About Tanzania

Full name: United Republic of Tanzania

Population: 47.6 million (UN, 2012)

Capital: Dodoma (official), Dar es Salaam (commercial)

Largest city: Dar es Salaam

Area: 945,087 sq km (364,900 sq miles)

Major languages: English, Swahili

Major religions: Christianity, Islam

Life expectancy: 58 years (men), 60 years (women) (UN)

Monetary unit: 1 Tanzanian shilling = 100 cents

Main exports: Gold, sisal, cloves, coffee, cotton, cashew nuts, minerals, tobacco

GNI per capita: US $540 (World Bank, 2011)

Internet domain: .tz

International dialing code: +255

Politics: Tanzania has enjoyed stability. Multi-party politics was introduced in 1992

Economy: Annual growth rate has averaged 6.7% since 2006, one of the best in sub-Sahara Africa. Power supplies are erratic and fall short of demand. Gold earnings have been rising, and the find of a major offshore gas field is promising

International: Tanzania hosts thousands of refugees from conflict in the neighboring Great Lakes region

              Environment: Experts fear a planned highway threatens the Serengeti game park,

              Tanzania's biggest draw for tourism. Poaching is a major issue     

      TOURISM PROFILE

With an area about four times the size of the United Kingdom, Tanzania's tourism industry has immense potential. Natural attractions including spectacular scenery, historical and archaeological sites (for example, the Olduvai Gorge and other sites where traces of the earliest man were discovered), abound. Parks teem with wildlife; there are unpolluted beaches, and the rich cultures of the 120 ethnic groups.

The southern and northern highlands boast a number of impressive mountain ranges, typically rising 500m to 1,000m above their surroundings. Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru in the northeast are ancient volcanoes rising to 5,895m and 4,500m respectively. The Relief is characterized by Equatorial to Arctic vegetation (passing through near tropical rainforest, savannah grassland, semi-arid to arid, semi-desert, temperate, moorland, and alpine desert to the permanent snows of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The coastline is over 804km long with the nearby Islands of Unguja (also known as Zanzibar), Pemba and Mafia. The Islands offer an array of natural, cultural, historical and archeological attractions. Other natural resources are Lake Victoria, the world's second largest lake and the source of the Nile. In the many game parks and reserves, wildlife roam about free.

The wildlife resources are among the finest in the world. They include, in the north the Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Lake Manyara. In the south, the Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi, Ruaha, Gombe Stream, Mahale Mountains and Katavi national parks, and Ugalla Complex.

Currently, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, the Olduvai Gorge, Kilimanjaro Mountain, Lake Manyara, and other sites commonly known as Tanzania's Northern Circuit constitute the country's most popular tourist attractions.

Other tourist attractions include the white sandy beaches north of Dar es Salaam and around Lindi in the south, the exotic "Spice Islands" of Unguja and Pemba, and the excellent deep-sea fishing area at Mafia Island. Along the Indian Ocean coast are the remains of the ancient settlements. Tanzania also offers interesting arts and crafts, most notably the Makonde sculptures and carvings crested in ebony.

Geography

Tanzania, a land of spectacular beauty, and one of the largest countries in Africa, is a union (formed in 1964) between the mainland (Tanganyika), and the Zanzibar Isles consisting of Unguja (also known as Zanzibar) and Pemba. It lies on the east coast of Africa, between 1degree and 11degrees south of the Equator. It is bordered to the north by Kenya and Uganda. To the west is Zaire, Rwanda, Burundi and Zambia, and to the south are Malawi and Mozambique. It covers an area of 945,000 sq. km, the size of Denmark, France, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom combined.

Tanzania comprises coastal lowland, volcanic highlands and the Great Rift Valley and includes within its territory, Africa’s highest mountain

Tanzania is the only country in the world which has allocated at least 25 per cent of its total area to wildlife and conservation of nature. The total protected area is equivalent to the size of the Federal Republic of Germany and Belgium combined. The 55,000 sq. km Seleous Game Reserve, the largest single wildlife area in Africa, is bigger than Belgium, Costa Rica, Denmark, Burundi, Israel, Lesotho and Kuwait respectively.

