How to Book Your Safari with Fuga Tours and Travel

From first message to the morning of your gorilla trek: here is exactly what happens, what we need from you and when payments are due.

Step 1: Send an enquiry

Use our enquiry form, email info@fugatoursandtravel.com, or message us on WhatsApp at +256 794 426014. The most useful details are:

  • Travel dates, or the month and number of days
  • Number of travellers, and the ages of any children
  • What you most want to see or do
  • Your preferred accommodation standard, or a rough budget per person
  • Your arrival and departure airport (Entebbe or Kigali), if known

Step 2: We check permits and design your route

For gorilla or chimp trips, we check permit availability with UWA or RDB for your dates first, because permits set the fixed points of the itinerary. We then send a day-by-day itinerary with lodge options and a per-person price in US dollars, including a clear list of what is included and excluded. This usually arrives within 24 hours.

Step 3: Refine it

Change lodges, add or remove days, swap activities. Revisions are free, and we'll tell you honestly where a change affects cost or comfort.

Step 4: Confirm and pay

  • Deposit: 30–50% of the tour cost secures lodges and services.
  • Permits: gorilla and other park permits are paid in full at booking, as the wildlife authorities require.
  • Balance: due before your safari starts, unless agreed otherwise in writing.

For each permit, we need the traveller's full name as in the passport, nationality, passport number and date of birth. You receive written confirmation of every payment, and scanned permit copies once issued. Full terms are in our booking terms and conditions.

Step 5: Before you travel

About 2–4 weeks before arrival, we send your final itinerary, your guide's name and phone number, lodge contacts, and a pre-departure checklist covering visas, yellow fever, packing and money. Arrange travel insurance as soon as you book. See the travel guide.

Step 6: On safari

Your guide meets you at arrivals at Entebbe or Kigali airport with a name board. From then on you have a private vehicle, a guide and our office team on call in Entebbe for anything that comes up.

Why book with us

  • A local company, based in Entebbe, specialising in Uganda and Rwanda.
  • Direct permit booking with the wildlife authorities, in your name.
  • Private safaris with experienced driver-guides.
  • Honest advice on routes, seasons and costs, including when a cheaper option is the better one.

What happens after you book

WhenWhat happens
Within 24 hours of your enquiryPermit availability checked, and a draft itinerary and quote sent
When you confirmDeposit and permit payment, then written confirmation
Within days of paymentScanned permit copies and confirmed lodge list sent
2–4 weeks before arrivalFinal itinerary, guide details, packing and visa checklist
Before departureBalance paid, and any last questions answered
On arrivalYour guide meets you at the airport
During the tripOur office on call throughout
After the tripWe welcome your feedback and photos

Payment methods

We accept payment by bank transfer and other methods listed on your invoice. We send written confirmation of every payment received. International bank transfers can take several days, so allow time before permit deadlines. Keep copies of all payment confirmations. If a payment method is unfamiliar to you, ask us, and we'll explain the options.

Changes and cancellations

Plans sometimes change. If you need to change dates or the itinerary after booking, tell us as soon as possible. We'll check lodge and permit availability and advise on any costs. Gorilla permit changes and refunds follow UWA and RDB rules, and cancellation terms for our services are set out in our booking terms and conditions. Travel insurance with cancellation cover is strongly recommended. See permit refund and rescheduling policy.

Documents you'll need

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months, with blank pages
  • A visa (e-visa, visa on arrival or the East Africa Tourist Visa)
  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate
  • Travel insurance details
  • Printed or digital copies of permits and confirmations

How to prepare for your safari

  1. Book international flights once permit dates are confirmed.
  2. Apply for visas online in good time. See the Uganda e-visa guide.
  3. Visit a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.
  4. Buy travel insurance covering medical evacuation and cancellation.
  5. Prepare for treks with regular walking. See the fitness guide.
  6. Pack using our packing list.
  7. Read our travel guide and FAQ.

Booking gorilla permits

Gorilla permits are the most important part of booking a gorilla safari. We check availability first, then reserve permits in your name as soon as you confirm and pay. Permits for June–September and December–February sell out months in advance, especially for groups. See gorilla permits for prices and rules.

Booking for groups

For groups, we need each traveller's passport details for permits, and we may need separate vehicles or several gorilla families. Group bookings benefit from early planning. Contact us 6–12 months ahead for peak season. See tailor-made safaris.

Tips for a smooth booking

  • Have your travel dates and group size ready. Flexibility of a day or two helps with permits.
  • Send passport details exactly as printed, with no nicknames or abbreviations.
  • Tell us about dietary, medical or accessibility needs early.
  • Book international flights after permits are confirmed.
  • Keep all confirmations and permit copies together, printed and digital.
  • Share your flight details as soon as they are booked, for airport pick-ups.

Our commitment to you

We give clear, honest information from the first message: realistic drive times, current permit prices, and complete lists of what is included and excluded. We book permits in your name with the wildlife authorities, confirm every payment in writing, and support you throughout your trip. If something changes on the ground, such as weather, roads or flights, we adapt quickly and keep you informed. Read more about Fuga Tours and Travel.

Good starting points

If you're not sure where to start, these itineraries cover the most common trip lengths and interests:

Browse all our itineraries on the tours page, or ask us to design a tailor-made safari.

Contact options

  • Enquiry form: the best way to share your dates, group and interests. Send an enquiry.
  • Email: info@fugatoursandtravel.com.
  • WhatsApp or phone: +256 794 426014, for quick questions and updates while travelling.
  • Office: Entebbe, Uganda.

Booking checklist

  1. Choose your dates (with some flexibility if possible) and group size.
  2. Pick a tour, or tell us your interests for a tailor-made plan.
  3. Receive and review your quote and itinerary.
  4. Confirm, and send passport details for each traveller.
  5. Pay the deposit and permits, and receive written confirmation.
  6. Book flights, visas, vaccinations and travel insurance.
  7. Pay the balance before the safari starts.
  8. Receive your final itinerary and guide details, and pack.

Frequently asked questions

Is my booking confirmed when I send an enquiry?

No. A booking is confirmed only after you accept the quote and pay the deposit and permits, and we send written confirmation.

Can I pay the balance on arrival?

The balance is due before the safari starts unless agreed otherwise in writing. See our booking terms.

What if a lodge is full?

We offer an alternative of similar standard and location, and confirm it with you before booking.

How far in advance should I book?

Four to six months for gorilla trips in peak season (longer for Rwanda), and 1–2 months for most other trips.

Can I book a safari for someone else?

Yes. We need each traveller's passport details for permits, and the lead booker's contact details for communication.

What does the quoted price include?

Your quote shows the full price with every inclusion and exclusion listed, so you can see exactly what you are paying for. Ask us if anything is unclear.

Will I get a receipt for my payments?

Yes. We confirm every payment in writing and provide receipts.

Can I talk to someone before booking?

Yes. Message us on WhatsApp or email to arrange a call. We are happy to talk through options.

Do I need to book activities separately?

No. Everything in your itinerary, including permits, lodges, activities and transport, is booked by us as part of your safari.

Can I change my lodge after booking?

Usually, yes, subject to availability and the lodge's policies. Tell us as early as possible, and we'll advise on any cost difference.

How do I know my gorilla permit is real?

We send scanned copies of each permit and the official receipt, issued in your name by UWA or RDB. Rangers check your passport against it at the briefing.

Can I add extra nights before or after my safari?

Yes. We can book hotels in Entebbe, Kampala or Kigali, or add a lake or beach stay at either end.

Ready to plan your safari?

Tell us your dates, budget and interests. We reply within 24 hours with a costed itinerary.