There are very high chances that you will book a trip with a “tour operator” whose office you have never been to physically. Unfortunately, there are some gorilla safari scams in Uganda that travelers need to be aware of in order to avoid falling victim to them. Here are some tips to help you avoid gorilla safari scams in Uganda:
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Beware of Impersonators
There are a number of tour operators in Uganda that have built brands that many other people will likely name twist to pose as though they are that particular operator. Before booking your gorilla safari, do some research on the tour operator you are considering. Look for reviews from previous customers and make sure the operator is registered with the Uganda Tourism Board.
All licensed tour operators are listed on the Uganda tourism board website. Anyone that is not listed on that website regardless of the good reviews is a none licensed tour operator, therefore, you deal with them at your own risk. There is no impersonator that can have their business name registered since that is not possible in Uganda
Beware of extremely low prices
If a gorilla safari is priced significantly lower than others you have researched, this should be a red flag. Low prices may indicate that corners are being cut or that the operator is not following the necessary regulations.
They might even have good reviews but chances are very high that in case things get out of hand, they will likely abandon you and if the bad comes to the worst, you might even end up in jail for being an accomplice of an illegal operator.
Pay using a secure payment method
Avoid paying for your gorilla safari with cash as these payment methods are often untraceable. Instead, use a credit card or a secure online payment system. Actually paying with a wire transfer or pesapal is more secure since it is hard for a company to have an account without proper registration.
Pesapal also gives you an opportunity to initiate a cashback which implies that your money cannot be stolen if you pay through such a merchant service. However when it comes to wire transfers, sometimes it is wise to confirm the payment details using the company office line on their website since emails can be intercepted sometimes.
Be aware of unsolicited offers
If you receive an unsolicited offer for a safari, be cautious. Legitimate gorilla safari operators do not usually reach out to potential customers in this way. The unsolicited offers often start out to be free but at a certain point will ask to transfer a certain amount of money.
Even though the amount may seem very low and bearable, you will actually be dancing to their tune if you send them any amount of money for things like a commitment fee.
Ask for a detailed itinerary
Before booking your gorilla safari, ask for a detailed itinerary that outlines what will be included in your trip. This will help you ensure that you are getting what you pay for. This helps you with the details of the meal plan as well as accommodation.
On top of that ask for an invoice with details of everything that is covered by the quote. This will save you from the requirement to chip in every now and then during your trip.
Don’t be pressured into making a decision
If a tour operator is pressuring you to book quickly or offering you a deal that is only available for a limited time, be cautious. Take your time and make sure you are making an informed decision. In most cases, the limited offer tricks are simple to force you into a purchase without thinking through what you are paying for.
By following these tips and exercising caution, you can help protect yourself from gorilla safari scams in Uganda and enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip.