1. Booking Confirmation
A tour is considered confirmed once:
- The client has accepted the proposed itinerary and quotation.
- Makubo Adventures has received the required deposit.
- Availability of accommodation, transportation, permits and activities has been confirmed.
For short notice bookings, confirmation is subject to availability.
2. Deposit and Payment
- 30% deposit at the time of booking to secure the safari.
- 70% balance payable 21 days before the start of the tour.
- For bookings made within 21 days of departure, full payment may be required to confirm the booking.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits may require earlier payment because availability is limited.
3. Cancellation by the Client:
Cancellation period
31–60 days - 25%
15–30 days - 50%
8–14 days - 75%
0–7 days / no-show - 100%
Any refund will be calculated after deducting non-refundable amounts already paid to third parties, such as permits, accommodation cancellation charges, and other committed services.
4. Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits:
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are subject to availability and Uganda Wildlife Authority regulations. Any cancellation, rescheduling or refund of permits will be handled in accordance with the applicable UWA or RDB policies. Makubo Adventures cannot guarantee a refund where UWA, RDB or another service provider has retained the applicable amount.
5. Changes to the Itinerary
Makubo Adventures will make reasonable efforts to follow the confirmed itinerary.
However, the itinerary may occasionally need to change because of:
- Road conditions/Alternate routes.
- Park regulations.
- Safety considerations.
- Accommodation availability.
- Flight schedules.
- Government regulations.
- Other circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
Where possible, Makubo will provide an alternative of similar value and quality.
6. Wildlife Sightings
Wildlife sightings are naturally unpredictable. Makubo Adventures does not guarantee sightings of specific animals, including gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, leopards, elephants or other wildlife.
7. Accommodation
Accommodation will be provided according to the category stated in the quotation. Where a specific property becomes unavailable, Makubo Adventures may substitute it with another property of similar standard and location, subject to availability. If the replacement accommodation is of a lower value, Makubo should provide an appropriate adjustment or alternative.
8. Transportation
Transportation will be provided using an appropriate safari vehicle or other agreed means of transport. Safari vehicles may experience mechanical problems or delays despite proper maintenance. In such circumstances, Makubo will make reasonable efforts to provide an alternative vehicle or solution as quickly as possible.
9. Client Responsibilities
Clients are responsible for:
- Having a valid passport.
- Obtaining the appropriate visa where required.
- Obtaining suitable travel insurance.
- Providing accurate personal and travel information.
- Following instructions from guides and park authorities.
- Respecting wildlife, local communities and cultural sites.
- Following safety instructions.
- Informing Makubo in advance about dietary requirements, allergies, mobility limitations or other relevant travel requirements.
10. Travel Insurance
All clients are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.
11. Visas, Vaccinations and Health Requirements
Clients are responsible for checking and obtaining the necessary:
- Visas
- Passports
- Vaccinations
- Health certificates
- Travel documents
- Entry permits
However, Makubo will provide general travel information and be available for assistance in regard to the above.
12. Prices and Inclusions
Prices are based on the services, accommodation, activities, transportation and number of travellers specified in the quotation. Any changes requested by the client after confirmation may result in additional charges.
13. Force majeure
Makubo Adventures will not be liable for failure or delays caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including:
- Natural disasters
- Severe weather
- Civil unrest
- Government restrictions
- Border closures
- Epidemics or pandemics
- Road closures
- Strikes
- Flight cancellations
- Park closures
- Other unforeseen circumstances
However, Makubo will make reasonable efforts to assist clients and find practical alternatives.
14. Client Conduct
Makubo Adventures reserves the right to terminate a client’s participation in a tour where their behaviour presents a serious risk to:
- The client.
- Other travellers
- Staff
- Wildlife
- Local communities
- Property
15. Photography and Marketing
Makubo Adventures may take photographs or videos during tours for marketing purposes. Clients who do not wish to appear in promotional material may notify Makubo Adventures before or during the tour.
16. Complaints
Clients should report any problem to their guide or Makubo Adventures as soon as reasonably possible during the tour, giving the company an opportunity to resolve it.
Makubo will investigate complaints fairly and work toward an appropriate resolution.
