Bookings and Payments

• A 30% deposit of the total tour cost is required to secure your booking.
• For tours involving gorilla or chimpanzee tracking, full payment for the respective permits is required at the time of booking.
• The balance is due 60 days prior to the start of the tour.
• Bookings made less than 60 days before departure require full payment upon confirmation.
• Payments can be made via bank transfer or other agreed-upon methods. All bank charges are the responsibility of the client.

Cancellations and Refunds

1. CANCELLATION BY CLIENT:
Cancellations must be made in writing. The following charges apply:

• More than 60 days before departure: 10% of tour cost.
• 45–59 days before departure: 40% of tour cost.
• 31–44 days before departure: 60% of tour cost.
• 0–30 days before departure: 100% of tour cost.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Mountain Gorilla and chimpanzee permit fees are non-refundable.
• No refunds will be made for unused services, late arrivals, or no-shows.

2. CANCELLATION BY BIRDERS LENS AFRICA LTD:

• We reserve the right to cancel a tour due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. force majeure). In such cases, clients will receive a full refund minus any non-recoverable expenses or the option to reschedule.

Tour Modifications

• We reserve the right to make necessary changes to itineraries due to weather, road conditions, safety, or other factors beyond our control. In such cases, we will provide suitable alternatives of equal value and experience wherever possible.

Health and Safety

• Participants must inform us of any medical conditions, allergies, or mobility issues at the time of booking.
• We assume all clients are in good health and physically fit for moderate activity (including walking on uneven terrain and in remote areas).
• We reserve the right to refuse participation to anyone who may compromise the safety or enjoyment of the group.

Travel Insurance

• Comprehensive travel insurance (covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, and baggage loss) is strongly recommended.
• Birders Lens is not liable for any loss, injury, or damage sustained during the tour.

Visas and Travel Documents

• Clients are responsible for ensuring they have valid passports, visas, vaccinations, and other entry requirements for the countries visited.
• We can assist with guidance but do not guarantee visa issuance.

Wildlife Sightings

• While we aim to maximize bird and wildlife encounters, sightings cannot be guaranteed as they are subject to natural conditions.

Group Conduct

• Clients are expected to act respectfully towards fellow participants, guides, local communities, and the environment.
• We reserve the right to remove anyone who disrupts the tour, without refund.

Photography and Media

• Birders Lens may use photographs or video taken during the tour for promotional purposes. Please inform us in writing if you do not consent to this.

Liability

• While we take every reasonable precaution, participation in tours involves inherent risks.
• Birders Lens Africa Ltd shall not be held liable for injury, illness, loss, or damage sustained during the tour unless caused by proven negligence.

Governing Law

• These terms shall be governed by the laws of Uganda, and any disputes shall be resolved under its jurisdiction.

Acceptance

• By submitting your deposit or confirming your booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.