At Back to the Source Tours, we offer multiple secure and flexible payment methods to accommodate your convenience and location. Below is a detailed guide to help you understand our accepted payment channels, associated fees, and best practices for settling your tour balance.
For assistance with making a payment or setting up a plan, please contact our bookings team. We’re here to ensure your payment experience is smooth, secure, and transparent.
1. Bank Wire Transfers (Preferred Method)
Why Choose Wire Transfers?
Bank deposits and wire transfers remain the most cost-effective and widely used payment methods by full-package travelers. They eliminate third-party platform charges and minimize processing delays, making them ideal for both deposits and balance payments.
Note:
Banks do charge nominal transaction or wire fees. These fees vary by region and bank. Please ensure you include any expected charges when making your payment to avoid underpayment.
2. Credit & Debit Card Payments
We now accept major international credit and ATM cards, barring the Visa, MasterCard, and American Express logos, through our trusted payment gateway—East Africa’s secure payment processor equivalent to PayPal or Zelle.
How It Works:
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We will provide a personalized payment link upon request, or as scheduled
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You may use our online payment store portal for ongoing payments
Important Information:
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A 3.5% surcharge applies to all card payments. This is a third-party processing fee and must be factored into the total amount being paid.
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Due to occasional currency conversion differences and international banking fees, we may need to adjust your final balance to account for any discrepancies.
Privacy & Security Guarantee:
All credit card payments are processed through encrypted, PCI-compliant systems. Your personal data and financial details are never stored or shared.
3. Deposit Requirements & Balance Payment
To Secure Your Booking:
A deposit is required to confirm your tour, with the balance due usually 60-45 days before arrival. The required deposit amount will be communicated clearly upon booking confirmation.
Balance Payment Recommendation:
Whenever possible, we encourage the payment after deposit to be in one lump sum to minimize transaction charges, especially for international travelers.
4. Interest-Free Payment Plans
We are happy to offer customizable, interest-free payment plans for clients who prefer to split their tour payments over time. There are no additional charges from us for using this option; however, please be aware that:
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Bank or platform fees (e.g., card surcharges or wire costs) will still apply for each installment
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Payments must follow the agreed-upon schedule to maintain your reservation
Our team will work with you to create a plan that suits your timeline and travel dates.
Important Note:
- Securing the trekking permits for gorillas and chimpanzees requires full permit payment to guarantee its availability on your desired dates.
- Gorilla trekking permit: $825
- Chimpanzee trekking permit: $215
- Gorilla trekking minimum age is 15 years.
- Chimpanzee trekking minimum age is 12 years.
Give Back Through Travel
We believe in responsible tourism that gives back to local communities.
We often hear travelers express a genuine desire to make a positive impact during their journey. It warms our hearts to see this spirit of giving. To channel this enthusiasm, we’ve meticulously curated wishlists filled with essential items that directly benefit local communities through our trusted partner organizations. Discover how you can make a difference by visiting our CSR Blog playlist.
Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact.
We are committed to sustainable tourism. For more information about our sustainability practices, please refer to our policies page.
All tours offered by Back to the Source Tours adhere to Ugandan tax and business ethical laws. Your tour price includes VAT, and all our vehicles and guides are fully insured for your safety and peace of mind.
