Terms and Conditions For Vagabond Tours and Travel
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Vagabond Tours and Travel. We appreciate your booking and look forward to providing you with unforgettable experiences in East Africa. The following terms and conditions apply to the services offered by Vagabond Tours and Travel. By confirming a booking, you automatically agree to these terms. Failure to adhere to our terms and conditions may result in the cancellation of services or other penalties.
1. Payment Terms
Payment terms are as follows:
- A 50% refundable deposit is required upon receipt of the invoice unless
otherwise stated. Permits (such as Gorilla Permits) may require a non-refundable deposit depending on availability and specific regulations.
- The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to arrival.
- For bookings made within 30 days of arrival, full payment is due immediately upon invoice issuance.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits can only be secured after deposit payment and are subject to availability at the time of booking.
- Should payment not be received as per these terms, Vagabond Tours and Travel reserves the right to cancel bookings and release reserved rooms or services.
2. Cancellations
Cancellations or reductions in services will incur the following charges:
- Cancellations made more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival: the
deposit is forfeited.
- Cancellations made 30–15 days before arrival: 50% refundable.
- Cancellations made less than 10 days before arrival: 100% non-refundable. - No refunds will be provided for unused services during the trip.
3. General Conditions
Vagabond Tours and Travel arranges accommodation bookings, transportation, guided tours, and other services across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Please read these terms carefully as they form the basis of your contract with us. The term “you” refers to the individuals listed on the booking, while “we” or “us” refers to Vagabond Tours and Travel. Changes to these terms will apply as amended at the time of booking.
Please note that conditions in East Africa may differ from those in your home country, including service standards, medical facilities, and safety measures. Your trip will be governed by the laws of the countries you visit, not your home country.
4. Website Use Terms
We strive to ensure that the information provided on our website is accurate and up- to-date. However, Vagabond Tours and Travel does not make any guarantees, whether expressed or implied, about the accuracy or completeness of the content. We will not be held responsible for any damages arising from the use or inability to use our website.
We respect the privacy of our customers and treat personal information with strict confidentiality. Vagabond Tours and Travel may use cookies to enhance user experience on our website, but these cookies will not harm your computer. Personal data will not be shared with third parties unless required by law.
5. Force Majeure
We regret that we cannot be held responsible or provide compensation for unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, such as natural disasters, government actions, political unrest, terrorist activities, or severe weather conditions that affect the performance of our services. In such cases, Vagabond Tours and Travel will make every effort to provide suitable alternatives where possible.
6. Cancellations by Us
In rare cases, Vagabond Tours and Travel may need to cancel a booking due to unforeseen circumstances. We will not cancel a confirmed booking less than 30 days prior to departure unless you fail to make payment on time or events beyond our control make it impossible to proceed. In such situations, we will offer an alternative of similar standard, subject to availability, or refund the full amount paid, minus permit fees.
If a booking is canceled due to force majeure or any failure on our part, we will issue a refund up to a maximum compensation of $50, depending on the circumstances. However, we are not responsible for any additional expenses you may incur as a result of such cancellations.
7. Complaints
Complaints must be reported immediately to our representative or service provider on the ground. If unresolved, a written report should be submitted to Vagabond Tours and Travel within 20 days after your trip. Complaints not reported in this time frame may not be accepted for further consideration.
8. Consumer Protection
Vagabond Tours and Travel offers tour and travel services only. We do not sell international flights, and clients are advised to check with their agents or carriers for travel bonding arrangements.
9. Primate Permits
Permits for activities such as gorilla and chimpanzee tracking are purchased upon receipt of the necessary deposit and subject to availability. Please note that while Vagabond Tours and Travel will make every effort to secure permits, sightings of primates cannot be guaranteed. In cases of park closures or unforeseen circumstances, **Vagabond Tours and Travel** will attempt to secure refunds from the authorities, which will be passed on to the client.
10. Insurance
It is a condition of booking that all travelers must have comprehensive travel insurance, which covers personal injury, medical expenses, loss or damage to personal property, and trip cancellations. High-risk activities like mountaineering, trekking, or white-water rafting must be explicitly covered.
11. Liability
We accept responsibility for ensuring that services offered are of a reasonable standard and provided as per the itinerary. However, we cannot be held liable for events caused by third parties or for circumstances outside our control, such as delays, illnesses, or injuries arising from wildlife encounters or local conditions. Clients are urged to take the necessary health precautions, such as vaccinations, and ensure they are adequately covered by insurance.
12. Quotation/Bookings/Prices
Once a quote has been issued, please verify that all the details are correct. Vagabond Tours and Travel reserves the right to amend prices due to factors such as transportation costs, taxes, or permit fees exceeding 2% of the total cost. Any price changes exceeding 10% of the total will give you the option to cancel your trip with a full refund, except for non-refundable permits.
13. Safari Terms
Prices include airport transfers, accommodation, meals (where specified), the services of an English-speaking guide, park fees, and all activities as listed in the itinerary. Prices exclude international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses (e.g., drinks, laundry), and gratuities.
We reserve the right to alter safari itineraries due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road closures, or security concerns. In such cases, we will make every effort to provide suitable alternatives.
14. Transportation
We make every effort to ensure our vehicles are roadworthy and well-maintained. However, Vagabond Tours and Travel accepts no liability for delays or issues arising from vehicle breakdowns. Our drivers are experienced guides and follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety of our clients.
15. Jurisdiction
Vagabond Tours and Travel is incorporated in Uganda and operates under Ugandan law. All contracts and disputes will be governed by the laws of Uganda, regardless of the country of origin of the client.
