Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms apply to all safari bookings, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits, accommodation reservations, and related travel arrangements booked through Tutoke, whether made via WhatsApp, email, our website inquiry forms, or in person. A booking is only confirmed once we have issued written confirmation and received the required deposit described in Section 2. If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions continue in full force.

2. Booking & Deposit

A booking request becomes a confirmed reservation only once a non-refundable deposit has been received and we have issued written confirmation of your itinerary, dates, and lodge selections. Deposit amounts vary by trip (gorilla trekking permits in particular must typically be paid in full at the time of booking, since Rwanda’s Development Board issues permits on a first-paid basis and does not hold provisional allocations). We will always state the exact deposit and balance-due schedule in your written quote before requesting payment.

3. Payment Terms

The remaining balance of your safari cost is due no later than 60 days before your travel start date, unless otherwise specified in your written quote. For bookings made within 60 days of travel, full payment is due at the time of booking. Accepted payment methods, currency, and any applicable transfer or processing fees will be confirmed with you directly. Prices quoted are per the itinerary agreed at the time of booking and may not reflect prices for the same route requested at a later date, since park fees, permit costs, and lodge rates are set independently by third parties and can change without notice to us.

4. Cancellation & Refunds

Cancellations must be submitted in writing (email or WhatsApp message to your booking contact). Refunds of the trip cost, excluding any non-refundable deposit and any already-issued third-party permits (which are non-refundable once issued, per Rwanda Development Board and Tanzania National Parks policy), are calculated from the date we receive written notice:

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits are non-refundable at any point once issued by the relevant national authority, regardless of the cancellation window above. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation — see Section 7.

5. Itinerary Changes & Force Majeure

We reserve the right to modify an itinerary where necessary for traveler safety, park authority requirements, weather, road conditions, or wildlife behavior, always aiming to substitute an experience of equivalent value. Neither party is liable for failure to perform obligations under these Terms due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disaster, civil unrest, government action, pandemic-related travel restrictions, or park closures (“Force Majeure”). In a Force Majeure event, we will work with you in good faith on rescheduling, but cannot guarantee a refund of costs already paid to third parties (permits, lodges, or airlines).

6. Traveler Responsibilities & Health

You are responsible for ensuring you hold a valid passport (with the validity period required by your destination countries), any required visas, and any vaccination certificates required for entry (a yellow fever certificate is required by both Tanzania and Rwanda if you are arriving from or have transited an endemic country). You must disclose any medical condition, mobility limitation, or fitness concern relevant to your itinerary before booking, particularly for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, which can involve several hours of hiking at altitude over uneven terrain.

7. Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance, covering trip cancellation, medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation, is required for all travelers on a Tutoke safari. Given the remote nature of many national park locations, we strongly recommend a policy that specifically includes air evacuation coverage. Proof of insurance may be requested prior to departure. Tutoke is not a substitute for travel insurance and accepts no liability for costs an appropriate policy would have covered.

8. Liability

Tutoke acts as an agent in arranging services provided by independent third parties, including lodges, camps, airlines, and ground transport operators. While we select partners carefully, we are not liable for the acts, omissions, negligence, or default of any independent third-party supplier. To the maximum extent permitted by law, our liability for any claim arising from your booking is limited to the total amount you paid to Tutoke for that booking. Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, such as liability for death or personal injury caused by our own proven negligence.

9. Intellectual Property

All text, photography, itineraries, and branding on this website are the property of Tutoke Tours & Adventures or used under license, and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for a competing commercial purpose without our prior written consent.

10. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising from a booking that cannot be resolved amicably will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Tanzania, except where a booking relates specifically to services performed within Rwanda, in which case Rwandan law may also apply to that portion of the trip.

11. Contact Us

Questions about these Terms can be sent directly to our operations desks: