THE JOURNEY
TO EXPLORE AFRICA

We proudly organize safaris throughout Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo with extensions to Kenya, and Tanzania. These destinations offer some of Africa's finest wildlife experiences, including mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, the Great Migration, Big Five game drives, mountain hiking, birding, and cultural encounters. Many travelers combine 2, 3, or even all 4 countries into a single itinerary. Our experienced safari consultants handle every detail, making it easy to enjoy a seamless journey across East Africa without worrying about the complex planning involved.

Absolutely. Every safari we organize is fully customizable to suit your travel goals and preferences. You can choose the destinations, activities, accommodation category, travel dates, pace of the trip, and duration of your holiday. Whether you are interested in gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, beach relaxation, or cultural experiences, our safari experts will create an itinerary that matches your expectations. We also recommend destinations and activities based on your interests to help you enjoy the most rewarding safari possible.

Booking your safari is simple and straightforward. Contact us through our website, email, WhatsApp, or telephone and tell us your preferred travel dates, destinations, and interests. Our safari specialists will prepare a personalized itinerary and quotation for your review. Once you approve the proposal, we will send booking instructions and payment details. After receiving the required deposit, we confirm your reservations, secure permits where necessary, and provide all the information you need before your arrival in East Africa.

We recommend booking your safari at least 3–6 months before your planned travel dates. Early booking gives you the best chance of securing gorilla trekking permits, popular lodges, and experienced guides, especially during the peak travel seasons. Travelers planning luxury safaris or multi-country itineraries should consider booking even earlier because accommodation availability can become limited. Last-minute bookings may still be possible, but your choice of permits, lodges, and travel dates could be more restricted.

Yes. We arrange gorilla trekking permits in both Uganda and Rwanda as part of your safari booking. Since permits are issued in limited numbers each day, we encourage clients to reserve them as early as possible. Once your permit has been secured, we include it in your itinerary and provide detailed guidance about the trekking experience, including fitness expectations, what to pack, park regulations, and how to prepare for your unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas.

Currently the gorilla permit in Uganda is at $800 for foreign non-residents and $700 for foreign residents during peak season. During the months of April, May and November, the permits are at $600 for foreign non-residents and $500 for foreign residents. The gorilla permit in Rwanda cost $1500 throughout the year unless if you are visting more than one national parks during the low season, where you purchase it at $1050. The current rates set by the respective wildlife authorities. Permit fees may change from time to time, so we always provide the latest official pricing when preparing your safari quotation. Your permit allows you to spend up to 1 hour observing a habituated gorilla family under the guidance of experienced park rangers while directly supporting mountain gorilla conservation and local community development.

Most of our safari packages include accommodation, meals as specified in your itinerary, private 4×4 transportation, a professional English-speaking driver-guide, park entrance fees, scheduled activities, bottled drinking water during road transfers, airport transfers, and gorilla or chimpanzee permits where indicated. Depending on your itinerary, domestic flights and even international flights within East Africa can also be arranged for travelers combining multiple countries. Every quotation clearly outlines what is included so you know exactly what to expect before confirming your booking.

International flights from and to your home country are not included unless specifically requested as part of your booking. Visa fees, travel insurance, optional activities, laundry services, personal purchases, tips, and certain premium experiences are also excluded unless stated otherwise. Alcoholic beverages and other in-house drinks are commonly included at many luxury lodges and camps, but this varies by property and package. Your quotation clearly identifies every inclusion and exclusion to help you plan your travel budget confidently.

Yes. We design safaris for a wide range of budgets without compromising on quality and service. Travelers can choose from budget-friendly lodges, comfortable mid-range accommodation, luxury safari lodges, or exclusive high-end properties offering exceptional comfort and personalized service. Regardless of your budget, every itinerary includes carefully selected accommodation, knowledgeable guides, reliable transportation, and thoughtfully planned activities. Our goal is to help every traveler experience the beauty of East Africa while staying within their preferred spending range.

Yes. Airport transfers are included in most of our safari packages. Your professional driver-guide or company representative will meet you at the airport, assist with your luggage, and transfer you comfortably to your hotel or directly to your safari destination, depending on your itinerary. We also arrange transfers at the end of your safari to ensure a smooth departure. If your itinerary includes arrivals or departures from different airports within East Africa, we can organize all the required transfers to make your journey stress-free.

Yes. Besides organizing road safaris, we can arrange scheduled domestic flights within Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania to reduce travel time and improve your comfort. For travelers booking multi-country safaris, we can also arrange international flights between East African destinations, such as Entebbe, Kigali, Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, or Zanzibar. Including flights in your itinerary often allows you to spend more time enjoying wildlife and less time traveling by road.

We use well-maintained 4×4 safari vehicles designed specifically for African safari conditions. Depending on your destination and group size, you may travel in a customized Toyota Land Cruiser or safari van with comfortable seating and large windows for excellent wildlife viewing. Most vehicles feature a pop-up roof for photography and game drives, air conditioning where applicable, charging ports, and ample luggage space. Every vehicle is regularly serviced to ensure reliability, safety, and comfort throughout your safari.

