Volcanoes Safaris is a unique safari company that has been creating magical journeys to the very heart of Africa since 1997. Our wildlife safaris explore the forgotten treasures of the Great Western Rift Valley on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Congo. In these stunning areas live the mountain gorilla, the chimpanzee, some of the great game of Africa and hundreds of amazing birds.
Today Volcanoes is the No. 1 gorilla safari company in the world. Our expertise and knowledge of mountain gorilla safaris is unrivalled. Our journeys revolve around the unique eco-lodges we have created near three gorilla parks – Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda and Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda. Volcanoes will also offer safaris to see the great apes in the neighbouring Congo Basin countries as these open for tourism.
Expertise and Specialisation
Volcanoes' headquarters is in Kampala, Uganda from where our African operations are run. The safari and lodge operations are managed by Yusuf Mulima Mubiru, a co-founder of Volcanoes Safaris and a director of the company. Behind his understated appearance lies twenty-five years' experience in the safari business. Yusuf is assisted by Carol in the management of the Kampala office and operations. Rehmah is head of tours and is assisted by Brian and Agnes. The guides -Sam, John, Charles, Steven, Vincent, Amon and Francis - are the company's ambassadors and revel in their role. Steven, Vincent and Moses also somehow manage to ensure our safari cars keep going on the bumpy roads. In addition there are all the support staff who make Volcanoes the premier safari company of Uganda and Rwanda, especially the managers at our properties who have the arduous task of running them. Sometimes even getting a humble cheese sandwich served halfway up a mountain can be a triumph of human endeavour.
Carol Namatovu
Carol is the dynamic and charming Operations Manager based in our Kampala office. Born in Uganda, she is aged 28 with a degree in Tourism from Makerere University. She has worked for Volcanoes since 2003 and has visited the UK and US. She enjoys travelling, making friends and reading.
Licences and Associations
Volcanoes Safaris is a member of the ATTA (African Travel and Tourism Association) in the UK; APTA (Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa); AUTO (the Association of Uganda Tour Operators) in Uganda; RTTA (the Rwanda Travel and Tour Operators Association) in Rwanda. Volcanoes Safaris is the officially appointed operator in Uganda and Rwanda for Virtuoso, the oldest and most prestigious association of leisure agencies in the United States.
Responsible Travel
Protecting Africa’s Great Apes
Africa’s Great Apes are under serious threat and as the leading gorilla safari company, Volcanoes cannot remain indifferent to their plight. We believe long-term partnerships between eco-tourism companies, local communities, conservation organisations, governments and donors are essential for the survival of the primates and for protecting the threatened forests where they live. The Volcanoes Safaris Business Linkages Challenge Fund (BLCF) project in Rwanda has successfully shown how such partnerships can foster development and play a part in protecting gorillas. We are initiating other integrated partnership projects and look forward to our clients playing their part in this crucial task.
Eco-Lodges
Season: Year round
Bwindi, Uganda: The only property in Bwindi which has magnificent views of the forest. Gorillas, chimpanzees and birds can often be heard screeching near the river below.
Mount Gahinga, Uganda: Sits in the shadow of three volcanoes from where there are magnificent views.
Sipi, Uganda: Sipi, on the slopes of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda, overlooks Uganda’s most romantic waterfall.
Virunga, Rwanda: In a spectacular location at the very heart of Africa with 360-degree views of the Virunga volcanoes and Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo.
Scheduled Safaris
Season: Year round
Volcanoes offers a range of scheduled safaris from both Kampala and Kigali from 3 to 12 days in duration.
Tailor-made Safaris
Season: Year round
Volcanoes' tailor-made safaris are created specifically to suit client interests and are run privately for clients, who decide where, when and what they want to do and we plan a safari accordingly. Our scheduled safaris can be run on a private basis for any number of clients and modified as required. Please ask for details.
Flying Safaris
Season: Year round
We also arrange custom-made flying safaris to the different national parks in Uganda and in Rwanda, in particular to the Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla parks and Queen Elizabeth and Kibale in Uganda and Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda. Clients fly from Kajansi near Kampala in Uganda or from Kigali in Rwanda to the National Park shown and back again. Where appropriate one gorilla permit is included in the price. An extra night and an extra gorilla permit can be added by paying a supplement at the time of booking.
One Way Charter Flights
Season: Year round
Clients can reduce the time spent travelling on the bumpy roads by taking a charter flight for one leg of the journey - either by being dropped off at the destination or being picked up from the destination at the end, on payment of a supplement.
