From enquiry to confirmed itinerary.

1. The design fee

Composition of an itinerary begins with the payment of the studio's design fee, quoted privately. The fee secures designer time, supplier holds, and provisional permit applications. It is credited in full against the final cost of any confirmed journey.

2. Confirming the itinerary

An itinerary is confirmed on receipt of the 30% deposit and a signed acceptance of the proposal. Until that moment, all lodge holds, aviation seats, and permit allocations remain provisional and may be released to other travellers without notice.

3. Balance and currency

The balance of 70% is due 60 days before the first night of travel. Bookings made inside 60 days are payable in full at the point of confirmation. All quotes are issued in United States Dollars unless otherwise agreed. Payment is accepted by international bank transfer to our nominated account; bank charges are met by the traveller.

4. What is included

Every proposal itemises, line by line: accommodation, meals as specified, internal aviation, ground transport, park and conservation fees, gorilla and chimpanzee permits, English-speaking guides, bottled water, and the studio's design fee. Inclusions vary by journey; the proposal is the definitive document.

5. What is not included

International flights, travel insurance, visas, vaccinations, premium beverages, personal shopping, telephone calls, laundry beyond what lodges provide complimentary, and gratuities — for which we publish a discreet, honest guide on request.

6. Amendments after confirmation

The studio does not charge an amendment fee. Where lodges, permit authorities, or aviation operators levy a charge for changes, these are passed through at cost and disclosed in writing before they are applied. Inside 60 days, the freedom to amend narrows considerably.

7. Passports, visas, vaccinations

Every traveller must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the return date, the correct visa for each country visited, and proof of yellow fever vaccination (mandatory for entry into Uganda). We will guide you and connect you with travel-medicine specialists; final responsibility rests with the traveller.

8. Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance — including medical evacuation, cancellation, and personal effects — is a condition of travel. Final travel documents are not released until proof of insurance is on file. Read the insurance requirements.

9. Pricing changes

Quoted prices are held for 14 days from issue. After that, they may be re-quoted to reflect supplier changes, exchange rate movements of greater than 3%, or new government levies. Once confirmed, the price is fixed.

Read alongside the Terms of Engagement and the Cancellation Policy.