Climate

Tropical weather prevails over most of Tanzania. The coastal area is hot and humid. In the northern circuit cool weather prevails from May to September. The hottest months for the whole country are from October to February. The long rains are from March to May, and the short rains from October to November. Coastal areas and the islands have tropical climate, whereas the central plateau is semi-arid and the highlands are semi-temperature.

The People

The evocative mix of people and cultures in Tanzania creates a tapestry of memories for the visitor.

Since the dawn of mankind, when the savannahs of east and southern Africa saw the birth of humanity, Tanzania has been home to countless peoples of many different origins. Tanzania's history has been influenced by a procession of peoples, from the original Bantu settlers from south and West Africa to the Arabs from Shiraz in Persia and the Oman; from the Portuguese to the Germans and the British. Tanzanians took control of their own destiny with independence in 1961.

It has a population of over 26 million with 120 African ethnic groups, none of which represent more than 10 per cent of the population. The Sukuma, the largest group, live in the north-western part of the country, south of Lake Victoria. They are fairly commercial oriented and have prospered with a mix of cotton farming and cattle herding.

The Hadzapi of northern Tanzania have built a society based on hunting and gathering food, while the Iraqw live in the central highlands of Mbulu and are known for their statuesque, immobile posture and sharply delineated features. They grow their own food and tend cattle.

The Masaai, who are perhaps the most well-known of East Africa's ethnic groups, are pastoralists whose livelihood and culture is based on the rearing of cattle, which are used to determine social status and wealth. They dominate northern Tanzania but only occupy a fraction of their former grazing grounds in the north, much of which they now share with national parks and other protected areas. They are easily recognized by their single red or blue garments and their ochre covered bodies.

North of the Masaai steppe, on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, live the Chagga, who farm the mountain side. Through cooperative farming they have achieved a fair standard of living.

The Gogo live near Dodoma and have developed slowly due to lack of water. The formerly warlike Hehe live in Iringa District's highland grasses.

The Makonde are internationally famous for their intricate wood (ebony) carvings (sold over much of East Africa). They live along the coast on the Makonde plateau and their relative isolation has resulted in a high degree of ethnic self-awareness.

The Nyamwezi, whose name translates into "People of the Moon", were probably so called because of their location in the west. The Nyamwezi, now cultivators, were once great traders. The 19th century European explorers regarded them the most powerful group in the interior.

The Haya, located along the shores of Lake Victoria to the north-west of the Nyamwezi, grew and traded coffee long before the arrival of the Europeans and today have established tea and coffee processing plants. Haya women produce excellent handicrafts.

In an area of forest and bush live the Ha who retain a deep belief in the mystical. They live in relative solitude with their long-horned cattle and wearing hides or fibres of bark. They are well known for their artistic expression, especially their dances and celebrations.

Tanzanians will tell you that the reason for the relative harmony between the various ethnic groups is that virtually everyone speak Swahili in addition to their native tongue.

Education

Only 50 per cent of the children attend primary schools, and just four per cent the fee-paying secondary schools. However, adult literacy campaigns have achieved high levels of literacy.

Health

Basic medical care is provided by the state and private (mainly Christian) health centers. Rural areas are served by local clinics.

Economy

The economy is still suffering from slow growth and a shortage of foreign exchange, and agriculture, in particular, from poor availability of credit and equipment. However, coffee, cotton, sisal, tea and diamonds are in rich supply and Zanzibar is the world's third largest producer of cloves. State reforms have cut inflation and the budget deficit, bringing a rise in inward investment and a return to positive growth.

Wealth

The majority of Tanzanians are subsistence farmers. The small wealthy elite are composed mainly of Asian and Arab business families.

Communications

Almost half a million travellers pass through Dar-es-Salaam International airport annually. An $870 million programme to improve the country's trunk roads is due for completion this year.

Politics

Former President Julius Nyerere's philosophy of Ujamaa (African Socialism) guided Tanzania's development for 21 years until he retired in 1980. His successor, Ali Hassan Mwinyi, oversaw a relaxation of these policies and moved the country towards its first multiparty elections last year. The new Union President is Benjamin Mkapa, a former journalist. The non-acceptance by some Zanzibaris of their union with Tanganyika is still a problem and separatism is a growing force.

World Affairs

Tanzania plays a role in both eastern and southern Africa and is an active member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), established in 1992 to promote economic integration.

