Frequently Asked Questions

A 30% non-refundable deposit secures your dates, permits and lodges. The remaining balance is due 60 days before arrival. For gorilla and chimp trekking permits we may request full permit payment up front to lock availability.

We accept bank wire transfers (USD, EUR, GBP), all major credit cards via secure Stripe link, and mobile money for regional clients. Card payments incur a 3.5% processing fee.

Cancellations more than 90 days before arrival: full refund minus deposit. 60–90 days: 50% refund. 30–60 days: 25% refund. Less than 30 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.

Yes — all quoted package prices include gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits, park entry fees, ranger fees and government taxes unless explicitly stated otherwise.

We are a luxury safari operator based in East Africa, specialising in bespoke gorilla trekking, wildlife and conservation-led journeys across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Every itinerary is hand-crafted by our in-house experts and led by senior private guides.

For peak season (June–October and December–February) we strongly recommend booking 6–9 months in advance, especially for gorilla permits which are limited daily. Off-season trips can often be arranged with 8–12 weeks notice.

Yes — we design journeys for solo adventurers, honeymooners, multi-generational families and small private groups. Each itinerary is tailored to pace, interests and comfort preferences.

Treks range from 1 to 8 hours of hiking through dense, hilly rainforest at altitude (1,500–3,000m). A reasonable level of fitness is required. Porters are available to carry bags and assist on steep sections — we always recommend hiring one.

Neutral-toned long-sleeved shirts and trousers, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves for trekking, lightweight rain jacket, warm fleece for early mornings, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a good camera with zoom lens. We send a detailed packing list 6 weeks before departure.

Most luxury lodges offer wifi in main areas (often slow but functional). Mobile signal is intermittent in remote parks. We encourage guests to embrace the digital detox — but emergency satellite communication is always available with your guide.

Early wake-up (5:30–6:00am) with coffee, morning game drive or trek (3–4 hours), brunch back at camp, midday rest, afternoon activity (game drive, bush walk or community visit), sundowners at sunset, then dinner under the stars.

The safari regions we operate in are politically stable, well-policed and welcoming to tourists. We monitor advisories continuously, work only with vetted lodges and guides, and provide 24/7 in-country support throughout your journey.

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies and antimalarial prophylaxis. Please consult a travel doctor 6–8 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Yes — comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation and lost baggage is mandatory for all our guests. We can recommend trusted providers if needed.

All our guides are first-aid trained and carry medical kits. Lodges have on-call doctors, and we have evacuation arrangements via Flying Doctors / AMREF for serious emergencies. Please disclose any pre-existing conditions at booking.

Most nationalities require a visa. Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya offer convenient e-visas online (USD 50–100). The East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya for 90 days. We assist with all visa guidance.

Common entry points: Entebbe (EBB) for Uganda, Kigali (KGL) for Rwanda, Nairobi (NBO) for Kenya, and Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Dar es Salaam (DAR) for Tanzania. We arrange complimentary airport transfers for all guests.

A blend of private 4x4 land cruisers with English-speaking driver-guides, scheduled or chartered light aircraft for longer hops, and boat transfers where applicable. Internal flights save significant time on multi-country trips.

Bush flights typically allow 15kg in soft duffel bags only — hard suitcases are not permitted. Excess luggage can be stored at your gateway hotel and we can arrange extra baggage allowance in advance.