General Terms & Conditions for Elgon Safaris Uganda
We are thrilled to embark on an unforgettable journey with you, ensuring your satisfaction and comfort every step of the way. Please carefully review the following terms and conditions to facilitate a smooth and enjoyable experience tailored to your preferences and needs.
General Information
At Elgon Safaris Uganda, we prioritize communication and coordination with our clients to curate the trip of a lifetime. We recommend reserving your custom-made safari experience with us at least 3 months in advance. During peak seasons, particularly from June to September and December to January, advanced planning is advisable to secure your desired itinerary.
Prices
The prices quoted for our various safaris include the following services unless stated otherwise: overnight accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, tents, or lodges; all meals as indicated in the itinerary; sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary; park entrance fees and ranger fees as specified; airport transfers where applicable; ground transportation; and English-speaking driver/guides.
Expenses not covered in the quoted prices include international and domestic airfares, visa and passport fees, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, beverages, tips and gratuities for guides and accommodation staff, laundry services, travel insurance, and other personal items.
Prices listed on our website or provided to clients are subject to change without prior notice and are not guaranteed until confirmed in writing.
Elgon Safaris Uganda reserves the right to adjust prices at any time due to fluctuations in exchange rates or increases in the cost of any tour element. However, we will make every effort to minimize any price adjustments.
Travel Documents
Travel document requirements vary depending on your country of origin. Please refer to your country’s specific Visa and passport requirements for this region and allow ample processing time before your departure. It is the responsibility of the client to ensure to have the appropriate passports, visas, travel permits, health certificates, and other necessary documentation for the safari.
Physical Requirements
Our safari itineraries may include moderate physical activities, such as walking in diverse terrains. While we always discuss the extent of physical activities with our clients, it’s important to note that due to the climate in Uganda, participants should have an average level of fitness. You should be able to walk in natural settings, such as forests, under humid conditions, for at least 1.5 hours per day without any health issues.
Medical & Health Conditions
Prior to your journey, please provide us with a clear understanding of any pre-existing health conditions, especially those requiring specific treatment in emergencies. We will be exploring remote areas, and it’s essential to be prepared for varying humidity and temperature levels. Ensure you have all recommended vaccinations and carry necessary medications for your well-being. Additionally, travel/health insurance is mandatory. Clients are also responsible for taking proper medical and practical precautions regarding health and safety. Medical advice should be sought well before traveling.
Reservation and Booking
To reserve your safari experience with Elgon Safaris Uganda, bookings can be made up to 12 months before the trip commencement date or as close as 1 day before the trip commencement time, subject to availability of resources required for booking. To reserve your safari experience with Elgon Safaris Uganda, bookings can be made by sending an email to info@elgonsafarisuganda.com or contacting us by WhatsApp on +256 774 283272.
An initial deposit calculated based on the services hired, is required to secure your booking. Services like gorilla permits will require 100% advance payment and hotel booking may need 75% to 100% payment depending on the policy of hotel booked.
Advance payment can be done by bank/wire transfer or by using WorldRemit (details will be provided after booking). International transfer charges by client’s bank will be the responsibility of the client. Transfer costs charged by our bank will be covered by the tour operator. For late payments, we reserve the right to cancel the reservation (See Cancellation Policy). Please ensure to make the advance payment to confirm your reservation.
Please be aware that we reserve the right to adjust prices due to currency fluctuations, increased park permit fees, or other unforeseen circumstances.
The full and final payment must be completed 14 days prior to the trip. Please note that flight tickets are the responsibility of the client and should be booked separately.
Note: After confirming the booking and payments, remember to collect the original bill of your booking for reference.
Minimum Age
For safety reasons and the nature of our tours, we accept children aged 2 years and above. Children between 2 and 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Modification of Itineraries
Booking modifications, such as changes in arrival or departure dates, will be accommodated whenever possible within the existing booking. Should you require any modifications to your itinerary, please consult with us. Modifications are subject to availability and possible additional costs.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be sent in writing from the same email address or telephone number used for booking and must be reconfirmed by replying to our cancellation confirmation email. Refund amounts for cancellations may vary depending on the services booked and are subject to the following policy:
Cancellation 61 days or more before departure: You will receive a refund of all deposits, minus transaction fees and non-cancellable services, as well as an administrative fee of $75 USD per person.
Cancellations between 60 to 31 days prior to departure date will have a cancellation fee of 50% of the total amount of your trip.
Cancellations between 30 and 16 days prior to departure date will have a cancellation fee of 75% of the total amount of your trip.
Cancellations within 15 days of departure: 100% of the total trip amount is charged as cancellation fee.
Please note that if you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. Additionally, if you fail to join a tour according to the tour booking dates or join it later or change the departure date, no refund will be provided (in the case of a group booking).
Any changes to personalized tour packages will be communicated to you via email by our team.
This cancellation policy is effective immediately and applies to all bookings made with Elgon Safaris Uganda.
Loss, Damage, and Liability
Elgon Safaris Uganda holds no liability for any losses or damages to personal belongings of clients.
Regarding transportation, the choice of transport is determined by the number of clients and the chosen route specified in the itinerary. While we endeavor to provide vehicles in optimal condition, we cannot be held responsible for punctures, breakdowns, damages, or delays due to poor road conditions.
Our tours are led by experienced English-speaking driver/guides who are solely authorized to operate Elgon Safaris Uganda vehicles. The driver’s decisions regarding the route and other matters are final.
Elgon Safaris Uganda reserves the right to modify routes or arrangements, cancel scheduled tours, or adjust safari services in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as road closures, inclement weather, issues with national parks or accommodations, or security concerns. Alternative arrangements will be made as feasible under the circumstances.
We retain the right to refuse participation or continuation of any tour if, in our opinion or that of any other authorized person, a participant’s behavior poses a danger or inconvenience to others, causes damage to property or the environment, or violates safety protocols. No refunds will be issued, and Elgon Safaris Uganda will not be liable for any expenses incurred as a result of such termination.
Wildlife
Observing wildlife in their natural habitat is a privilege, and while we strive to provide exceptional wildlife experiences, we cannot guarantee wildlife or game viewing. Participants should exercise caution and adhere to instructions provided by the tour guide or wildlife rangers for their safety and the well-being of the animals.
Gorilla or chimpanzee permits ensure clients the opportunity to track these primates, but it’s important to note that the presence of the animals cannot be guaranteed. While every effort is made to facilitate sightings, their appearance is subject to their natural behavior and habitat conditions.
Force Majeure
In the event of extraordinary circumstances or force majeure not addressed in this document, both parties will seek resolution through administrative and judicial authorities in the Republic of Uganda. All journey-related regulations and laws are governed by Ugandan law.
Conclusion
By engaging with Elgon Safaris Uganda, you acknowledge and agree to comply with these terms and conditions. We are committed to providing you with exceptional service and unforgettable safari experiences. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Your adventure awaits with Elgon Safaris Uganda!