Welcome to Specialist Uganda, a registered tour operator under the Uganda Tourism Act, 2008, specializing in organizing and facilitating safari tour packages across Uganda. As a tour operator, we coordinate logistics, secure permits, arrange accommodations, transport, and professional guides, and partner with trusted third-party providers to deliver exceptional experiences, including the Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Trek, wildlife safaris, and cultural tours. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your booking and participation in our tours, offered through our website ([www.specialistuganda.com](http://www.specialistuganda.com)), mobile applications, or authorized booking platforms. By booking or participating, you agree to these Terms, enforceable under Ugandan law and aligned with international tourism standards. Please read them carefully.

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1. Scope of Services

Specialist Uganda is a licensed tour operator, registered with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), providing guided safari tour packages, including mountain gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, and adventure activities in Uganda. We coordinate all aspects of your tour, including UWA permits, accommodations, transport, and professional guides, in compliance with the Uganda Tourism Act, 2008 and Uganda Wildlife Act, 2019. Specific tour details, including itineraries, inclusions, and exclusions, are provided in the tour description at booking. While we strive to deliver exceptional experiences, some services (e.g., lodges, flights) are provided by third parties, for which we act as a booking agent.

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2. Booking and Payment

2.1 Booking Process

- Bookings are accepted via [www.specialistuganda.com](http://www.specialistuganda.com), authorized agents, or by contacting our office.
    
- A booking is confirmed only upon receipt of the required deposit and our issuance of a written confirmation.
    
- You must provide accurate personal information, including full name, contact details, passport details (name, number, nationality, date of birth for UWA permit verification), and any special requirements (e.g., dietary, medical needs). Inaccurate or incomplete information may result in permit denial or tour cancellation without refund.
    

2.2 Payment Terms

- A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total tour cost is required at booking.
    
- The remaining balance is due 30 days before the tour start date. Non-payment by the due date may result in cancellation and forfeiture of the deposit.
    
- Payments are accepted via bank transfer, credit card, or mobile money, subject to applicable transaction fees.
    

2.3 Pricing

- Prices are quoted in USD and include only services specified in the tour description, per the Consumer Protection and Competition Act, 2019.
    
- Prices may change due to unforeseen increases in government taxes, UWA permit fees, or fuel surcharges. We will notify you of changes before confirming your booking.
    

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3. Cancellations and Refunds

3.1 Cancellations by You

- Cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@specialistuganda.com or sam@specialistuganda.com.
    
- For tour package cancellations (excluding gorilla trekking permits):
    
    - 45+ days before tour start date: 100% refund minus the non-refundable 25% deposit.
        
    - 30–44 days before tour start date: 50% refund of the total tour cost.
        
    - 15–29 days before tour start date: 25% refund of the total tour cost.
        
    - Less than 15 days or no-show: No refund, including failure to meet tour requirements (e.g., missing documentation, arriving late).
        
- At our discretion, cancellations 30+ days before the tour start date may be eligible for a tour credit (valid for 12 months) instead of a refund, subject to availability and additional fees.
    
- Gorilla Trekking Permit Cancellations (per Uganda Wildlife Authority policy):
    
    - 91+ days before trekking date: 25% of permit cost retained (75% refunded).
        
    - 46–90 days before trekking date: 50% of permit cost retained (50% refunded).
        
    - 9–45 days before trekking date: 75% of permit cost retained (25% refunded).
        
    - 0–8 days before trekking date: 100% of permit cost retained (no refund).
        
- Permit cancellations require a formal letter to UWA’s Executive Director, facilitated by us. Permit fees are non-refundable except as outlined above, per the Uganda Wildlife Act, 2019.
    

3.2 Cancellations by Us

- We may cancel a tour due to insufficient bookings, safety concerns, or force majeure (e.g., natural disasters, political unrest, pandemics).
    
- In such cases, we will offer a full refund or an alternative tour at your discretion. We are not liable for additional costs (e.g., flights, visas).
    

