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.

GorillaWise handles all gorilla permit booking on your behalf as part of your safari package. We recommend booking permits well in advance — especially for peak seasons (July–September and December–January) — as availability is strictly limited to protect the gorillas. We secure permits directly from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Simply tell us your preferred travel dates and we take care of everything.

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.

Gorilla trekking is available year-round, so there is never a bad time to visit. Dry Seasons (Best Overall): • June–September • December–February ✔ Easier hiking conditions on drier trails ✔ Clearer visibility for photography Wet Seasons: • March–May • October–November ✔ Fewer tourists for a more exclusive experience ✔ Lush, green landscapes perfect for photography All seasons offer the chance of a magical gorilla encounter — GorillaWise will help you choose the best timing based on your preferences.

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.

Yes, but there are minimum age requirements: • Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park): Minimum age is 15 years • Uganda (Bwindi & Mgahinga): Minimum age is 15 years, though exceptions can sometimes be made for mature younger travelers — please contact us to discuss your specific situation. These age rules exist to ensure the safety of both children and the gorillas. We are happy to suggest alternative wildlife experiences for younger family members.

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.

You do not need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Trekking time can range from 1 to 8 hours depending on where the gorilla family has moved that day. • Terrain: Volcanic forest slopes — can be steep and muddy • Altitude: Up to 3,000+ metres in Rwanda and Uganda • Pacing: Rangers adjust the pace to accommodate the group • Porters: Highly recommended — they carry your bag, assist on difficult terrain, and directly support local communities If you have specific health concerns, please inform us in advance so we can plan accordingly.

A gorilla permit is an official authorization issued by the national park authority that allows you to visit and spend time with a habituated mountain gorilla family. Each permit grants you one hour of viewing time with the gorillas. Permit costs: • Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park): $1,500 per person • Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest): $800 per person • Uganda (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park): $800 per person A portion of every permit fee goes directly towards gorilla conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and local community development — meaning your visit actively protects these endangered animals.

All visitors must follow these park regulations during gorilla trekking: • Maintain a minimum distance of 7 metres from the gorillas at all times • No flash photography — cameras only • Keep noise to a minimum • Do not trek if you are sick (cold, flu, or any illness) — gorillas share 98% of human DNA and are highly susceptible to human diseases • Eating and drinking should be done away from the gorillas • Do not touch the gorillas • Maximum 8 visitors per gorilla family per day • Time with the gorillas is limited to one hour • Follow ranger instructions at all times These rules exist to protect both you and the gorillas. GorillaWise will fully brief you before the trek.

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.

Gorilla trekking is very safe in both Rwanda and Uganda. Both countries maintain strong security and a well-established tourism infrastructure in their national parks. Trekking groups are always accompanied by experienced park rangers and armed escorts. The habituated gorilla families have been accustomed to human presence over many years, making encounters calm and controlled. GorillaWise carefully manages all logistics to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the experience.

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.