Uganda Gorilla Tours Cancellation Policy
Effective Date: September 4, 2026
At Uganda Gorilla Tours, we understand that travel plans can change. This Cancellation Policy explains how cancellations, changes, and refunds are handled for bookings made with us, including gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits, accommodation, transport, and full safari packages. Please read it carefully before confirming your booking, as permit-related costs are governed by rules set by government wildlife authorities and are outside our control.
1. Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits
Gorilla trekking permits (Uganda Wildlife Authority) and chimpanzee tracking permits are booked in advance and paid for directly to the relevant national park authority. These permits are:
- Non-refundable once purchased, regardless of the reason for cancellation
- Non-transferable to another date without availability being confirmed by the wildlife authority
- Subject to the cancellation and rescheduling rules of the issuing authority, not Uganda Gorilla Tours
If you cancel your trip after your permit has been purchased, we are unable to recover this cost from the wildlife authority under any circumstances. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation and permit costs.
2. Deposits and Booking Confirmation
A deposit is required to confirm your booking and secure gorilla permits, accommodation, and vehicles on your behalf. Deposit amounts vary depending on the package but are typically 30–50% of the total tour cost. The remaining balance is due prior to the start of your trip, as specified in your booking confirmation.
Deposits cover non-refundable third-party costs (permits, provisional lodge and vehicle holds) incurred on your behalf and are generally non-refundable, except as outlined in Section 3.
3. Cancellation Timeline and Refunds
Refunds for the portion of your booking not already committed to non-refundable third-party costs (such as permits) are calculated based on how far in advance you cancel:
| Time Before Trip Start | Refund of Tour Cost (excluding permits) |
|---|---|
| More than 90 days | 75% refund |
| 60–90 days | 50% refund |
| 30–59 days | 25% refund |
| Less than 30 days | No refund |
Please note: Gorilla and chimpanzee permit fees are excluded from all refund tiers above and are non-refundable in every case, as explained in Section 1. Accommodation and vehicle costs may also carry their own non-refundable deposits depending on the supplier’s individual policy, which will be communicated to you at the time of booking where applicable.
4. Date Changes and Postponements
We understand that circumstances sometimes require a change of dates rather than a full cancellation. We will do our best to accommodate date changes, subject to:
- Availability of gorilla/chimpanzee permits on the new date, which must be confirmed with the wildlife authority and may not be possible during peak season
- Availability of accommodation and vehicles on the new date
- Any price difference between the original and new travel dates
- An administrative rebooking fee may apply
Date changes requested more than 60 days before departure are more likely to be accommodated without additional cost. Changes requested closer to departure are subject to availability and may incur the same charges as a cancellation.
5. Cancellations by Uganda Gorilla Tours
In the rare event that we must cancel or significantly alter your trip due to circumstances within our control, we will offer you the choice of a full refund or rebooking on an alternative date at no additional cost.
If a trip is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control (see Section 6), we will work with you to reschedule where possible, but refunds for third-party costs such as permits will be subject to the policies of those third parties.
6. Force Majeure
Uganda Gorilla Tours is not liable for cancellations, delays, or changes caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:
- Natural disasters, extreme weather, or flooding
- Government travel restrictions, border closures, or civil unrest
- Pandemics, epidemics, or public health emergencies
- Park closures ordered by wildlife authorities
- Strikes, transport disruptions, or airline cancellations
In such cases, we will make reasonable efforts to reschedule your trip or minimize financial loss, but refunds for costs already paid to third parties (including permits) cannot be guaranteed and depend on the policies of those third parties at the time.
7. No-Shows
If you fail to arrive for your trip, trek, or any pre-booked activity without prior notice, no refund will be issued for that portion of your booking.
8. Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking. A good policy should cover trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical treatment and evacuation, and loss of permit or deposit costs due to unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance is the most reliable way to protect yourself financially against the risks outlined in this policy.
9. How to Cancel or Request a Change
All cancellation and date change requests must be submitted in writing by email to info@ugandagorillatours.com. Your cancellation will be effective from the date we confirm receipt of your written request, not the date you first notify us verbally or by phone.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Cancellation Policy or need to discuss a specific booking, please reach out:
Uganda Gorilla Tours Kigo Rd, Lubowa Close to Sapphire Hotel Kampala, Uganda
Email: info@ugandagorillatours.com Phone: +256-700135510
This Cancellation Policy is provided as a general template and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend having it reviewed by a qualified attorney to ensure it aligns with your specific supplier agreements, local consumer protection laws, and the terms set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and other partners before publishing it on your site.