Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction & Agreement

These terms and conditions apply to all bookings made with 6Summits, including but not limited to Rwenzori Mountain expeditions, East African peak climbs, wildlife safaris, and primate tracking. The person making the booking (“Lead Client”) warrants that they have full authority to do so on behalf of all persons named in the booking, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.

2. Booking & Payment Terms

To secure a booking, the Client must complete our booking form and pay a non-refundable deposit. The standard deposit is 30% of the total tour cost.

• Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits: If your itinerary includes primate tracking, 100% of the permit cost is required upfront at the time of booking to secure the permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
• Balance Payment: The remaining balance of the tour cost is due no later than 30 days prior to the expedition start date. If the booking is made within 30 days of departure, full payment is required immediately.
• Payment Methods: We accept bank wire transfers and major credit cards via our secure payment gateway. The Client is responsible for any bank charges or transaction fees incurred during the transfer. Prices are quoted and payable in United States Dollars (USD).

3. Cancellations & Refunds

3.1 Cancellation by the Client

All cancellations must be received in writing via email. The date of receipt of the written cancellation will determine the cancellation charges applicable. The following scale of charges applies:

• 61 days or more before departure: Loss of the 30% deposit.
• 31 to 60 days before departure: 50% of the total tour cost is forfeited.
• 30 days or fewer before departure: 100% of the total tour cost is forfeited.

Note: UWA Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking permits are 100% non-refundable under all circumstances, as per government policy.

3.2 Cancellation by the Company

6Summits reserves the right to cancel a tour in extreme circumstances, including force majeure (war, political instability, extreme weather, global pandemics, or natural disasters). In such instances, we will offer a comparable alternative tour or a full refund of monies paid, less any unrecoverable costs (e.g., already purchased park permits or non-refundable hotel deposits). We are not liable for incidental expenses incurred by the Client (e.g., non-refundable flights, visas, vaccinations).

4. Mandatory Insurance

Your insurance policy must explicitly cover:

• High-Altitude Mountaineering: Coverage up to the maximum elevation of your trek (up to 5,200m for Margherita Peak).
• Search and Rescue: Must include provisions for helicopter evacuation in remote wilderness areas.
• Medical Expenses: Comprehensive emergency medical treatment and repatriation.
• Trip Cancellation: We strongly advise coverage for trip cancellation or interruption.

Clients will be required to provide their insurance policy details (Provider, Policy Number, and Emergency Contact) prior to commencing the climb. 6Summits reserves the right to deny participation without refund if adequate insurance is not provided.

5. Health, Fitness & Medical Conditions

Expeditions in the Rwenzori Mountains are physically demanding. By booking, the Client confirms they are in excellent physical condition and possess the cardiovascular fitness required for rigorous trekking over uneven terrain for 6-9 hours daily.

The Client must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, or dietary requirements at the time of booking. Conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, or severe allergies must be communicated to the Company. 6Summits reserves the right to request a medical certificate from a physician clearing the Client for high-altitude trekking.

6. Authority of the Guide (Critical Safety Protocol)

On all expeditions, the decision of the 6Summits Lead Guide or Expedition Leader is final on all matters relating to the safety and well-being of the group.

• Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): The guide has the absolute authority to order a Client to descend immediately if they exhibit severe symptoms of AMS, HAPE, or HACE.
• Technical Ability: For climbs to Margherita Peak or other glaciated zones, the guide may refuse a Client’s summit attempt if they assess that the Client lacks the necessary fitness, technical ability, or proper equipment to proceed safely.

If a Client is forced to descend or abort a climb due to safety, health, or failure to follow instructions, no refunds will be issued for the uncompleted portion of the itinerary.

7. Itinerary Changes & Unpredictable Weather

The Rwenzori Mountains are famously known for their unpredictable micro-climate. Heavy rains, snowstorms, flooded rivers, and boggy conditions can occur year-round. While we strive to adhere to the published itinerary, 6Summits reserves the right to alter routes, change campsites, or cancel summit attempts if the Lead Guide determines that continuing presents an unacceptable risk to the safety of the clients or crew.

No refunds or compensation will be given for itinerary modifications forced by adverse weather, trail closures by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, or other factors outside the Company’s control.

8. Permits and Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife encounters on safari or during primate tracking are natural and unpredictable. While our guides and rangers track wildlife expertly, 6Summits cannot guarantee the sighting of specific animals, including mountain gorillas or chimpanzees. The Uganda Wildlife Authority does not issue refunds for failure to sight wildlife.

Clients tracking primates must strictly adhere to UWA health protocols (e.g., maintaining a 7-meter distance, wearing masks if mandated, and not tracking if exhibiting cold/flu symptoms). Rangers reserve the right to turn away sick clients to protect the primate populations; no refunds apply in such cases.

9. Limitation of Liability and Assumption of Risk

Adventure travel, high-altitude mountaineering, and wildlife safaris carry inherent risks. These include, but are not limited to: altitude sickness, extreme weather, rockfalls, crevasse falls, hypothermia, wildlife encounters, and travel through remote regions lacking immediate medical facilities.

By booking with 6Summits, the Client acknowledges and voluntarily assumes these risks. The Client agrees to release, discharge, and hold harmless 6Summits, its directors, employees, guides, and agents from any liability, claims, or demands for personal injury, illness, death, property damage, or financial loss arising from their participation in the tour, except where such loss is caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Company.

10. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Uganda. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this agreement or the tour shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Uganda.

In the unlikely event of a complaint during the tour, the Client must immediately bring it to the attention of the Lead Guide or Basecamp Manager so that efforts can be made to rectify the situation on the ground. If the issue remains unresolved, a formal written complaint must be submitted to 6Summits within 14 days of the tour’s completion.