Frequently Asked Questions

As of 2026, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. These prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are subject to change. The permit grants you one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. We handle the entire permit acquisition process as part of our safari packages.

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense montane rainforest at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,500 meters above sea level. Treks can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family on that particular day. A moderate to good level of fitness is recommended, but you do not need to be an athlete. Porters are available for hire (approximately USD 15–20) to carry your daypack and assist you on steep sections. If you have mobility concerns, shorter and less strenuous treks can be arranged — simply inform us at the time of booking so we can request an appropriate gorilla family assignment from UWA.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority strictly enforces a minimum age of 15 years for gorilla trekking. This policy is in place both for the safety of visitors and the protection of the gorillas. Children under 15 are not permitted to trek under any circumstances. For families traveling with younger children, we offer alternative activities such as golden monkey tracking, nature walks, and cultural experiences.

UWA regulations require visitors to maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters (approximately 23 feet) from the gorillas at all times. This protects both humans and gorillas from disease transmission. However, gorillas — especially curious juveniles — may occasionally approach closer, in which case your guide will instruct you on how to behave. You must follow all instructions from your guide and trackers at all times.

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the best conditions are during Uganda's two dry seasons: mid-December to early March and June to September. During these periods, trails are less muddy, hiking is easier, and photography conditions are generally better. The wet seasons (March–May and October–November) bring heavier rainfall, but also lush green landscapes and fewer visitors. Trekking during the wet season can be more challenging but equally rewarding, and permits are often easier to secure.

Booking with us is simple. You can reach out via our Contact page, send an email to [email protected], or message us on WhatsApp at +256 754 560346. Once you share your preferred dates, group size, budget, and interests, our team will prepare a customized itinerary within 24–48 hours. To secure your booking, a 30% deposit is required, with the balance due 45 days before departure.

We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience: bank transfers (domestic and international), Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards, MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, and cash payments at our Kampala office. All card transactions are processed securely, and we provide receipts for every payment received.

We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is as follows: cancellations more than 90 days before departure receive a full refund minus the deposit and any non-recoverable third-party costs. Cancellations 60–90 days before departure forfeit 50% of the booking value. Cancellations 30–60 days before departure forfeit 75%. Cancellations within 30 days of departure forfeit 100%. Please note that gorilla and chimpanzee permits are strictly non-refundable under UWA regulations. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.

Yes, we can assist with gorilla permit acquisition as a standalone service. However, please note that permits are subject to availability and we prioritize clients who book complete safari packages with us. Contact us with your preferred dates and we will check availability and advise accordingly.

Most visitors to Uganda require a visa. Uganda offers an e-Visa system accessible at visas.immigration.go.ug. The standard tourist single-entry visa costs USD 50 and is valid for 90 days. An East African Tourist Visa (USD 100) allows multiple entries into Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda and is excellent for multi-country itineraries. Visa on arrival is available at Entebbe International Airport but we strongly recommend obtaining your visa online in advance to avoid queues. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry.

The main international gateway to Uganda is Entebbe International Airport (EBB), located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Kampala, the capital city. The airport serves numerous international airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Brussels Airlines. We offer airport transfer services from Entebbe to your accommodation in Kampala or directly to your safari starting point.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Uganda. Other recommended vaccinations include: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, and Meningitis. Malaria is present in Uganda, so we recommend taking anti-malarial medication and using insect repellent. Consult your healthcare provider or a travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure for personalized advice. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) with you when traveling.

The local currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). While major hotels, lodges, and upscale restaurants in Kampala accept credit cards, cash is essential for most transactions, especially in rural areas, national parks, and local markets. US Dollars (printed after 2009) are widely accepted, but notes must be in excellent condition — no tears, marks, or excessive wear. ATMs are available in Kampala and major towns but may be unreliable. We recommend bringing a mix of US Dollars and using mobile money services (MTN or Airtel) for convenience.

Yes, Uganda is generally safe for tourists. The country welcomes over 1.5 million visitors annually and tourism is a major economic priority. Our safari guides are experienced professionals who prioritize your safety. As with any international travel, we recommend standard precautions: avoid displaying valuable items, use hotel safes for passports and excess cash, stay within recommended areas, and follow your guide's instructions at all times. Our team provides 24/7 support throughout your journey.

All our safari vehicles carry first-aid kits and our guides are trained in basic first aid. In the event of a medical emergency, we have established protocols for evacuation to the nearest medical facility. For serious emergencies, air evacuation can be arranged to Kampala or Nairobi. This is why comprehensive travel insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is essential. We can recommend reputable insurance providers upon request.

We recommend drinking bottled or filtered water throughout your stay in Uganda. Bottled water is widely available and affordable. All lodges and hotels we partner with provide safe drinking water. Our safari vehicles carry a supply of bottled water for your convenience. Avoid drinking tap water and be cautious with ice in unfamiliar establishments.

Essential packing items for a Uganda safari include: lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive), long-sleeved shirts and trousers for evenings (mosquito protection), a warm fleece or jacket for cool mornings and evenings at altitude, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent containing DEET, a good camera with zoom lens, binoculars, a reusable water bottle, and any personal medications. For gorilla trekking specifically, gardening gloves are helpful for gripping vegetation, and a rain jacket is essential. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking confirmation.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all our safaris. Your policy must include coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, loss of baggage, and personal liability. Gorilla trekking involves inherent risks, and adequate insurance provides peace of mind. We require proof of insurance before your departure and can recommend trusted insurance providers who specialize in adventure travel coverage.