Questions, answered

For July–September and December–January, six to twelve months ahead is ideal, mainly to secure gorilla permits and the best lodges. Outside those months, two to three months is usually enough.

Yes. Every itinerary is private, with your own vehicle and driver-guide. We can also organise trips for families, friends and small groups.

Always. Our published trips are starting points: add days, swap lodges, change the pace or combine countries.

Four days is enough for a focused gorilla trip, seven to ten days for one country, and ten to fourteen days to combine two countries or add a beach.

Our trips are private by default. Friends, families and organisations can travel together as a private group, and groups of four or more pay less per person.

Permit prices are set by the parks authorities: US$800 in Uganda (US$600 in April, May and November 2026) and US$1,500 in Rwanda for foreign non-residents. We confirm current rates when you enquire.

Visitors must be at least 15 years old to trek gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. Younger travellers can enjoy other activities while the group treks.

Long trousers and sleeves, waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket and gardening gloves for gripping vegetation. We send a full packing list with your itinerary.

Yes. In April, May and November 2026 Uganda’s permit is US$600 instead of US$800 (fixed dates). Rwanda offers 30% off from November to May when combined with stays in Nyungwe or Akagera.

In Bwindi’s Rushaga sector you can spend up to four hours with a family still being habituated, in a smaller group. It costs US$1,500 in 2026, rising to US$1,800 from January 2027.

Most visitors need a visa for Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania, and an Electronic Travel Authorisation for Kenya, all available online. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on one visa.

Uganda no longer requires a yellow fever certificate for entry (announced by the immigration directorate in October 2026), but vaccination is still recommended, and Rwanda, Tanzania and Zanzibar may ask for a certificate if you arrive from Uganda or Kenya. We recommend getting vaccinated and carrying the card. Speak to a travel clinic about malaria prevention and other vaccinations.

No. Drink bottled or filtered water; bottled water is provided in our safari vehicles.

Days are usually warm (mid to high 20s °C in the lowlands), while highland and early-morning game drives can be cool. Pack layers and a light rain jacket.

The drier months (June–September and December–February) are the most popular, but each country has its own pattern. See our month-by-month guide.

Once you’re happy with the itinerary, we ask for a deposit to secure permits and lodges, with the balance due before travel. Exact terms are set out in our booking conditions and on your invoice.

Yes, travel insurance including medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for every safari.

Online through Pesapal by card or mobile money, in US dollars. A 35% deposit confirms your trip and the balance is due 60 days before travel. See how to book.

The deposit is non-refundable. Of the balance paid, 90% is refunded 60+ days before the start, 50% at 30–59 days, 25% at 15–29 days and nothing within 14 days. Permits follow the authority’s own rules.