Terms & Conditions

1. Booking & Contract Formation

A binding contract is formed between Valverde Safaris Limited ("the Company") and the client ("the Traveler") once the Company receives the required deposit and issues a written booking confirmation invoice. By paying a deposit, the Traveler agrees to these Terms & Conditions on behalf of all persons listed on the booking.

2. Payment Structure & Gorilla Permit Deposits

• Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permits: Full 100% prepayment of permit fees (e.g. $800 USD per UWA Gorilla Permit, $1,500 USD per RDB Gorilla Permit) is required immediately at the time of booking to secure statutory registration.
• Safari Package Deposit: A 30% deposit of the remaining safari itinerary balance is required to secure lodge reservations and ground transport.
• Final Balance: The remaining 70% balance must be settled no later than 45 days prior to the safari start date. For bookings made within 45 days of departure, full 100% payment is required upon confirmation.

3. Statutory Non-Refundability of Primate Permits

In strict compliance with statutory regulations set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB), gorilla and chimpanzee permits are 100% non-refundable once purchased. In case of date changes requested more than 30 days in advance, the Company will endeavor to reschedule permits with UWA/RDB subject to official authority approval and applicable administrative fees.

4. Standard Safari Cancellation Policy

If the Traveler cancels the booking, written notification must be submitted to the Company. Refunds of the land package (excluding non-refundable permits and flights) are calculated as follows:

• 61+ days prior to departure: Loss of 30% safari deposit (less incurred lodge cancellation penalties).
• 60 to 31 days prior to departure: 50% refund of the land package total.
• 30 to 15 days prior to departure: 25% refund of the land package total.
• Fewer than 14 days prior to departure or No-Show: 0% refund (100% cancellation charge).

5. Mandatory Comprehensive Travel Insurance

It is a mandatory condition of booking that every traveler carries valid, comprehensive international travel insurance for the entire duration of the safari. The insurance policy must explicitly cover:

• Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency air medical evacuation (such as AMREF Flying Doctors).
• Trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage loss/delay.
• High-altitude hiking and wildlife trekking activities.

6. Wildlife Viewing & Mountain Trekking Disclaimer

While Valverde Safaris achieves a near 99% mountain gorilla encounter rate due to expert tracker communication, all animals in national parks and game reserves are entirely wild and in their natural habitat. Sightings and proximity cannot be guaranteed under any circumstances.

7. Force Majeure

The Company cannot accept liability or pay compensation where the performance of its obligations is prevented or affected by "Force Majeure" events, including but not limited to war, civil strife, natural disasters, epidemics, severe extreme weather conditions, or governmental border and park closures.

8. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in all respects in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Uganda. Any disputes arising hereunder shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Uganda.