Terms and conditions

These terms and conditions form a legal contract between Verdoro Safaris and the clients who buy our tour and travel services. Please read them carefully. Confirming a safari with us means you have read, understood and accepted them.

Payment

A safari is reserved once you have paid a deposit on the basic programme price, and it is guaranteed to start only after payment in full. For gorilla and chimpanzee permits, the full permit fee is paid in advance, on top of the deposit, so that we can secure them with the authorities.

The balance is due one month before your safari starts, unless we agree something different with you. A reservation made within 45 days of arrival is paid in full when it is confirmed, and we will not begin a safari until payment has been received.

We take payment by bank transfer or Visa card. A card payment carries a 3.9% service charge, and card payments need to be made at least 45 days before the safari. Any international transaction charges are paid by the traveller. We cannot accept traveller’s cheques. We send our bank details with your written quote, never on this website.

Cancellation and refunds

Cancellation charges apply after we deduct the gorilla and chimpanzee permits, flights and other items we have booked for your trip that are paid straight to the government or another supplier, because those cannot be refunded. Every cancellation request must be in writing and counts from the day we receive it.

The charge depends on how many days are left before the safari starts. Ask us for the schedule that applies to your safari before you commit.

Bookings

Verdoro Safaris offers transport, accommodation, meals, excursions and other services in co-operation with independent suppliers. The leader of a group who accepts a booking does so on behalf of the other members under their authority.

All quotations, offers and reservations are subject to these terms. All information in itineraries is provided to the best of our knowledge. We are not liable for information changed by third parties or for typing errors.

To book internal flights and gorilla or chimpanzee permits we need your full details: your name as it appears on your passport (which must be valid), your nationality and your passport number.

All safari packages are subject to availability and are guaranteed only when confirmed. Many safari lodges and hotels in Uganda and East Africa are in high demand, so book early. Before a trip is confirmed, tell us about your preferences and any special requests, especially medical needs, disability and diet, so our team can arrange them early.

If you need to change or reschedule, contact us and we will adjust your dates. This may cost extra, and any extra cost is added to the invoice. We may alter the schedule, accommodation, transport and services in a package because of unforeseen circumstances before arrival, and we will tell you straight away. We enter into agreements with lodges, permit authorities, park entrances and other providers on your behalf once you have deposited and reserved your safari, as this is beyond our control.

Rates

Rates are quoted for the itinerary or package, and include services such as hotels, tents, lodges or guesthouses, the meals stated, sightseeing as indicated, ranger and guide fees, bottled drinking water and ground travel.

Usually included, depending on the itinerary you choose:

• all meals stated in the itinerary
• all park entry fees
• accommodation
• transfers, including airport pick-up and drop-off in our 4x4 trucks or vans
• gorilla and chimpanzee permits
• drinking water
• an English-speaking guide
• all activities and game drives listed in the itinerary

Itineraries differ, so the page of each safari lists exactly what that trip includes and leaves out.

Rates exclude visa fees, passports, hotel costs after the trip, optional activity fees, tips, laundry, insurance, and international and domestic flights.

Rates shown on the website or quoted to guests are subject to change and are not guaranteed until confirmed.

How the safari runs

Wildlife is wild, and no one can guarantee that you will see every animal. Follow the rules and directions of the park ranger or guide. A valid gorilla or chimpanzee permit lets you trek, but it does not guarantee that you will see them in the wild.

The transport used depends on the number of travellers and the route. We keep our vehicles in good mechanical condition, but we are not liable for breakdowns, damage, delays or punctures caused by poor road conditions.

Guides and drivers are experienced and speak English. French, Spanish, German and Chinese speakers may be arranged when needed. Guides who speak other languages can be hired at an extra charge.

We may use sub-contractors to provide all or part of the services agreed. You will stay in the accommodation listed for your safari, in a twin or double room, or a tent or banda with a private bathroom. Single rooms are provided at a supplementary fee where available, but are not guaranteed.

Where needed we will substitute equivalent or better hotels. If there is none of equivalent standard, we will use the next best option or suggest a better one at extra cost. We may change a route or arrangement, or cancel or vary a scheduled safari, in unavoidable circumstances such as road closures, problems in national parks, bad weather, hotel problems or security matters.

We may refuse or remove anyone from a safari whose behaviour is likely to cause danger, inconvenience, hazard or damage to property or to others. Refunds are not guaranteed in such cases, and we are not liable for expenses arising from the termination.

Complaints

If you have a complaint, tell our representative or the supplier of the service as soon as possible. If it is not handled to your expectations, make a written complaint no later than one month after the end of your safari. We cannot accept liability for complaints not raised in this way.

We welcome suggestions on how to do better.