Experience
Uganda & Rwanda
Fast Facts Uganda
Country name: Republic of Uganda
Population: 40.5 Million
Capital: Kampala
Language: English and Luganda
Currency: Uganda Shilling
Time zone: 9 hours behind New Zealand (except
during daylight saving)
Electricity: Current is 240V, 50HZ
Plug is a 3 point square-pin adaptor
Fast Facts Rwanda
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Country name: Republic of Rwanda
Population: 11.9 Million
Capital: Kigali
Language: English, French and Kinyarwanda
Currency: Rwandan Franc
Time zone: 9 hours behind New Zealand (except
during daylight saving)
Electricity: Current is 240V, 50HZ
Plug is a 3 point square-pin adaptor
U
ganda has had a rather turbulent past, but has now become a more peaceful
country. It is home to many diff erent ethnic groups, yet none of these form the
majority of Uganda’s population. Around 40 languages are currently used, English
being the offi cial language. Kibale Forest is where chimpanzees have made their
home, and you can hear their evocative pant-hoot call any time of the day. Head
to Ngamba Island (45 minutes boat from Entebbe), where most of the chimps who
were previously confi scated by poachers, now live free and happy.
Neighbouring Uganda is Rwanda, small in size but a population density among the
highest in Africa. Appropriately dubbed “The Land of a Thousand Hills” Rwanda
is predominantly grassy highlands and hills, with altitudes varying from a low of
1207m, to Mt. Karisimbi, the highest of a range of extinct volcanoes in the northwest
reaching 4507m. Lake Kivu forms part of the border with the Democratic Republic
of Congo and is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa.
Rainy season is aplenty between March to May, bringing to life the tropical rainforest
of the highlands. Gorillas can be visited all year round, but great savings can be
made in the rainy seasons when trekking permits are more aff ordable.
The star attraction of course is the legendary mountain gorilla, the biggest of
living primates. Trek through this breath-taking part of the world to discover the
gorilla’s home. Both countries off er a diff erent trekking experience, so it is up to
you to commit to meeting the more elusive gorilla families in Uganda along with
the fantastic birding and other wildlife, or go easy on your knees and meander the
rolling hills of Rwanda. Staring into the pensive brown eyes of these gentle giants
who share 95% of their genes with humans, is as humbling as it is thrilling. Knowing
there are only around 850 alive today, the time to visit the land of gorillas is now!