Terms & Conditions

All Gorilla Trips (the company) organizes safaris in Uganda and Rwanda and in neighboring countries. Safaris will be organized by the company which is registered in the Republic of Uganda. Please read the Terms and Conditions and the Travel Notes carefully as together they set out our respective obligations and form the basis of your contract with us. In these terms and conditions, “you” means all persons named on the booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date) and “we” and “us” means All Gorilla Trips Limited. These terms are amended from time to time due to changing circumstances; the terms at the time of booking are the terms that are valid. Conditions in Africa are not the same as those in developed countries and standards of service, medical facilities, safety and security may often be lower than those in your home countries. Please note that it is the laws and regulations of the country in which services are provided which apply to your holiday arrangements and not those of your home country.

ACCURACY OF INFORMATION

The descriptions, information and opinions given by us in respect of national parks, animal sightings, accommodation, itineraries, gorilla permits and security are given in good faith, based on the latest information available to us. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. We cannot accept any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions caused by matters beyond our control.

BOOKINGS

1.1 All Gorilla Trips (U) Ltd. provides transportation, accommodation bookings, restaurant meals, excursions and other services in cooperation with independent suppliers.

1.2 All information detailed in client itineraries is given to the best of All Gorilla Trips’ knowledge and based on the latest information available. All Gorilla Trips cannot be liable for modified information from third parties, nor for any obvious typing errors.

1.3 To reserve internal flights and gorilla permits we need: your full names as they appear in passport, your nationality and passport number.

1.4 Before confirming a safari, the client must inform All Gorilla Trips of any preferences and special requests of the participants; e.g. medical needs, diet, requirements relating to disabilities and any other requirements. All Gorilla Trips will meet the requests if possible.

1.5 All packages are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed. Many lodges and hotels offered by All Gorilla Trips have limited capacity and therefore it is essential to make reservations well in advance of your planned trip.

1.6 In the event that you wish to amend your reservation in any way, All Gorilla Trips will make the preferred adjustment where practicable and possible and confirm accordingly. All Gorilla Trips reserves the right to charge an amendment fee relative to the actual costs, which will be added to the total invoice.

1.7 All Gorilla Trips reserves the right to change and re-adjust the tour schedule, transportation, accommodation and services indicated in the itinerary in the event of unforeseen circumstances before arrival. Any changes to the itinerary will be communicated to the client as soon as possible.

PRICES

2.1 The prices quoted for the various safaris are as per the itinerary and include the following services, unless stated otherwise: overnight in hotels, guesthouses, tents or lodges, all meals as indicated, sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary, park entrance fees and ranger fees, airport transfers where applicable, ground transportation, English speaking driver/guides and bottled mineral water in the vehicle.

2.2 Expenses that are not covered: international and domestic air fares, visa and passports, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, drinks other than the mineral water provided in the vehicle, tips and gratuities for the guides and accommodation staff, laundry, travel insurance and other items of a personal nature.

2.3 All Gorilla Trips reserves the right to adjust prices at any time should there be any fluctuation in the exchange rate or increase in the cost of any element of the tour. The company will however make every effort to minimize any increases.

EXECUTION OF THE TOUR?

3.1 It is a privilege to see animals in their natural habitat and as such, we cannot guarantee wildlife or game viewing. You must take caution when viewing the animals and carefully follow the instructions given by either the tour guide or wildlife rangers.

3.2 A gorilla or chimpanzee permit guarantees clients will be able to track the primates in question but does not guarantee that the animals will be in plain sight.

3.3 Accommodation is based on a twin or double bedded room, tent or banda, with private bathroom where possible. Single rooms may be available with the payment of a supplement fee but availability cannot always be guaranteed.

3.4 All Gorilla Trips reserves the right to substitute equivalent or superior hotels. If a hotel of equivalent standard is not available All Gorilla Trips may substitute the next best quality hotel or suggest superior standard accommodation (extra charges may apply).