Foreign Aid

Tanzania is heavily dependent on aid receipts of over $1 billion annually to offset a severe balance of payments deficit.

Defense

Defense takes 15 per cent of the country's budget. The armed forces are closely linked to the ruling Revolutionary Party of Tanzania (CCM), and there is an 85,000-strong citizens' reserve force.

Resources

More than 90 per cent of the energy demand is met by wood and charcoal, but hydroelectric projects are now producing 70 per cent of the electricity. To reduce the need for expensive oil imports, there are plans to exploit offshore gas at Songo Songo. Oil deposits have also been discovered off Pemba Island.

Agriculture

Including livestock, agriculture accounts for 60 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and 80 per cent of employment and exports.

Minerals

Include natural gas, oil, iron, diamonds, gold, salt, phosphates, coal, gypsum, kaolin and tin.

Media

The daily press is state-owned but censorship is minimal. Much of the independent press publishes in Kiswahili. The English language Daily News is available in Dar-es-Salam and other main towns. Kenya's Daily Nation and The East African are available in Dar-es-Salam, Arusha and Mwanza. Time and Newsweek, and several European and American papers can be found at stalls on Uhuru Avenue in Dar-es-Salam.

Crime

Crime levels are low and Tanzania's record on human rights is good.

 Uganda: The Pearl of Africa, a country with vast natural scenery and a rich mosaic of tribes and cultures. While in Uganda you will be captivated by its profound beauty, friendliness of its people and intrigued by all that Uganda has to offer.
Location

Uganda lies astride the Equator in Eastern Africa between longitudes 29 ½° East and 35° East and between latitudes 4 ½° North and ½° South, at an average altitude of 1,100 meters above sea- level. The total area is 236,580sq.Km.

We are bordered by the Republic of South Sudan to the North, the Republic of Kenya to the East, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the West, Tanzania and the Republic of Rwanda to the South.

Overview

Ecologically, Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle” inter tropical convergence zone”. In this uniquely lush destination you can observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rainforest in the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to visit the majestic mountain gorillas? Uganda is the only safari destination whose range of forest primates is as impressive as its selection of plain antelopes. Besides the wide biodiversity, Uganda is also blessed with a vast bird population of more than 1,000 species.

People and Culture

Situated at the geographical heart of the African continent, Uganda has long been a cultural melting pot, as evidenced by the existence of 30-plus different indigenous languages belonging to five distinct linguistic groups, and an equally diverse cultural mosaic of music, art and handicrafts. The country’s most ancient inhabitants, confined to the hilly southwest, are the Batwa and Bambuti Pygmies, relics of the hunter-gatherer cultures that once occupied much of East Africa to leave behind a rich legacy of rock paintings, such as at the Nyero Rock Shelter near Kumi.

Central Region

The central region is dominated by the Bantu group specifically the Baganda.The Buganda monarchy presents one of the best documentations of kingship in Uganda. The head of state is the King locally known as Kabaka. The current king of Buganda, His Highness Ronald Mutebi II was crowned the 36th Kabaka of Buganda in 1993 after his father Sir Edward Mutesa II died in exile.

The kingdom also constitutes a Parliament (Lukiiko), comprising mainly of elderly heads of its 52 clans. Other people, who occupy important positions in the kingdom, include the Queen (Nabagereka), the Prime Minister (Katikiiro), the royal sister (Nalinya) and the Queen Mother (Namasole).

Livelihood

Traditionally, a man could marry five wives or more provided he could cater for them. It was easier to become polygamous in Buganda than in other parts of Uganda because the bride wealth obligations we're not prohibitive unlike formerly when marriage used to be conducted by parents, for instance where the father of the girl could choose for her a husband without availing her any alternatives.

Traditional Dances

Buganda is renowned for her distinct ceremonial occasions organized for observance, commemoration, inauguration, remembrance or fulfillment of cultural rituals and norms. Some of the common (highly recognized) ceremonies in Buganda include; the initiation of twins (okwalula abalongo), the introduction (okwanjula) and last funeral rite (okwabya olumbe).

Dining

Matooke (bananas of the plantain type) is a popular local dish among the Baganda. It’s peeled, tied in banana leaves and put in a cooking pan with enough water to steam the leaves. Later on, the bundle is removed and squeezed to get a smooth soft and golden yellow mash. The Banana leaves are used to keep it hot and steamy.

