Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

In these Terms & Conditions, the following definitions apply:

• “Karibu Origins” / “we” / “us”: Karibu Origins, the tailor-made travel company operating under the brand name Karibu Origins
• “You” / “client” / “traveller”: The lead traveller who makes the booking and all members of the travelling party on whose behalf the booking is made
• “Journey” / “itinerary”: The tailor-made travel arrangements designed and confirmed by Karibu Origins
• “Booking confirmation”: The written confirmation issued by Karibu Origins confirming your reserved arrangements and the applicable pricing
• “Supplier”: Any third-party provider of services included in your journey, including lodges, camps, airlines, ground operators, permit authorities and activity providers
• “Force Majeure”: Any event beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, war, civil unrest, government actions, or infrastructure failure

2. The Contract

A binding contract between you and Karibu Origins comes into existence when we issue a written Booking Confirmation and receive your deposit payment. Prior to this, any quotation, itinerary proposal, or correspondence constitutes an invitation to book and does not create a binding obligation on either party.

The lead traveller must be at least 18 years of age and accepts these Terms & Conditions on behalf of all members of the travelling party. It is the lead traveller's responsibility to ensure all members of the party are aware of and agree to these terms.

Karibu Origins acts as a travel organiser and, where applicable, as an agent for third-party suppliers. Our obligations and liability are set out in these Terms & Conditions.

3. Making a Booking

3.1 Enquiry & Proposal

All journeys with Karibu Origins are tailor-made. Following your initial enquiry, we will design a bespoke itinerary and provide a detailed quotation. Quotations are valid for 14 days unless otherwise stated and are subject to availability.

3.2 Confirmation

To confirm your booking, you must: (a) confirm your acceptance of the proposed itinerary and pricing in writing; (b) pay the required deposit; and (c) provide all required traveller information. Your booking is confirmed only upon receipt of your deposit and our written Booking Confirmation.

3.3 Accuracy of Information

You are responsible for ensuring that all information provided to us — including names, passport details, dietary requirements, health conditions, and travel dates — is accurate and complete. Karibu Origins accepts no liability for issues arising from inaccurate information provided by you.

4. Pricing & Payment

4.1 Pricing

All prices are quoted in US Dollars (USD) unless otherwise agreed. Prices are based on costs at the time of quotation and are subject to change until a Booking Confirmation is issued. We reserve the right to pass on increases in costs beyond our control (including fuel surcharges, permit fees, currency fluctuations, and government taxes) up to 20 days before departure.

4.2 Deposit & Balance

• A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total journey cost is required to confirm your booking
• The balance is due 60 days before departure
• For bookings made within 60 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking
• Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits must be paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable

4.3 Payment Methods

We accept bank transfer (SWIFT/SEPA), major credit and debit cards, and other methods as agreed. Bank charges and currency conversion fees are the client's responsibility. Payments must be received in cleared funds.

5. Changes by You

If you wish to make changes to your confirmed booking, please notify us in writing as soon as possible. We will endeavour to accommodate your request, subject to availability and any additional costs. An amendment fee of USD 75 per change may apply for significant itinerary modifications made after confirmation.

Changes to gorilla or chimpanzee trekking permits are subject to the Uganda Wildlife Authority's own policies and may not be possible. Date changes for permits are treated as cancellations and new bookings.

6. Cancellation by You

All cancellations must be made in writing to info@karibuorigins.com. Cancellation charges apply from the date we receive your written notice. Please refer to our full Booking & Cancellation Policy for the complete schedule of charges.

7. Changes & Cancellation by Us

7.1 Minor Changes

We reserve the right to make minor changes to your itinerary (such as substituting accommodation of equivalent or higher standard, adjusting activity timings, or modifying routing) where necessary due to operational requirements, supplier changes, or circumstances beyond our control. We will notify you of any such changes as soon as practicable.

7.2 Significant Changes

If we are required to make a significant change to your confirmed booking, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer you the choice of: (a) accepting the changed arrangements; (b) transferring to an alternative journey of comparable standard; or (c) cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid to us (excluding non-recoverable third-party costs such as permits).

7.3 Force Majeure

Karibu Origins shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance resulting from Force Majeure events. In such circumstances, we will work with you to find the best possible solution, which may include rescheduling, credit notes, or partial refunds where recoverable from suppliers.

8. Our Liability

Karibu Origins accepts responsibility for ensuring that the travel arrangements we have agreed to provide are supplied as described and are of a reasonable standard. If any part of your journey is not provided as agreed and this affects the enjoyment of your trip, we will pay appropriate compensation, subject to the limitations below.

