Inmotion Gorilla Safaris specializes in gorilla trekking adventures and wildlife safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Kenya. We take pride in delivering memorable, responsible experiences, but please take a moment to read these terms carefully, they form the basis of our agreement with you once you book.
1. Who We Mean by “You” and “Us”
“You” includes everyone listed on the booking (and anyone added or substituted later). “We” or “Us” means Inmotion Gorilla Safaris.
These terms can change from time to time as circumstances evolve. Keep in mind that standards for services, healthcare, safety, and security in these regions may not match what you’re used to at home. Everything we provide operates under the laws of the country where the safari takes place.
2. How Your Booking Gets Confirmed
Your booking becomes confirmed only when we receive your deposit and send you written confirmation (usually by email).
If you’re booking less than 4 weeks before departure, we require full payment upfront to secure everything.
3. Payment Details
- A deposit of 50% of the total safari cost (including gorilla permits) is needed to hold your spot.
- The balance is due no later than 4 weeks before your safari starts.
- All prices are in US Dollars unless we tell you otherwise.
- We accept bank transfers, credit cards (with possible fees), or other methods discussed at booking.
4. Gorilla Permits – The Reality
Gorilla permits are limited and in high demand, so we purchase them right after receiving your deposit.
A permit doesn’t guarantee you’ll see gorillas (though the success rate is around 98–99% in habituated groups). Parks can close tracks due to weather, gorilla movement, veterinary decisions, or security issues.
Gorilla permits are non-refundable once paid to the authorities (Uganda Wildlife Authority, Rwanda Development Board, or ICCN in DRC). Any refund from them is entirely at their discretion and very rare.
5. If You Need to Cancel
Please notify us in writing as soon as possible. Cancellation fees apply per person to cover our committed costs and the challenge of reselling spaces:
- More than 100 days before start: 20% of total cost
- 61–100 days: 30%
- 46–60 days: 50%
- 16–45 days: 80%
- 15 days or less: 100%
Key points:
- Gorilla permits, chimpanzee permits, and any air tickets we book are 100% non-refundable from the moment we secure them.
- No refunds for unused services, no-shows, late arrivals, or once the safari has begun.
- In shared/group bookings, if someone cancels, the remaining travelers may have to cover single supplements or other adjustments.
6. If We Have to Cancel
We almost never cancel confirmed trips, but we reserve the right to do so for reasons beyond our control (severe weather, security risks, pandemics, civil unrest, etc.).
If that happens:
- We’ll offer you a comparable alternative safari if one is available.
- If you take a lower-cost option, we’ll refund the difference; if higher, you’ll pay the extra.
- We won’t offer additional compensation except where required by law or specific exceptions noted here.
7. Force Majeure / Events Beyond Our Control
We can’t accept liability or pay compensation for cancellations, delays, or changes caused by:
- War, terrorism, riots, political instability
- Pandemics, epidemics, government quarantines or restrictions
- Natural disasters, extreme weather, volcanic activity
- Border closures, strikes, or transport failures
In these situations, we may need to postpone, reroute, or reschedule your trip for a safer date. We’ll work with you to find the best solution.
8. Your Responsibilities
To make the trip safe and enjoyable for everyone:
- Follow your guide’s instructions and all park rules at all times.
- Respect wildlife, local people, and the environment take photos, leave no trace.
- Arrive with valid passports, visas, required vaccinations (yellow fever often mandatory), and proof if needed.
- Be physically fit enough for the activities (gorilla treks involve several hours of walking/hiking on uneven terrain; same for chimp tracking, rafting, etc.).
You join these activities at your own risk.
9. Travel Insurance – Mandatory
You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers:
- Emergency medical treatment and evacuation (helicopter evacuations can be expensive)
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Personal accident, injury, or death
- Baggage loss/theft
- High-risk activities (trekking, rafting, etc.)
We strongly advise against joining strenuous activities if you have serious health issues, are in advanced pregnancy, or have mobility limitations.
10. Accommodations & Meals
We book comfortable lodges, tented camps, or hotels with good standards – hot water, en-suite facilities, and welcoming staff where possible.
- Let us know any dietary needs well in advance.
- We may substitute similar or better accommodations if necessary (e.g., due to overbooking or unforeseen issues).
11. What’s Included / Not Included Included:
Gorilla permits, park fees, ranger/guide fees, accommodations as listed, ground transport in 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs, services of an experienced English-speaking driver-guide, meals on safari (typically breakfast, lunch, dinner outside cities), bottled water on game drives, applicable taxes.
Not included:
International flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks/alcohol, laundry, tips/gratuities, personal expenses (souvenirs, phone calls), porters for gorilla treks (highly recommended), any optional extras.
12. Tipping – A Note on Gratitude
Tipping is optional but very much appreciated in our culture:
- Lodge/camp staff & restaurant: $5–10 per person/day
- Driver-guide: $10–15 per person/day
- Gorilla trackers/rangers: $10–20 per person (split among the team)
- Porters (gorilla trek): $10–15 per person
Feel free to tip more if the service stands out.
13. Baggage & Personal Belongings
Your belongings travel at your own risk. We recommend travel insurance that covers loss or theft.
14. Photos & Marketing
Your guide may take group photos for our promotional use unless you tell us in advance that you prefer not to appear in them.
15. Complaints If something isn’t right, please raise it straight away with your guide or our operations team so we can fix it on the spot.
For formal issues, send a written complaint within 14 days after the safari ends so we can investigate properly.
16. Acceptance
By paying your deposit (or full amount when required), you confirm that you (and anyone traveling with you) have read, understood, and accept these terms and conditions in full including the cancellation policy, limitations of liability, and your responsibilities.
We’re here to make your African adventure unforgettable. If anything is unclear, just ask and we’re happy to explain.
Safe travels, The Team at Inmotion Gorilla Safaris
