Terms and conditions
Shoebill Safaris is a fully accredited member of Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). We provide services in Uganda and on specific requests in neighboring countries Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tour terms
All tour prices include full board accommodation, car hire, tour guide/ driver fees, park entrance fees, airport transfers, porterage of 2 small pieces of luggage per person maximum, launch cruise/ boat trips and gorilla and chimpanzee permits where appropriate.
Booking procedures
A 40% of the cost of the trip is required to be deposited to conform your booking. The deposit can be remitted to the company account on request. The balance will be paid as soon as the guest arrives in Uganda before the services start. Payments can be made either by travelers cheques or US $ cash currency. Reservations are subject to cancellation if the balance is not paid before the start of the tours. Please note that gorilla permits fees shall be quoted separately on request.
Upon receipt of the deposit, Shoebill's Safaris will email an acknowledgement and mail by post an official receipt. Alternatives to bookings can be made through mutual agreements and will be assessed based on penalties imposed on us by our vendors (hotels, excursions, permits)
For cancellations made by the client three (3) weeks or more prior to the date of the travel, Shoebill Safaris will refund your full deposit (excluding airfare, insurance and other costs that are booked on your own). For cancellations made by the client within (3) weeks of your day of travel, deposit refunds will only be made minus a 10% handling charge, plus wiring fees.
Shoebill Safaris reserves the right to cancel a tour if the required minimum number of participants has not been met or in the event of any adverse circumstances that are beyond Shoebill's control. In the event of any cancellations, Shoebill's will inform the client(s) and will ensure that an alternative date is offered. Full refund, minus bank fees will be made if the client cannot reschedule.
Uganda Today
All the tour vehicles of Shoebill Safaris are comprehensively insured here in Uganda.
All clients must obtain comprehensive travel insurance before they travel to Uganda from their home countries. This insurance should at least fully cover the following:
- Trip cancellation and delay including flights
- Baggage loss, delay and/or replacement
- Medical care, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
- Loss, damage or theft of personal property
- Additional coverage if you choose to engage in activities that constitute a greater risk, such as mountaineering, white water rafting, animal tracking on foot etc.
Travel Documents and Health Certificates
Every traveler should posses a current passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure, return airline ticket. It is every traveller's responsibility to obtain the necessary passport and health certificates.
Complaints
Any complaint should be reported immediately to the guide or to the head office and the Company will do all it can to address the complaint. In case the problem is not solved to your satisfaction, please write a report and address it to the Tour Operations Manager at the head office in Kampala who will do his/her best to solve the problem. Complaints that are not reported while in Kampala or on holiday and made after 48 hours after will not be entertained. The Company regrets it cannot accept liability for any complaints not notified in accordance with this procedure.
Jurisdiction
Shoebill Safaris ltd is incorporated in the Republic of Uganda and it operates under the laws of Uganda. All contracts with clients or agents and matters arising out of such contracts will be governed by the laws of Uganda.
Transportation
Minibuses, station wagons, jeep cars and coaches will be provided according to the preferences and the number of clients or according to the route which is being taken. Our Vehicles are 4x4 and are managed by experienced drivers/guides who also have a strong command of English. Shoebill Safaris reserves the right to sub-contract services from other competent service provider should circumstances dictate.
This is adventure travel. Please note that the conditions in Africa may be different from those in developed countries. Clients are encouraged to ensure that they are in reasonably good health and that they bring any medications normally taken for the duration of your trip. You may do as much or as little hiking as you wish on our tours. We do our best to accommodate your needs! We travel occasionally on dirt roads. Uganda is located on the equator and the climate can be hot. Pack lightly, leave room for shopping for beautiful African crafts and don't forget your camera and binoculars.