Ngoni Safaris Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions apply to all safari tours, accommodation, transportation, wildlife permits and other travel services booked through Ngoni Safaris Uganda Ltd. By confirming a booking or making a payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms and Conditions.

Your confirmed itinerary, quotation and invoice may contain additional conditions specific to your safari. Where a trip-specific condition differs from these general Terms, the condition stated in your quotation or invoice will apply.

1. Safari quotations

All quotations are subject to availability and do not constitute a confirmed reservation.

Prices are normally quoted in United States dollars and per person unless otherwise stated. Prices are calculated according to the number of travellers, accommodation selection, room arrangements, vehicle requirements, permit fees, government taxes and supplier rates available at the time of quotation.

If the number of travellers changes, we reserve the right to recalculate the tour price.

2. Booking confirmation

A safari booking is confirmed only after:

• The required deposit or full payment has been received;
• The required traveller and passport details have been provided; and
• Ngoni Safaris has issued written confirmation.

Accommodation, vehicles, guides, flights, wildlife permits and activities cannot be guaranteed before the booking has been confirmed.

3. Deposits and payments

The required deposit and payment schedule will be stated in your quotation or invoice.

Unless otherwise specified, a deposit of between 30% and 50% of the total safari price is required to confirm a booking. The remaining balance must normally be paid no later than seven days before the safari begins.

Bookings made within 30 days of departure may require full payment at confirmation.

Gorilla permits, chimpanzee permits, domestic flights and other limited-availability services may require immediate payment in full.

All bank charges, card-processing fees, currency-conversion costs and payment shortfalls are the responsibility of the client.

Payments should only be made using the details shown on an official Ngoni Safaris invoice or through our approved online payment link:

Pay Ngoni Safaris securely online

Please verify any change in banking instructions directly with Ngoni Safaris using previously confirmed contact information.

4. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits

Wildlife permits are issued by government authorities and are subject to availability and the issuing authority’s regulations.

Unless the relevant authority expressly approves a refund, gorilla, chimpanzee, golden monkey and other wildlife permits are non-refundable, non-transferable and valid only for the specified traveller and date.

Clients must provide accurate passport information. Ngoni Safaris will not be responsible if participation is refused because of incorrect passport details, illness, late arrival, missing documents, failure to meet age requirements or failure to follow ranger instructions.

Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Trek duration, difficulty, route, sector and gorilla or chimpanzee group allocation are determined by the relevant wildlife authority and prevailing field conditions.

5. Cancellation by the client

All cancellation requests must be submitted to Ngoni Safaris in writing. The effective cancellation date will be the date on which we acknowledge receiving the request.

Unless different conditions are stated in your quotation, the following charges apply to the cancellable land-service portion of the booking:

• 61 days or more before departure: 10% cancellation charge
• 31–60 days before departure: 30% cancellation charge
• 15–30 days before departure: 50% cancellation charge
• 14 days or fewer before departure: 100% cancellation charge
• Failure to arrive: 100% cancellation charge

Non-refundable permits, airline tickets, insurance premiums, payment-processing fees and other non-recoverable supplier costs will be charged in addition to the applicable cancellation fee.

Any approved refund will be paid to the original payer using the original payment method after all supplier accounts have been reconciled.

No refund will normally be provided for unused accommodation, meals, transport, permits or activities when a traveller arrives late, leaves the safari early or voluntarily chooses not to participate.

6. Changes requested by the client

Requests to change travel dates, accommodation, activities, names or destinations are subject to availability and supplier approval.

The client must pay any price increase, amendment fee, new permit cost or ticket-reissue charge resulting from the requested change.

A significant change of travel date or destination may be treated as a cancellation of the original booking and the creation of a new booking.

No requested change is confirmed until accepted by Ngoni Safaris in writing.

7. Changes made by Ngoni Safaris

Safari itineraries may be affected by weather, road conditions, wildlife movements, park regulations, accommodation availability, border procedures, flight changes, security concerns or other operational circumstances.