3.5 The mode of transport used will be dependent on the number of clients and the route taken, based on the specifications of the chosen itinerary. Every effort is made to ensure that vehicles are provided in a roadworthy condition but no liability can be accepted for a puncture, breakdown, damage, or any delay as a result of the poor road conditions.

3.6 Experienced English speaking driver/guides are a key part of your tour. They are the only person(s) allowed to drive All Gorilla Trips’ vehicles. The driver’s decision on all matters, such as the route taken, is final.

3.7 All Gorilla Trips reserves the right to alter any route or arrangement, to cancel the operation of any scheduled tour or vary the safari services in any way in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as road closures, bad weather, problems with national parks or hotels and security considerations. In such cases, alternative arrangements will be made as circumstances permit.

3.8 All Gorilla Trips reserves the right to employ subcontractors to carry out all or part of the services agreed to be supplied.

3.9 All Gorilla Trips reserves the right to refuse any person from participating or continuing any tour if, in All Gorilla Trips’ opinion or in the opinion of any other person in authority, the person concerned behaves in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause danger, hazard or inconvenience to any third party, damage to property or to environments and ecosystems. No refunds will be made and All Gorilla Trips shall not be liable for expenses incurred as a result of the termination.

PAYMENT

4.1 All tours will be booked and confirmed only upon receipt of a 30% deposit of the basic program rate. For gorilla permits, a full advance payment of the permit fee is required in order to make the reservation.

4.2 The payment balance is due no later than 42 days prior to the safari, unless agreed otherwise.

4.3 Bookings made within 42 days before arrival must be paid in full at the time of confirmation.

4.4 If payment is not received in accordance with the above, All Gorilla Trips has the right to cancel the booking.

4.5 Payment can be made by VISA credit card, bank transfer or cash, before the start of the safari. Note that payments by VISA credit card attract a 5% service charge. Credit card transactions must be made at least two months prior to the start of your safari. Regretfully, traveller cheques are no longer accepted.

4.6 The costs of international transactions (or 5% service charge in case of credit card payments) are to be fully paid by the client.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS?

5.1 All cancellation requests must be made in writing and shall be effective on the date of actual receipt by All Gorilla Trips.

5.2 The following cancellation charges apply to the basic program rate:

60 days or more prior to arrival 10% charge
59 – 32 days prior to arrival 25% charge
31 – 8 days prior to arrival 50% charge
7 – 3 days prior to arrival 75% charge
48 hours or less prior to arrival 100% charge

All Gorilla Trips reserves the right to deduct all expenses incurred from money paid.

5.3 Gorilla permits and internal air tickets are 100% non-refundable.

5.4 No refunds will be made for any unused services, late arrival or no-show of any of the members of the tour.

COMPLAINTS?

6.1 All Gorilla Trips shall try to ensure that the company exceeds the expectations in every area of the tour arrangements. However, suggestions are very much appreciated in order to keep improving the quality of the service.

6.2 Complaints must be reported immediately to the All Gorilla Trips representative and to the supplier of the service in question, who will do their best to resolve the matter. If the problem is not solved to the client’s satisfaction, the complaint should be reported in writing and not later than 30 days after completion of the tour.

6.3 Liability for any complaints not notified in accordance with the above described procedure cannot be accepted.

LIABILITY?

7.1 All Gorilla Trips will make every effort to ensure that all arrangements and services offered as part of the safari are carried out as specified in the most efficient way possible. However, the company does not have direct control of the provision of services by suppliers and, whilst every supplier is chosen with the utmost care, All Gorilla Trips does not accept liability for errors or omissions of such suppliers.

7.2 All Gorilla Trips shall not be liable for any loss, damage or injury of any nature whatsoever whether to person or property.

7.3 Whilst every care is taken, All Gorilla Trips cannot be held responsible for the direct or indirect costs of loss or damage to baggage or personal possessions.

7.4 All Gorilla Trips cannot accept liability or pay compensation for unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the company or its staff, including flight delays/cancellations or force majeure such as war or threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist acts, border closure, acts of government or other authorities, strikes, thefts, epidemics, road closures, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, extreme weather conditions, fire, technical and/or mechanical problems to transport and all similar events beyond the company’s control.

