Gorille Africain Tours

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRADE
Gorille Africain Tours Ltd.

Booking Confirmation
A booking shall only be considered confirmed once Gorille Africain Tours has received:
• Written confirmation from the traveler or authorized travel agent; and
• The required deposit or full payment as specified at the time of booking.
Upon receipt of the required payment, Gorille Africain Tours will proceed with securing the relevant travel services, including accommodations, permits, transportation, flights, guides, and other arrangements related to the itinerary. Once all services have been confirmed with our suppliers and partners, a confirmation invoice together with the relevant travel documentation will be issued to the traveler or travel agent.
Please note that all bookings are subject to availability at the time payment is received.

Deposit Upon Confirmation (East & Southern Africa Tours)
A deposit of 30% of the total safari cost is required at the time of booking confirmation in order to secure your reservation. This deposit enables Gorille Africain Tours to confirm essential travel arrangements including accommodations, domestic and regional flights, permits, transportation, professional guides, and other safari services with our trusted suppliers and partners. Many of these services require advance payment to guarantee availability, particularly during high-demand travel periods.
The remaining balance of 70% is due no later than 60 days prior to the commencement of travel unless otherwise specified during the booking process.
For bookings made within 55 days of departure, full payment will be required at the time of confirmation.
Please note that certain lodges, camps, airlines, and special activities may impose stricter payment deadlines, especially during peak seasons. In such cases, travelers or travel agents will be informed accordingly at the time of booking. This payment structure reflects standard international travel industry practice and allows for smooth coordination of all services prior to arrival.
For low season bookings that have discounted Gorilla permits, we will require 50% of the total cost of the trip so that we can facilitate payment of lodges and activities as well as the said permits.

Full Gorilla Permit Payment on Confirmation (Rwanda & Uganda Tours)
For all gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda and Uganda, full payment of the gorilla permit fee is required at the time of booking confirmation.
This is because gorilla permits are issued in limited numbers by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on a strict first-come, first-served basis. Permit availability is extremely limited and demand is often very high, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Once payment has been made, permits are purchased immediately and secured against the traveler’s name and travel date. Gorilla permits are:
• Non-refundable
• Non-transferable
• Date-specific
• Subject to the regulations of the issuing wildlife authority
•
Terms and conditions for discounted Gorilla permits are as follows:
2 discounted permits for 2 nights Nyungwe and 2 nights Akagera falling in November:
30% Discount requirements are:
* For combined trips to other National Parks in Rwanda (Akagera NP and/or Nyungwe NP)
- Two nights from one of the mentioned parks (Confirmation Payment receipt from the hotel and one activity paid).
- Alternatively, one night from Akagera NP and one night from Nyungwe NP (Consecutive) with the activity.
- However, each person is only eligible for 1 discounted gorilla trekking permit for 3 days / 2 nights stay in either Akagera and/or Nyungwe National Parks. Should someone choose to trek gorillas more than once, additional three days/ 2nights in either Nyungwe or Akagera will be required.
In case of a no-show on the visiting date, please consider your permit as expired.
"By purchasing this permit I accept to have read the terms and conditions of the park indemnity agreement".
Once issued, permits generally cannot be amended, rescheduled, or reassigned except at the sole discretion of the relevant authority.
These regulations exist to carefully control visitor numbers, protect endangered mountain gorillas, and support long-term wildlife conservation efforts in Rwanda and Uganda.
Travelers are therefore strongly encouraged to confirm bookings well in advance in order to secure availability.
Please note that gorilla permit costs are excluded from standard cancellation refunds and may not be recoverable under regular travel insurance policies unless specific “cancel for any reason” or comprehensive trip cancellation coverage has been purchased by the traveler.

Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be submitted in writing by the traveler or travel agent.
As safari arrangements require advance payments to lodges, airlines, parks, permit authorities, and other third-party suppliers, the following cancellation charges will apply based on the date written cancellation is received:
• 90 days or more prior to arrival: USD 500 per person administration fee
• 89–60 days prior to arrival: 20% of the total safari cost
• 59–30 days prior to arrival: 50% of the total safari cost
• 29 days or less prior to arrival: 100% cancellation fee

Please note that gorilla trekking permits for Rwanda and Uganda are strictly non-refundable, non-transferable, and date-specific once purchased, regardless of the cancellation date.They can however be rescheduled for a supplement of USD 300 per person.
Certain flights, lodges, camps, and special activities may also carry separate cancellation terms imposed by the respective suppliers. Any applicable supplier penalties will be communicated where relevant.
Where possible, Gorille Africain Tours will make reasonable efforts to assist with postponements or amendments; however, all changes remain subject to supplier policies, availability, and any additional costs incurred.
We strongly recommend that all travelers obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation, airline disruptions, pandemics, and loss of personal belongings in order to protect their travel investment.