Ngoni Safaris reserves the right to change the route, sequence of activities, accommodation, vehicle or other arrangements when reasonably necessary. Where possible, we will provide an alternative of a comparable standard.

Such changes will not normally entitle the client to a refund when the overall safari experience and included services remain substantially similar.

8. Cancellation by Ngoni Safaris

If Ngoni Safaris cancels a safari for reasons within our reasonable control, the client may choose between:

• A comparable alternative safari;
• A travel credit; or
• A refund for services not provided, less any non-refundable third-party costs.

Ngoni Safaris will not be responsible for consequential expenses such as international flights, visas, independently booked accommodation or other arrangements made outside the confirmed safari package.

9. Force majeure

Ngoni Safaris will not be responsible for failure or delay caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control. These may include:

• Severe weather or natural disasters;
• Fire, flooding or landslides;
• Epidemics or pandemics;
• Government restrictions;
• Border or park closures;
• War, terrorism or civil unrest;
• Strikes or transport disruptions;
• Airline schedule changes;
• Infrastructure failure; or
• Other unavoidable and extraordinary events.

We will make reasonable efforts to assist affected travellers and minimise disruption. However, refunds and credits will depend on amounts recoverable from hotels, wildlife authorities, airlines and other suppliers.

Additional accommodation, meals, transport, evacuation or re-routing costs resulting from such events are the responsibility of the client or their travel insurer.

10. Travel insurance

All clients are strongly required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance from the date of booking.

The policy should cover:

• Trip cancellation and interruption;
• Overseas medical treatment;
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation;
• Gorilla trekking and other planned activities;
• Baggage and personal belongings;
• Personal liability; and
• Travel disruption caused by unexpected events.

Clients are responsible for confirming that their insurance policy is appropriate for the itinerary.

Any emergency evacuation cover arranged through Ngoni Safaris is supplementary and does not replace comprehensive travel insurance.

11. Health and fitness

Clients must inform Ngoni Safaris before confirmation of any medical condition, disability, pregnancy, allergy, dietary requirement or mobility limitation that could affect their participation.

Clients are responsible for obtaining professional medical advice about vaccinations, malaria prevention, altitude, trekking fitness and personal medication.

A guide, ranger, activity provider or medical professional may refuse participation when they reasonably believe that participation would be unsafe. Such refusal will not normally qualify for a refund.

Porters, sedan chairs and other mobility assistance should be requested in advance. Availability cannot be guaranteed.

12. Passports and visas

Every traveller is responsible for obtaining and carrying:

• A valid passport;
• The correct visas;
• Vaccination certificates where required;
• Travel authorisations;
• Transit documents; and
• Any other entry or exit documentation.

Information provided by Ngoni Safaris regarding entry requirements is general guidance only and may change without notice.

We will not be responsible for losses resulting from missing or expired documents, visa refusal, denied entry or inaccurate passport information supplied by the client.

13. Transportation and flights

Safari vehicles are allocated according to the confirmed itinerary and group size.

Driving times are estimates and may change because of traffic, road conditions, weather, border procedures, rest stops and wildlife-viewing opportunities.

Seat rotation may be used on shared safaris to ensure that travellers receive a fair experience.

Clients must follow the driver-guide’s safety instructions and wear seat belts where fitted. Smoking is not permitted inside safari vehicles.

Scheduled and charter flights are governed by the operating airline’s conditions. Light-aircraft baggage allowances may be considerably lower than international airline allowances. Excess baggage and storage charges are the client’s responsibility.

14. Accommodation and meals

All accommodation is subject to availability.

If a confirmed lodge or hotel becomes unavailable, Ngoni Safaris may provide a reasonably comparable alternative. Accommodation standards and star ratings may differ between countries and destinations.

Specific rooms, beds, adjoining rooms and views remain requests unless expressly confirmed.

Clients are responsible for personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, minibar purchases, tips and damage to accommodation.

We will communicate dietary requirements to the relevant suppliers but cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment. Travellers with serious allergies must carry appropriate medication and speak directly with the service provider at each property.

