Booking Terms

RUMARA SAFARIS BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please take time to read these terms carefully before confirming your safari. By booking with Rumara Safaris, you confirm that you understand and accept everything outlined below. These terms define how we work with you, what you can expect from us, and what we expect from you throughout your safari experience. If anything is unclear, contact us before confirming your booking. Clear understanding at the start avoids issues later.

1. Application of Terms

These terms apply to every safari, service, and booking arranged by Rumara Safaris. They form the full agreement between you and our company. When you confirm your booking, you agree to follow these terms as well as the details provided in your itinerary, invoice, and pre-departure documents. Any reference to “client” includes individuals, groups, or agents booking on behalf of travelers. If you book for others, you accept responsibility for ensuring they understand and accept these terms. If Rumara Safaris delays or chooses not to enforce any part of these terms at a given time, this does not remove our right to enforce them later.

2. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

This agreement is governed by Ugandan law and is deemed concluded in Kampala. Any legal matters will fall under Ugandan jurisdiction. Rumara Safaris may choose to handle disputes in either the Magistrates Court or the High Court, depending on the nature of the case. During your safari, you must follow all laws, customs, and regulations of every country visited. This includes immigration rules, park regulations, and local conduct expectations.

3. Bookings and Reservations

Rumara Safaris arranges transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities through trusted suppliers across East Africa. We carefully select partners based on reliability, safety, and service quality. All itinerary details reflect the most accurate information available at the time of planning. However, third-party providers may update their services, and minor errors can occur. To secure permits, especially for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, you must provide:

• Full names exactly as shown in your passport
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Without these details, permits cannot be processed.

Before confirming your safari, share any specific needs such as:

• Medical conditions
• Dietary restrictions
• Mobility challenges
• Special preferences

We make every effort to meet your requests, but some depend on supplier availability. All bookings depend on availability and only become confirmed after written confirmation from Rumara Safaris. Lodges, permits, and vehicles often have limited capacity, so early booking gives you better options. If you request changes after confirmation, we will adjust your booking where possible. Additional costs may apply depending on the change. Rumara Safaris may adjust itineraries before or during your trip due to factors such as weather, road conditions, park regulations, or supplier changes. We communicate updates as early as possible and always aim to maintain your experience quality.

4. Pricing and Inclusions

Your safari price follows the confirmed itinerary and typically includes:

• Accommodation in hotels, lodges, or camps
• Meals as specified in your itinerary
• Park entrance and ranger fees
• Ground transportation in safari vehicles
• Airport transfers where stated
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle

The price does not include:

• International or domestic flights
• Visa fees and passports
• Meals not listed in your itinerary
• Alcoholic and soft drinks beyond provided water
• Tips and gratuities
• Laundry and personal expenses
• Travel insurance

Prices remain subject to change until booking confirmation. Changes in exchange rates, government fees, or supplier costs may affect pricing. After confirmation, we aim to keep your price stable, but adjustments may still occur if external costs increase significantly.

5. Safari Experience and Execution

A safari takes place in natural environments. Wildlife moves freely, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Guides use experience and local knowledge to improve your chances, but nature remains unpredictable. Primate permits allow you to track gorillas or chimpanzees, but sightings depend on location and movement patterns on the day. Accommodation is based on shared twin or double rooms unless you request a single room at an additional cost. Availability of single rooms varies by property. If your booked lodge becomes unavailable, Rumara Safaris will arrange an alternative of equal or higher standard whenever possible. Transportation depends on your group size and route. We use well-maintained 4×4 safari vehicles designed for comfort and visibility. Each guest gets a window seat for better viewing and photography. Road conditions in some areas can be rough. Delays due to weather, traffic, or mechanical issues may occur, and we ask for your patience in such situations. Your driver-guide leads the safari and makes decisions on routes, timing, and safety. Their guidance ensures a smooth and safe experience. We may adjust routes, accommodations, or activities due to: Weather changes Park regulations Road conditions Safety concerns When changes occur, we provide alternatives that match your itinerary as closely as possible.

6. Payments

A booking becomes confirmed once we receive a 30% deposit of the total safari cost. For gorilla and chimpanzee permits, full payment is required upfront because permits must be purchased in advance. The remaining balance is due 42 days before your arrival unless we agree otherwise in writing. If you book within 42 days of your travel date, full payment is required at confirmation. Failure to complete payment on time may lead to automatic cancellation of your booking. Payments can be made via bank transfer or cash before the safari begins. All international transaction costs remain your responsibility.

7. Cancellations and Refunds

All cancellations must be submitted in writing and take effect on the date we receive them. Cancellation charges apply as follows: 60 days or more before arrival: 10% 59 to 32 days: 25% 31 to 8 days: 50% 7 to 3 days: 75% Less than 72 hours: 100% Gorilla and chimpanzee permits remain 100% non-refundable. No refunds apply for:

• Missed activities
• Late arrivals
• Early departures
• No-shows

We recommend travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unexpected changes.

8.Complaints and Feedback

If you experience any issue during your safari, report it immediately to your guide or the relevant service provider. Early communication allows quick resolution. If the issue remains unresolved, submit your complaint in writing within 30 days after your tour ends. We cannot process complaints received after this period. We value your feedback and use it to improve our services.

9. Liability and Responsibility

Rumara Safaris works with independent suppliers such as hotels, transport providers, and park authorities. While we choose partners carefully, we do not control their operations. We are not liable for:

• Injury, loss, or damage to persons or property
• Loss of personal belongings
• Delays caused by external factors

This includes events such as:

• Flight delays or cancellations
• Weather disruptions
• Government actions
• Strikes or civil unrest
• Natural disasters

You must ensure all travel documents are valid, including passports, visas, and health requirements. You should also secure comprehensive travel insurance before your trip.

10. Health and Fitness

Safari travel involves movement, long drives, and outdoor activities. You should be physically prepared for these conditions. If you have any medical condition, inform us before travel so we can plan accordingly. Travelers above 85 years must provide a medical certificate confirming fitness for travel. You remain responsible for managing your health and medications throughout the safari.

11. Age Restrictions

Certain activities have age limits: Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking: minimum age 15 Some parks restrict children under 12 Game drives in savannah parks allow children from 8 years Always confirm age requirements before booking.

12. Conduct During the Tour

You must respect: Local laws and customs Fellow travelers Wildlife and natural environments Unsafe or disruptive behavior may lead to removal from the tour without refund.

13. Photography and Marketing Use

Rumara Safaris may use photos or videos taken during your safari for marketing purposes. If you prefer not to appear in any media, inform your guide at the start of your tour.

14. Unforeseen Circumstances

Events beyond our control may affect your safari of which in this caser Rumara Safaris may have no direct control over. These include:

• Weather changes
• Mechanical issues
• Political instability
• Road closures

We adjust plans where necessary to maintain your safety and experience. However, we cannot accept liability for changes caused by such events.

15. Primate Tracking Conditions

You must be in good health to participate in gorilla or chimpanzee tracking. Park authorities may deny participation if you show signs of illness to protect wildlife. Even with a valid permit, sightings are not guaranteed. Permits remain non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

16. Traveler Responsibilities

You take responsibility for: Reviewing your itinerary and travel documents including valid passports, visas and any connecting flights outside the provided arrangements. Packing appropriate clothing and gear Maintaining personal hygiene Respecting group dynamics Your guide may remove you from the safari if your behavior affects others negatively.

17. Acceptance of Terms

By paying your deposit, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these terms in full.