Yes. For most private safaris, you will travel with the same professional driver-guide from the beginning to the end of your journey. Having a dedicated guide allows you to build a good relationship while enjoying consistent service and expert knowledge throughout the trip. Our guides are experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable about wildlife, birds, local cultures, conservation, and the destinations you visit. They are committed to making your safari informative, enjoyable, and memorable from arrival until departure.

East Africa is a year-round safari destination, with every season offering unique wildlife experiences. The dry seasons are generally considered the best time for gorilla trekking and game viewing because hiking trails are less muddy and animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The rainy seasons also have advantages, including fewer visitors, lush green scenery, excellent bird watching, and attractive accommodation rates. We can recommend the best travel period depending on your preferred activities.

Gorilla trekking requires a reasonable level of fitness because the hike takes place through tropical forests with uneven terrain, steep slopes, and dense vegetation. Trekking time varies from less than 1 hour to several hours depending on where the gorilla family is located that day. Experienced park rangers and guides lead every trek at a comfortable pace, allowing regular breaks whenever needed. The reward of spending 1 unforgettable hour observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat makes every step worthwhile.

Your packing list depends on your itinerary and travel season, but essential items include lightweight clothing, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, waterproof hiking boots, a light rain jacket, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, binoculars, a camera with extra batteries, personal medications, and a face mask for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. We also recommend gardening gloves for walking through vegetation, warm clothing for cool evenings, and a small daypack to carry your daily essentials during excursions.

Yes. Many of our safaris are suitable for families with children, and we can recommend activities that match different age groups. However, the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, while chimpanzee trekking requires participants to be at least 12 years old. Children who do not meet these age requirements can remain at the lodge when adults go trekking. Many lodges also offer alternative activities such as nature walks, cultural visits, wildlife viewing, or swimming to keep younger guests entertained.

Yes. Combining gorilla trekking with a game safari is one of the most popular experiences offered by Iconic Africa Safaris. Travelers can enjoy mountain gorilla encounters in Uganda or Rwanda and continue to explore famous wildlife destinations such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Akagera National Park, Maasai Mara, Serengeti, or Ngorongoro Crater. These combined itineraries allow you to experience primates, Big Five animals, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse cultures within one carefully planned East African adventure.

Yes. Iconic Africa Safaris organizes chimpanzee trekking experiences in Uganda and other suitable destinations across East Africa. Uganda's Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best places in Africa to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Chimpanzee trekking involves walking through tropical forests with experienced guides while searching for these intelligent primates. The minimum age requirement for chimpanzee trekking is 12 years. We also provide guidance on permits, accommodation, transportation, packing requirements, and preparation before your trekking experience.

Yes. We as well craft romantic honeymoon safaris designed around couples seeking privacy, comfort, and unforgettable experiences. Our honeymoon packages can combine luxury accommodation, private game drives, gorilla trekking, scenic landscapes, cultural experiences, and relaxing beach extensions. We work with selected lodges that offer special honeymoon arrangements such as private dining, beautiful views, romantic room setups, and personalized services. Whether you prefer a peaceful wildlife retreat or an adventurous African journey, we customize your honeymoon safari according to your interests and preferred travel style.

Yes. East Africa is a welcoming destination for travelers, and millions of visitors enjoy safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania every year. At Iconic Africa Safaris, we prioritize your safety by using experienced driver-guides, reliable vehicles, trusted accommodation partners, and carefully planned routes. During wildlife activities, trained guides and park authorities provide safety instructions to ensure responsible encounters with animals. We also recommend that travelers have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and other unexpected situations. NOTE: Incase of any sucurity or health concerns with any of our destination countries, we let the travelers know about it, so that they can plan accordingly.

We offer convenient and secure payment options to make the booking process simple for international travelers. Payment arrangements may include bank transfers, electronic payments, and other approved payment methods depending on your location. A deposit is normally required to confirm your safari, secure accommodation, and arrange permits for activities such as gorilla trekking. Our team provides clear payment instructions together with your quotation, including the payment schedule and important booking terms before you finalize your travel arrangements.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the countries included in your itinerary. Travelers visiting Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania should check the latest immigration requirements before departure. For visitors planning a multi-country safari, we can provide guidance on the relevant travel documents and entry requirements. It is important to ensure that your passport is valid for international travel and has sufficient blank pages. Our safari specialists will help you understand the requirements before your arrival in East Africa.

Our professional safari guides mainly speak English and have extensive knowledge of East African wildlife, cultures, conservation, and local communities. We understand that communication is an important part of creating a great travel experience, so we can also assist with arranging guides who speak other languages such as French, Germany and Spanish, among other languages depending on availability. A knowledgeable guide does more than drive; they help you understand animal behavior, identify wildlife, explain cultural traditions, and ensure that your safari is educational, comfortable, and enjoyable from start to finish.