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Beyond the Wild

BEYOND THE WILD

TOURS & TRAVEL

Frequently Asked Questions

The things travellers ask us most. If yours isn't here, just ask.

Planning with us

How do I know you are a real company?+

Fair question, and one you should ask any operator you have not met. We are a registered Ugandan company, and our How to Verify Us page shows you how to check that independently rather than asking you to take our word for it. We will also do a video call with you before you pay anything.

How does planning a trip actually work?+

You tell us your dates, who's travelling, what you'd love to experience and roughly what you want to spend. We come back with a suggested journey and a clear price. You change whatever you want, and we keep adjusting until it's right. Nothing is payable while you're still deciding.

Do I have to book one of your set journeys?+

No. Our journeys are starting points, not fixed packages. Most trips we run end up being custom, different pace, different lodges, extra days, a destination swapped out. You can also join a fixed-date group departure if you'd prefer to travel with others.

How far in advance should I book?+

For gorilla trekking, as early as you reasonably can, permits are limited and are allocated in advance, so peak dates go first. For general safari trips there's more flexibility, but accommodation in the popular parks does fill up in the busier months.

Can you work to my budget?+

Usually, yes, and if we can't do something well at the budget you have, we'll say so rather than quietly cutting corners. Often it means adjusting the trip design (different lodges, a shorter route, different season) rather than reducing the quality of what you actually experience.

Travelling in Uganda

When is the best time to visit?+

Uganda is a year-round destination. The drier months generally mean easier road conditions and better wildlife viewing around water sources, while the wetter months are greener, quieter and often better value. Neither is 'bad', we'll give you an honest read for your specific dates and route.

Is there a minimum age for gorilla trekking?+

Yes, 15 years, set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It's strictly enforced and checked before the trek. Families travelling with younger children have plenty of other excellent options, including chimpanzee tracking, game drives and boat safaris, and we're happy to design around that.

How difficult is gorilla trekking?+

It varies a lot depending on where the gorilla family has moved to on the day. It can be a short walk or several hours through steep, dense, often muddy forest. A reasonable level of fitness helps. Porters are available and worth taking, they support both you and the local community.

What about visas and entry requirements?+

Requirements depend on your nationality and can change, so we won't quote specifics here that might be out of date when you read them. Always check the official Ugandan immigration channels for current rules, and we'll flag anything relevant as we plan.

Money and booking

What's included in the price you quote?+

Every proposal lists inclusions and exclusions explicitly. Typically included: accommodation, a driver-guide, the vehicle, listed activities and park fees, permits where applicable, and airport transfers. Typically not included: international flights, visas, travel insurance, tips and personal spending.

How do I pay?+

We'll confirm payment details with you directly as part of confirming your trip. We're currently finalising online payment, so for now payments are arranged with us rather than through a checkout on this site.

What's your cancellation policy?+

Our booking and cancellation terms are being finalised with legal review before we operate at scale, and we'll always give you the full written terms before you commit any money. Note that some costs, gorilla permits in particular, are secured in advance and are treated differently from the rest of a trip.

Do I need travel insurance?+

We strongly recommend it, and it isn't included in our pricing. Look for cover that includes medical treatment, emergency evacuation and trip cancellation, and check that it covers the activities you're planning.

Still have a question?

Ask us directly, you'll get an answer from the people who actually plan the trips.