General

The terms and conditions align with the laws and standards of Uganda where we operate our tour services.

All information, descriptions, narrations, accommodation details, and security measures are provided in good faith. While we take reasonable care to ensure accuracy, we are not liable for errors or omissions arising from circumstances beyond our control.

Tour and Safari Services: Reservations and Payments

To confirm your reservation, we must secure your gorilla, chimpanzee, and gorilla habituation permits. These permits require full payment to confirm, and we request this payment at the time of booking.

• For tours booked 60 days or more in advance, a deposit covering the permit costs is sufficient. Permit costs are as follows:
  • Uganda Gorilla Permit: $800
  • Rwanda Gorilla Permit: $1,500
  • Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience: $1,500
  • Kibale Chimps Habituation Experience: $300
  • Uganda Chimpanzee Permit: $250
  • Rwanda Chimpanzee Permit: $150

The remaining balance can be paid anytime before the tour starts but no later than Day 1. If permits are already paid, the balance can be settled up to 14 days before the tour begins. However, failure to pay on time may result in losing your preferred accommodations, for which we are not responsible.

For smooth operations, we recommend full payment in advance or timely installments. Avoid relying on ATMs for payment as network failures or delays may disrupt the tour schedule.

Payment Methods

Our preferred payment method is an electronic bank transfer (wire), which takes 1–3 days for processing.

We also accept credit/debit card payments through secure online platforms supporting Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Mobile Money. A payment link will be provided upon request.

Please note, we are not liable for delays in receiving payment. If late payments result in the loss of permits, rescheduling or refunds (less transaction fees) may be necessary.

Accommodations

We offer a range of accommodations: luxury, mid-range, budget, and camping. The listed accommodations in itineraries are proposals subject to your preferences and availability. Equivalent or superior alternatives may be substituted when necessary.

During booking, please provide your tour dates, number of travelers, sleeping arrangements, and dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian or allergy considerations). Note:

• Children under 12 cannot track chimpanzees.
• Children under 15 cannot trek gorillas.

Gorilla Permits: Confirmation and Guarantees

We will confirm gorilla permit availability before requesting payment. Upon receiving your payment, it takes one business day to finalize the permit with the relevant authorities. Provisional bookings hold permits for up to four days pending payment.

Each permit grants single-day access to view gorillas for at least one hour. Although all our clients have seen gorillas, we cannot guarantee sightings due to natural conditions. If you do not see gorillas, you may be offered another trek or a 50% permit refund, subject to the relevant authority’s refund policy.

Transportation

Vehicles are provided in roadworthy condition. We are not liable for breakdowns, delays, or damages. Safari guides must adhere to company guidelines, and their decisions regarding routes are final.

You are responsible for damages caused by interference with vehicles, including legal and repair costs.

Cancellation and Refund Policies

By Gorillas Safaris Uganda

We rarely cancel bookings but reserve the right to do so due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., war). Alternative vacations of equivalent or higher standards will be offered when possible, with refunds for any cost differences. Gorilla permit costs are non-refundable but may be passed on upon receipt from the relevant authority.

By You

Cancellations must be communicated in writing. Fees are based on the safari cost as follows:

• 61–100 days: 10%
• 8–60 days: 50%
• 0–7 days: 100%

Gorilla Permits Cancellation

• Rwanda permits: No refund. Rescheduling possible for $150.
• Uganda permits: Refunds depend on notice period:
  • 0–60 days: No refund
  • 61–90 days: 21% refund
  • 91+ days: 46% refund

Refunds are subject to bank charges and dependent on future credit use by us with the relevant authorities.

Complaints

Complaints must be submitted within 21 days after the holiday ends. This allows us sufficient time to investigate and respond appropriately.

Force Majeure

We are not liable for events beyond our control, including but not limited to pandemics, war, natural disasters, or supplier failures. Pricing adjustments due to economic changes may occur, and we reserve the right to refuse or remove individuals from tours if their behavior jeopardizes safety or enjoyment.

Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, evacuation, personal injury, death, and cancellations is mandatory.

Jurisdiction

Our operations are governed by Ugandan laws.

Liability

We accept limited liability for losses or damages resulting from improper performance of our obligations. However, we are not liable for unforeseeable acts by third parties or events beyond our control.

Voluntary Agreement

By advancing a deposit, you acknowledge and accept these terms and conditions, including cancellation and refund policies.