Frequently Asked Questions

Every trip is tailored, but a typical safari package includes all accommodation, full-board meals during the safari, private 4WD vehicle and expert guide, park entry and conservation fees, domestic transfers and flights where applicable, and all activities listed in your itinerary. International flights, visas, travel insurance, and personal expenses (tips, laundry, souvenirs) are typically not included. We provide a detailed breakdown with every proposal so you know exactly what you're paying for.

For peak season travel (July–October, December–January), we recommend booking 6–12 months in advance — particularly if gorilla trekking permits are involved, as Rwanda and Uganda both have limited daily permits. For shoulder season and green season travel, 3–6 months is usually sufficient. That said, we can sometimes accommodate shorter lead times depending on availability. The earlier you start the conversation, the more options we have.

East Africa is a well-established safari destination and millions of visitors travel safely each year. Our guides are highly experienced professionals, our vehicles are maintained to the highest standards, and the lodges and camps we work with have excellent safety records. We provide comprehensive pre-trip briefings, 24/7 support during your safari, and work only with trusted, proven operators on the ground. Specific health precautions (malaria prophylaxis, vaccinations) are recommended — we provide detailed guidance tailored to your itinerary.

Safari can be wonderful for families, and we've designed many trips for guests travelling with children of all ages. The key is matching the right parks, lodges, and activities to your family's needs. Some parks have age restrictions for certain activities — gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda requires a minimum age of 15, for example. We select family-friendly lodges with larger rooms, pools, and child-oriented activities, and can adjust game drive schedules to suit younger attention spans.

We require a deposit to secure your booking — typically 30% of the total trip cost, with the balance due 60 days before departure. For trips involving gorilla permits, the permit cost is required upfront as these are non-refundable. We accept bank transfers and can issue invoices in USD, GBP, or EUR. Full payment terms and cancellation policies are provided with your proposal.

We send a detailed packing list with your pre-trip information, tailored to your specific destinations and time of year. As a general guide: neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown — avoid bright colours and white), layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons, comfortable walking shoes, a good camera with a zoom lens, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any prescribed medications. Laundry is available at most lodges. You don't need to pack heavily — safari is casual.

Yes — travel insurance is a requirement for all Kingse Safaris guests. We recommend comprehensive coverage that includes medical evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and emergency assistance. Safari destinations in East Africa can be remote, and medical evacuation insurance is particularly important. We can recommend trusted providers if you need guidance.

This is one of our specialities. Tanzania + Zanzibar is the classic combination. Rwanda or Uganda gorillas pair naturally with a Tanzania safari. Victoria Falls adds an adventure element to any East African itinerary. We handle all the routing, flights, border crossings, and logistics — you just enjoy the trip. Multi-country itineraries typically run 10–16 days depending on how many destinations you include.

Both offer the same species — mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Rwanda ($1,500 per permit) is more accessible — 2.5 hours on good tarmac from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park. Uganda ($700 per permit) is better value and feels wilder — Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is more remote, the trekking can be more challenging, and the forest setting is dramatic. Rwanda combines more easily with Tanzania (direct flights Kigali–Kilimanjaro). Uganda offers more primate diversity with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale. We can help you decide which suits your trip best.

It depends on what you want to see and where you're going. June to October is generally the peak dry season across East Africa — the best game viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. The Great Migration river crossings happen July to October. January to March is calving season in the southern Serengeti. Green season (November to May) offers lush landscapes, baby animals, fewer crowds, and better rates. There's no bad time — each season has its own character. We tailor timing recommendations to your specific interests.