Marvel Safaris
Planning a safari should feel exciting, not complicated. At Marvel Safaris, we believe in clear communication, fair policies, and flexible travel planning so you can book your East African adventure with confidence.
This policy explains how bookings are confirmed, how payments are handled, and what happens if plans change. Our goal is to make the process transparent while protecting the limited permits, accommodations, and logistics required for safari travel.
1. Safari Booking Confirmation
Your safari is officially confirmed once the required deposit has been received and a booking confirmation invoice has been issued by Marvel Safaris.
To secure your reservation, a 40% deposit of the total safari cost is required. This allows us to immediately reserve accommodation, guides, vehicles, park permits, and other safari services on your behalf.
Because safari availability is limited, bookings are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly for high-demand experiences such as gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
Once your booking is confirmed, our safari specialists will assist with travel preparation including visa guidance, packing recommendations, permit arrangements, and pre-travel advice.
2. Important Permit Payments
Certain safari activities require full payment at the time of booking because permits are issued directly by government wildlife authorities and cannot be held without payment.
These include gorilla trekking permits, chimpanzee trekking permits, and some premium lodges with strict reservation terms.
Current approximate permit fees (subject to government revision) are:
Uganda – Gorilla Permit: $800 per person, Chimpanzee Permit: $250 per person
Rwanda – Gorilla Permit: $1,500 per person
Permit availability is limited each day, therefore we recommend booking at least 3–6 months in advance whenever possible.
Once permits are purchased, they are non-refundable according to wildlife authority regulations.
3. Final Payment Deadlines
The remaining balance of your safari must be paid before travel to allow us to finalize reservations with all service providers.
For most safaris, final payment is due 45 days before the safari start date. For peak-season travel or luxury lodges with stricter policies, final payment may be required 60 days before departure.
Failure to complete the final payment by the agreed deadline may result in cancellation of the booking and loss of the deposit.
4. Cancellation & Refund Policy
We understand that travel plans can change. If you need to cancel your safari, the following refund structure applies based on the number of days before the safari start date.
60 days or more before departure – 90% refund excluding permits and transaction fees
45–59 days before departure – 75% refund
30–44 days before departure – 50% refund
15–29 days before departure – 25% refund
14 days or less before departure – no refund
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are issued by wildlife authorities and remain non-refundable once purchased. Bank transfer fees, credit card processing fees, and currency conversion costs are also non-refundable.
Some lodges or charter flight providers may have stricter cancellation conditions which may affect the final refund amount.
For additional protection, all guests are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, travel delays, and personal belongings.
5. Flexible Rescheduling
If your travel plans change, Marvel Safaris allows one complimentary reschedule of your safari provided the request is made at least 45 days before the original departure date, subject to availability.
The new travel dates must fall within 12 months of the original booking. Any price differences resulting from seasonal changes, updated park fees, or lodge availability will apply.
Rescheduling requests made within 45 days of departure may incur additional supplier charges, and permit availability must be reconfirmed.
6. Payment Methods
Payments can be made through international bank transfer, VISA credit card, or cash prior to the start of the safari.
Credit card payments attract a 4–5% processing fee, charged by the payment provider and payable by the client. Credit card transactions should be completed at least two months before the safari start date to ensure smooth processing.
7. Late Arrival or No-Show
Guests are responsible for arriving at the agreed safari starting point on time. If a guest arrives late or fails to appear for the start of the safari, Marvel Safaris cannot provide refunds for missed services including accommodation, transfers, permits, or scheduled activities.
Where possible, our team will assist guests in reconnecting with the itinerary, although additional costs may apply.
8. Charter Flights to Remote Parks
Some safari itineraries include private or shared charter flights to access remote national parks and lodges.
These flights require full prepayment at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable once confirmed due to aircraft scheduling commitments.
Charter flight prices depend on aircraft type, passenger numbers, route distance, fuel costs, and operational logistics. Departure times may occasionally change due to weather conditions, airstrip safety requirements, air traffic regulations, or operational needs.
Marvel Safaris works closely with aviation partners to ensure safe and efficient transfers.
9. Changes to Safari Itinerary
Safaris take place in dynamic natural environments, and occasional adjustments may be necessary due to weather conditions, wildlife movements, road conditions, lodge availability, or safety considerations.
If changes are required, Marvel Safaris will provide equivalent or higher-standard alternatives while maintaining the quality and overall experience of your safari.
10. Force Majeure
Marvel Safaris cannot be held responsible for delays or cancellations caused by events beyond our control, including severe weather, natural disasters, political unrest, pandemics, government travel restrictions, flight disruptions, or national park closures.
In such situations we will make every reasonable effort to adjust itineraries, reschedule travel dates, or arrange alternative experiences. Refunds will depend on recoveries from third-party suppliers such as lodges, airlines, and wildlife authorities.
11. Wildlife Viewing & Photography
Safaris offer exceptional opportunities for photography and videography, and guests are welcome to capture their experiences responsibly.
Wild animals move freely in their natural environment, therefore sightings of specific species cannot be guaranteed. Our professional guides work diligently to maximize wildlife encounters while following conservation guidelines and park regulations.
Marvel Safaris may occasionally use guest photos or videos for promotional purposes including website content, social media, and marketing materials.
Commercial filming, documentaries, or professional media productions require prior approval and may require special permits from wildlife authorities.
12. Single Supplement Policy
Safari prices are generally quoted per person sharing a double or twin room. Guests traveling alone are welcome to join a safari, although most lodges charge a single supplement fee for exclusive room use.
This fee varies depending on lodge category and travel season and will always be clearly indicated in your quotation before booking. Some lodges may reduce or waive single supplements during promotional periods or low seasons.
13. Travel Insurance Requirement
All travelers are required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance before the start of the safari. Coverage should include trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation and repatriation, personal injury, lost luggage, and travel disruptions.
Marvel Safaris cannot be held responsible for financial losses resulting from inadequate travel insurance.
14. Refund Processing
Approved refunds are processed within 14–30 business days after confirmation. Refunds are issued using the original payment method whenever possible.
International bank transfers may require additional processing time depending on banking institutions, and currency conversion or transaction fees charged by banks remain the responsibility of the client.
15. Limitation of Liability
Marvel Safaris acts as an intermediary between guests and independent service providers including lodges, airlines, transport companies, and guides. While we carefully select trusted partners, we cannot be held liable for loss, injury, damage, delays, or irregularities caused by third-party providers.
However, Marvel Safaris will always make reasonable efforts to ensure quality service and assist guests in resolving any issues during their safari.
Our Commitment
Marvel Safaris is committed to providing transparent policies, trusted local expertise, and unforgettable safari experiences across East Africa.
If you have questions about any part of this policy, our safari specialists are always ready to assist and guide you through every step of planning your journey.