Food and Beverages
At Volcanoes gorilla lodges (Bwindi, Mount Gahinga and Virunga), the tariffs are on an all-inclusive basis including unlimited consumption of all alcoholic and soft drinks.
Accommodation
Exclusive, stylish and eco-friendly Volcanoes Safaris has created three unique eco-lodges in Uganda and is the first company to open one near the Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda.
Since 1997 when Volcanoes opened its first basic mobile camp, we have come a long way. Today, clients stay in high quality ecofriendly lodges that are the best in the region. We are the only company in the world to have its own properties near three mountain gorilla parks. While providing high levels of comfort and elegance, we have remained committed to ecofriendly principles.
We believe that providing western standards of comfort in remote areas of Africa needs to be balanced with the impact of international travellers on the environment. We make our contribution to minimizing environmental disturbance by using a variety of natural energy sources, especially solar power; reducing water consumption and controlling waste disposal. Most of all we respect and work with local populations and recruit staff from their communities, so as far as possible they manage our properties. We hope clients will give us more ecofriendly ideas so that together we can create better eco-lodges in the future.
Our sensitive approach to tourism, the spectacular location of our lodges, the unique style and the superb service, all contribute to an unforgettable stay. In designing and building our lodges, Praveen Moman incorporates ancient Indian approaches to harmonising the energy of the earth with the energy of buildings. He is fortunate to work with Robin Pendleton, a New York-based interior design consultant, to create interiors that bring out the best of local materials and textures.
Transport
Our Custom Built 4x4 vehicles have five passenger window seats plus two mid row seats. We do not usually use the mid seats except for families that want to travel together and do not mind them. They have roof hatches for game viewing, an extended base for better leg room and as a rule carry a First Aid kit. There is enough room for 2 normal pieces of luggage per client on any of our trips.
Local Guides
Our guides - Sam, John, Charles, Steven, Vincent, Amon and Francis - are the company's ambassadors and revel in their role. All our driver/guides are trained internally by some well known guides in hospitality, game and bird identification, the history and cultures of the peoples of the region and are able to carry out first aid. They do not hold any specific international qualifications.
Age Restrictions
To protect gorillas from disease, no children under 15 or people with illnesses may go tracking. We do not have an upper age restriction but insist that you must be fit and healthy for the trip you have chosen. You must also have full travel insurance.
What to Bring
Equipment for Gorilla Tracking
Warm clothes, fleece or light wool sweater, moisture wicking undergarments, lightweight wool socks, long-sleeved shirt, strong waterproof walking boots (comfortable for going up and down steep hills), sturdy trousers, sunglasses, a torch, fast film, binoculars, sun screen, a sun hat, a breathable lightweight rain poncho or parka with a rain hat, gloves to grip vegetation (inexpensive gardening gloves work well) and a small backpack to carry water and a packed lunch. It is best to have layers of clothing as temperatures tend to change. The guides will make you a walking stick if needed.
GENERAL
Volcanoes Limited (the company) organises safaris in Uganda, in Rwanda and in neighbouring countries. Safaris may be organised by Volcanoes Limited registered in Uganda or Volcanoes Safaris Limited registered in Rwanda. Please read the Terms and Conditions and the Travel Notes carefully as together they set out our respective obligations and form the basis of your contract with us. In these terms and conditions, “you” means all persons named on the booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date) and “we” and “us” means Volcanoes Limited. These terms are amended from time to time due to changing circumstances; the terms at the time of booking are the terms that are valid. Conditions in Africa are not the same as those in developed countries and standards of service, medical facilities, safety and security may often be lower than those in your home countries. Please note that it is the laws and regulations of the country in which services are provided which apply to your holiday arrangements and not those of your home country.
ACCURACY OF INFORMATION
The descriptions, information and opinions given by us in respect of national parks, animal sightings, accommodation, itineraries, gorilla permits and security are given in good faith, based on the latest information available to us. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. We cannot accept any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions caused by matters beyond our control.