Eastern Region

The eastern region is another diverse area comprised of a number of different tribal groups including; Bagisu, Basamia/Bagwe, Basoga, Bagwere, Iteso, Japadhola, and the Sebei among others.Apart from other groups, the Basoga present a distinctive kingship in eastern Uganda with their King locally known as Kyabazinga.

Marrige and Family Life

In this region as well as the rest of the country, dowries are highly valued and are usually in form of cattle, sheep and goats. The amount paid is negotiated among the parents of the new couple to be. The higher the dowry, the more valued is the bride, although this does not necessary guarantee the success of the marriage.

Ceremonies

Tamenhaibunga; this kind of dance is practiced by the Basoga tribe. Tamenhaibunga literally means “good friends drink together but they do not fight each other lest they break the guard (eibuga) that contains the drink." The guard is symbolically used to express the value and fragility of love and friendship. Other dances in Busoga include Nalufuka, a much faster and youthful version of of Tamenhaibuga; Eirongo, a slower dance performance to cerebrate the birth of twins; Amayebe, which builds physical stamina, especially for men; Enswezi, used to communicate to super naturals and Ekigwo for wrestlers.

Dining 

Kamaleewa: These are tender bamboo shoots which are a delicacy among the Bagisu. Usually, after harvest, these shoots are first boiled and later on sundried before cooking.

Others include; Atapa, Akaro and Sundried fish.

Northern

The northern region is also a melting pot of quite a number of tribes including; Acholi, Langi, Alur, Kakwa, and Lugbara among others.

This region comprises of the Acholi and Langi in the north, Alur, Lugbara and Madi in west Nile region. Like most of the regions, Langi and Acholi regions predominantly depend on agriculture as their economic activity, with millet and sorghum serving as staple foods.

Marriage and Family life

Traditionally, a young man depends upon his lineage head and elders both for permission to marry and for the material goods required for bride wealth; elders of the bride’s lineage were also much involved in the discussions and negotiations surrounding the marriage.

Ceremonies

Naleyo dance is performed by the Karimajongs where women line up and men strike their breasts using fingers as they dance. The Karimajongs are a pastor community in the north eastern part of Uganda.

Dining

Akaro: This is made from a combination of sorghum, millet and cassava flourmingled in a proportionate quantity of water.

Malakwang: A sour vegetable usually prepared with groundnut paste to form a typical northern food. Malakwang is best served with sweet potatoes.

Others include; Smoked fish and Ugali.

Western Region

The western region is also rich in tribal culture, it consists of; Bakonjo/Bamba, Batooro, Banyoro, Banyankore, Bakiga, Bafumbira and Bachwezi among others.

Kingship

The Batooro and Banyoro have a centralized system of government headed by the Omukama. Initially, Toro was part of Bunyoro, but later broke away. The first King was Kaboyo Kasusunkwazi the actual founder of the kingdom and currently the kingdom is headed by King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

Livelihood

Marriage and Family Life

Ankole in the west is the most popular tribe in terms of prestige and population. The King owned all the cattle and theoretically owned all women. Hima fathers were anxious to call attention to their daughters because the King gave generous wedding gifts. Slim girls were unfit for royalty so those girls whom the king found to be of interest to marry one of his sons were force-fed on milk.

Traditional dances

Entogoro: Entogoro is danced by Banyoro and Batooro of western Uganda. The dance takes its name from the pod rattles (locally known as ebinyege) that the boys tie on their legs to make different rhythms as they dance.

Ekitagururo: This is characterized by energetic stamping and tangling rhythms using the feet and aerial arm movements; it is performed by both Banyankole and Bakiga in the south western region.

Dining

Eshabwe: A traditional Banyankole dish comprising of ghee, skimmed from milk. This is usually eaten with Akaro. It's a meal one would certainly get acquainted with on a visit to the western parts of Uganda.

Others include; Akaro and Firinda.

Important Facts and History

Set at the equator, Uganda is made up of four regions (Central, Eastern, Northern and Western) on an area of 236, 580 sq km, with its capital at Kampala.

The country is fortunate to harbour Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world forming the source of the Nile, the second largest river in the world.