Compliance with Local Laws, Park Regulations & Conservation Guidelines
All travelers are required to comply with the laws, regulations, and entry requirements of each country visited, as well as all park rules, conservation guidelines, and instructions issued by local authorities, park rangers, guides, and activity operators.

These regulations are designed to protect travelers, local communities, wildlife, and fragile natural environments. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Respecting wildlife viewing distances and safety protocols
• Following all instructions provided by guides, rangers, pilots, and activity operators
• Observing gorilla and chimpanzee trekking regulations and etiquette
• Complying with health, hygiene, and conservation measures
• Respecting local customs, cultures, and community regulations
• Adhering to baggage, aviation, and border control requirements

Gorille Africain Tours will provide relevant briefings and guidance before activities and throughout the journey to help travelers understand and comply with these requirements.
Failure to comply with local laws, park regulations, safety instructions, or conservation protocols may result in denial of participation, removal from activities or protected areas, fines imposed by local authorities, or termination of services without refund, in accordance with national regulations and park enforcement policies.

Travel Insurance & Emergency Medical Assistance
While Gorille Africain Tours and its partners maintain the necessary business and operational insurance coverage, such policies do not extend to individual travelers.
All guests are therefore strongly advised to obtain comprehensive international travel insurance prior to travel. Your policy should include adequate coverage for:
• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Flight delays and missed connections
• Loss, theft, or damage of luggage and personal belongings
• Safari, trekking, and other adventure-related activities

In the event of injury, illness, or medical emergency during travel:
• Within East and Southern Africa, Gorille Africain Tours may coordinate emergency evacuation assistance through the Flying Doctors Emergency Evacuation Service or other available emergency response providers.
• Within Rwanda, Emergency Medical Evacuation Services are included for travelers during their stay where specified in the itinerary.

These emergency evacuation services are intended to stabilize and transport the affected traveler to the nearest suitable medical facility, particularly from remote safari or wilderness areas where immediate medical access may be limited.

Please note that evacuation services do not cover:
• Hospital admission or treatment costs
• Medication expenses
• Extended medical care
• Quarantine-related costs
• Repatriation to your home country
• Additional accommodation or travel expenses arising from illness or injury
Such expenses remain the sole responsibility of the traveler and should be covered under the traveler’s personal insurance policy. Travelers participate in all activities at their own risk and are responsible for ensuring that their insurance policy provides suitable coverage for the destinations and activities included in their itinerary.

Dedicated Travel Support
Gorille Africain Tours provides personalized end-to-end travel support from the moment of enquiry through to the completion of your safari.
Our team assists with all aspects of your journey, including itinerary planning, accommodation selection, permit arrangements, flight guidance, visa and travel requirement advice, pre-departure preparation, and on-ground coordination throughout your trip.
During your journey, you will have access to a dedicated travel consultant and experienced driver-guide who will remain available to assist with logistics, schedule coordination, special requests, emergencies, and real-time support where needed.
We closely monitor all services and arrangements throughout the safari to ensure your experience remains smooth, comfortable, safe, and enjoyable at every stage of your journey.

Included in Quoted Itinerary
Unless otherwise stated in the confirmed itinerary or quotation, your tour price generally includes:
• Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
• Airport and arrival/departure transfers
• Private transportation and safari vehicle services appropriate to the destination
• Scheduled activities and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (BB – Bed & Breakfast; HB – Half Board; FB – Full Board)
• Park entrance fees, conservation fees, and permits where included
• Services of a professional driver-guide or safari guide
• Emergency Medical Evacuation Services within Rwanda or Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover in East and Southern Africa where specified
• Bottled drinking water during road transfers and safari activities
• Assistance and on-ground support from the Gorille Africain Tours team throughout your journey
Please note that baggage restrictions may apply on certain domestic and regional flights, particularly on light aircraft and bush flights. Details will be communicated prior to travel.

Not Included in Quoted Itinerary
Unless specifically stated otherwise in the confirmed itinerary or quotation, the following are
not included in the tour price:
• International and regional airfare
• Passport, visa, and vaccination costs
• Comprehensive travel insurance
• Excess baggage charges on international or domestic flights
• Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, internet access, and gratuities
• Optional activities and excursions not listed in the confirmed itinerary
• Additional accommodation, transport, or services resulting from flight delays, cancellations, weather conditions, or circumstances beyond our control
• Any deviation from the confirmed travel program requested by the traveler
• Any item not specifically listed under “Included in Your Safari” or “Tour Inclusions”

Unused Services
No refunds or credits will be provided for any unused accommodation, meals, activities, transportation, permits, or other services once the safari or tour has commenced. Any requests for changes, amendments, or special arrangements during travel are subject to availability and may incur additional costs. No amendment, waiver, or variation of these Terms & Conditions shall be valid unless confirmed in writing by an authorised representative of Gorille Africain Tours.

