Planning an adventure across multiple East African nations? The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) might be your golden ticket to simplified travel! Launched to promote regional tourism, this single visa allows entry into Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, saving you time and potentially money compared to applying for individual visas.

Upana Safaris helps many travelers navigate multi-country itineraries. Here’s what you need to know about the EATV:

What is the East African Tourist Visa?

The EATV is a multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days that allows tourists to travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda without needing to apply for separate visas for each country during that period. Once you enter one of these three countries, you can freely cross borders between them for the duration of the visa's validity.

Key Benefits:

• Convenience: One application, one payment for access to three countries.
• Cost-Effective (Potentially): The EATV currently costs $100 USD. If you plan to visit all three participating countries, this is cheaper than individual visas (which typically cost around $50-$55 USD each). If you're only visiting two, the cost might be similar or slightly more than separate visas, but the convenience can still be a factor.
• Flexibility: Allows multiple entries between the member states within the 90-day period.

Important Considerations:

• Tanzania is NOT Currently Included: This is a key point. If your East African itinerary includes Tanzania, you will still need a separate visa for Tanzania. The EATV only covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
• Apply Through Your First Port of Entry: You should apply for the EATV through the embassy/consulate or online e-visa portal of the first of these three countries you intend to visit.
• Validity: The 90-day validity starts from the date of your first entry into any of the three member states.
• Non-Extendable: The EATV cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days within these three countries, you'll need to explore other visa options or exit and reapply.
• Strictly for Tourism: The visa is for tourism purposes only and does not permit work or study.

Who Should Consider the EATV?

• Travelers planning to visit at least two (and especially all three) of Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda within a 90-day period.
• Those on itineraries that involve crossing these borders multiple times (e.g., flying into Kigali (Rwanda) to trek gorillas in Southern Uganda, then returning to Kigali).

How to Apply:

Each country has its own online portal for visa applications, including the EATV:

• Kenya: Via the eVisa Kenya portal.
• Uganda: Via the Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System.
• Rwanda: Via the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration portal. Rwanda also sometimes offers it on arrival, but it's always best to check current policies and apply in advance if possible.

Required Documents (General):

• Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay, with at least one blank page).
• Completed application form.
• Recent passport-sized photograph.
• Travel itinerary (may include flight bookings, tour details).
• Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination (often required).
• Visa fee ($100 USD).

Upana Safaris Advice:

While Upana Safaris cannot apply for visas on your behalf, we can certainly guide you on the best visa strategy for your specific multi-country East African itinerary. We'll advise whether the EATV is the most suitable and cost-effective option or if individual visas make more sense, especially if Tanzania is part of your plan.

Always check the very latest visa requirements and application procedures for your nationality well in advance of your travel. Visa policies can change.

Planning a seamless multi-country adventure? Contact Upana Safaris, and let's explore the incredible diversity of East Africa together!

Blog Post 6

Title: The Rwenzori Mountains: Trekking Uganda's Mystical "Mountains of the Moon"

(Featured Image: A dramatic shot of the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, or trekkers amidst the unique Afro-alpine vegetation.)

Rising majestically on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Rwenzori Mountains, legendary as Ptolemy's "Mountains of the Moon," offer one of Africa’s most challenging and rewarding trekking experiences. With their mist-shrouded peaks, unique Afro-alpine vegetation, glaciers, and stunning valleys, the Rwenzoris are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a dream destination for serious hikers and nature lovers.

Upana Safaris invites you to explore this mystical mountain range, a world away from the typical savanna safari.

What Makes the Rwenzoris Unique?

• Equatorial Glaciers: Despite their proximity to the equator, the highest peaks, including Margherita Peak (5,109m / 16,762 ft) on Mount Stanley (Africa's third-highest mountain), are permanently snow-capped and glaciated.
• Extraordinary Vegetation: The Rwenzoris are famed for their surreal botanical wonders. Trek through zones of tropical rainforest, bamboo forests, heather zones, and finally, the otherworldly Afro-alpine moorlands, home to giant groundsels, lobelias, and moss-draped heather.
• Pristine Wilderness: Less crowded than Kilimanjaro, the Rwenzoris offer a more remote and wild trekking experience.
• Rich Biodiversity: While not a primary wildlife destination like the savanna parks, the mountains are home to various forest animals, including forest elephants, chimpanzees (rarely seen by trekkers), various monkeys, and unique birdlife, including the Rwenzori turaco.

Trekking Routes & Duration:

Several routes cater to different ambitions and timeframes:

• The Central Circuit Trail: This is the classic and most popular route, typically taking 7-9 days. It loops through the heart of the range, offering access to the main peaks and showcasing the diverse vegetation zones.
• Kilembe Trail: A newer, southern approach, also offering spectacular scenery and access to Margherita Peak, often considered very scenic.
• Shorter Treks: It's possible to do shorter treks of 3-5 days to explore the lower slopes and witness the unique flora without aiming for the high peaks.

Level of Difficulty & Preparation:

Trekking in the Rwenzoris is a serious undertaking and requires a good level of physical fitness, stamina, and mental preparedness.

• Challenging Conditions: Expect steep, muddy trails, frequent rain, cold temperatures at higher altitudes, and the effects of altitude.
• Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Itineraries are designed to allow for gradual ascent.
• Gear: Specialized mountaineering gear (crampons, ice axe, ropes, harness) is required for summiting the glacial peaks, usually provided by the trekking service. High-quality waterproof and warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and good sleeping bags are essential.
• Guides & Porters: Treks are always undertaken with licensed local guides and porters who carry the bulk of your gear, food, and camping equipment.

When to Go:

The drier seasons are generally preferred for trekking:

• December to February
• June to August

However, being equatorial mountains, rain can fall at any time of year. Be prepared for wet conditions regardless of when you trek.

The Upana Safaris Experience:

Upana Safaris can arrange your complete Rwenzori trekking adventure, including:

• Permits and park fees.
• Experienced local guides, porters, and a cook.
• Quality camping equipment (or hut accommodations where available).
• Meals on the trek.
• Transportation to and from the trailheads.
• Pre- and post-trek accommodation.

We can also combine your Rwenzori trek with other Ugandan adventures, such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, or wildlife safaris, for a truly comprehensive "Pearl of Africa" experience.

Are you ready to conquer the mystical Mountains of the Moon? Contact Upana Safaris to start planning your Rwenzori trekking expedition!