7.5 It is the responsibility of the travel agency/wholesaler to ensure that all members of the tour have the appropriate passports, visas, travel permits, health certificates and other documentation required for the safari.

7.6 It is the responsibility of the clients to take proper medical and practical precautions in regard to health and safety. Medical advice should be sought well before travelling.

7.7 Clients are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance before coming to Uganda. Local evacuation coverage is available in the unlikely event of a medical emergency while on safari with All Gorilla Trips.

7.8 The respective laws of the country govern All Gorilla Trips’ liability to passengers carried in its own vehicles. All claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the country in which the cause of action arises.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO READ ?THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us! Your enjoyment, comfort and safety are our priority.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

GENERAL

All Gorilla Trips Limited (the company) organizes safaris in Uganda and Rwanda and in neighboring countries. Safaris will be organized by the company which is registered in the Republic of Uganda. Please read the Terms and Conditions and the Travel Notes carefully as together they set out our respective obligations and form the basis of your contract with us. In these terms and conditions, “you” means all persons named on the booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date) and “we” and “us” means All Gorilla Trips Limited.

These terms are amended from time to time due to changing circumstances; the terms at the time of booking are the terms that are valid. Conditions in Africa are not the same as those in developed countries and standards of service, medical facilities, safety and security may often be lower than those in your home countries. Please note that it is the laws and regulations of the country in which services are provided which apply to your holiday arrangements and not those of your home country.

ACCURACY OF INFORMATION

CANCELLATIONS BY US

Occasionally we have to cancel confirmed bookings. We always endeavor to avoid canceling, but we must reserve the right to do so. We shall not cancel your confirmed holiday less than 30 (thirty) days before departure unless you fail to make all payments due in full and on time or we are forced to do so as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care.

If we cancel your safari holiday (except where you have failed to make payment or as a result of force majeure) we shall offer you the choice of purchasing an alternative holiday from us of a similar standard to that originally booked if available. If the chosen alternative is less expensive than your original holiday we shall refund the difference but if it is more expensive, we shall ask you to pay the difference. Alternatively you are entitled to a full refund of all monies you have paid to us save that paid for gorilla permits which can only be refunded if the refund has been made available to us.

Except where we cancel for reasons other than those mentioned in this clause, we shall have no further liability to you. We regret we cannot pay any expenses, costs or losses incurred as a result of any cancellation. If we cancel for a reason that is not mentioned in this clause, we shall pay a maximum compensation of $100 (United States Dollars One Hundred) depending on the circumstances.

We reserve the right, without prior notice, to terminate the holiday of any person in your party if, in our opinion or in the opinion of any other person in authority, the persons concerned behave in such a way to cause or be likely to cause danger, annoyance or distress to any third party or damage to property. In this situation, the person(s) concerned will be required to leave the accommodation or other service immediately. We shall have no further responsibility towards such person(s). No refunds will be made and we shall not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the termination.

CANCELLATIONS BY YOU

Should you or any member of your party be forced to cancel, you must advise us or your travel agent in writing. A cancellation is not effective until we receive a copy of your written notice. To cover our estimated loss caused by the cancellation and as we may be unable to resell your holiday, cancellation fees, excluding insurance, will be levied per person as follows: Period before departure = Cancellation charge (as percentage of total price paid where applicable) More than 45 days = Deposit;
44 days – 15 days = 50%;
Less than 14 days = 100%.

COMPLAINTS

Complaints must be reported immediately to our representative and to the supplier of the service(s) in question, who will do their best to resolve any problem. If you remain dissatisfied, a written report should be submitted to the Safari manager in Kampala as soon as possible after the incident and not later than 15 (Fifteen) days after completion of your holiday, to enable us to investigate them fully. Regrettably, liability for any complaints not notified in accordance with this procedure cannot be accepted.