3.3 Itinerary Changes

- We may modify itineraries, accommodations, or transportation due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., weather, UWA regulations, safety). We will provide comparable alternatives where possible.
    

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4. Participant Responsibilities

4.1 Eligibility

- Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking: Participants must be at least 15 years old for mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as mandated by UWA. Passport details (including date of birth) must be provided at booking and verified with the original passport at park headquarters. Exceptions for 14-year-olds nearing their 15th birthday may be granted with UWA approval, proof of physical fitness, parental supervision, and a signed Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement. Failure to disclose accurate age or health information may result in denial of participation without refund.
    
- Other tours may have different age requirements, as specified in the tour description.
    
- You must disclose all medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs that may affect participation. We may refuse participation if your condition poses a safety risk to yourself, others, or gorillas, per UWA guidelines. Non-disclosure of critical information is at your sole risk.
    

4.2 Travel Documentation

- You are responsible for obtaining a valid passport (6 months’ validity from entry), visa (via Uganda’s e-Visa portal or EAC Tourist Visa), and yellow fever vaccination certificate, as required by Uganda’s immigration authorities and International Health Regulations (2005). You must verify visa eligibility and health requirements before booking to ensure compliance.
    
- Passport details are mandatory for gorilla trekking permits. We are not liable for costs or consequences of non-compliance, including denied entry or tour participation.
    

4.3 Compliance with Laws and Regulations

- You must comply with Ugandan laws, UWA regulations, and instructions from our guides/staff. Non-compliance may result in removal without refund.
    
- For gorilla trekking, you must maintain a 6-meter distance from gorillas, minimize noise, and follow conservation protocols. Violations may result in fines, removal, or legal action under the Uganda Wildlife Act, 2019.
    
- You must adhere to local laws, including the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, which imposes severe penalties for same-sex activities or advocacy. Review travel advisories to ensure compliance and safety.
    

4.4 Health and Fitness

- Gorilla trekking requires moderate to high physical fitness due to strenuous hiking in muddy, steep terrain. You must assess and confirm your ability to participate, providing accurate health and fitness information at booking.
    
- To protect gorillas (98% human DNA), you must not trek if showing signs of communicable diseases (e.g., flu, measles). UWA may deny participation without refund if you appear unwell.
    
- You must comply with health requirements, including yellow fever vaccination. Failure to disclose health issues or comply with medical requirements is at your sole risk.
    

4.5 Participant Conduct and Decision-Making

- You are solely responsible for your actions and decisions during the tour. Specialist Uganda is not liable for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from:
    
    - Ignoring guide instructions or safety protocols (e.g., approaching wildlife, straying from the group).
        
    - Engaging in reckless or negligent behavior (e.g., unauthorized activities, consuming alcohol/drugs during activities).
        
    - Violating local laws or park regulations, including illegal interactions with wildlife or cultural sites.
        
- Such actions may result in immediate removal from the tour without refund and potential legal consequences under Ugandan law.
    

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5. Travel Insurance

- Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory, covering medical expenses (minimum USD 100,000), emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, personal injury, and gorilla trekking activities (additional premiums may apply), per World Tourism Organization standards.
    
- Proof of valid insurance must be submitted to info@specialistuganda.com or sam@specialistuganda.com at least 14 days before the tour start date. Failure to provide proof may result in cancellation without refund.
    
- We are not liable for losses or costs due to inadequate or absent insurance.
    

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6. Risk Acknowledgment and Liability

6.1 Inherent Risks

- Gorilla trekking and safari activities involve inherent risks, including wildlife encounters, challenging terrain, and remote locations with limited medical facilities. You acknowledge and accept these risks by participating.
    

6.2 Limitation of Liability

- Specialist Uganda, as a tour operator, is not liable for injury, loss, damage, delay, or inconvenience caused by factors beyond our control, including acts of nature, government actions, or third-party providers (e.g., airlines, lodges), per the Contract Act, 2010.
    
- Our liability is limited to the total amount paid for the tour.
    

