These terms are a working draft written to reflect how Gorilla Safari Experience actually operates. We recommend having them reviewed by a lawyer familiar with Ugandan tourism law before treating them as final.
A deposit of 30% of the total trip cost is required to confirm your booking and allow us to begin your habituation permit application with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The remaining balance is due no later than 60 days before your travel date; for bookings made within 60 days of travel, full payment is required at the time of booking. Payment is accepted by bank transfer or card payment link, details of which are provided in your personalized invoice.
Because gorilla permits are purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority in advance and are non-refundable once issued, our cancellation schedule reflects that reality rather than an arbitrary fee: cancellations made more than 90 days before travel forfeit the deposit only; cancellations made 60–89 days before travel forfeit 50% of the total trip cost; cancellations made fewer than 60 days before travel, or after the permit has already been purchased on your behalf, forfeit up to 100% of the total cost, since permit and lodge deposits are non-recoverable at that stage. Date amendments are accommodated where possible but remain subject to permit availability.
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for every guest, and must include cover for trip cancellation, medical treatment, and emergency evacuation. Please confirm with your insurer that your policy covers gorilla trekking and hiking in remote, mountainous terrain specifically, as some standard policies exclude this without an added rider.
Gorilla Safari Experience acts as a tour operator and booking agent, coordinating gorilla permits, accommodation, transport and guiding services on your behalf. We are not liable for permit decisions made independently by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, for circumstances beyond our reasonable control (including weather, political conditions, or wildlife behavior), or for injury arising from the inherent physical risks of trekking in dense, uneven forest terrain at altitude. By booking, guests confirm they have assessed their own fitness for the itinerary chosen.
Habituation and trekking permits are issued exclusively by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and remain subject to their availability, pricing and policies, which can change without notice and are outside our direct control. We confirm current permit status and pricing before submitting any application on your behalf.
These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Uganda.