Population

Approximately 31,367, 972 (2008 est) with a 3.6 percent population growth.

People and culture

Uganda has long been a cultural melting pot, as evidenced by the existence of more than 30 different indigenous languages belonging to five distinct linguistic groups, and an equally diverse cultural mosaic of music, art and handicrafts.

Common Languages

• English(Official language)
• Kiswahili
• Luganda
• Runyankole,Rukiga or Rutoro

Religions

• Roman catholic (41%)
• Anglican (40%)
• Islam (5%)
• Other beliefs (14%)

Climate

Uganda experiences a temperate climate even though the majority of the country is within the Tropics with temperatures between 16 - 26'C for the majority of the year(April - November). However, during the warmer months (December - March) temperatures reach in excess of 30'C

Governance

The Republic of Uganda is a sovereign democratic state governed by the 1995 Constitution. The President is Head of State and the Executive comprising of 26 government Ministers. Voting qualifications are universal, for those above 18 years of age.

Economic profile and Currency

Consistently ranked among Africa’s fastest growing economies since 1986, Uganda has experienced a steady expansion of infrastructure and a corresponding increase in international investment and tourism.
We use the Ugandan Shilling

Major holidays

• New Year's Day - 1 January
• NRM Liberation Day - 26 January
• Easter Sunday, Good Friday - March - April
• Martyrs' Day - 3 June
• Heroes Day - 9 June
• Independence - 9 October
• Christmas Day - 25 December
• Boxing Day - 26 December

History

Brief history

The earliest human inhabitants in Uganda were hunter-gathers. Remnants of these people are today to be found among the pygmies in western Uganda. Approximately 2000 to 1500 years ago, Bantu speaking populations from central and western Africa migrated and occupied most of the southern parts of the country. The migrants brought with them agriculture, ironworking skills and new ideas of social and political organization, that by the 15^th - 16^th century resulted in the development of centralized kingdoms, including the kingdoms of Buganda, Bunyoro-Kitara and Ankole.

Colonial Uganda

In 1888, control of the emerging British "sphere of interest" in East Africa was assigned by royal charter to William Mackinnon's Imperial British East Africa Company (IBEACO), an arrangement strengthened in 1890 by an Anglo-German agreement confirming British dominance over Kenya and Uganda. The high cost of occupying the territory caused the company to withdraw in 1893, and its administrative functions were taken over by a British commissioner. In 1894, Uganda was placed under a formal British protectorate.

Early independent Uganda

Britain granted independence to Uganda in 1962, and the first elections were held on 1st March 1961. Benedicto  Kiwanuka of the Democratic Party became the first Chief Minister. Uganda became a republic the following year when it gained its independence on 9th October 1962 thus acquiring its Commonwealth membership. Sir Edward Mutweesa II was appointed as the first president..

In succeeding years, supporters of a centralized state vied with those in favor of a loose federation and a strong role for tribally-based local kingdoms. Political maneuvering climaxed in February 1966, when Prime Minister Apollo Milton Obote suspended the constitution and assumed all government powers, removing the positions of president and vice president. In September 1967, a new constitution proclaimed Uganda a republic, gave the president even greater powers, and abolished the traditional kingdoms.

Uganda under Idi Amin Dada

On 25 January 1971, Obote's government was ousted in a military coup led by armed forces commander Idi Amin Dada. Amin declared himself 'president,' dissolved the parliament, and amended the constitution to give himself absolute power.

Idi Amin's eight years’ rule produced economic decline, social disintegration, and massive human rights violations. In 1978, the International Commission of Jurists estimated that more than 100,000 Ugandans had been murdered during Amin's reign of terror; some authorities place the figure as high as 300,000--a statistic cited at the end of the 2006 movie “The Last King of Scotland”, which chronicled part of Amin's dictatorship.

A border altercation involving Ugandan exiles camped close to the Ugandan border of Mutukula resulted in an advance by the Ugandan army into Tanzania. In October 1978, Tanzanian armed forces countered an incursion of Amin's troops into Tanzanian territory. The Tanzanian army, backed by Ugandan exiles waged a war of liberation against Amin's troops and the Libyan soldiers sent to help him. On 11 April 1979, Kampala was captured, and Amin fled with his remaining forces.

