Frequently Asked Questions
Everything travelers usually want to know before a primate safari. Can’t find your answer? We’re a message away and always happy to help.
Booking & Permits
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can. Permits are strictly limited and the most popular dates, especially the dry-season and holiday months, can sell out months ahead. Booking early also secures the best lodges. We can advise on availability the moment you enquire.
Do you handle the permits for me?
Yes, completely. Securing your gorilla or chimpanzee permits is one of the core things we do, along with arranging everything around them. You never have to deal with the paperwork.
How much does a permit cost?
Permit fees differ between Uganda and Rwanda and change periodically: $600 for Uganda and $1,200 for Rwanda permit fees. We’ll always quote the up-to-date figure when you enquire
Should I choose Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking?
Both are superb. Uganda (Bwindi and Mgahinga) offers more families, more permits and better value, with longer drives. Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) offers easy access from Kigali and the most refined lodges, at a premium permit price. Tell us your priorities and we’ll guide you.
Can I choose which gorilla family I track?
Families are assigned at the morning briefing, and rangers do their best to match you to a group that suits your fitness. Let us know your preferences in advance and we’ll pass them on.
Are sightings guaranteed?
The families are habituated and tracked daily, so success rates are extremely high. As with all wild animals, nothing is ever absolutely guaranteed, but disappointed trekkers are very rare.
On The Trek
How fit do I need to be?
A reasonable level of fitness helps, but fitness matters far more than age. If you can manage a few hours of uphill walking with breaks, you’ll do well. Our guides set a comfortable pace, and porters are on hand.
How long does the trek take?
It varies with where the primates have moved. Gorilla treks can run from under an hour to a full day round trip; chimpanzee treks in Kibale are usually shorter, around two to four hours.
How long do we spend with the gorillas or chimps?
One full hour once you reach them, in line with park rules. Longer habituation experiences are available in some parks if you’d like more time.
How close do we get?
Often just a few metres. For the animals’ wellbeing and your safety, rangers ask visitors to keep a respectful distance, but the encounters are remarkably intimate.
Can I hire a porter?
Yes, and we recommend it. For a small fee a local porter carries your daypack and helps on steep, slippery sections. It eases your day and supports the local community.
What's the minimum age?
Gorilla trekking requires travelers to be at least 15 in both Uganda and Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale has a minimum age of 12
Logistics & Travel
How do I get there?
Most travelers fly into Entebbe (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda). From there we handle all transfers by road, or by light aircraft to nearby airstrips where it saves significant time.
Do you offer airport pickup?
Yes. Airport pickup and drop-off are included, and we’re with you from arrival to departure.
What kind of accommodation do you use?
Whatever suits you, from rustic and authentic to comfortable mid-range and full luxury. We match you to lodges that fit your taste and budget, always within easy reach of your trailhead.
Can I combine Uganda and Rwanda in one trip?
Absolutely, and many travelers do. Cross-border itineraries linking, say, Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park are among our most popular.
How big are the groups?
We keep our trekking groups to a maximum of six travelers, for a more personal experience and a lighter footprint.
Do I need a visa?
Most visitors do. For trips spanning both countries, an East Africa Tourist Visa can be convenient. We’ll advise on the right option and the documentation you’ll need for your itinerary.
Health & Safety
Is gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safe?
Yes. The families are habituated and visited daily, always accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers. Following your guide’s instructions keeps both you and the primates safe.
What vaccinations or health precautions do I need?
A yellow fever certificate is commonly required to enter Uganda and Rwanda, and malaria precautions are advised. This is general guidance only, so please consult a travel health clinic or your doctor well before you travel.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend a policy that covers trekking and medical evacuation. It’s a small cost for real peace of mind.
What if I'm unwell on the day of my trek?
To protect the primates, who are vulnerable to human illness, anyone with a contagious condition such as a cold or flu may be asked not to trek. If this happens, we’ll do our best to help with the options available. We’ll talk you through the specifics when you book.