Deep End Safaris – Terms and Conditions
Please take time to carefully read the following terms and conditions of our services. Confirming a safari with Deep End Safaris implies that you have read, fully understood, and accepted the terms outlined below. If you have any queries, please contact us before making your booking.
1. Reservations
When booking your safari directly with Deep End Safaris, please provide the following details:
- Intended arrival and departure dates
- Number of travelers, their genders, and ages
- Accommodation preferences
- Flight details (if available)
For gorilla permit reservations, the following details are required:
- Full names as they appear on the passport
- Date of birth
- Nationality and home address
- Passport number
For safaris that include gorilla tracking, we strongly recommend booking at least three months in advance, particularly during the high season.
Important Notes:
- Children under 15 years are not allowed to track chimpanzees or gorillas.
- Individuals showing signs of communicable diseases will not be allowed to track gorillas.
- Deep End Safaris is not responsible for individuals denied entry by park authorities.
Upon confirmation, clients must inform Deep End Safaris of any special requests, including dietary restrictions, medical needs, or disability accommodations. While we strive to meet all requests, fulfillment is not guaranteed.
Accommodations have limited capacity, so early booking is advised. If you need to amend your reservation, we will accommodate changes where possible. Any additional costs incurred due to amendments will be added to the total invoice.
2. Payment
- A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your safari.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits will be purchased only after receiving full permit fees.
- The balance must be paid one month before safari commencement.
- If booking within 30 days of departure, full payment is required at confirmation.
- Payments are quoted in US dollars.
- Payments via MasterCard & Visa incur a 4% bank surcharge and should be completed at least two months before the safari.
- Bank transfers are accepted, but clients must cover the bank charges.
- Failure to make payments as required may result in booking cancellation by Deep End Safaris.
3. Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made in writing and will take effect upon receipt. Refunds will be based on cancellation fees imposed by hotels, lodges, and banks. The following charges apply:
- 14-35 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee
- 2-14 days before departure: 75% cancellation fee
- Less than 48 hours before departure: No refund
Non-Refundable Items:
- Gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey permits are strictly non-refundable.
- Deep End Safaris is not responsible for cancellations by third-party service providers.
4. Transfer of Booking
If you are unable to travel due to extraordinary circumstances, we may transfer your booking to another person, provided the arrangements remain unchanged and service providers (lodges, permits, etc.) accept the transfer. Gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey permits may be transferable under certain conditions.
5. Tour Alterations
Deep End Safaris reserves the right to:
- Alter routes or arrangements due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Cancel or reschedule tours when necessary.
- Adjust tour schedules, transportation, and accommodation when conditions demand.
- Refuse service to any person whose behavior poses a risk to others, property, or the environment.
No refunds will be provided for:
- Failure to join a tour
- Late arrival or early departure from a tour
- Service denial due to inappropriate behavior
6. Transport
- Transport will depend on the number of clients and the chosen itinerary.
- Vehicles include 4WD minibuses, land cruisers, and 25-28 seat coasters for large groups.
- Vehicles are maintained for roadworthiness, but Deep End Safaris is not liable for breakdowns, punctures, or delays due to road conditions.
- Only Deep End Safaris’ English-speaking driver/guides are permitted to drive company vehicles.
- Routes and schedules may be altered due to weather, road conditions, security, or park/hotel issues.
7. Accommodation
- Accommodation is based on twin-bed rooms or tents with private bathrooms where possible.
- Single rooms are available at a supplementary cost but cannot be guaranteed.
- Deep End Safaris may substitute equivalent or superior accommodations when necessary.
8. Tour Prices
Prices include:
- Transportation per itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- Sightseeing and permits where applicable
- Driver’s allowance
- Bottled water
- Third-party insurance
Prices do not include:
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Tips, personal expenses, and optional activities
- Drinks, telephone calls, and laundry services
Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in exchange rates, availability, or tour modifications.
9. Emergency & Safety
Deep End Safaris prioritizes your safety but strongly advises clients to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before arrival.
10. Liability
- Deep End Safaris may subcontract third-party service providers.
- We act only as agents for hotels, lodges, transport carriers, and other service providers.
- We are not liable for injuries, delays, losses, or damages caused by third parties.
- Deep End Safaris is not responsible for force majeure events including:
- War, riots, terrorism, natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, extreme weather, and government actions.
- Road closures, flight cancellations, industrial disputes, and technical transport issues.
Legal claims will be handled under the jurisdiction of Ugandan courts.
11. Complaints & Refunds
- Gorilla permits are 100% non-refundable. However, under certain conditions, they may be transferable.
- No refunds will be issued for unused services, late arrivals, or no-shows.
- Complaints must be reported immediately to the driver/guide or a Deep End Safaris representative. If unresolved, a written complaint must be submitted within 30 days of tour completion.
12. Animal Viewing
- While every effort is made to spot wildlife, sightings are not guaranteed.
- Guests must maintain a safe distance from animals and follow the guide’s instructions.
- A gorilla permit allows tracking but does not guarantee gorillas will be in plain sight.
Thank you for choosing Deep End Safaris. We look forward to providing you with an unforgettable safari experience!
