation experience, permits are $1500USD for foreign non residents allowing four hours with the Gorillas instead of one.These permits are for treks in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda is an all year round destination but still, visiting during certain months is ideal. Most of the interesting places to visit in Uganda can best be enjoyed during dry months. Fact is rain can be a hindrance. It can actually keep you indoors for the whole day despite paying for your safari. To avoid such inconveniences, visit Uganda anytime between June to September and December to February. Wildlife roams more around national parks during on dry days and frequent the ing certain months is ideal. Most of the interesting places to visit in Uganda can best be enjoyed during dry months. Fact is rain can be a hindrance. It can actually keep you indoors for the whole day despite paying for your safari. To avoid such inconveniences, visit Uganda anytime between June to September and December to February. Wildlife roams more around national parks during on dry days and frequent the water banks to hydrate. A launch trip during the driest day can be the best opportunity to make the most of Uganda wildlife safaris.

WILDLIFE SAFARIS OR PRIMATE EXPERIENCES

Both these Uganda travel activities are fun to carry out. It becomes much more fun to combine them together. For the best wildlife experience, visit Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. The best primate experiences are got from Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Other great places for primate encounters include the exhilarating Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest and Maramagambo Forest.

TRAVEL SUPPORT & SERVICES

We Make Travel Easy

We support you every step of the way—from visa guidance and airport pickups to accommodation booking and customized safari planning. Our goal is to make your journey smooth, safe, and unforgettable.

VISA TIPS

 Planning a trip to Uganda? Friendswood Tours & Travel is here to give you the best travel experience as you explore Uganda the Pearl of Africa where all safaris are unforgettable experiences.

Who Needs a Visa to Visit Uganda?

 Most international travelers require a visa before entering Uganda, including citizens from:

United States

United Kingdom

European Union

Canada

Australia

UAE

Asia & South America

Some East African Community (EAC) nations are exempt. 👉 Checkhttps://visas.immigration.go.ug/ the official list 💻

Uganda eVisa – Fast & Easy Online Application

Uganda requires all visitors to apply for a digital eVisa before traveling.

Official Application Portal https://visas.immigration.go.ug/🔗

Friendswood Tours & Travel strongly advises using ONLY the official portal to avoid scams. 🛂

Uganda Visa Types & Fees (2025)

Tourist Visa (Single Entry)

$50

Perfect for safari holidays, family visits, and short adventures.

East Africa Tourist Visa

$100

Travel freely between Uganda, Kenya & Rwanda with one visa.

Transit Visa

$50

Ideal for travelers passing through Uganda for up to 2 days.

Multiple Entry Visas For frequent travelers:

6 months

$100

12 months

$150

24 months

$200

36 months

$300

5 years

$500

Diplomatic / Official Visas for government and official travelers.

📄 Uganda Visa Requirements (PDF Format Only)

Prepare these documents in PDF format before applying:

Valid passport (6 months minimum, 2 blank pages) Passport-style photo Flight itinerary (return ticket required) Yellow Fever vaccination certificate Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation) Travel insurance (recommended)

⚠ Uganda immigration accepts PDF files only.

JPG/PNG uploads will be rejected.

📝 How to Apply for a Uganda eVisa (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit the official portal 2. Select your visa type

3. Fill in personal and travel details

4. Upload required documents (PDF)

5. Pay securely online

6. Wait for the approval email

7. Print the eVisa and present it at immigration on arrival Friendswood Tours & Travel can assist travelers needing help with the application. 🕒 Length of Stay in Uganda Most tourists are granted a 60-day stay on arrival. Visa Extensions If you need more time: · Visit the nearest Immigration Office · Extensions range from 30–90 days Fees vary depending on your case · · Approval depends on the immigration officer

🧳 Before You Travel – Checklist Make sure you have:

✔ Printed eVisa approval

✔ Passport (valid 6 months)

✔ Yellow Fever certificate

 Return flight ticket

✔ Hotel booking or host address

✔ Travel insurance

✔ Emergency contacts

💉 Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement

· Uganda requires all visitors to present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

· Must be taken 10 days before travel ·

Valid for 10 years ·

No certificate = possible entry denial

⚠ Beware of Fake Visa Websites Only use the official government website: 🔗 https://visas.immigration.go.ug Fake sites may: · · · Offer incorrect visa

types Overcharge applicants Provide invalid approvals

Friendswood Tours & Travel ensures all clients use the correct and official channels.

📚 Recommended Books Before Visiting Uganda

Discover Uganda’s culture, history, and stories:

The Last King of Scotland – Giles Foden The

Abyssinian Chronicles – Moses Isegawa

The Impenetrable Forest – Thor Hanson

Aboke Girls – Els de Temmerman

First Kill Your Family – Peter Eichstaedt

Uganda: The Pearl of Africa – Paul Joynson-Hicks