Written by the Paramount Gorilla Expeditions team, based in Uganda, listing the questions to ask a safari operator before you book.
Before you pay a deposit, ask the operator these ten questions in writing. The answers tell you what the price includes, who will look after you and how problems are handled. A good operator answers clearly and without hesitation.
1. What exactly is included in the price?
Ask for an itemised quote. Park fees, government levies, conservation fees and gorilla permits are sometimes quoted separately, and the gap can be hundreds of dollars per person. See what a safari costs.
2. Who will be my guide?
Ask who your guide will be and how long they have worked in that specific park. A guide's local knowledge affects your sightings more than a camp's star rating.
3. Will my vehicle be private?
Ask whether you are guaranteed a private vehicle or whether travellers from different bookings are combined. See private vs group safari.
4. What happens if a flight or transfer is delayed?
Ask whether the itinerary has a buffer, and who pays if a missed connection costs you a night.
5. What are the cancellation and change rules?
Ask for them in plain language, not just a link to terms and conditions. Gorilla permits are controlled by the wildlife authority, so ask how permit changes work. See how to book gorilla permits.
6. Is the operator licensed, and where is it based?
Ask for licence details and check them. Prefer a company that operates in the country you are visiting.
7. Who owns and staffs the camps?
Ask whether the camps are locally owned and staffed, as this affects both authenticity and where your money goes.
8. How long has the operator run trips in this country?
Some agencies subcontract logistics they do not control. Specialists who live and work in the region handle them directly.
9. What insurance and emergency arrangements are in place?
Ask about medical evacuation arrangements and what you need to buy yourself. Read travel insurance and medical evacuation.
10. Can you share recent reviews or references?
Look for independent reviews, and ask to speak to past travellers if you want.
How we answer the questions to ask a safari operator
We are a Uganda-based team, and we are happy to answer every one of these in writing. Tell us your dates and group, and we will send an itemised quote. To plan your trip, see the first-time safari planning guide and how far ahead to book.
Planning more than one country?
Planning a trip across more than one country? These guides answer the questions that come up next.
- every route, visa rule and package in one place: every route, visa rule and package in one place.
- the full four country route: the full four country route.
- how long a multi-country trip needs: how long a multi-country trip needs.
- how to move between the countries: how to move between the countries.
- one visa for three countries: one visa for three countries.
Ask us these questions to ask a safari operator
Official park fees are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Kenya Wildlife Service, TANAPA and the Rwanda Development Board. We confirm the current fees for your dates in every quote.
For the Tanzania steps in order, from licences to deposits, see our guide to booking a Tanzania safari.