Terms & Conditions

These Terms and Conditions govern all bookings, tours, and services provided by Tracking Gorillas Uganda (hereinafter referred to as “the Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). By making a booking or participating in any of our tours, you (the “Client”, “you”, or “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

1. Definitions

• Tour / Safari: Any gorilla trekking, primate tracking, wildlife safari, cultural tour, or other travel package arranged by the Company.
• Gorilla Permit: The official permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for mountain gorilla trekking.
• Supplier: Third-party providers such as lodges, hotels, transport companies, guides, or the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
• Force Majeure: Any event beyond our reasonable control, including (but not limited to) war, civil unrest, strikes, natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, weather conditions, or changes in UWA regulations.

2. Booking and Confirmation

• All bookings must be made in writing (email or our official booking form).
• A non-refundable deposit of 30% – 50% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking and secure gorilla permits and accommodations (subject to availability). Gorilla permits are limited and strictly subject to UWA availability.
• The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 30 days before the tour start date.
• Full passport details (full name as on passport, nationality, passport number, date of birth, and expiry date) are required at the time of booking for permit applications, flights, and insurance purposes.
• Your booking is confirmed only upon receipt of the deposit and issuance of a confirmation invoice by the Company.

3. Prices and Payment

• All prices are quoted in US Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations, UWA permit fee increases, inflation, or supplier price adjustments.
• Prices include only the services explicitly listed in your itinerary. Exclusions typically include: international/domestic flights, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses, tips/gratuities, alcoholic beverages, and any items not mentioned as included.
• Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit card (where accepted), or other agreed methods. All bank charges are the Client’s responsibility.
• Once a gorilla permit is purchased on your behalf, it is non-refundable and non-transferable.

4. Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellations must be made in writing. Refunds (if any) are subject to the following schedule (unless otherwise stated in your specific itinerary):

• More than 60 days before departure: Full refund of deposit minus any non-refundable costs already incurred (e.g., gorilla permits, booking fees).
• 60 – 31 days before departure: 50% of the total tour cost (or loss of deposit, whichever is higher).
• 30 days or less before departure: No refund. 100% cancellation fee applies.
• No-shows or early departure from the tour: No refund.

Special Note on Gorilla Permits: Once issued by UWA, permits are non-refundable regardless of cancellation reason. We will make reasonable efforts to rebook the permit for another date if possible, subject to availability and UWA rules.

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, and gorilla trekking activities.

5. Changes or Alterations to the Itinerary

• We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the itinerary due to operational requirements, weather, road conditions, UWA decisions, or Force Majeure events.
• If we make a significant change before departure, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer suitable alternatives where feasible.
• Minor changes (e.g., slight adjustments to daily schedules) do not entitle you to a refund.

6. Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations

Gorilla trekking is strictly regulated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You must comply with all UWA rules, including but not limited to:

• Minimum age: 15 years (proof of age may be required).
• Maximum 8 visitors per gorilla group per day.
• You must not track gorillas if you have any contagious illness (e.g., flu, cold, diarrhea, COVID-19 symptoms, or other communicable diseases).
• Maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters from the gorillas.
• No flash photography; speak quietly; do not eat, smoke, or litter near the gorillas.
• Follow all instructions from your guide and ranger at all times.

Failure to comply may result in removal from the trek without refund. The Company and its guides reserve the right to refuse participation if health or safety concerns arise.

7. Health, Fitness, and Insurance

• Gorilla trekking and other activities involve strenuous physical activity in remote, high-altitude, and rugged terrain. You must be in good physical and mental health.
• It is your responsibility to consult a doctor before travel and to ensure you have adequate travel insurance covering medical expenses, emergency evacuation, repatriation, and adventure activities (including gorilla trekking).
• The Company is not liable for any pre-existing medical conditions or failure to obtain proper insurance.

8. Liability and Disclaimer

• The Company acts only as an arranger of tours and is not liable for any acts or omissions of third-party suppliers (lodges, airlines, transport providers, etc.).
• We shall not be liable for any loss, injury, damage, delay, or inconvenience caused by Force Majeure, weather, wildlife behavior, road conditions, or any event beyond our control.
• Our maximum liability shall not exceed the total cost of the tour paid by you.
• You are responsible for your own safety and belongings. We recommend leaving valuables in secure hotel safes.

9. Complaints

Any complaints must be reported to your guide or Company representative immediately so that we can attempt to resolve the issue on the spot. If the matter cannot be resolved during the tour, you must notify us in writing within 14 days after the end of the tour.

10. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Uganda. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall first be resolved amicably. If not possible, disputes shall be referred to arbitration or the courts of Uganda.

11. General

• These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and the Company.
• We reserve the right to update these Terms from time to time. The version in effect at the time of booking will apply.
• By booking with us, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions.