Terms & Conditions
Last updated: 3 May 2026
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern all bookings, inquiries, communications, and use of the website operated by Gerry Tours & Safaris ("the Company", "we", "us", "our"), a tour operator registered in Kigali, Republic of Rwanda, and a member of RICTA & RATA, certified by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). By using this website or engaging our services you agree to be bound by these Terms in full.
1.Definitions
"Client" / "you" refers to any individual or group making an inquiry, booking, or using this website. "Journey" or "Expedition" refers to any itinerary, tour, trek, transfer, or service arranged by us. "Gorilla Permit" refers to the mountain gorilla trekking permit issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
2.Booking & Payment
All bookings are confirmed only upon receipt of the required deposit as communicated by Gerry Tours & Safaris. A booking constitutes a binding contract under these Terms. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to the Journey start date unless otherwise agreed in writing. Failure to pay by the due date may result in cancellation of the booking and forfeiture of any deposit paid.
3.Gorilla Permits
Gorilla permits are issued and controlled exclusively by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Permit fees are set by RDB and are non-negotiable. We secure permits on behalf of Clients as part of the booked itinerary. Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable once issued by RDB, regardless of the circumstances. In the rare event that RDB revokes, cancels, or fails to issue a permit for any reason, our liability is limited to refunding the permit fee paid to us — we shall not be liable for any consequential losses, travel costs, or other expenses incurred by the Client.
4.Cancellation by the Client
Cancellations must be made in writing to gerrytours@icloud.com. The following cancellation schedule applies unless otherwise agreed in writing:
- More than 90 days before departure — deposit forfeited.
- 60–90 days before departure — 50% of total cost forfeited.
- 30–59 days before departure — 75% of total cost forfeited.
- Less than 30 days before departure — 100% of total cost forfeited.
Gorilla permits are always non-refundable once issued by RDB, irrespective of the cancellation timeline.
5.Cancellation or Alteration by the Company
We reserve the right to cancel or modify any Journey due to force majeure, unsafe conditions, government restrictions, park closures, or any event beyond our reasonable control. In such cases, we will offer an alternative date or itinerary where possible, or a refund of payments made to us (excluding any non-refundable third-party costs such as gorilla permits already issued). We shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or incidental losses arising from such cancellation or modification.
6.Assumption of Risk
Safari, gorilla trekking, hiking, and all activities arranged by us involve inherent risks including but not limited to: uneven terrain, altitude, wildlife encounters, tropical diseases, remote locations with limited medical facilities, extreme weather, and road conditions. By booking with us, the Client acknowledges and voluntarily assumes all such risks. The Client agrees to follow all safety instructions from guides, rangers, and park authorities at all times.
7.Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law:
- The Company acts as an intermediary between the Client and third-party service providers (including but not limited to lodges, airlines, ground transport operators, park authorities, and permit-issuing bodies). We are not liable for any act, omission, default, injury, loss, damage, delay, or irregularity caused by any third party.
- Our total aggregate liability for any claim arising from or related to a Journey shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Client to us for that specific Journey.
- We shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including loss of enjoyment, lost profits, or emotional distress, regardless of the cause.
- We are not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings, luggage, equipment, or valuables during any Journey.
8.Travel Insurance
All Clients are required to hold comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation, personal injury, baggage loss, and repatriation for the full duration of the Journey. Proof of insurance may be requested prior to departure. We shall not be liable for any costs that would have been covered by adequate travel insurance.
9.Health, Fitness & Medical
Clients are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to participate in booked activities. Gorilla trekking requires moderate to strenuous physical effort at altitude (2,400–3,000 m). It is the Client's responsibility to consult a travel medicine specialist and obtain all required vaccinations (including Yellow Fever) and malaria prophylaxis. We are not liable for any illness, injury, or medical condition arising during or after the Journey.
10.Minimum Age
The Rwanda Development Board requires gorilla trekkers to be at least 15 years of age. We cannot override this restriction. Age restrictions for other activities are set by the relevant park or service provider.
11.Compliance with Laws & Park Rules
Clients must comply with all applicable laws of the Republic of Rwanda and all rules and regulations set by national park authorities, including maintaining a minimum distance from wildlife, no flash photography, and following ranger instructions. Failure to comply may result in removal from an activity without refund.
12.Indemnification
The Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Gerry Tours & Safaris, its owner, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to: (a) the Client's breach of these Terms; (b) the Client's negligent or unlawful conduct; (c) any injury, loss, or damage suffered by the Client or any third party during or as a result of the Journey, except to the extent caused by our proven gross negligence.
13.Intellectual Property
All content on this website — including text, photographs, design, logos, and code — is the property of Gerry Tours & Safaris or its licensors and is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use any content without prior written permission.
14.Privacy & Data
We collect personal information (name, email, travel preferences) solely to compose and deliver your Journey. We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with unrelated third parties. Information may be shared with third-party service providers (lodges, transport, RDB) as necessary to fulfil your booking. By submitting an inquiry you consent to this processing.
15.Website Disclaimer
The information on this website is provided in good faith and for general informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties or representations of any kind regarding completeness, accuracy, reliability, or availability. Visa guidance, permit pricing, and travel advisories are subject to change without notice and should be verified with official government sources. Use of this website is at your own risk.
16.Force Majeure
We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations where such failure or delay arises from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics, war, terrorism, civil unrest, government actions, border closures, volcanic activity, park closures, airline cancellations, strikes, or infrastructure failures.
17.Dispute Resolution & Governing Law
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Rwanda. Any dispute arising from or in connection with these Terms or any Journey shall be resolved first through good-faith negotiation. If unresolved within 30 days, disputes shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Kigali, Republic of Rwanda.
18.Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, unenforceable, or illegal by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
19.Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with any booking confirmation and itinerary issued by us, constitute the entire agreement between the Client and Gerry Tours & Safaris. No oral or written representation made prior to booking shall form part of this agreement unless expressly incorporated in writing.
20.Amendments
We reserve the right to update or amend these Terms at any time. The current version will always be available on this page. Continued use of the website or our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
Questions about these Terms? Contact us at gerrytours@icloud.com or call +250 799 525 648.
Compose Your Journey