Responsibility
Gorille Africain Tours acts solely as an intermediary and tour operator arranging services provided by independent third-party suppliers, including but not limited to hotels, lodges, airlines, transportation companies, ground handlers, activity providers, parks, and safari operators.
While we take great care in selecting reputable and reliable partners, Gorille Africain Tours does not own, manage, or control these suppliers and therefore cannot be held responsible for any injury, illness, loss, damage, delay, inconvenience, irregularity, accident, or additional expense arising from acts, omissions, negligence, mechanical breakdowns, operational failures, or defaults by such third parties.
This includes, without limitation:
• Flight delays, cancellations, or schedule changes
• Overbookings or accommodation changes
• Road or weather-related delays
• Wildlife movements affecting sightings or activities

• Loss or damage to luggage or personal belongings
• Service interruptions caused by suppliers or local authorities
Gorille Africain Tours shall also not be liable for circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including force majeure events, government actions, border closures, public health emergencies, civil unrest, or natural disasters. All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions of the respective airlines, lodges, parks, and third-party suppliers providing services during the journey.

Activities That May Be Considered High-Risk
Certain safari and adventure activities involve an inherent level of risk due to the nature of travel in remote wilderness areas and natural environments. These activities may include, but are not limited to, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, volcano hikes, canopy walks, walking safaris, hot air balloon safaris, whitewater rafting, boat excursions, horseback riding, helicopter flights, and close proximity to wild animals.
While Gorille Africain Tours works only with reputable and licensed partners who maintain appropriate safety procedures and operational standards, travelers acknowledge that participation in such activities is voluntary and undertaken entirely at their own risk.
Travelers understand that risks may include injury, illness, animal encounters, falls, uneven terrain, altitude-related conditions, weather-related hazards, transportation incidents, limited medical facilities in remote areas, and delays in emergency response or evacuation.
Guests are required to follow all instructions provided by guides, park rangers, pilots, activity operators, and local authorities at all times. Failure to comply with safety instructions may result in removal from an activity without refund.
By participating in these activities, travelers accept full personal responsibility for their participation and acknowledge that Gorille Africain Tours shall not be held liable for any injury, illness, accident, loss, damage, delay, or death arising from participation in such activities except where caused by proven gross negligence directly attributable to Gorille Africain Tours.

Photography and Promotional Use
By participating in a Gorille Africain Tours safari, you grant us permission to use photographs or video footage taken during your trip for promotional purposes. If you prefer not to appear in our marketing material, please notify your guide at the start of your tour.

Itinerary Adjustments
While every effort will be made to operate all safaris and travel arrangements as confirmed, Gorille Africain Tours reserves the right to make reasonable changes to accommodations, transportation, routing, activities, guides, or the order of the itinerary where necessary due to operational requirements, weather conditions, wildlife movements, safety considerations, park regulations, supplier availability, road conditions, flight schedule changes, or other circumstances beyond our control.
In the event of any adjustments, we will always endeavor to provide suitable alternatives of a similar standard and experience wherever reasonably possible.
Travel in remote wilderness areas and developing destinations requires a degree of flexibility, understanding, and cooperation from travelers. By confirming a booking, travelers acknowledge that minor adjustments may occasionally be necessary in order to ensure the safety, comfort, and seamless operation of the journey.

Force Majeure
Gorille Africain Tours shall not be held liable for any delays, changes, cancellations, losses, or additional costs resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, natural disasters, severe weather conditions, floods, earthquakes, fires, acts of terrorism, political unrest, civil disturbances, strikes, border closures, airline disruptions, government actions or restrictions, and public health emergencies.
This also includes epidemics and pandemics such as COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Ebola, Hantavirus, Marburg Virus, or any other infectious disease outbreak that may affect travel advisories, border access, quarantine regulations, park operations, flight schedules, or the safe operation of tours and safaris.
In such situations, Gorille Africain Tours will make every reasonable effort to assist travelers with amendments, postponements, rescheduling, or alternative arrangements where possible. However, any refunds, credits, or additional costs will remain subject to the terms and conditions of the respective airlines, lodges, parks, ground handlers, and other third-party suppliers involved in the booking.
Travelers are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation, quarantine-related costs, and epidemic or pandemic-related disruptions.

Acceptance of Terms & Conditions
Payment of any deposit, invoice, or confirmation payment to Gorille Africain Tours constitutes full acceptance of these Terms & Conditions by the traveler and/or travel agent acting on behalf of the traveler.
By confirming a booking, the traveler acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to all booking, payment, cancellation, liability, health, insurance, and travel conditions outlined by Gorille Africain Tours, together with all related travel documentation provided prior to departure.
We sincerely thank you for choosing Gorille Africain Tours and look forward to welcoming you to Africa for a memorable and meaningful journey.