15. Wildlife and adventure activities

Safari travel, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, hiking, boating, rafting and encounters with wild animals involve inherent risks.

Clients must obey the instructions of guides, rangers, lodge staff and wildlife authorities. Travellers must not:

• Harass or feed wildlife;
• Leave a safari vehicle without permission;
• Ignore ranger or guide instructions;
• Carry illegal items;
• Endanger other travellers; or
• Engage in abusive, discriminatory or disruptive behaviour.

Ngoni Safaris may remove a traveller from a tour when their conduct creates a serious safety, legal or operational risk. No refund will be provided, and the traveller will be responsible for any resulting expenses.

16. Children

A parent or legal guardian must make bookings for travellers under 18 years of age and remains responsible for their supervision and conduct.

Minimum ages apply to gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and certain adventure activities.

If a child is refused participation because the minimum age requirement has not been met, non-refundable permit and supplier costs will remain payable.

17. Guides, tipping and personal belongings

Guide allocation may change for operational reasons.

Tipping guides, rangers, porters and lodge staff is voluntary unless expressly included in the confirmed package.

Clients remain responsible for their passports, money, baggage, electronic equipment and valuables throughout the safari.

18. Photography and media

Personal photography is permitted subject to park, community, cultural and privacy regulations.

Commercial filming, drones and professional equipment may require advance permission and additional permits.

Ngoni Safaris will not use an identifiable client’s photograph, video or testimonial for marketing without permission. Clients may withdraw consent for future use by contacting us in writing.

19. Privacy and personal information

Ngoni Safaris collects personal information necessary to prepare and operate travel arrangements. This may include identification, contact, payment, dietary, health and emergency information.

Relevant information may be shared with hotels, airlines, transport providers, wildlife authorities, border agents, guides, insurers, emergency providers and other suppliers involved in delivering the safari.

We take reasonable measures to protect personal information and retain it only for operational, legal and accounting purposes. Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable Ugandan data-protection laws.

20. Complaints

Clients should report any problem immediately to their driver-guide, lodge manager or the Ngoni Safaris office. Prompt notification gives us an opportunity to address the matter during the safari.

If the matter is not resolved, the client should submit a written complaint with supporting information within 14 days after the safari ends.

21. Responsibility and liability

Ngoni Safaris acts as an organiser and, for certain services, as an agent for independent hotels, airlines, wildlife authorities, transport operators and activity providers.

We will exercise reasonable care when selecting suppliers and providing services under our direct control.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Ngoni Safaris will not be responsible for indirect or consequential loss, loss of enjoyment, loss of profit, or events caused by the client, an unrelated third party or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for fraud, wilful misconduct, death or personal injury caused by negligence, or any legal right that cannot lawfully be excluded.

22. Third-party conditions

Hotels, airlines, wildlife authorities, payment processors and other suppliers may have separate booking, cancellation and liability conditions.

These conditions apply to the relevant service. Where a supplier’s conditions are stricter—particularly for permits and airline tickets—the supplier’s conditions will apply.

23. Governing law

These Terms and the booking contract are governed by the laws of Uganda.

The parties will first attempt to resolve any dispute through good-faith written negotiations. If no agreement is reached, either party may refer the matter to a court of competent jurisdiction in Uganda, unless mandatory law requires another forum.

24. General conditions

The Lead Traveller confirms that they are authorised to accept these Terms on behalf of all travellers included in the booking and will provide them with all relevant booking information.

If any part of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply.

Failure by Ngoni Safaris to enforce a right immediately does not constitute a waiver of that right.

Ngoni Safaris may update these Terms for future bookings. The version accepted when a booking is confirmed will continue to govern that booking.

Contact Ngoni Safaris

Ngoni Safaris Uganda Ltd
Room B09, Lico Holdings Building
Kampala, Uganda

For booking questions or clarification about these Terms and Conditions, please contact our reservations team using the telephone number or email address published on our official website.