FeaturedIntroduce Yourself: Where Are You Heading?
Welcome to the Mavens Safari Forum. Whether you're planning your first trip to Uganda or Rwanda or you've just come home, say hello here. Tell us where you're from, when...
Uganda & Rwanda · Luxury safari talk
The Mavens Safari Forum
Ideas, opinions and first-hand advice on luxury safaris, from travellers and the guides who host them.
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Featured Threads
What to Pack for a Gorilla Trek
Waterproof walking boots that are already broken in. Long trousers and long sleeves against nettles and thorns, and gardening gloves for gripping vines. A light rain jack...
East African Tourist Visa: Does It Make Sense for Uganda and Rwanda?
The East African Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on one multiple-entry visa, valid for 90 days, for US$100. You apply online through the country you will ent...
How Gorilla Permits Work, and When to Book
Permits are issued per person, for a specific date and, in Uganda, a specific sector. Each gorilla family takes a maximum of eight visitors a day, so permits are limited....
The Gorilla Habituation Experience: Is It Worth It?
In Bwindi, a small number of permits each day let you join researchers and trackers with a gorilla family that is still being habituated to people. Instead of the standar...
FeaturedUganda or Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking?
Both offer an hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family. The differences are elsewhere. Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) About two to three hours' drive from Kigali...
FeaturedWhich Bwindi Sector Should You Choose?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four trekking sectors, and your permit is tied to one of them, so choose before you book. Buhoma (north): the original sector, wit...
FeaturedHow Much Should You Tip on a Safari in Uganda and Rwanda?
Tipping is a thank-you, never an obligation, but it's one of the most common questions we get. These are the typical ranges travellers use, in US dollars: Private drive...
What to Pack for a Gorilla Trek
Waterproof walking boots that are already broken in. Long trousers and long sleeves against nettles and thorns, and gardening gloves for gripping vines. A light rain jack...
FeaturedIntroduce Yourself: Where Are You Heading?
Welcome to the Mavens Safari Forum. Whether you're planning your first trip to Uganda or Rwanda or you've just come home, say hello here. Tell us where you're from, when...
FeaturedWhat Are the Real Signs of a Luxury Safari?
"Luxury" is printed on almost every safari brochure, so it's worth asking what actually changes the experience. From the trips we run, these are the things guests notice ...
Private Safari or Small Group: What's the Difference?
Both can use the same lodges, so the difference is in how the days run. On a private safari The vehicle and guide are yours alone, so start times, stops and photo breaks...
FeaturedIntroduce Yourself: Where Are You Heading?
Welcome to the Mavens Safari Forum. Whether you're planning your first trip to Uganda or Rwanda or you've just come home, say hello here. Tell us where you're from, when...
What to Pack for a Gorilla Trek
Waterproof walking boots that are already broken in. Long trousers and long sleeves against nettles and thorns, and gardening gloves for gripping vines. A light rain jack...
East African Tourist Visa: Does It Make Sense for Uganda and Rwanda?
The East African Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on one multiple-entry visa, valid for 90 days, for US$100. You apply online through the country you will ent...
How Gorilla Permits Work, and When to Book
Permits are issued per person, for a specific date and, in Uganda, a specific sector. Each gorilla family takes a maximum of eight visitors a day, so permits are limited....
The Gorilla Habituation Experience: Is It Worth It?
In Bwindi, a small number of permits each day let you join researchers and trackers with a gorilla family that is still being habituated to people. Instead of the standar...
FeaturedUganda or Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking?
Both offer an hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family. The differences are elsewhere. Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) About two to three hours' drive from Kigali...
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Luxury Safari Talk
What Makes a Safari Luxury
Signs of a true luxury safari: privacy, guiding, service, food, space and the small touches. What really counts, and what is just marketing?
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What Are the Real Signs of a Luxury Safari?12 hours ago · Luxury Travel Mavens
Luxury Experiences & Extras
Private guides and vehicles, fly-in transfers, helicopter flights, bush dinners, spa days and exclusive-use lodges.
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Private Safari or Small Group: What's the Difference?12 hours ago · Luxury Travel Mavens
Luxury Lodges & Camps
The lodges and camps that deliver: suites, views, service, food, and which rooms to ask for.
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Tipping, Service & Etiquette
What to expect from butlers, trackers and private guides, how much to tip, dress codes and lodge etiquette.
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How Much Should You Tip on a Safari in Uganda and Rwanda?12 hours ago · Luxury Travel Mavens
Luxury Ideas & Wishlists
Dream itineraries, honeymoons, celebrations and once-in-a-lifetime ideas. Share yours and get honest feedback.
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Honeymoon Safari Ideas: Gorillas, Lakes and Private Dinners12 hours ago · Luxury Travel Mavens
Plan Your Safari
Gorilla Trekking & Permits
Bwindi sectors, Mgahinga and Volcanoes: permits, fitness, porters, habituation and the trek itself.
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How Gorilla Permits Work, and When to Book12 hours ago · Luxury Travel Mavens
Chimpanzees & Primates
Chimp tracking in Kibale, Nyungwe, Budongo and Kyambura Gorge, plus golden monkeys.
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Uganda Safaris
Routes, road times and parks from Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth to Kidepo.
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Rwanda Safaris
Volcanoes, Nyungwe, Lake Kivu and Akagera, and how to combine them.
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On the Ground
Visas, Flights & Health
East African Tourist Visa, yellow fever, malaria, domestic flights and border crossings.
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East African Tourist Visa: Does It Make Sense for Uganda and Rwanda?12 hours ago · Luxury Travel Mavens
Photography & Gear
Lenses and settings for the forest, boots, rain gear and what to pack.
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What to Pack for a Gorilla Trek12 hours ago · Luxury Travel Mavens
Community
Trip Reports
Day-by-day stories from your safari in Uganda or Rwanda.
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Introductions
Say hello and tell us where you are heading.
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Introduce Yourself: Where Are You Heading?12 hours ago · Luxury Travel Mavens
Site Feedback
Tell us what would make the forum more useful.
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