Gorilla Nests Safaris – Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: April 2026

Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before booking any safari with Gorilla Nests Safaris. By making a booking or payment, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these terms.

Gorilla Nests Safaris specializes in primate experiences across Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, & Tanzania including 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari, 2 Days Uganda Chimpanzee Safari in Kibale, 2 Days Uganda gorilla Safari, 4 Days Maasai Mara Safari and other gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and wildlife tours.

All bookings are made with Gorilla Nests Safaris and are subject to these terms.

Booking and Confirmation

  • Your booking is confirmed only upon receipt of the required deposit and a signed booking form or written confirmation.
  • A 30% deposit of the total safari cost is required to secure your booking. For short tours (2–4 days), a 40% deposit may be requested.
  • Gorilla permits and chimpanzee permits require 100% full payment in advance at the time of booking, as they are issued by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are strictly limited.
  • Full passport details (full name as in passport, nationality, passport number, and date of birth) are mandatory for permit reservations.
  • All packages are subject to availability. Permits and accommodations are not guaranteed until fully paid and confirmed.

 Payment Terms

  • Balance payment is due 45 days before the start of your safari.
  • Bookings made within 45 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
  • We accept payments by bank transfer, Visa credit card, or cash (where applicable).
  • Any payments made by Visa credit card attract a 4% service charge. This 4% service charge and any international transaction charges shall be paid fully by the visitor/client.
  • All credit card transactions should be completed at least 1 month before the actual date of your safari.
  • All prices are quoted in US Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated.
  • All our payments go through Afrik-Trek Holidays Ltd.
  • Any bank charges or transfer fees (outside the 4% card charge) are the responsibility of the client.

Pricing and What is Included / Excluded

Safari prices include only the services explicitly listed in your confirmed itinerary.

Typical Inclusions (varies by package):

  • Private 4×4 transport with English-speaking driver-guide
  • Accommodation as specified
  • Meals as per the itinerary
  • Gorilla or chimpanzee trekking permits (where applicable)
  • Nyungwe Canopy Walk or other specified activities
  • Park entrance fees and ranger/guide fees
  • Bottled drinking water during transfers and activities

Typical Exclusions:

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature (laundry, souvenirs, alcoholic drinks, etc.)
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Porter fees (available at extra cost during treks)

Cancellation and Refund Policy

All cancellation requests must be made in writing and will be effective on the date of actual receipt by our safari company.

Gorilla Permits: Gorilla permits are refundable according to the following schedule (applicable to the entire safari package, including permit fees):

  • 90 days and above before commencement of the trip: 70% refund (30% charge)
  • 89 – 60 days prior to commencing the trip: 40% refund (60% charge)
  • 59 – 30 days prior to commencing the trip: 20% refund (80% charge)
  • 29 – 0 days prior to commencing the trip (or no-show): 0% refund (100% charge)

Note: Refunds on permits are subject to approval and processing by the relevant authorities (RDB or UWA). In cases where the authorities do not issue a refund (e.g., last-minute cancellations), the client remains responsible for the full permit cost.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical emergencies, and trip interruption.

Changes to Your Booking

  • If you request changes after confirmation, we will do our best to accommodate them, but additional costs may apply.
  • Gorilla Nests Safaris reserves the right to make minor adjustments to the itinerary due to weather, road conditions, park regulations, or unforeseen circumstances. We will inform you as soon as possible.

Health, Fitness and Age Requirements

  • Gorilla Trekking: Minimum age is 15 years.
  • Chimpanzee Trekking (Kibale, Nyungwe): Minimum age is generally 15 years in Rwanda and 12–15 years in Uganda (check specific park rules).
  • You must be in good physical health and of reasonable fitness for trekking. The terrain can be steep, muddy, and at altitude.
  • Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions must inform us at the time of booking. We reserve the right to refuse participation if we believe your health may endanger yourself or the primates.
  • A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Rwanda and Uganda.

Primate Trekking Rules and Safety

  • You must maintain the required distance (7 meters from gorillas, 8–10 meters from chimpanzees).
  • No one showing signs of illness (cold, flu, etc.) is allowed near the primates.
  • Follow all instructions from rangers and guides strictly.
  • Flash photography, loud noise, eating, smoking, or provoking animals is strictly prohibited.
  • Gorilla Nests Safaris and the park authorities cannot guarantee sightings of primates, although success rates are very high with habituated groups.

Liability and Insurance

  • Gorilla Nests Safaris acts only as an agent arranging services provided by independent suppliers (lodges, transport providers, park authorities).
  • We are not liable for any loss, injury, damage, or inconvenience caused by the actions of these third parties, or due to force majeure events (weather, political unrest, natural disasters, etc.).
  • All clients must have valid travel insurance covering medical evacuation, repatriation, and adventure activities before commencing the safari.

Complaints

Any complaints must be reported to your guide or our office immediately so we can attempt to resolve them on the spot. Written complaints must reach us within 30 days after the end of your safari.

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of Uganda / Rwanda (as applicable to your safari). Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Kampala, Uganda or Kigali, Rwanda.

Acceptance

By booking with Gorilla Nests Safaris, you confirm that you have read and agree to these Terms and Conditions in full.

For any questions regarding these terms, please contact us before booking.

Thank you for choosing Gorilla Nests Safaris.

We look forward to creating unforgettable primate experiences for you in the rainforests of Rwanda and Uganda.

Scroll to Top