Our liability is limited as follows:

• We are not liable for any failure caused by you, an unforeseeable third party, or Force Majeure
• Our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence is not limited
• Our liability for other losses is limited to twice the price of the affected portion of your journey
• We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses, including loss of enjoyment, business losses, or missed connections not caused by our negligence
• We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of independent suppliers, except where required by applicable law

Wildlife encounters, including gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, involve inherent risks. By participating, you acknowledge and accept these risks. Karibu Origins and its guides take all reasonable precautions for your safety.

9. Your Obligations

As a client of Karibu Origins, you agree to:

• Follow all instructions given by Karibu Origins guides and representatives, particularly regarding wildlife safety protocols
• Comply with all rules and regulations of national parks, wildlife authorities, and accommodation providers
• Behave in a manner that does not endanger yourself, other travellers, guides, wildlife, or local communities
• Respect local customs, cultures, and environments at all times
• Maintain a minimum distance of 7 metres from mountain gorillas and other great apes at all times
• Not visit gorillas or chimpanzees if you are unwell with a respiratory illness or any communicable disease
• Ensure you hold valid travel insurance, a valid passport, and all required visas and vaccinations
• Settle any personal expenses (drinks, tips, souvenirs, etc.) directly with suppliers

Karibu Origins reserves the right to remove any client from a journey without refund if their behaviour poses a risk to safety, wildlife, or other travellers.

10. Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all Karibu Origins journeys. Your policy must be in place at the time of booking and must cover, at minimum:

• Trip cancellation and curtailment (including cancellation for any reason where possible)
• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation (minimum USD 500,000 cover recommended)
• Personal liability
• Baggage and personal effects
• Adventure activities including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and white-water rafting where applicable

You must provide proof of insurance upon request. Karibu Origins accepts no liability for any costs arising from inadequate insurance cover.

11. Health, Safety & Risk

Travel to Uganda and East Africa involves inherent risks that differ from travel in your home country. You are responsible for:

• Consulting a travel medicine specialist or GP at least 6–8 weeks before departure regarding vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis, and health precautions
• Ensuring you are physically fit for the activities included in your itinerary, particularly gorilla trekking which involves strenuous hiking at altitude
• Disclosing any medical conditions, disabilities, or dietary requirements that may affect your journey
• Carrying sufficient personal medication for the duration of your trip

Karibu Origins will provide pre-departure information including health and safety guidance. However, this does not substitute for professional medical advice.

12. Permits & Visas

12.1 Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permits

Gorilla trekking permits (currently USD 800 per person per trek) and chimpanzee tracking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and are non-refundable and non-transferable once purchased. Karibu Origins will secure permits on your behalf upon receipt of full permit payment. Permit availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed until confirmed.

12.2 Visas & Entry Requirements

You are responsible for ensuring you hold a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond your return date) and all required visas for Uganda and any transit countries. Uganda offers an East Africa Tourist Visa covering Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Karibu Origins can provide guidance but accepts no liability for denied entry or visa issues.

13. Complaints

If you experience any problem during your journey, please inform your guide or Karibu Origins representative immediately so that we can attempt to resolve the issue on the spot. If the matter cannot be resolved locally, please submit a written complaint to info@karibuorigins.com within 28 days of your return.

We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days and aim to provide a full response within 28 days. Failure to report issues during the journey may affect our ability to investigate and resolve them.

14. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Uganda. Any disputes arising from or in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Uganda, without prejudice to your rights as a consumer under the laws of your country of residence.

For clients based in the European Union, nothing in these terms affects your statutory rights as a consumer under EU law, including the EU Package Travel Directive (2015/2302/EU) where applicable.

15. General Provisions

• Entire agreement: These Terms & Conditions, together with the Booking Confirmation, Privacy Policy, and Booking & Cancellation Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Karibu Origins
• Severability: If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect
• Waiver: Failure by Karibu Origins to enforce any provision of these terms shall not constitute a waiver of our right to enforce that provision in the future
• Assignment: You may not transfer your booking to another person without our prior written consent. We may transfer our obligations to another suitable operator in the event of business restructuring
• Photographs & marketing: We may use photographs taken during your journey for marketing purposes with your prior consent. You may withdraw consent at any time
• Responsible tourism: By booking with Karibu Origins, you agree to support our responsible tourism principles, including respect for wildlife, communities, and the environment