Questions, answered
Permits, seasons, payments and what to expect on trek day. Cannot find yours? Ask us.
Topics
Planning and booking
Is my trip booked when I send the form?
No. The form sends us a request. We reply with a written quote, and your booking is confirmed only once you accept it and pay the deposit. We will always say clearly when a booking is confirmed.
Can you change an itinerary for us?
Yes. Every itinerary on this site is a starting point. We can change the length, pace, lodges and route to fit your dates, interests and budget, or plan a trip from scratch.
What time zone are you in?
Our office is in Kampala, on East Africa Time (UTC+3). That is 7 hours ahead of New York and 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles in the northern summer, and one hour more in winter.
Why is Uganda called the Pearl of Africa?
Winston Churchill gave Uganda that name for its beauty. It has mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the source of the Nile, savanna parks and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains.
Do you support local communities?
Yes. A share of every booking goes to helping women in the communities around the parks we visit. It comes out of our price, so it costs you nothing extra.
What languages do your guides speak?
Our guides speak English, French and German. Tell us your language when you book and we will match your guide.
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
How long do you spend with the gorillas?
One hour once you reach the family. Reaching them can take from under an hour to most of a day, depending on where the gorillas are. Each family can be visited by no more than eight people a day.
Is there a minimum age for gorilla trekking?
Yes. Park authorities set a minimum age, and our gorilla itineraries are planned for travelers aged 16 and over. Ask us about options for families with younger children.
Are gorilla permits included in the price?
Your quote states this clearly. Permits are limited for each gorilla family every day, so we book them as soon as you confirm your trip.
Payments and cancellations
How much is the deposit?
Our current terms confirm a booking on payment of 25% of the total safari cost. The balance and its due date are shown on your quote.
How do I cancel?
Use the link on your booking page or email us. Your booking stays active until we confirm the cancellation in writing, with any refund under our booking and cancellation policy.
Can I pay with PayPal?
Yes. Every safari page has a PayPal QR code and link. Please wait until we have confirmed your dates, then put your booking reference in the payment note.
On safari
How fit do I need to be for a gorilla trek?
You should be comfortable walking for several hours on steep, muddy and uneven ground. Rangers set a steady pace with rests, and porters can be hired at the trailhead to carry your bag and help on steep sections.
Health, visas and safety
Do I need a visa?
Most visitors do. Rules depend on your passport and change from time to time, so check the official immigration site for each country you will visit. Each of our destination pages links to it.
What vaccinations do I need?
Ask a travel clinic at least six weeks before you go, and check the CDC Travelers' Health pages for each country. Requirements, such as proof of yellow fever vaccination, depend on the country and your route.