Paying for a safari in East Africa looks different from booking a hotel in Europe or a resort in Mexico. Most operators in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania work with bank wire transfers as their primary payment method, and many travelers encounter this for the first time and want to understand why it works this way and how to do it safely.
This guide explains exactly how Back to the Source Tours handles payments, what your options are, and why our US registration and Pesapal credit card option give international travelers added flexibility and peace of mind.
Why Bank Wire Transfer Is the Standard for East Africa Safaris
Direct bank transfers to company bank accounts are the safest way of making payments for a safari. Wiring money to company bank accounts is one way of knowing that you are dealing with a fully registered company because such accounts are only offered to registered operators. For Back to the Source Tours this is straightforward: we are licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board and registered in the United States, meaning we hold properly registered business bank accounts in both countries. Your wire transfer goes to a legitimate registered company, not a personal account.
International wire transfer fees average around $35 to $50 depending on your financial institution, which is significantly lower than the credit card processing surcharges most safari operators charge. For large payments this difference matters.
Paying by Credit Card Through Pesapal
For travelers who prefer credit card protection or are not comfortable with wire transfers, Back to the Source Tours accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express payments through Pesapal, East Africa’s most established payment platform for tourism. Pesapal is easy to use and is one of the most reliable ways of making credit card payments in Uganda.
A processing fee applies to all credit card payments. This fee is standard across the industry and reflects the merchant charges that payment processors apply. African operators often add a surcharge of approximately 3.5 to 5 percent for credit card payments. Back to the Source Tours will always confirm the exact processing fee applicable to your payment before you proceed.
Make a card payment here: https://store.pesapal.com/backtothesourcetours
What Payments Are Due and When
Back to the Source Tours operates on a clear and transparent payment timeline. A 40% deposit of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. This deposit is non-refundable.
If your safari includes gorilla trekking, the Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permit ($825.00 USD per person) is paid separately at the same time as the 40% deposit. If your safari includes chimpanzee trekking, the chimpanzee permit ($285.00 USD per person) is also paid separately at booking. Both permits are non-refundable once purchased.
The remaining balance is due 90 days before your tour departure date.
Why Back to the Source Tours Is Also Registered in the United States
As of 2026, Back to the Source Tours LLC is registered in the United States. This means US-based travelers can also transfer funds domestically in USD to our US bank account, removing the complexity and fees associated with international wire transfers. If you are based in the United States and prefer domestic bank payment options, contact our team to receive US banking details for your booking.
Is It Safe to Wire Money for a Safari?
With few exceptions, most in-country outfitters request that deposits be wired to confirm reservations and hold accommodations. Kenya Wildlife Service The key is knowing exactly who you are sending money to. Back to the Source Tours is a fully licensed tour operator in Uganda (Uganda Tourism Board license UTB/RTT/TT/2023/100927). Our license can be verified directly at https://utb.go.ug/licensed-tour-companies. We hold registered business bank accounts and are also registered in the United States as a limited liability company.
Always avoid transfers to personal bank accounts, Western Union, MoneyGram, or cryptocurrency platforms. These are methods commonly used by fraudulent operators. Legitimate safari operators in Uganda and Kenya maintain properly registered business bank accounts.
Have Questions About Payment?
Our team is available to walk you through payment options, answer questions about timelines, and confirm all banking details before any money moves. Schedule a meeting with a Back to the Source Tours travel expert or review our full booking and cancellation policy for payment terms.
Interest-Free Payment Plans
If you prefer smaller installments, we can coordinate an interest-free payment plan from our side. There are no additional charges from Back to the Source Tours for using a payment plan.
What still applies
- Bank fees and platform fees still apply to each installment, so multiple payments can cost more overall
- Payments must follow the agreed schedule to maintain your reservation
Our goal is flexibility with clear guardrails, so your booking stays protected, and your money moves efficiently.
Optional Activities, How Payment Works on the Ground
When an itinerary lists an activity as optional, it typically means you can choose to add it during planning or while on the trip, and payment may be handled separately from the package.
Common on-ground payment norms
- Many optional experiences are paiddirectly to the provider, often in cash
- Some providers acceptcredit cards on site, depending on location and connectivity
Ask us about your specific tour’s optional activities and we will provide the practical do’s and don’ts, including recommended payment method, typical pricing expectations, and what to avoid so you do not overpay or miss out due to last-minute limitations.
Plan this experience with Back to the Source Tours: East Africa Tour Packages, East Africa Group Tours, and/or Request Your East Africa Safari Quote.