Question 1

What is the "Fake Safaris and National Park Day-Trips" scam in Kampala?

Accepted Answer

Touts near Kampala's Nakasero and around major backpacker hostels in Kabalagala offer discounted day-trips to Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, or Bwindi with "last-minute seat availability." After collecting payment, operators either fail to show up, provide drastically reduced services (no park entry included), or cancel citing vehicle problems and are uncontactable for refunds. Book Uganda Wildlife Authority-registered safaris only. Licensed operators are listed on the UWA website (ugandawildlife.org). Pay by card where possible, and never pay full price to a street tout. Check that the quoted price explicitly includes park entry fees.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Gorilla Permit Sellers" scam in Kampala?

Accepted Answer

Individuals in Kampala claim to offer discounted or last-minute gorilla trekking permits, which are actually stolen, forged, or already used. Uganda Wildlife Authority permits cost USD 700 and scammers target tourists who missed official bookings. Purchase gorilla permits only directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority website or their Kampala office. There are no legitimate discounts — any cheaper offer is fraudulent.

Tour & Activity Scams in Kampala

Fake Safaris and National Park Day-Trips

Fake Gorilla Permit Sellers

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