FORCE MAJEURE

We regret we cannot accept liability or pay compensation where the performance or proper performance of our obligations is prevented or affected by any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, border closures, unexpected government acts, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, extreme weather conditions, fire, technical and/or mechanical problems to transport, road closures, disease and all similar events beyond our control.

GORILLA PERMITS

Only when payment has been received can permits for gorilla tracking in the relevant National Park be purchased. Getting a gorilla permit is not a guarantee of seeing a gorilla. Local conditions sometimes mean that access to the gorillas is made impossible at short notice. We are unable to accept liability for any circumstance that might lead to gorilla viewing being cancelled, whether it is closure of the National Park or borders; absence of the gorillas; security changes. Refunds are at the discretion of the relevant authority and we cannot accept liability for them. We shall use our maximum endeavors to obtain a refund and if a refund is paid by the relevant authority, we shall pass it on to the client

INSURANCE

Your attention is drawn to the section in the Travel Notes regarding insurance. It is a condition of booking that you must have, and must demonstrate to your travel agent or us at the time of booking that you have, appropriate insurance for the type of holiday being taken with us. Such insurance should fully cover death, personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation in the event of accident or illness or death, cancellation or curtailment of the holiday by either side and loss of, damage to, or theft of the clients’ personal property. Activities with a greater inherent risk, such as mountaineering, animal tracking on foot, white-water rafting should be covered.

GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

The company is incorporated in the Republic of Uganda and it operates under the laws of Uganda. Your contract with us and matters arising out of it will be governed by the laws of Uganda.

LIABILITY

We shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that (a) all component parts of the holiday are supplied as described in the brochure and to a reasonable standard; and (b) our employees, agents, suppliers and sub-contractors exercise due care in carrying out our obligations under the contract. We accept responsibility for what our employees, agents, suppliers and sub-contractors do or do not do (provided they were at the time carrying out work authorized by us). If any part of your holiday is not provided as advertised and to a reasonable standard, we shall pay you appropriate compensation if your enjoyment of the holiday has been affected and you have followed the complaints procedure set out in these terms and conditions.

This acceptance of responsibility is subject to the clause relating to “Force Majeure” above and these Terms and Conditions generally. Our maximum liability in respect of complaints (except where death, personal injury or illness results, or where claims relate to loss or damage to possessions or luggage, which are dealt with below) is limited to an amount equal to the cost paid by or on behalf of the person affected for the relevant services.

The maximum amount will only be payable where the person affected has derived no benefit from the holiday and none of the services contracted have been provided. Liability for loss or damage to luggage or personal possessions (including money) will be compensated to a maximum of US$30 (United States Dollars Thirty) on the basis that the client is assumed to have taken out adequate insurance cover in respect of such losses at the time of booking.

We will take all due care to prevent your death, injury or illness being caused by the animal or insect life of the destinations. It is your responsibility to take proper medical and practical precautions in this regard and your attention is drawn to the section in the Travel Notes relating to Health. Medical advice should be sought well before travelling. Subject to these Terms and Conditions, we accept responsibility should you or any of your party suffer death, personal injury or illness as a result of any failure to perform or improper performance of the contract by any of our employees, agents, suppliers or sub-contractors (provided they were at the time carrying out work authorized by us) except in the following situations.

We will not be liable where any failure to perform or improper performance was due to: (i) the acts or omissions of a third party not connected with the provision of the holiday under the contract and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; (ii) an event which we or the supplier of the relevant services could not have foreseen or avoided even with all due care. Any claim must be notified to us in accordance with the complaints procedure set out above. Any person to whom any payment is made (and their parent or guardian if that person is a minor) must assign to us and our insurers any rights they may have to pursue any third party in connection with the claim and provide all necessary assistance to us and our insurers that be reasonably required.

QUOTATIONS/BOOKINGS/PRICES

Please ensure that the quotation given with details of number of clients, dates, accommodation, transportation, permits, park fees and all other services to be provided is clear and accurate before confirming the booking in writing. All references to quotations in writing shall include reference to correspondence by facsimile and electronic mail. The price of your chosen holiday will be confirmed at the time of booking. We reserve the right to correct errors in both advertised and confirmed prices and will do so as soon as we become aware of any such error.

