Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about gorilla trekking and East Africa safaris with Go Safaris Africa. Can’t find your answer? Contact us directly — we reply within 24 hours.
Gorilla Trekking Questions
How much does gorilla trekking cost? A Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1,500 USD per person. A Uganda gorilla permit costs $800 USD per person. Add accommodation transport and guiding for the complete package cost. Read our complete gorilla trekking cost guide.
Where is the best place for gorilla trekking? Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are the world’s two best gorilla trekking destinations. Rwanda is more accessible and luxurious. Uganda is more affordable and adventurous. Read our Rwanda vs Uganda gorilla trekking comparison.
How long does gorilla trekking take? The trek to find the gorilla family takes 30 minutes to 6+ hours. Once found you spend exactly one hour with the gorillas. Total day is typically 4–8 hours.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking? 15 years old — strictly enforced in both Rwanda and Uganda with no exceptions.
Is gorilla trekking safe? Yes — all treks are led by professional armed rangers. Gorilla attacks are extremely rare. Follow the rules and your experience will be completely safe. Read our is gorilla trekking worth it guide.
What fitness level do I need for gorilla trekking? Moderate fitness — ability to walk uphill on uneven terrain for 2–6 hours. Most people of average fitness complete the trek successfully. Hire a porter ($15–$20) to carry your bag. Read our what to pack guide.
Can I use flash photography with gorillas? Absolutely not — flash is strictly prohibited. All photography must use available natural light. Read our gorilla trekking photography guide.
How far in advance should I book a gorilla permit? Peak season (June–September) — 6–12 months ahead. Other months — 2–4 months. Read our Rwanda gorilla permit guide and Uganda gorilla permit guide.
Rwanda Safari Questions
What is the best time to visit Rwanda? June–September and December–February for gorilla trekking. Read our best time to visit Rwanda guide.
Does Rwanda have more than gorilla trekking? Yes — Rwanda also has golden monkey trekking Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest and Lake Kivu relaxation. Read our Rwanda travel guide.
Is Rwanda safe? Yes — Rwanda is consistently ranked one of Africa’s safest countries. Read our Rwanda travel guide.
How do I get a Rwanda visa? Most nationalities get an e-visa for $50 USD online. Commonwealth citizens may not need a visa. Read our Rwanda travel guide.
Uganda Safari Questions
How much is a Uganda gorilla permit? $800 USD per person — issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Read our Uganda gorilla permit guide.
What else can I do in Uganda besides gorilla trekking? Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest Queen Elizabeth National Park Murchison Falls Lake Bunyonyi and Kidepo Valley. Read our 10-day Uganda safari itinerary and Uganda travel guide.
Can I combine Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking? Absolutely — this is one of our most popular itineraries. The Cyanika border crossing connects both gorilla trekking areas in under 30 minutes. Read our Rwanda vs Uganda gorilla guide.
Kenya and Tanzania Safari Questions
When is the best time for the Great Migration? July–October for Mara River crossings in Kenya. January–February for calving in Tanzania’s Ndutu. Read our Great Migration complete guide.
Is Kenya or Tanzania better for a safari? Both are extraordinary — they suit different travellers. Read our Kenya vs Tanzania safari comparison.
Can I combine Kenya or Tanzania with Rwanda gorilla trekking? Yes — fly Kigali to Nairobi (1 hour) or Kigali to Kilimanjaro (3–4 hours via Nairobi). Read our honeymoon safari East Africa guide for combined itinerary ideas.
Car Hire and Self-Drive Safari Questions
Can I hire a car for a self-drive safari in Rwanda? Yes — self-drive car hire is available in Rwanda and is a popular option for independent travellers who want the freedom to explore at their own pace. Rwanda’s roads are well-maintained and the country is compact and easy to navigate. A 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended especially if you plan to visit Volcanoes National Park Nyungwe Forest or Akagera National Park.
👉 Book a rental car in Rwanda — Carrentalsrwanda.com
Can I hire a car for a self-drive safari in Uganda? Yes — self-drive car hire is available in Uganda for experienced drivers comfortable with East African road conditions. A 4×4 vehicle is essential for Uganda — the roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls require serious off-road capability especially in wet season. We recommend 4×4 hire with a rooftop tent for the most flexible Uganda self-drive experience.
