Frequently Asked Questions

Apes & Wildlife Safaris is a premier East and Central African tour operator headquartered in Kampala, Uganda. We specialise in tailor-made gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, Big Five safaris, cultural tours, and wildlife experiences across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zanzibar, Burundi, South Sudan, and DR Congo. We are fully licensed and insured, committed to authentic, safe, and unforgettable African adventures. Learn more about us →

We operate in 9 spectacular African destinations: Uganda (our operational base), Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zanzibar, Burundi, South Sudan, and DR Congo. Whether you want gorilla trekking in Bwindi, the Great Migration in the Serengeti, luxury delta experiences in Botswana, or beach relaxation in Zanzibar — we cover the finest corners of Africa.

Yes. Apes & Wildlife Safaris is fully licensed, insured, and accredited, operating in compliance with Uganda Tourism Board regulations and in partnership with leading tourism boards across our operating destinations. Your financial security and safety are protected from the first enquiry to your return flight home.

Tailor-made safaris are our speciality. We design every itinerary from scratch based on your travel dates, budget, interests, fitness level, and group size. From romantic gorilla trekking honeymoons to photography-focused safaris, family adventures, or multi-country expeditions — we build it just for you. Get a free custom quote →

Yes. We are the trusted “boots on the ground” for numerous European and international travel agencies. We offer white-label services, competitive group rates, and guaranteed care for your clients. Our B2B rates and agency packages are available on request — email us at book@apesandwildlife.com.

We offer gorilla trekking in two world-class destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Uganda is the most affordable option with the world’s largest mountain gorilla population, while Rwanda offers a shorter trek with a premium luxury experience. View our 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari and 8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Safari.

A Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs USD $800 per person per trek. In Rwanda, permits cost USD $1,500 per person. Uganda’s permits are significantly more affordable and allow one full hour with a wild gorilla family. We handle all permit bookings — availability is limited, so early booking is strongly advised. Read our Uganda Gorilla Permits 2026 Guide for full details.

Gorilla trekking ranges from moderate to strenuous depending on where the gorilla family is found. Treks can last 30 minutes to 8 hours through dense rainforest. You should be in reasonable physical health and comfortable on uneven, steep terrain. Porters are available to assist with bags and provide physical support — we highly recommend booking one.

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years in both Uganda and Rwanda. This restriction is strictly enforced by national parks to protect gorillas from human diseases and ensure the safety of younger visitors.

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the best seasons are June–September and December–February (dry seasons). Trails are less muddy and photography is better. The rainy seasons (March–May, October–November) offer discounted permits and a lush rainforest experience with fewer tourists.

Yes! Uganda Wildlife Authority offers discounted gorilla permits during April, May, and November. This makes these months excellent for budget-conscious travellers. Contact us for current low-season pricing and availability.

Yes, when you follow strict guidelines. Gorillas are habituated to human presence, but you must maintain a minimum 7-metre distance, keep your voice low, avoid direct eye contact during a charge, and never visit if you are ill. Our guides are trained to read gorilla behaviour and ensure your safety.

Uganda offers extraordinary diversity: gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth NP, the dramatic Murchison Falls boat cruise and game drives, golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga, and world-class bird watching with over 1,000 recorded species — making Uganda the “Birding Capital of Africa.” Browse our Uganda safari packages →

The optimal dry seasons are June–September and December–February, offering easier game viewing, better road conditions, and prime bird watching. Uganda’s tropical climate means even the wet season can be rewarding — rainforests are lush and gorilla trekking is still possible year-round.

Most international visitors require a visa. The East Africa Tourist Visa (valid for Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda) costs USD $100 and is available at entry points or online at evisa.go.ug. A single-entry Uganda visa costs USD $50. Check the latest requirements for your nationality before travelling.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Uganda. We also strongly recommend vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis A & B, and meningitis, plus malaria prophylaxis. Consult your travel health clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure.

Rwanda, “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers premium gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey tracking, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, and Big Five wildlife in Akagera National Park — Rwanda’s only savanna park. See our Rwanda safari packages →

Yes — and it makes for an incredible safari! Our 8-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari combines both Bwindi (Uganda) and Volcanoes NP (Rwanda). You experience two distinct gorilla families and two different destinations — perfect for serious wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

The Great Migration is one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles — over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move between the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Maasai Mara (Kenya). The famous river crossings occur July–October in the Maasai Mara. The calving season in the Serengeti runs January–March. Our 20-Day Kenya & Uganda Safari includes the Maasai Mara.

Tanzania’s crown jewels include: Serengeti National Park (famous for the Great Migration and big cats), Ngorongoro Crater (UNESCO World Heritage Site with the densest wildlife on Earth), and Tarangire National Park (renowned for massive elephant herds and ancient baobabs). See our Tanzania safari packages →

Yes! We arrange full Mount Kilimanjaro climbing experiences combined with Tanzania wildlife safaris. At 5,895 metres, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak. Routes include the Lemosho, Machame, and Marangu routes suited to different fitness levels. We provide experienced mountain guides, porters, and complete logistics.

For Kenya, most visitors apply via the Kenya eCitizen e-visa portal. Kenya accepts the East Africa Tourist Visa. For Tanzania, most visitors can obtain a visa on arrival or via the online e-visa portal. Costs typically USD $50–100 depending on nationality.

Botswana is Africa’s premier exclusive wildlife destination. The government’s high-value, low-impact tourism policy means vast wilderness with very few visitors. The Okavango Delta — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is one of the world’s most unique inland wetland ecosystems, teeming with elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, and rare wild dogs. Explore Botswana safaris →

You explore the delta by traditional mokoro dugout canoe, on foot walking safaris, 4×4 game drives, and light aircraft transfers. The landscape transforms with the seasons — flooded June–August (peak) with animals concentrated around waterholes September–November. Our 15-Day Botswana & Uganda Gorilla Trek starts from USD $8,560.

Absolutely — and we highly recommend it! Zanzibar is the perfect way to unwind after an action-packed safari: powdery white-sand beaches, turquoise water, world-class snorkelling, the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, and Swahili cuisine. Our 14-Day Zanzibar & Tanzania Safari seamlessly combines both.

Kibale National Park in Uganda is widely regarded as the world’s best place to track wild chimpanzees — home to over 1,500 individuals. Other excellent locations include Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls NP), Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth NP), and Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda. View our 5-Day Gorilla & Chimp Safari →

CHEX is an exclusive full-day experience in Kibale National Park where just 4 visitors per day spend an entire day with a chimpanzee family being habituated to human presence. You join researchers from dawn to dusk, witnessing feeding, socialising, and nesting behaviours in extraordinary detail. Permits cost USD $250 per person and must be booked well in advance.

Yes! Self-drive safaris are a fantastic way to explore Uganda at your own pace. You’ll need a reliable 4×4 vehicle — Uganda’s national park roads and mountain routes require proper ground clearance and 4-wheel drive, especially in the rainy season. For gorilla trekking trailheads at Bwindi, Rushaga, Buhoma, and Mgahinga, a capable 4×4 is essential. We recommend our trusted partner: Car Hire Africa – Drive Your Own Safari.

Absolutely. Car Hire Africa – Drive Your Own Safari provides all cross-border documentation to legally cross into Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and beyond. This is an incredible option for travellers wanting to combine Uganda gorilla trekking with Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP, Kenya’s Maasai Mara, or Tanzania’s Serengeti by road. Enquire about cross-border rentals →

Yes! Car Hire Africa – Drive Your Own Safari is one of Uganda’s trusted car rental agencies that also assists clients with gorilla trekking permits ($800 USD) and chimpanzee permits from Uganda Wildlife Authority. This makes them a one-stop-shop for self-drive safari travellers — vehicle hire and permit booking in one place. Visit Car Hire Africa →

Simply fill out our enquiry form with your travel dates, destinations, group size, and activities. A safari consultant responds within 24 hours with a personalised itinerary and quote. Confirm with a 30% deposit to secure permits and accommodation.

A 30% non-refundable deposit confirms your booking and secures permits and accommodation. The balance is due 60 days before arrival. For last-minute bookings (under 30 days), full payment is required. We accept bank transfer, Visa/Mastercard, PayPal, and mobile money.

Cancellations over 60 days before arrival: refund minus deposit. 30–60 days: 50% refund. Under 30 days: non-refundable. Gorilla permits are non-refundable once purchased — comprehensive travel insurance covering permit costs is strongly recommended. See our full Terms & Conditions.

Yes. Competitive group rates are available for parties of 6 or more travellers. We also have dedicated B2B pricing for travel agents. Contact book@apesandwildlife.com for agency rate cards.

Travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover medical evacuation (minimum USD $200,000), trip cancellation, and loss of permits due to illness. Given remote locations far from major hospitals, medical evacuation coverage is critical. We recommend providers such as World Nomads, Battleface, or Allianz Travel.

Yes, malaria is present throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa. We strongly recommend consulting a travel health clinic for antimalarial medication (Malarone, Doxycycline, or Lariam). Long-sleeved clothing, DEET-based repellent, and mosquito nets (provided at all partner lodges) are essential.

Yes. Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania are generally safe for tourists. Rwanda in particular has one of the lowest crime rates in Africa. We continuously monitor government travel advisories and will advise of any safety changes in your destination.

Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown — avoid bright colours and camouflage). Essentials: long-sleeved shirts, waterproof jacket, sturdy ankle boots, wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, quality binoculars, camera with extra batteries. For gorilla trekking: add waterproof gaiters and lightweight gardening gloves for gripping vegetation.

Uganda (UGX), Rwanda (RWF), Kenya (KES), Tanzania (TZS). USD is widely accepted across all destinations for tourism. Carry small-denomination USD for tips, local purchases, and park fees. ATMs are available in major cities. All our prices are quoted in USD.

Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated. Guide: USD $10–20 per person per day. Cook/assistant: $5–10 per day. Gorilla/chimp porter: $3–5 per trek. Tipping directly supports local communities and conservation economies.

We use custom-fitted 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for game viewing, equipped with charging points, cooler boxes, and comfortable seating. All vehicles are comprehensively insured and regularly serviced. For smaller groups, we also use Toyota Safari Vans.

We offer accommodation across all budget levels: luxury lodges and tented camps with gourmet dining and private plunge pools, mid-range lodges with comfortable ensuite rooms, and budget bandas or camping. All partner properties are hand-selected for safety, service, and sustainability.

Absolutely! From private gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP to candlelit bush dinners in the Maasai Mara, we create unforgettable romantic experiences. We arrange room decorations, champagne on arrival, sunset excursions, and private dinners. Contact us to start planning →

Mountain gorilla populations have grown from around 620 in 2008 to over 1,000 individuals today — largely thanks to tourism revenue. Permit fees fund anti-poaching patrols, ranger salaries, veterinary care, and community education. When you trek with us, you directly contribute to the survival of this critically endangered species. Read more on our Safari Blog →

Community engagement is central to our safari philosophy. We employ local guides, drivers, and staff at every destination. We partner with community-owned lodges and craft markets. Optional cultural village visits directly benefit local families. Our Charity & Volunteer Safari option allows guests to support local schools and conservation projects.