Frequently asked Questions
You’ve got questions, we love that. Here are the answers to the things our clients ask most often before booking their East Africa safari with Caxly Safaris. If your question isn’t here, drop us a message on the Contact page or WhatsApp us directly.
Booking & Planning
How far in advance should I book my safari?
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We recommend booking at least 3–6 months in advance, particularly if your itinerary includes mountain gorilla trekking. Gorilla permits in both Uganda ($700) and Rwanda ($1,500) are issued in strictly limited numbers (only 8 people per gorilla family per day) and they sell out months ahead during peak seasons (December–February and June–September).
For the Great Migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara (July–October), popular lodges also fill up well in advance.
That said, we have successfully arranged last-minute safaris with 2–4 weeks’ notice, so please contact us even if your dates are soon, we’ll do everything we can.
Can I customise a package, or do I have to choose a fixed itinerary?
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Every Caxly safari is fully customisable. Our published packages are starting points, frameworks that showcase the best of each destination, but we tailor every detail to your specific interests, budget, travel dates, group size, fitness level, and accommodation preferences.
What is your payment and cancellation policy?
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To confirm your booking we require a 30% deposit, with the remaining 70% due 60 days before your departure date. For bookings made within 60 days of travel, full payment is required at time of booking. Cancellations made more than 60 days before travel receive a full refund of the deposit minus any permit costs already purchased (gorilla permits are non-refundable once issued). See booking terms
Do you cater to solo travellers?
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Absolutely, solo travel is one of our specialties. We arrange private solo safaris (your own vehicle and guide, entirely at your pace) and can also match solo travellers with small group departures to reduce costs.
Do you run group safaris and corporate trips?
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Yes! We handle groups of all sizes, from a couple on honeymoon to corporate incentive groups of 50+. For larger groups we arrange multiple vehicles, dedicated guide teams, and group lodge buyouts where required.
Gorilla Trekking
How physically demanding is gorilla trekking?
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Treks can last anywhere from 1 hour to a full day, through steep, densely forested terrain at altitudes of 1,600–2,500 metres. You don’t need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness is required. We recommend 4–6 weeks of stair climbing and loaded-pack hiking in preparation.
Is gorilla trekking guaranteed? What if I don’t find the gorillas?
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The success rate for gorilla sightings is extremely high (consistently above 98%) because all the gorilla families visited by tourists are fully habituated and tracked by rangers every morning before groups depart. By the time you set off, the trackers already know exactly where the gorillas are.
Should I trek gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?
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Both are extraordinary the gorillas are the same species and the quality of the encounter is equally moving.
The key differences:
Uganda’s Bwindi offers a larger number of habituated gorilla families (more permit availability), a lower permit cost ($700 vs $1,500), and a rawer, more adventurous forest experience.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP offers a more compact park, slightly shorter average treks, and a premium boutique feel with some of Africa’s finest lodges on the volcano slopes.
Can children go gorilla trekking?
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The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old, as set by both the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board. This rule is strictly enforced to protect the gorillas from childhood diseases and to ensure the physical safety of younger visitors on challenging terrain.
For families with younger children, we offer excellent primate alternatives: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale (minimum age 12), golden monkey tracking, and guided nature walks with wildlife sightings.