Once the price of your holiday has been confirmed, subject to the correction of errors, a surcharge will only be payable if transportation costs, taxes, accommodation costs or gorilla permits increase in total to over 2% (two percent) of the holiday price. If you are required to pay more than 10% (ten percent) of the original holiday price, you will be entitled to cancel your holiday with the full refund of all the money paid to us except fees paid for gorilla permits. Should you decide to cancel under these provisions, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 (fourteen) days of notification to you of the surcharge. We reserve the right to increase or decrease the prices of unsold holidays at any time.

PAYMENT

At the time of booking you must confirm acceptance of these terms and conditions and pay a deposit of 30% (Thirty percent) of the price of your holiday including fees for gorilla permits. (See also section on gorilla permits.) If written acceptance is not received from you, we shall assume acceptance of the Terms and Conditions. The balance must be paid in full not later than 45 (forty five) days before departure. Bookings made within 30 (thirty) days of departure must be paid in full at the time of booking. All monies you pay to one of our authorized agents for your holiday with us will be held by the agent on our behalf until it is paid to us or refunded to you.

SAFARI TERMS

Prices INCLUDE airport transfers; accommodation; meals as stated; the services of an English-speaking driver/guide and a safari vehicle; porterage of two items of baggage per person; boat trips; park fees; gorilla and chimpanzee permits where appropriate.

Prices EXCLUDE airfares to Uganda / Rwanda, entry visas, airport taxes and gratuities as well as personal expenditure such as drinks and laundry at all lodges. In Kampala, Entebbe or Kigali the prices include bed and breakfast only. On safari the prices cover full board. The company reserves the right to vary the safari services agreed with the client in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as road closures, bad weather, problems with national parks or hotels, security considerations. In such cases alternative arrangements will be made as circumstances permit.

TRANSPORTATION

Every effort is made to ensure that vehicles are provided in a roadworthy condition but no liability can be accepted for breakdown, or any damage or delay. Our guides are instructed to follow our code of conduct for Guides (available on request), which you must not ask them to break in any way. In the event that a Guide does not follow the code, please inform the Safari Manager in Entebbe. Company vehicles must only be driven by the company’s Guide whose decision on all matters, such as the route taken, is final. You will be liable for any damage caused to a vehicle by any interference by you with the vehicle, including legal costs.

DANGERS POSED BY WILD ANIMALS

You are advised that, even in the most serene settings, the animals are wild and can pose a threat to life and safety. You are cautioned to observe all local or park regulations and heed all instructions given by our tour guides.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Tour tariffs are based on all known costs and rates of exchange at the transfer, any significant changes beyond control will be immediately communicated to you.

We also retain the right to alter any arrangements due to local conditions. We also retain the right to refuse any person from participating or continuing any tour if that person causes or is deemed to cause hazard or inconvenience to other clients and to our environment and ecosystems.

Please note that in Uganda US dollar banknotes series before year 2003 are accepted only with a low exchange rate. Commercial banks and upcountry towns do not accept the above transactions. In most cases such transactions are only done by forex bureaus within Kampala therefore you are advised to travel to Uganda with more recent banknotes series.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Good physical and mental health is essential for the enjoyment of these active, outdoors tours. You may travel in rugged areas removed from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all tours, especially those involving Gorilla Tracking, Mountaineering, Chimpanzee Tracking, Volcano Climbing.

By booking a safari, the client certifies that he/she does not have any physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, high altitude, heat, cold, other natural phenomenon, or particular foods, notifies All Gorilla Trips in writing in advance of travel so that we can make the appropriate arrangements.

We assume no liability for medical care nor for special dietary requirements if not informed long in advance. The medical requirements by some places like Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary Island is a sole responsibility of the client to meet them. We will send you the medical requirements should you include it in your itinerary.

It is also recommended that you take all precautions for traveling in Africa and receive suggest and required immunizations from a tropical clinic or your family doctor. A malaria regiment of some kind is also strongly suggested.