👉 Book a rental car in Uganda — Ugandacarrentals.com
What is the difference between self-drive and hiring a driver-guide?
| Self-Drive | With Driver-Guide | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower — car hire only | Higher — includes expert guide |
| Flexibility | Complete freedom | Guided by expert |
| Wildlife spotting | Depends on your knowledge | Expert tracks and identifies wildlife |
| Gorilla trekking | Still needs park ranger guide | Full support throughout |
| Navigation | Your responsibility | Handled by guide |
| Best for | Experienced Africa travellers | First-time visitors and wildlife enthusiasts |
| Vehicle | 4×4 essential | 4×4 safari vehicle provided |
Do I need a special licence to self-drive in Rwanda or Uganda? Your home country driving licence is accepted in both Rwanda and Uganda. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended and may be required in some situations. You must be 23 years or older to hire a vehicle in most cases. Always check current requirements with the car hire operator at the time of booking.
Can I do gorilla trekking on a self-drive safari? Yes — you can drive yourself to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda and join the gorilla trek with the park’s ranger guides. Your gorilla permit must still be booked in advance. However for first-time gorilla trekkers we recommend booking with a driver-guide who knows the terrain the parks and the gorilla families personally. Read our gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda guide for full planning details.
What type of vehicle do I need for a Rwanda or Uganda safari? A 4×4 with high ground clearance is essential — particularly for:
- Volcanoes National Park approach roads (Rwanda)
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest tracks (Uganda)
- Akagera National Park game drive tracks (Rwanda)
- Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)
- Any destination during rainy season
Both Carrentalsrwanda.com and Ugandacarrentals.com offer a full range of 4×4 safari vehicles including Toyota Land Cruisers Toyota RAV4 and other suitable models for East African safari conditions.
Is it safe to self-drive in Rwanda and Uganda? Rwanda is extremely safe for self-drive travel — well-maintained roads low crime rates and clear signage make it one of Africa’s most self-drive friendly countries. Uganda requires more caution — road conditions are more variable and driving standards differ from Western countries. Night driving is not recommended in either country. Always drive during daylight hours on unfamiliar roads.
Can Go Safaris Africa recommend a car hire company? Yes — for Rwanda we recommend Carrentalsrwanda.com and for Uganda we recommend Ugandacarrentals.com — both offering reliable well-maintained 4×4 vehicles with flexible hire options for self-drive safaris.
For travellers who prefer a guided experience with an expert driver Go Safaris Africa provides private 4×4 safari vehicles with experienced driver-guides for all Rwanda and Uganda safari itineraries.
Booking and Payment Questions
How do I book a safari with Go Safaris Africa? Contact us by WhatsApp email or phone — we design your personalised itinerary send a detailed quote and handle all bookings once you confirm. Read our How It Works page.
What deposit is required? 30% of the total safari cost is required to confirm your booking. The balance is due 60 days before departure. See our Terms and Conditions.
What is your cancellation policy? Cancellations 60+ days before departure lose the deposit. Closer cancellations incur higher fees. See full policy in our Terms and Conditions.
Do I need travel insurance? Yes — comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all our safaris. It must cover medical evacuation gorilla permit cancellation and trip interruption.
What payment methods do you accept? Bank transfer credit card and Pesapal secure online payment. All amounts in US dollars.
Health and Safety Questions
Do I need vaccinations for Rwanda and Uganda? Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for both countries. Hepatitis A typhoid and tetanus are recommended. Antimalarial medication is essential. Consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
Is malaria a risk in Rwanda and Uganda? Yes — both countries are malaria risk areas. Take antimalarial medication and use insect repellent throughout your trip.
What if I get sick on my gorilla trek day? You cannot trek with gorillas or chimpanzees if you have a cold flu or any contagious illness. This rule protects the wildlife. Gorilla permits are non-refundable in this situation — travel insurance covering this is essential.
Still Have Questions?
We are here to help — contact our Kigali-based team directly:
📞 WhatsApp or call: +250 788 365 595 📧 Email: info@gosafarisafrica.com 🌐 Website: www.gosafarisafrica.com