Uganda between 1979 - 1986

After Amin's removal, the Uganda National Liberation Front formed an interim government with Yusuf Lule as president and Jeremiah Lucas Opira as the Secretary General of the UNLF and created a quasi-parliamentary organ known as the National Consultative Commission (NCC). The NCC and the Lule cabinet reflected widely differing political views. In June 1979, following a dispute over the extent of presidential powers, the NCC replaced Lule with Godfrey Binaisa. In a continuing dispute over the powers of the interim presidency, Binaisa was removed in May 1980. Thereafter, Uganda was ruled by a military commission chaired by Paulo Muwanga. The December 1980 elections returned the UPC to power under the leadership of President Milton Obote, with Muwanga serving as vice president. Under Obote, the security forces had one of the world's worst human rights records. In their efforts to stamp out an insurgency led by Yoweri Museveni's National Resistance Army (NRA), they laid waste to a substantial section of the country, especially in the Luwero area north of Kampala.

Post Liberation war (1986 - 2000)

Negotiations between the Okello government and the NRA were conducted in Nairobi in the fall of 1985, with Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi seeking a cease-fire and a coalition government in Uganda. Although agreeing in late 1985 to a cease-fire, the NRA continued fighting, and seized Kampala and the country in late January 1986, forcing Okello's forces to flee north into Sudan. Museveni's forces organized a government with Museveni as president.

Since assuming power, the government dominated by the political grouping created by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his followers, the National Resistance Movement (NRM or the "Movement"), has largely put an end to the human rights abuses of earlier governments, initiated substantial political liberalization and general press freedom, and instituted broad economic reforms after consultation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and donor governments.

List of Presidents of Uganda since 1962

Wilderness African Safaris Ltd carries out business only on the basis of its standard Terms & Conditions.

Liability

Please note that your booking is accepted based on the understanding that you come on the trip entirely at your own risk due to the fact that there are certain dangers inherent to adventure travel. We assume no responsibility whatsoever for any event over which we have no control. Wilderness African Safaris Ltd purchases transportation, game walks, nature walks, hotel accommodations, restaurant services and other services from various independent suppliers that are not subject to its control. Wilderness African Safaris Ltd  can therefore not be held liable for any death, personal injury, personal illness, loss or damage to a person or property or other loss that may occur due to any act or omission of any such supplier, or by reason of any other event over which it has no control. Each of these companies are independent corporations with their own management and are not subject to the control of Wilderness African Safaris Ltd. Wilderness African Safaris Ltd is not responsible for acts of nature, fire, acts of governments or other authorities, wars, civil disturbances, riots, terrorist acts, strikes, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, dangers, incidents to sea, land and air travel, incidents with wildlife and other similar acts or incidents beyond its ability to control.

 Medical information and insurance

 Participation on a safari or tour to Africa requires that you are in general good health. All guests must understand that while a high level of fitness is not required, a measure of physical activity is involved in all African safaris and tours. It is a requirement when booking your trip with Wilderness African Safaris Ltd that you arrange personal travel insurance, which is valid and effective. Persons not fit for long trips due to any reasons are advised not to participate in such rigorous travel programs. Reasons like heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy or mental illness, etc. It is a condition of booking that the sole responsibility lies with the guest to ensure that they carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependants and traveling companions for the duration of their tour to Africa. This insurance should include coverage in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: cancellation or curtailment of the trip, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage, theft or loss of personal baggage, money and goods Wilderness African Safaris Ltd, including their representatives, employees and agents will take no responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or suffered by the guest, or guest’s dependants or traveling companions, with regards to, but not limited to, any of the above mentioned eventualities.

Anti-malaria precautions should be taken, and these are the sole responsibility of the client. Any required inoculations must be recorded by the client’s health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate, which the client must carry in his/her possession throughout the tour. Wilderness African Safaris Ltd will not assume responsibility for the accuracy of any medical information. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements and personal recommendations. By depositing the advance payment and/or by returning the filled booking form the guest certifies that he/she does not knowingly have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a risk for him/her or other tour participants.

