Booking & Privacy Policies

Booking Policy

A booking with Simbiya Safaris is considered provisionaluntil the required deposit is received and written confirmation has been issued.

• Standard safaris require a non-refundable deposit of 30%-50%of the total tour cost, as specified in your quotation.
• The remaining balanceis due no later than 30 days before arrival, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Bookings made within 30 days of travelmay require full paymentat the time of confirmation.
• Payments may be made via bank transfer or approved electronic payment methods; all bank charges are normally borne by the client.

All quotations are issued in USDunless stated otherwise. Prices may be adjusted before booking confirmation in response to changes in government taxes, park fees, fuel costs, or foreign exchange fluctuations. Once your deposit is received and your booking is confirmed, your agreed price is protected from further changes.

Confirmation Policy

Your safari is confirmedonce Simbiya Safaris has received the required deposit and has issued written confirmation acknowledging the payment and services booked.

• Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are subject to availability and are secured only after full or required deposit payment has been received.
• Booking documents (itinerary, invoices, and vouchers where applicable) will be provided as your official record of services.
• Clients are responsible for reviewing confirmation details and informing Simbiya Safaris promptly of any discrepancies.

Simbiya Safaris reserves the right to make minor operational adjustments to itineraries where required by weather, road conditions, park regulations, or safety considerations. Any such changes will aim to maintain equivalent or greater experience value.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writingto Simbiya Safaris.

Standard cancellation terms are as follows (unless otherwise stated in your quotation):

• 60+ days before arrival: Deposit may be partially refundable, excluding gorilla and chimpanzee permits and other non-refundable third-party fees.
• 30-59 days before arrival: Up to 50%of the total tour cost may be retained.
• 0-29 days before arrival: Up to 100%of the total tour cost may be retained.

Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are governed by Uganda Wildlife Authority regulations and are strictly non-refundableonce issued. Any additional supplier-specific cancellation terms (e.g., from lodges, airlines, or activity providers) will also apply.

Refund Policy

Where refunds are applicable under our cancellation terms, Simbiya Safaris will process them in accordance with the timelines and policies of third-party suppliers involved in your itinerary.

• Non-refundable items such as gorilla and chimpanzee permits and clearly indicated third-party fees will notbe refunded.
• Where partial refunds are due, Simbiya Safaris will deduct applicable bank charges and supplier penalties before remitting the balance to the client.
• Refund processing times vary depending on banks and suppliers; Simbiya Safaris will provide updates and any relevant reference details once a refund has been initiated.

Clients are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, interruption, emergency evacuation, and personal liability. Simbiya Safaris cannot be held responsible for losses arising from uninsured travel disruptions.

Privacy Policy

Simbiya Safaris respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us when you enquire about, book, or travel on a safari.

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Contact details (such as your name, email address, phone number, and country of residence).
• Travel preferences and booking details (destinations, dates, group composition, special requests).
• Necessary identification or health information required by authorities or service providers (for example, for permits or safety purposes), shared only where strictly necessary.

How We Use Your Information

• To design, quote, confirm, and operate your safari itinerary, including securing permits, lodge reservations, and related services.
• To communicate with you about your enquiry, booking, and any updates or changes before and during travel.
• To improve our services and, where you have consented, to share occasional news or special offers that may be relevant to you.

Sharing & Security

• We share your information only with trusted third parties directly involved in delivering your services (such as lodges, transport providers, park authorities, and activity operators).
• We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.
• We retain your information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described above and to meet any legal or regulatory obligations.

You may contact Simbiya Safaris at any time to request access to, correction of, or deletion of the personal information we hold about you, subject to applicable legal requirements and our obligations as a licensed tour operator.

Liability, Conduct & Governing Law

Simbiya Safaris acts as an intermediary between clients and independent third-party service providers (including lodges, airlines, park authorities, and transport providers). While we make every effort to work with reputable partners, we cannot accept liability for delays, cancellations, or events beyond our reasonable control, including force majeure, government actions, or natural disasters.

Clients are required to follow all applicable laws, park rules, and instructions from guides and rangers, especially during wildlife activities. Failure to comply may result in removal from activities without refund for unused services.

These booking terms and policies are governed by the laws of the Republic of Uganda, and any disputes shall be subject to Ugandan jurisdiction unless otherwise agreed in writing.