CANCELLATIONS BY US
Occasionally we have to cancel confirmed bookings. We always endeavour to avoid cancelling, but we must reserve the right to do so. We shall not cancel your confirmed holiday less than 30 days before departure unless you fail to make all payments due in full and on time or we are forced to do so as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care. If we cancel your holiday (except where you have failed to make payment or as a result of force majeure) we shall offer you the choice of purchasing an alternative holiday from us of a similar standard to that originally booked if available. If the chosen alternative is less expensive than your original holiday we shall refund the difference but if it is more expensive, we shall ask you to pay the difference. Alternatively you are entitled to a full refund of all monies you have paid to us save that paid for gorilla permits which can only be refunded if the refund has been made available to us. Except where we cancel for reasons other than those mentioned in this clause, we shall have no further liability to you. We regret we cannot pay any expenses, costs or losses incurred as a result of any cancellation. If we cancel for a reason that is not mentioned in this clause, we shall pay a maximum compensation of $100 depending on the circumstances.
We reserve the right, without prior notice, to terminate the holiday of any person in your party if, in our opinion or in the opinion of any other person in authority, the persons concerned behave in such a way to cause or be likely to cause danger, annoyance or distress to any third party or damage to property. In this situation, the person(s) concerned will be required to leave the accommodation or other service immediately. We shall have no further responsibility towards such person(s). No refunds will be made and we shall not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the termination.
CANCELLATIONS BY YOU
Should you or any member of your party be forced to cancel, you must advise us or your travel agent in writing. A cancellation is not effective until we receive a copy of your written notice. To cover our estimated loss caused by the cancellation and as we may be unable to resell your holiday, cancellation fees, excluding insurance, will be levied per person as follows:
Period before departure Cancellation charge (as percentage of total price paid where applicable)
More than 45 days Deposit
44 days - 15 days 50%
Less than 14 days 100%
COMPLAINTS
Complaints must be reported immediately to our representative and to the supplier of the service(s) in question, who will do their best to resolve any problem. If you remain dissatisfied, a written report should be submitted to the Safari manager in Kampala as soon as possible after the incident and not later than 28 days after completion of your holiday, to enable us to investigate them fully. Regrettably, liability for any complaints not notified in accordance with this procedure cannot be accepted.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Volcanoes UK Limited sells only ground handling services in Africa. It does not sell flights. In accordance with the EC Directive on Package Holidays, all clients directly booked with us through the UK office are fully protected for monies paid to us arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to insolvency through Bond Plus Protection insurance.
FORCE MAJEURE
We regret we cannot accept liability or pay compensation where the performance or proper performance of our obligations is prevented or affected by any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, border closures, unexpected government acts, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, extreme weather conditions, fire, technical and/or mechanical problems to transport, road closures, disease and all similar events beyond our control.
GORILLA PERMITS
Only when payment has been received can permits for gorilla tracking in the relevant National Park be purchased. Getting a gorilla permit is not a guarantee of seeing a gorilla. Local conditions sometimes mean that access to the gorillas is made impossible at short notice. We are unable to accept liability for any circumstance that might lead to gorilla viewing being cancelled, whether it is closure of the National Park or borders; absence of the gorillas; security changes. Refunds are at the discretion of the relevant authority and we cannot accept liability for them. We shall use our maximum endeavours to obtain a refund and if a refund is paid by the relevant authority, we shall pass it on to the client,
INSURANCE
Your attention is drawn to the section in the Travel Notes regarding insurance. It is a condition of booking that you must have, and must demonstrate to us or your travel agent at the time of booking that you have, appropriate insurance for the type of holiday being taken with us. Such insurance should fully cover death, personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation in the event of accident or illness or death, cancellation or curtailment of the holiday by either side and loss of, damage to, or theft of the clients’ personal property. Activities with a greater inherent risk, such as mountaineering, animal tracking on foot, white-water rafting should be covered. Evacuation cover is provided by Volcanoes for clients undertaking a full safari package.
JURISDICTION
The principal company is incorporated in the Republic of Uganda and it operates under the laws of Uganda. Your contract with us and matters arising out of it will be governed by the laws of Uganda save for contracts made through our associated company in the UK (Volcanoes UK Limited), which will be governed by the laws of England and Wales.