Booking and payment 

The person making any booking with Wilderness African Safaris Ltd, warrants that he or she has authority to enter into a contract on behalf of all other persons included in such a booking and in the event of the failure of any or all of the other persons so included to make payment, the person making the booking shall thereof assume personal liability for the total price of all bookings made by him/her. The person making the booking must understand clearly what is exactly included in the price of the tour and what is not. Upon confirmation of your tour with Wilderness African Safaris Ltd you must email the booking form back to us, which confirms that you agree with our terms and conditions. The advance payment is 30% of the price of the tour, plus 100% for the gorilla permits. The balance payment has to be paid 8 weeks prior to the trip or on arrival in Uganda/Rwanda. Wilderness African Safaris Ltd must receive the full advance- and balance payments as mentioned in the invoice. Any money deducted by the sending- and/or receiving bank must be covered by the client. If for any reason Wilderness African Safaris Ltd receives less than the total sum the client shall have to make another bank transfer to complete the sum, or pay the remainder in cash in US Dollars upon arrival. Payment to our account also confirms that you agree with our terms and conditions.

Cancellation 

We use the following cancellation fees for the trip, excluding the gorilla permits:

• 90 days and above 20% of the tour cost
• 89 - 60 days 30% of the tour cost
• 59 - 30 days 40% of the tour cost
• 29 - 15 days 70% of the tour cost
• 14 - 0 days 100% of the tour cost

There will be no refund for gorilla permits as this is a direct policy from the Uganda Wildlife Authority / Rwanda Wildlife Authority. However, Wilderness African Safaris Ltd will always try to sell the permits when their clients are not able to do the tracking. It is the customer’s own responsibility to arrange a full insurance with an insurance company.

 Airfares and delays

Please note that Wilderness African Safaris Ltd cannot be held liable for any delays or additional costs incurred as a result of airlines not running on schedule. Wilderness African Safaris Ltd is not responsible for any airline schedule or airfare changes, cancellations, overbooking or damage or loss of baggage and property. Any and all claims for any loss or injury suffered on any airline must be made directly with the airline involved and not with Wilderness African Safaris Ltd. Air schedule changes may necessitate additional nights being added to your tour. These schedule changes are beyond the control of Wilderness African Safaris Ltd and any resulting additional costs must be borne by the guest.

 Changes of itinerary or accommodations

We will do our very best to provide the holiday arrangements that have been confirmed, but it should be noted that tour operators in Africa may be obliged to occasionally change routes and camps on safaris as dictated by changing conditions such as seasonal rainfall on bush tracks, airfields and in game areas; game migrations from one region to another; airline- or other booking problems, or any other reason, Wilderness African Safaris Ltd shall not be held responsible for such itinerary changes as discussed above. Wilderness African Safaris Ltd shall not be held responsible for a refund either in the whole or part, if any accommodation or excursion is unavailable and a reasonable alternative is found. If the guest is unable to use a service provided in the itinerary, then there are no refunds due.

Wild animals

Going to Africa and on safari may take you into close contact with wild animals. Attacks by wild animals are rare, but no visit to the African wilderness can guarantee that this will not occur.  Wilderness African Safaris Ltd cannot be held responsible for any injury or incident during the trip. Most of the safari camps, hotels and lodges are not fenced, so the wildlife does move freely in and around the camps. Always follow the safety instructions from the camp's staff especially with regards to moving to and from your tent, lodge, banda or hotel and while on game activities throughout your trip. Also note that camping during the trip is the client’s own responsibility.

 Passports and visa

 It is on the guest to ensure that passports and visas are valid for the countries they plan to visit. Wilderness African Safaris Ltd cannot be held liable for any visas and/or passports, which are invalid or not held by the guests, nor for the cost of any passports or visas.

 Age restrictions

 Please consult with us for the specific age policies at the camps and for the activities on your itinerary. If anyone misrepresents their age, our operators reserve the right to terminate the tour without refund. Wilderness African Safaris Ltd cannot be held responsible for any refund in this situation.

 Responsibilities 

Trip members have certain responsibilities to Wilderness African Safaris Ltd and to other trip members: trip members are responsible for understanding the conditions implied in our Terms and Conditions and trip itinerary, and selecting a trip which is appropriate to their interests and abilities.

Complaints

If you have cause to complain whilst on holiday you must bring it to the attention of the guide or other local representative who will do their best to rectify the situation. It is unreasonable to take no action whilst on holiday and to complain upon return.