6.3 Third-Party Providers

- Services like accommodations and transport are provided by third parties. We act as a booking agent and are not liable for their actions or omissions but will ensure reliable partners.
    

6.4 Indemnification

- You agree to indemnify and hold Specialist Uganda, its employees, and affiliates harmless from any claims, losses, or damages (including legal fees) arising from your misconduct, negligence, or failure to comply with these Terms, UWA regulations, or Ugandan laws. This includes actions such as unauthorized wildlife interactions, damage to property, or causing harm to others.
    

6.5 Assumption of Responsibility for Personal Choices

- You are solely responsible for the consequences of your personal choices, including:
    
    - Failing to adequately prepare for the physical demands of gorilla trekking.
        
    - Not disclosing medical conditions or fitness limitations that impact your ability to participate safely.
        
    - Ignoring travel advisories or local laws, including those related to cultural norms or prohibited activities.
        
- Specialist Uganda is not liable for any resulting injury, loss, or disruption.
    

6.6 No Liability for Participant Expectations

- We do not guarantee specific outcomes, such as gorilla sightings, as wildlife behavior is unpredictable. Specialist Uganda is not liable for dissatisfaction arising from unmet expectations or natural circumstances beyond our control (e.g., weather, animal movements).
    

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7. Code of Conduct

- You must respect wildlife, local communities, fellow participants, and staff. Prohibited behaviors include:
    
    - Approaching gorillas closer than 6 meters.
        
    - Littering or damaging the environment.
        
    - Disrespecting local customs, laws, or cultural sites.
        
- Violation may result in removal without refund and potential fines or legal action, per UWA and UTB regulations.
    

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8. Gorilla Trekking Permits

- Permits are issued by UWA, subject to availability, at USD 800 (foreign non-residents), USD 700 (foreign residents), or USD 82 (East African citizens) as of 2025. We secure permits upon receipt of the fee.
    
- Permits are valid for one trek on a specific date and sector (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga). If gorillas cross international borders (e.g., Rwanda/DRC), a replacement permit for another sector will be issued.
    
- Permits are non-refundable except as outlined in Section 3.1. We are not liable for permit unavailability or failure to see gorillas due to natural causes, though a second trek may be offered without additional permit cost if feasible.
    

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9. Force Majeure

- Specialist Uganda is not liable for failure to perform due to events beyond our control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, pandemics, government restrictions, or strikes. This includes participant failure to comply with government travel advisories or entry requirements.
    
- We will offer alternatives or refunds, subject to Section 3.
    

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10. Privacy Policy

- We collect personal information (e.g., name, passport details, contact information) to process bookings, secure permits, and ensure safety, in compliance with the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019.
    
- Data is shared only with necessary third parties (e.g., UWA, lodges) with your consent or as required by law. See our Privacy Policy at [www.specialistuganda.com/privacy-policy](http://www.specialistuganda.com/privacy-policy).
    

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11. Intellectual Property

- All content on [www.specialistuganda.com](http://www.specialistuganda.com), brochures, and marketing materials is owned by Specialist Uganda. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
    

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12. Dispute Resolution

- These Terms are governed by Ugandan law, based on English Common Law, per the Contract Act, 2010. Disputes will be resolved through negotiation or mediation via the Centre for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (CADER). If unresolved, disputes will be adjudicated in Ugandan courts.
    
- You agree to attempt good-faith resolution before legal action.
    

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13. Amendments

- We may update these Terms, with the version effective at booking applying to your tour. Updates will be posted on our website.
    

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14. Contact Information

For questions, cancellations, or complaints, contact us at:

- Email: info@specialistuganda.com or sam@specialistuganda.com
    
- Phone: [your phone number]
    
- Address: [your physical address]
    

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15. Acknowledgment

By booking a tour with Specialist Uganda, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service, which are enforceable under Ugandan law and aligned with international tourism standards.

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16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect, ensuring the continued enforceability of this agreement.

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Last Updated: April 28, 2025