Bwindi Gorilla Nest Adventures Ltd
Last Updated: August 24, 2025
1. Introduction
Bwindi Gorilla Nest Adventures Ltd (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you use our safari and tour services, visit our website at www.ugandagorillaadventures.com, or interact with us in any way.
This policy applies to all our services including wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking, accommodation bookings, transportation, and related travel services in Uganda and East Africa.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We collect personal information necessary to provide our safari and travel services:
- Identity Information: Full name, date of birth, nationality, passport details, visa information
- Contact Information: Email address, phone numbers, home address, emergency contact details
- Travel Information: Travel dates, preferences, special dietary requirements, medical conditions relevant to safari activities
- Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address, payment history
- Health Information: Medical conditions, allergies, fitness levels (required for gorilla trekking and hiking activities)
- Emergency Information: Next of kin details, medical emergency contacts, travel insurance information
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website or use our services:
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system
- Usage Data: Website navigation patterns, pages visited, time spent on pages
- Location Data: GPS coordinates during safari activities (with consent)
- Communication Records: Emails, phone calls, and other communications with our team
2.3 Special Categories of Data
For safari activities, we may process:
- Health Data: Medical fitness for gorilla trekking, altitude sickness susceptibility
- Dietary Requirements: Food allergies, religious dietary restrictions
- Accessibility Needs: Physical limitations affecting safari participation
3. How We Use Your Information
3.1 Primary Purposes
We use your personal information to:
- Service Delivery: Organize and deliver safari experiences, gorilla trekking permits, accommodation, and transportation
- Safety and Security: Ensure your safety during wildlife activities and emergency situations
- Legal Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements for tourism operations in Uganda
- Communication: Send booking confirmations, itinerary updates, and important travel information
- Payment Processing: Handle payments and refunds for our services
3.2 Secondary Purposes (with consent)
- Marketing: Send newsletters about new safari packages and special offers
- Service Improvement: Analyze feedback to enhance our tour experiences
- Photography/Video: Use images/videos from tours for promotional purposes (with explicit consent)
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data based on:
- Contract Performance: Fulfilling our safari and travel service agreements
- Legal Obligation: Compliance with Uganda Wildlife Authority requirements, immigration laws
- Vital Interests: Protecting your safety during wildlife encounters and medical emergencies
- Consent: Marketing communications and promotional photography
- Legitimate Interests: Business operations and service improvement
5. Information Sharing and Disclosure
5.1 Service Partners
We share information with trusted partners necessary for service delivery:
- Uganda Wildlife Authority: For gorilla trekking permits and park regulations
- Accommodation Providers: Hotels, lodges, and safari camps for bookings
- Transportation Partners: Airlines, ground transport operators, boat cruise operators
- Local Guides: Professional safari guides and park rangers
- Medical Services: Emergency medical providers and travel insurance companies
5.2 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by:
- Uganda government authorities and law enforcement
- Immigration and customs officials
- Court orders or legal proceedings
- Emergency situations affecting your safety or others
5.3 International Transfers
Your data may be transferred to:
- Rwanda and Tanzania: For cross-border safari packages
- International Partners: Airlines and international accommodation chains
- Payment Processors: International payment gateway services
We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for all international data transfers.
6. Data Security
6.1 Security Measures
We implement robust security measures:
- Encryption: SSL encryption for all online transactions and data transmission
- Access Controls: Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
- Staff Training: Regular privacy and security training for all employees
- Physical Security: Secure storage of physical documents and restricted office access
- Payment Security: PCI DSS compliant payment processing systems
6.2 Data Breach Response
In the event of a data breach, we will:
- Immediately assess and contain the breach
- Notify relevant authorities within 72 hours if required
- Inform affected individuals without undue delay
- Take corrective measures to prevent future occurrences
7. Your Rights
7.1 Access and Control Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: Request copies of your personal data we hold
- Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
- Restriction: Limit how we process your data
- Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
- Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
7.2 Consent Management
- Withdraw Consent: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
- Granular Consent: Choose specific types of communications you wish to receive
7.3 Exercising Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at:
- Email: info@ugandagorillaadventures.com
- Phone: +256 704 004132
- Address: Kampala, Uganda
We will respond to your request within 30 days.
8. Data Retention
8.1 Retention Periods
We retain your data for:
- Active Bookings: Duration of travel plus 2 years for customer service
- Payment Records: 7 years for tax and accounting purposes
- Marketing Consent: Until consent is withdrawn
- Legal Requirements: As required by Uganda law and international regulations
8.2 Secure Disposal
When retention periods expire, we securely delete or anonymize your data using industry-standard methods.
9. Cookies and Website Technologies
9.1 Cookie Usage
Our website uses cookies for:
- Essential Functions: Booking systems and payment processing
- Analytics: Understanding website usage patterns (Google Analytics)
- Marketing: Remarketing and conversion tracking (with consent)
9.2 Cookie Management
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality.
10. Third-Party Services
10.1 Service Providers
We work with reputable third parties:
- Payment Processors: Secure credit card processing
- Email Services: Newsletter and communication platforms
- Analytics Providers: Website performance and user behavior analysis
- Booking Platforms: Online reservation and booking systems
10.2 Third-Party Privacy
We ensure all partners maintain appropriate privacy standards and data protection measures.
11. Children’s Privacy
Our safari services are primarily designed for adults. For travelers under 18:
- Parental Consent: Required for all bookings and activities
- Guardian Responsibility: Adults must accompany minors during all activities
- Special Protections: Enhanced safety measures for gorilla trekking with children
12. International Considerations
12.1 Cross-Border Travel
For multi-country safaris (Uganda-Rwanda-Tanzania):
- Visa Requirements: We assist with documentation but you’re responsible for compliance
- Border Controls: Your information may be shared with immigration authorities
- Local Laws: Different privacy laws may apply in each country
12.2 Emergency Situations
In medical or security emergencies, we may share your information with:
- Local emergency services
- Your country’s embassy or consulate
- Travel insurance providers
- Medical evacuation services
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect:
- Changes in our business practices
- Updates to applicable laws and regulations
- New services or features
- Enhanced security measures
We will notify you of significant changes via email or website notice at least 30 days before they take effect.
14. Contact Information
14.1 Privacy Questions
For privacy-related inquiries, contact our Data Protection Officer:
Bwindi Gorilla Nest Adventures Ltd
- Email: info@ugandagorillaadventures.com
- Website: www.ugandagorillaadventures.com
- Address: Kampala, Uganda
- Phone:+256 704 004132
14.2 Complaints
If you’re not satisfied with our response to privacy concerns, you may contact:
- Uganda’s Data Protection Authority
- Your local data protection supervisor authority (for EU residents)
15. Specific Safari Considerations
15.1 Gorilla Trekking
For mountain gorilla experiences:
- Permit Information: Shared with Uganda Wildlife Authority as required by law
- Health Screening: Medical fitness verification required
- Group Limitations: Maximum 8 visitors per gorilla family per day
- Photography Rules: Strict guidelines for camera use near gorillas
15.2 Remote Locations
During safaris in remote areas:
- Satellite Communication: Emergency communication may be monitored
- Local Communities: Interaction with local tribes and communities
- Wildlife Encounters: Incident reporting to relevant authorities
16. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of Uganda and applicable international data protection regulations. Any disputes will be resolved in accordance with Ugandan law.
This Privacy Policy demonstrates our commitment to protecting your personal information while providing exceptional safari experiences in Uganda’s magnificent national parks and wildlife reserves.