TERMS & CONDITIONS
PAYMENT TERMS
-The Customer must pay an amount equal to 30% of the total price of the trip upon signing the contract
-The balance must be paid at least 90 days before the departure date. If the payment is not received on time, the space (s) will be released.
CANCELLATION POLICY
The total cancellation by the Customer entails the payment of the following costs:
-Between confirmation and 120 days prior to departure, 10% of the total cost will be charged
-Between 119 & 91 days, 30% of the total cost will be charged.
-Between 90 days and a ‘no show’, 100% of the total cost will be charged.
ITINERARIES
Itineraries may be subject to change due to weather conditions, low water levels, administrative constraints or access restrictions imposed by the State or national parks. Therefore, sailing times and excursions may be modified at the captain’s discretion. We will do everything we can to minimize disruption to travel plans. An alternative route will be proposed after consultation between the captain of the ship and the management of the company if necessary.
Observing animals is never guaranteed because we live in a wild and preserved universe.
If the airline is unable to operate the flight Brazzaville – Ouesso or Ouesso – Brazzaville and in the absence of other reasonable air alternatives, the transfer may be provided by road.
HEALTH
Passengers should be in good physical health to get the most out of their cruise. The climate in the Congo is of the equatorial type with temperature peaks that can exceed 32 degrees. The daily excursions include walks on uneven ground, embarking and disembarking from the boats sometimes requires physical effort. The excursions on foot can sometimes last several hours (especially to observe the gorillas). An alternative circuit can be proposed in certain cases.
The park administration reserves the right not to allow gorilla tracking to people exhibiting cold, flu or other respiratory symptoms in order to preserve the health of the gorillas, which remain an endangered species. Ducret Expeditions cannot be held responsible for this. Our priority is maintaining the fragile balance between tourism and preservation.
INSURANCE
Passengers must be fully insured to cover any risk of medical expenses and repatriation (including repatriation of remains) and the company is in no way liable. Passengers must settle before departure all medical bills incurred: medical care, medicines and any other medical facilities provided by the company to the passenger.
A proper travel insurance that coverage for medical evacuation costs by helicopter, plane or ship is obligatory. After the booking process you will be asked to provide us with details of the insurance policy.
The company also assumes no responsibility for personal effects lost or stolen during the trip.
We strongly advise to buy modifiable plane tickets.
CANCELATION
In the event of force majeure or other reasons deemed valid, the company reserves the right to cancel the voyage with a pro-rata refund per unused cruise night or by offering a credit for a future voyage.
For cruise departures where occupancy is less than 9 cabins, the company reserves the right to cancel the departure by giving all passengers with confirmed reservations 30 days notice of this intention. Another departure date will be offered subject to availability. If this alternative date is not acceptable to the passenger, any deposit paid for the canceled cruise will be refunded.
The company reserves the right to change an assigned cabin without notice and in the event that a passenger is downgraded to a less expensive cabin, the difference in cost between cabins will be refunded to the passenger or its agents.
RESPONSIBILITY OF TRAVELERS
Travelers have responsibilities to their traveling companions and crew. Passengers must observe safety rules on board and during excursions, and act appropriately and respectfully towards crew members and their traveling companions.
FORMALITIES FOR ENTERING THE COUNTRY
All passengers must ensure that they have the correct visa to travel and valid travel documents (passport, vaccination record).
BAGAGE WEIGHT FOR DOMESTIC FLIGHT
15 kg per passenger, including hand luggage, is allowed on the domestic flight. Excess baggage must be requested in advance. We also ask you to use soft bags, if possible, to facilitate transport and storage in your cabin.
PRICE
The price does not include the possible increase in permits and park entrance fees from July 1, 2022.