LIABILITY
We shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that (a) all component parts of the holiday are supplied as described in the brochure and to a reasonable standard; and (b) our employees, agents, suppliers and sub-contractors exercise due care in carrying out our obligations under the contract. We accept responsibility for what our employees, agents, suppliers and sub-contractors do or do not do (provided they were at the time carrying out work authorised by us). If any part of your holiday is not provided as advertised and to a reasonable standard, we shall pay you appropriate compensation if your enjoyment of the holiday has been affected and you have followed the complaints procedure set out in these terms and conditions. This acceptance of responsibility is subject to the clause relating to "Force Majeure" above and these Terms and Conditions generally. Our maximum liability in respect of complaints (except where death, personal injury or illness results, or where claims relate to loss or damage to possessions or luggage, which are dealt with below) is limited to an amount equal to the cost paid by or on behalf of the person affected for the relevant services. The maximum amount will only be payable where the person affected has derived no benefit from the holiday and none of the services contracted have been provided. Liability for loss or damage to luggage or personal possessions (including money) will be compensated to a maximum of US$30 on the basis that the client is assumed to have taken out adequate insurance cover in respect of such losses at the time of booking.
We will take all due care to prevent your death, injury or illness being caused by the animal or insect life of the destinations. It is your responsibility to take proper medical and practical precautions in this regard and your attention is drawn to the section in the Travel Notes relating to Health. Medical advice should be sought well before travelling. Subject to these Terms and Conditions, we accept responsibility should you or any of your party suffer death, personal injury or illness as a result of any failure to perform or improper performance of the contract by any of our employees, agents, suppliers or sub-contractors (provided they were at the time carrying out work authorised by us) except in the following situations. We will not be liable where any failure to perform or improper performance was due to: (i) the acts or omissions of a third party not connected with the provision of the holiday under the contract and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; (ii) an event which we or the supplier of the relevant services could not have foreseen or avoided even with all due care. Any claim must be notified to us in accordance with the complaints procedure set out above. Any person to whom any payment is made (and their parent or guardian if that person is a minor) must assign to us and our insurers any rights they may have to pursue any third party in connection with the claim and provide all necessary assistance to us and our insurers that be reasonably required.
QUOTATIONS/BOOKINGS/PRICES
Please ensure that the quotation given with details of number of clients, dates, accommodation, transportation, permits, park fees and all other services to be provided is clear and accurate before confirming the booking in writing. All references to quotations in writing shall include reference to correspondence by facsimile and electronic mail. The price of your chosen holiday will be confirmed at the time of booking. We reserve the right to correct errors in both advertised and confirmed prices and will do so as soon as we become aware of any such error.
Once the price of your holiday has been confirmed, subject to the correction of errors, a surcharge will only be payable if transportation costs, taxes, accommodation costs or gorilla permits increase in total to over 2% of the holiday price (excluding insurance premiums). If you are required to pay more than 10% of the original holiday price, you will be entitled to cancel your holiday with the full refund of all the money paid to us except for any premium paid for insurance and fees paid for gorilla permits. Should you decide to cancel under these provisions, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days of notification to you of the surcharge. We reserve the right to increase or decrease the prices of unsold holidays at any time.
PAYMENT
At the time of booking you must confirm acceptance of these terms and conditions and pay a deposit of 20% of the price of your holiday including fees for gorilla permits plus any insurance premium. (See also section on gorilla permits.) If written acceptance is not received from you, we shall assume acceptance of the Terms and Conditions. The balance must be paid in full not later than 45 days before departure. Bookings made within 30 days of departure must be paid in full at the time of booking. All monies you pay to one of our authorised agents for your holiday with us will be held by the agent on our behalf until it is paid to us or refunded to you.
SAFARI TERMS
Prices INCLUDE airport transfers; accommodation; meals as stated; the services of an English-speaking driver/guide and a safari vehicle; porterage of two items of baggage per person; boat trips; park fees; gorilla and chimpanzee permits where appropriate. Prices EXCLUDE all items of a personal nature such as entry visas, tips, telephone calls, laundry, gifts, airport taxes and all drinks. In Kampala, Entebbe or Kigali the prices include bed and breakfast only. On safari the prices cover full board. The company reserves the right to vary the safari services agreed with the client in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as road closures, bad weather, problems with national parks or hotels, security considerations. In such cases alternative arrangements will be made as circumstances permit.
TRANSPORTATION
Every effort is made to ensure that vehicles are provided in a roadworthy condition but no liability can be accepted for breakdown, or any damage or delay. Our guides are instructed to follow our code of conduct for Guides (available on request), which you must not ask them to break in any way. In the event that a Guide does not follow the code, please inform the Safari Manager in Kampala. Company vehicles must only be driven by the company's Guide whose decision on all matters, such as the route taken, is final. You will be liable for any damage caused to a vehicle by any interference by you with the vehicle, including legal costs.July 2001