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We recommend booking at least three to six months in advance, especially for peak season (June to September and December to February). Gorilla permits are limited to eight people per gorilla family per day and sell out quickly. For popular departure dates, a year ahead is not unusual. Last-minute safaris are possible but your options will be more limited.

Our packages typically include accommodation on a full-board basis, all gorilla and activity permits, national park entry fees, private 4x4 safari transport, a dedicated licensed guide throughout, all listed game drives and activities, drinking water in the vehicle, and 24/7 operations support. International flights, visas, personal travel insurance, gratuities, and personal purchases are not included.

Yes. Every safari we design is built from scratch around your dates, budget, interests, and travel style. We do not sell off-the-shelf packages. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, with family, or as a group, your itinerary is yours alone. See our How We Work page for the full process.

Accepted currencies: USD, EUR, and GBP.

Payment methods:

• Bank transfer (SWIFT), preferred for larger payments
• Credit / debit card, Visa, Mastercard, and Amex via Pesapal and DPO
• Mobile money, available for local clients in Uganda

For payment schedule, see What are your payment terms?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended and required for some activities. Your policy should cover medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage loss. For gorilla trekking and chimp tracking, emergency evacuation cover is particularly important given the remote locations. We can recommend trusted providers if needed.

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into both Uganda and Rwanda. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus are strongly recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is advised for most destinations. Please consult a travel health clinic or your doctor at least six to eight weeks before departure, as requirements and recommendations can change.

Yes. We design family safaris with ages in mind, with shorter game drives, age-appropriate activities, child-friendly lodges, and flexible pacing. Note that gorilla trekking has a minimum age of 15, as set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board. Younger children can join game drives, boat cruises, nature walks, and community visits.

Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure receive an 80% refund. Between 30 and 60 days: 50% refund. Less than 30 days before departure: no refund. Gorilla permits are non-refundable once issued by UWA or RDB. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment. Full details are in our Terms and Conditions.

The best time varies by country and activity. For gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) offer easier hiking through drier forest. For wildlife safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, the Great Migration peaks from July to October. Uganda’s bird life is exceptional year-round. We can advise on the best timing based on your specific interests and destinations.

Absolutely. Many travellers combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) on one trip. We handle permits for both, coordinate the cross-border logistics, and make the whole experience seamless. The two parks offer distinctly different terrain and gorilla families, so doing both is well worth it.

Uganda gorilla permits are USD 800 per person, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Rwanda gorilla permits are USD 1,500 per person, issued by the Rwanda Development Board. These are government-set fees that go directly to conservation and community programmes. We secure permits on your behalf as part of your safari package.

Treks range from 30 minutes to six or more hours depending on where the gorilla family has moved that morning. The terrain in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is steep and the vegetation is dense. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Porters are available to carry your bag and assist you through the undergrowth. We strongly recommend hiring one. They make a real difference and provide direct income for the local community.

Yes. The minimum age for gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda is 15 years old. This is a strict government regulation and cannot be waived. Families travelling with younger children can enjoy chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, boat safaris, game drives, and community experiences instead.

You spend one hour with the habituated gorilla family. The official minimum distance is seven metres, though gorillas frequently approach closer on their own terms. You may find yourself just a few metres from a silverback, nursing mothers, or playful juveniles. It is consistently described by travellers as the most profound wildlife encounter in Africa.

Yes, malaria is present at lower altitudes across most of East Africa. We recommend taking anti-malarial medication, using insect repellent with DEET, and wearing long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn. Higher altitude areas such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Rwandan Highlands carry very low malaria risk. Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic for the right prophylaxis for your specific itinerary.

Uganda and Rwanda are considered among the safer safari destinations in Africa. Rwanda in particular has very low crime rates and is exceptionally well organised. As with any international travel, standard precautions apply. We brief all clients thoroughly before departure, and our guides are experienced at operating safely in national park environments. We monitor conditions continuously and will advise if anything changes.

Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in neutral or dark colours are essential. Avoid bright colours, blue denim, and anything that restricts movement. Sturdy waterproof hiking boots are a must. Gaiters are very useful in Bwindi’s dense undergrowth. Bring a hat, a light rain jacket, and a pair of gardening gloves for gripping vegetation on steep sections. See our full Packing List for a complete breakdown.

Flash photography is not permitted during gorilla trekking. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a fast lens (f/2.8 or wider) handles the low forest light well. A 70 to 200mm lens is ideal for wildlife drives in open savannah. Bring plenty of memory cards, spare batteries, and a waterproof bag or cover for your gear. Smartphones with good low-light performance work well for gorillas at close range.

Most nationalities require a visa for Uganda, which can be obtained online through the official Uganda e-visa portal (visas.immigration.go.ug) or on arrival at Entebbe International Airport. The East Africa Tourist Visa at USD 100 covers Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. It is excellent value for a multi-country trip. We advise all clients on the specific requirements for their nationality before travel.

Entebbe International Airport (EBB) serves Uganda. Kigali International Airport (KGL) serves Rwanda. Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) serve Kenya and Tanzania respectively. We recommend booking your international flights separately and sharing your arrival details with us. We handle all airport transfers and will be there to meet you.

To confirm your booking, two payments are required upfront:

• 30% deposit of your total safari cost
• 100% of all permit fees (gorilla, chimpanzee, or other wildlife permits)

Permits must be paid in full at the time of booking as they are secured immediately and are non-refundable.

The remaining 70% of your safari cost is due 60 days before departure. For bookings made within 60 days of travel, full payment is required at the time of booking.

See our Pricing page for full details.