Booking terms & conditions

These terms apply when you book a safari or programme with Mwanzo Tours ("we", "us"). By paying a deposit you accept these terms. Your written quotation forms part of the contract.

1. Bookings & deposits

• A booking is confirmed when we receive your signed acceptance and deposit (typically 30% for safaris, 40–50% for groups/retreats).
• Deposits secure gorilla, chimp, and park permits where applicable.
• Balance is due 60 days before departure (90 days for peak gorilla season: June–September, December–February).
• Prices are quoted in USD or EUR as stated; bank transfer fees are the client's responsibility unless agreed otherwise.

2. Cancellations & refunds

• 90+ days before travel: deposit refundable minus non-recoverable permit fees and admin costs (max $150 per person).
• 60–89 days: 50% of total tour price retained.
• Under 60 days: 100% retained except where mandatory consumer law applies.
• Uganda Wildlife Authority permits are non-refundable once purchased in the traveller's name.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical evacuation, and permit loss.

3. Changes by Mwanzo Tours

We may alter itineraries due to weather, park closures, permit availability, or safety. We will offer equivalent alternatives. If we cancel entirely, you receive a full refund of amounts paid to us (excluding third-party fees already disbursed).

4. Traveller responsibilities

• Valid passport (6+ months validity), visa, yellow fever certificate if required
• Comprehensive travel & medical insurance including evacuation cover
• Disclosure of medical conditions affecting trekking fitness
• Compliance with Uganda Wildlife Authority trekking rules (minimum age 15 for gorilla trekking)
• Respectful behaviour at Serah Project community visits — photography only with consent

5. Liability

Mwanzo Tours is a locally registered tour operator using licensed guides and vetted partners. Adventure travel involves inherent risk. Our liability is limited to the value of services booked except where Ugandan law or mandatory EU consumer protection requires otherwise. AMREF Flying Doctors membership is included on standard safaris for emergency evacuation coordination — not a substitute for insurance.

6. Serah Project contributions

A portion of every booking supports the Serah Project (registered CBO, est. 2019). Contribution mechanics are described at booking; Serah Project is a separate legal entity co-founded by Anthony and Esther Kiweewa.

7. Disputes

We aim to resolve complaints promptly via info@mwanzotoursuganda.com. EU residents may also use their national consumer dispute resolution body. Governing law: Republic of Uganda, with due regard to mandatory consumer protections in your country of residence.

8. Contact

Mwanzo Tours · Kampala, Uganda · info@mwanzotoursuganda.com · WhatsApp +256 789 487 378

Terms reviewed and approved by Anthony Kiweewa (Uganda) and Hanna Lukács (Europe) · August 2026.