Faq’s

Uganda is our speciality - and it is endlessly rich. We arrange gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (home to nearly half the world's mountain gorillas), chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, Nile whitewater rafting in Jinja, birdwatching safaris (Uganda hosts over 1,000 species), crater lake excursions, cultural village tours, and multi-country itineraries extending to Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. One destination. Infinite adventures.

Yes - gorilla permits ($800 per person) are included in all our gorilla trekking packages and are booked well in advance directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority on your behalf. Permits are strictly limited to 8 visitors per gorilla family per day, and they sell out fast - especially in peak season (June-September and December-February). Securing your permits early is the single most critical part of planning a Uganda gorilla safari, and it is exactly why booking with an experienced local operator protects your trip in ways that last-minute DIY planning simply cannot.

Uganda can be visited year-round thanks to its equatorial climate, but the dry seasons - June to September and December to February - offer the most comfortable trekking conditions, drier forest trails, and superior wildlife visibility as animals concentrate around water sources. The green seasons bring lush scenery, far fewer tourists, and lower prices. For gorilla trekking specifically, permits are available year-round as the gorillas are always present in the forest. We will help you weigh the trade-offs and find the ideal window for your wishlist.

Absolutely — we design experiences for every comfort level and pocket. Budget packages use well-maintained guesthouses and shared safari vehicles, delivering incredible encounters at accessible price points. Mid-range packages balance comfort and cost with quality lodges and private transport. Luxury packages feature exclusive eco-lodges perched above crater lakes or forest canopies, private guides, flying safaris, and personalised concierge service throughout. Whatever your budget, our promise remains identical: a carefully crafted Uganda safari that stays with you for the rest of your life.

Getting started could not be easier. Visit our store at kalesh-tour-travel.myshopify.com to browse available packages, or contact us directly via WhatsApp or email for a fully custom itinerary. Once you share your travel dates, group size, interests, and budget, we craft a personalised proposal within 24–48 hours. A deposit secures your booking, with the balance due closer to departure. We are with you every step of the way - from your very first enquiry right through to your safe return home.

Uganda is widely regarded as one of East Africa's most welcoming and secure travel destinations. The vast majority of visits pass without any incident whatsoever. Standard travel precautions apply - stay attentive in busy city areas and always follow your guide's instructions inside national parks. Our team monitors conditions continuously and will proactively update you on any relevant advisories before and during your trip. We have an excellent safety track record, and the security and wellbeing of our clients is always our first priority.

Pack sturdy waterproof hiking boots - the forest floor can be wet and uneven. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers protect against vegetation and insects. Bring lightweight garden gloves, a daypack with at least two litres of water, high-energy snacks, insect repellent, and a good camera or phone. The trek can last anywhere from one to six hours depending on where the gorilla family has moved that morning. A reasonable level of fitness is helpful, but our guides pace the group carefully and no one is left behind. Meeting the gorillas is genuinely one of life's greatest privileges.

A tourist visa is required for most nationalities. It can be obtained in advance online via the Uganda e-visa portal or on arrival at Entebbe International Airport. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is compulsory for entry - carry your yellow card at all times. We strongly recommend anti-malaria prophylaxis plus hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations. We provide every client with a comprehensive pre-departure health and documentation checklist. Always consult a travel health clinic for medical advice personalised to your own health history before departure.

Yes - group and corporate travel is a strong and well-established part of our offering. We have successfully organised team-building retreats, incentive travel programmes, research expeditions, university field trips, and large group departures of up to 100 people. Group bookings regularly benefit from negotiated rates and a dedicated group coordinator. Whether your group numbers 4 or 40, we ensure the logistics are seamless and the shared experience is one your entire group will talk about for years to come.

Accommodation choices depend on your package and personal preference. Budget travellers stay in comfortable, well-run guesthouses and safari lodges. Mid-range itineraries feature quality lodges and fully en-suite tented camps in stunning park locations. Luxury choices include exclusive eco-lodges and private camps with exceptional cuisine, personalised service, and extraordinary natural settings. Every property we recommend has been personally vetted by our team for cleanliness, character, safety, and quality of service — we never recommend somewhere we would not stay ourselves.

Uganda offers something no other destination can match: nearly half the world's remaining mountain gorillas, over 1,000 bird species (more than all of North America), tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, the thundering Murchison Falls, and lush equatorial forests teeming with 13 primate species. All of this within a country compact enough to experience multiple world-class destinations in a single trip. Uganda also remains refreshingly uncrowded compared to more established safari circuits — meaning more intimate encounters, more personal space, and a rawer, more authentic Africa.

Responsible tourism is not a marketing line for us - it is a core operating principle. We use fuel-efficient 4x4 safari vehicles, partner exclusively with eco-certified lodges, and support conservation organisations across Uganda. Our tours generate genuine economic benefit for local communities through fair employment, local guide use, and partnerships with community-owned enterprises. A meaningful portion of every gorilla permit fee also flows directly to conservation funds and to the communities surrounding the national parks. When you travel with Kalesh, your adventure actively contributes to Uganda.

Our full cancellation and amendment terms are clearly communicated at the time of booking. Cancellations made well in advance receive the highest refund percentage; later cancellations may forfeit part of the deposit where third-party costs - such as gorilla permits and pre-paid accommodation - are non-refundable on our end. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellation. If your plans change for any reason, contact us as early as possible - we will always explore rebooking, rescheduling, or a creative alternative before simply applying a policy.

Absolutely - and this combination is one of the most powerful experiences we offer. Many of our clients choose to weave a Kalesh Foundation community project visit into their safari itinerary: meeting children in education programmes, young women in vocational training, and community members whose lives are genuinely being transformed. It is perspective-shifting in the best possible way - an experience that goes far beyond the typical tourist trail and reminds you that travel, at its best, connects us all. Just mention it when you enquire and we will build it seamlessly into your journey.