Terms and Conditions

Company: Paramount Gorilla Expeditions (hereinafter referred to as “the Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”)
Services: Guided Gorilla Trekking Expeditions and Related Safari Experiences

By booking and/or participating in any tour, trek, or expedition organized by Paramount Gorilla Expeditions, you (“the Client,” “participant,” “guest,” or “traveler”) agree to be legally bound by the following Terms and Conditions. These terms are designed to ensure the safety of all participants, compliance with local and international conservation laws, and the protection of the Company’s business interests.

1. Eligibility and Health Requirements

1.1 Participants must be at least 15 years of age to join gorilla trekking activities. Minors (15–17) must be accompanied by a responsible parent/guardian.

1.2 All participants must be in good physical health. Gorilla trekking involves hiking in steep, rugged, and sometimes high-altitude terrain for extended periods.

1.3 The Company reserves the right to request a medical certificate confirming physical fitness before participation.

1.4 The Company reserves the right to deny participation to any individual who appears physically unfit, intoxicated, or poses a safety risk to themselves or others.

2. Booking, Payments, and Cancellations

2.1 A non-refundable deposit of 40 % is required at the time of booking.

2.2 Full payment must be received no later than 60 days before the expedition start date. Failure to complete payment may result in automatic cancellation without refund.

2.3 Permits for gorilla trekking are non-transferable and non-refundable, as they are issued by government wildlife authorities.

2.4 Cancellations by the Client are subject to the following penalties:

• More than 90 days before departure: Deposit forfeited.
• 60–89 days before departure: 50% of tour cost forfeited.
• 0–59 days before departure: 100% of tour cost forfeited.

2.5 No refunds will be made for unused services, voluntary withdrawal, or removal from the expedition due to breach of safety rules.

3. Travel Documents and Insurance

3.1 Clients are solely responsible for obtaining and carrying valid passports, visas, permits, vaccination certificates, and other travel documents required for entry into the host country.

3.2 Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and must include:

• Medical evacuation,
• Emergency repatriation,
• Personal accident coverage,
• Trip cancellation and curtailment,
• Baggage loss/theft coverage.

Proof of insurance must be provided prior to the start of the expedition.

4. Safety Rules and Obligations

4.1 Gorilla trekking takes place in wild, unpredictable environments. Clients must strictly adhere to the instructions of guides, rangers, and Company staff at all times.

4.2 Clients must maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters (22 feet) from gorillas. Approaching or attempting to touch gorillas is strictly prohibited.

4.3 The following are strictly forbidden during trekking:

• Loud noises, sudden movements, or behavior that may disturb gorillas,
• Eating, drinking, or smoking in the presence of gorillas,
• Flash photography,
• Littering.

4.4 Clients who display reckless, abusive, or non-compliant behavior may be removed from the expedition without refund.

4.5 Clients who show symptoms of contagious illnesses (e.g., flu, cold, COVID-19, or gastrointestinal infections) may be prohibited from trekking to protect gorilla populations.

5. Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver

5.1 Participation in gorilla trekking and safaris involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Encounters with wild animals,
• Rough terrain and challenging weather conditions,
• Remote locations with limited medical facilities,
• Vehicle accidents, insect bites, allergic reactions, and natural hazards.

5.2 By booking, the Client assumes all risks associated with participation and agrees that the Company, its employees, contractors, affiliates, and partners are not liable for:

• Injury, illness, death,
• Loss, theft, or damage of personal property,
• Delays, cancellations, or changes caused by weather, government regulations, strikes, force majeure events, or wildlife authority decisions.

5.3 Clients must sign a liability waiver prior to participation.

6. Conduct and Responsibility

6.1 Clients must behave in a respectful manner toward:

• Wildlife,
• Local communities,
• Fellow travelers,
• Guides and staff.

6.2 Any conduct deemed disruptive, dangerous, or illegal may result in immediate removal from the expedition at the Client’s expense.

6.3 The Client shall be financially responsible for any damage caused to property, vehicles, or equipment due to negligence or misconduct.

7. Itinerary and Changes

7.1 All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice due to:

• Wildlife behavior,
• Weather conditions,
• Road closures,
• Government regulations,
• Safety concerns.

7.2 The Company reserves the right to substitute accommodations, vehicles, or services of equal or greater value without prior notice.

7.3 No refunds will be provided for changes beyond the Company’s control.

8. Force Majeure

8.1 The Company shall not be held liable or responsible for failure to perform its obligations due to events beyond its reasonable control, including:

• Natural disasters,
• Pandemics,
• War, terrorism, strikes, civil unrest, or government actions.

9. Complaints and Disputes

9.1 Any complaints must be reported immediately to the Company representative.

9.2 Complaints not resolved on-site must be submitted in writing within 14 days of the expedition’s end date.

9.3 These Terms are governed by the laws of uganda. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of Uganda

10. Acknowledgment

By booking with Paramount Gorilla Expeditions, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to all terms herein, including the assumption of risk and liability waiver.