Frequently Asked Questions

A gorilla trekking permit is a mandatory authorization to visit mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Permits for Uganda cost $700 per person and must be booked well in advance (6-12 months recommended). We handle all permit bookings as part of your safari package, ensuring you secure your preferred dates.

Participants must be at least 15 years old to trek gorillas. This is strictly enforced by Uganda Wildlife Authority for safety and conservation reasons. We recommend alternative activities for younger travelers, including nature walks and cultural experiences at Musezero Foundation.

Gorilla trekking can range from moderate to challenging. Treks can last 2-8 hours depending on gorilla location, involving hiking through dense forest, steep slopes, and muddy terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Porters are available to assist with bags and provide support during the trek.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you'll spend exactly one hour observing them. This time limit helps minimize human impact on the gorillas while providing an unforgettable wildlife experience. Photography is allowed (no flash), and rangers provide fascinating insights into gorilla behavior.

Uganda is a year-round destination! The dry seasons (June-September and December-February) offer easier trekking conditions and better wildlife viewing. The wet seasons (March-May and October-November) feature lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and excellent birdwatching. Gorilla trekking is possible year-round.

Most visitors need a visa to enter Uganda. You can apply for an e-visa online before travel ($50 for single entry) or obtain a visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport. We provide detailed visa guidance and requirements based on your nationality when you book your safari.

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and you must present your certificate upon arrival. We also recommend vaccinations for Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised. Consult your doctor or travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure for personalized medical advice.

Yes! Uganda is one of Africa's safest safari destinations. Tourist areas are well-secured, and violent crime against visitors is rare. We work with experienced guides, use reputable accommodations, and follow established safety protocols. Our local knowledge ensures you travel safely while experiencing authentic Uganda.

Booking is simple! Contact us through our website form, email (info@shoebilladventure.com), or WhatsApp. We'll discuss your interests, create a personalized itinerary, and provide a detailed quote. Once you confirm, we require a 30% deposit to secure permits and accommodations. The balance is due 60 days before departure.

We accept bank transfers (wire transfer), credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), and PayPal. For direct contributions to Musezero Foundation, you can use PayPal (irankundamusa17@gmail.com). All safari payments are in USD. We provide secure payment links and detailed receipts for all transactions.

Cancellations 90+ days before departure: Full refund minus gorilla permit fees ($700/permit - non-refundable). Cancellations 60-89 days: 50% refund. Cancellations 30-59 days: 25% refund. Cancellations less than 30 days: No refund. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment against unforeseen circumstances.

30% of every safari booking goes directly to Musezero Foundation to support education, healthcare, and student wellbeing. This is automatically included in your safari price - no extra action needed! You'll receive an impact report showing exactly how your safari supports students. For 100% direct contributions, use our PayPal donation option.

Yes! The 30% foundation contribution from your safari booking and any direct PayPal contributions are tax-deductible. We provide official receipts from Musezero Foundation for tax purposes. Consult your tax advisor regarding deductibility in your specific jurisdiction.

Our group safaris typically have 4-8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and minimal environmental impact. Gorilla trekking groups are limited to 8 people per gorilla family (Uganda Wildlife Authority regulation). We also offer private safaris for couples, families, or custom groups of any size.

Absolutely! While we offer signature itineraries, we specialize in custom safaris tailored to your interests, budget, and schedule. Want more time at Musezero Foundation? Prefer luxury lodges? Interested in birdwatching? We'll create the perfect itinerary for you. Contact us to discuss your dream safari.

Fitness requirements vary by activity. Gorilla trekking requires moderate to good fitness for hiking in mountainous terrain. Wildlife safaris are less demanding with mostly vehicle-based game drives. Cultural immersion experiences are suitable for most fitness levels. We can adapt itineraries to accommodate different abilities - just let us know your needs.

We use mid-range to luxury lodges and camps with comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, and excellent service. Accommodations are carefully selected for location, sustainability practices, and community benefit. Cultural immersion tours include homestays with local families for an authentic experience. All options are clean, safe, and welcoming.

Yes! All our safaris include meals as specified in the itinerary (typically full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Meals feature a mix of international and Ugandan cuisine, prepared with fresh local ingredients. Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated - please inform us when booking.

All our guides are first-aid trained and carry medical kits. We maintain contacts with medical facilities in all areas we visit. For serious issues, we arrange immediate evacuation to Kampala hospitals or medical evacuation if needed. Travel insurance with medical coverage is mandatory for all our safaris.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all Shoebill Adventures safaris. Your policy should cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal belongings. We recommend policies that specifically cover adventure activities like gorilla trekking. Proof of insurance is required before departure.

No. To protect the gorillas (who share 98% of our DNA and are susceptible to human diseases), anyone with illness symptoms cannot trek. Rangers conduct health checks before treks. If you're unwell, we'll work with Uganda Wildlife Authority to reschedule your permit if possible, or arrange alternative activities.

Uganda's currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), but US Dollars are widely accepted. Bring clean, newer USD bills (2013 or later) for tips, souvenirs, and incidentals. ATMs are available in major towns. Credit cards work in cities but not in remote areas. We recommend carrying $200-400 in small bills for personal expenses.

Most lodges offer WiFi, though speeds vary and may be limited in remote areas. Mobile coverage is good in towns and cities. We can help you purchase a local SIM card (MTN or Airtel) for data and calls. National parks have limited or no connectivity - embrace the digital detox and immerse yourself in nature!

Essentials include: lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, long pants and sleeves (for trekking), waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, insect repellent, camera with extra batteries, and a small daypack. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking. Pack light - most lodges offer laundry service.

Yes! Uganda uses UK-style 3-pin plugs (Type G) at 240V. Most lodges have charging facilities, though some remote camps use solar power with limited charging hours. Bring a universal adapter and consider a portable power bank for cameras and phones during long game drives.