Terms and Condition

Snap Uganda Tours Ltd – Terms and Conditions of Service

1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms
   These Terms and Conditions (the “Terms”) govern the relationship between Snap Uganda Tours Ltd (“The Company,” “We,” “Us,” or “Our”) and the client (“Client,” “You,” or “Your”), a company registered in Uganda.
   They apply to all tour services, photographic safaris, birding tours, and ancillary services (including video production, wall décor, and photo restoration).
   By confirming a booking, paying a deposit, or utilizing any of our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, which constitute the entire agreement between you and Snap Uganda Tours Ltd.
2. Booking and Payment
   A. Prices and Validity
   I. All prices are quoted in United States Dollars (USD) or local currency at the prevailing exchange rate.
   II. Payments made in local currency must cover any applicable exchange rate commissions.
   III. Prices are subject to change until the booking is confirmed and a deposit received.
3. Deposits and Confirmation
   I. A non-refundable deposit (typically 30% of the total tour price) is required to confirm your booking.
   II. Deposits secure high-demand activities such as Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits.
   III. The booking is considered confirmed only once we issue a written confirmation and receipt.
4. Final Payment
   I. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the tour start date.
   II. For bookings made within 90 days of departure, 100% payment is required immediately.
   III. Accepted payment methods: credit card or bank transfer.
5. Activity Permits
   I. All activity permits, including Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking, are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are non-refundable.
   II. Gorilla permits are in high demand and should be booked at least 6 months in advance.
   III. UWA charges separate fees for commercial filming and professional photography within protected areas.
6. Cancellation Policy
   A. Cancellation by the Client
   All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email.
   Refunds (excluding non-refundable deposits and permits) are as follows:
   I. 91+ days before departure: 100% refund
   II. 61–90 days: 75% refund
   III. 31–60 days: 50% refund
   IV. 0–30 days: 0% refund
7. Cancellation by The Company
   I. We reserve the right to cancel tours due to unforeseen circumstances such as political instability, security issues, or natural disasters.
   II. In such cases, we will offer an alternative tour of comparable value or a full refund of monies paid, excluding non-recoverable third-party costs (e.g., permits).
   III. We are not liable for additional costs such as international flights.
8. Operational and Logistical Provisions
   A. Accommodation Guarantee
   I. If specified facilities are unavailable, alternative accommodation of equivalent standard will be arranged.
9. Equipment Safety and Liability
   I. Clients are fully responsible for the care and security of personal and photographic equipment.
   II. The Company is not liable for loss, theft, or damage.
10. Vehicle Replacement
    I. In the event of a breakdown, a replacement vehicle of similar standard will be provided promptly.
11. Photos for Promotional Use
    I. Clients consent to photographs taken during the tour being used for promotional purposes unless declined in writing before the tour.
12. Itinerary Changes
    I. We may make minor adjustments due to weather, park regulations, or road conditions.
    II. No refunds are issued for such operational changes.
13. Scope of Services
    A. Tour Services (Safaris and Journeys)
    I. Our tour categories include:
    I. General Safaris – Classic wildlife and scenic experiences.
    II. Photographic Safaris – Tailored for professional and enthusiast photographers.
    III. Birding Safaris – Focused on endemic and migratory species.
    IV. Combined Birding & Photographic Safaris – Designed for dual interests.
14. Each safari includes:
    I. Transportation: 4×4 Safari Vans or Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs and wide, untinted windows.
    II. Small Group Guarantee: Maximum of 4 photographers per vehicle for comfort and space.
    III. Accommodation & Meals: As confirmed at booking.
    IV. Exclusions: Visa fees, international flights, travel insurance, gratuities, and personal expenses unless otherwise stated.
15. Ancillary Services
    I. Services such as Video Production, Wall Décor, Stock Photography, Photo Restoration, and Media Digitisation are subject to separate agreements and rates.
16. Photographic and Birding Tour Recommendations
    I. Private Boat Recommendation: Highly recommended for river and channel cruises to allow more time, space, and flexibility for photography.
    II. Included in the tour cost if specified in the final booking confirmation.
17. Bird and Wildlife Sightings (Compressed)
    I. Snap Uganda Tours Ltd strives to provide excellent wildlife and birding experiences, but sightings of specific animals or birds cannot be guaranteed. Wildlife is free-ranging and subject to natural variability, including seasonal changes, weather, and environmental factors.
18. While there is a high likelihood of seeing mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the shoebill in Mabamba Wetlands, clients acknowledge that sightings are not guaranteed and accept the inherent unpredictability of wildlife experiences.
19. Liability and Insurance
    A. Client Responsibility
    I. Clients accept the inherent risks of adventure travel, including wildlife encounters, transport challenges, and environmental conditions, and agree to follow guide instructions and Ugandan laws.
20. Mandatory Travel Insurance
    I. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, baggage loss, and cancellation is mandatory.
    II. The Company is not liable for losses due to failure to secure adequate coverage.
21. Limitation of Liability
    I. Snap Uganda Tours acts as an agent for accommodations, transport providers, and other third-party services.
    II. We are not responsible for damages caused by circumstances beyond our control, including natural disasters, strikes, mechanical failure, civil unrest, or negligence of third parties.
22. Local Regulations and Drone Policy
    A. Drone Regulations (Uganda)
    I. Drones (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems – RPAS) may only be used with prior formal authorization.
    II. Required Permits:
    I. From the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA)
    II. Security clearance from the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)
    III. Authorization from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for protected areas

III. Action Required:
I. Apply for permits at least 3 months before travel.
II. Unauthorized drone use may result in confiscation at the airport or in the field.
III. Advisory: Unless all clearances are obtained, it is best to leave drones at home.

1. Primate Tracking Age Limits
   I. Gorilla & Chimpanzee Tracking Minimum Age:
   I. Uganda (Standard Treks) – 15 years
   II. Uganda (Certain Sites e.g., Kalinzu Forest) – 12 years (case by case)
   III. Chimpanzee Habituation Experience – 15 years minimum
2. These limits are strictly enforced to ensure safety, conservation integrity, and health protection of primates.
3. Permit Allocation
   I. Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking permits are allocated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
   II. Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park depends on the assigned Gorilla family group (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, or Rushaga sectors).
4. Personal Information Policy
   I. Snap Uganda Tours Ltd collects and processes only the personal data necessary for bookings, permits, and travel logistics.
   II. Your information is stored securely and will not be shared with third parties except for processing bookings, permits, or when required by Ugandan law.
   III. Clients have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of their personal information, subject to legal retention requirements.
5. Governing Law
   I. These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Uganda.
   II. Clients agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of Ugandan courts for any disputes or claims.
6. Client Acknowledgement
   I. By confirming a booking or paying a deposit, the Client acknowledges and agrees that:
   I. They have read, understood, and accepted all Terms and Conditions, including liability, insurance, permits, drone regulations, photographic tour recommendations, and wildlife sighting provisions.
   II. They understand that deposits and permits are non-refundable.
   III. They accept responsibility for personal safety, compliance with Ugandan laws, and care of their equipment.
   IV. They consent to photo use for promotional purposes unless declined in writing.
   V. They have arranged adequate travel insurance.
   VI. They agree to submit to the laws and courts of Uganda.