Judge Tours: Refund & Cancellation Policy

We are committed to providing life-changing experiences across East Africa. Because our tours involve complex logistics, including securing limited permits (such as Gorilla Trekking) and luxury accommodations, our refund policy is designed to balance the needs of our travelers with the non-refundable commitments we make to our local partners.

​

1. Booking Deposits

• All tours require a 25% non-refundable deposit at the time of booking to secure your itinerary, accommodations, and transport.

• Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permits: These permits are purchased immediately upon booking and are 100% non-refundable and non-transferable per government regulations (e.g., RDB in Rwanda or UWA in Uganda).

​

2. Cancellation Schedule

If you must cancel your trip, the following fees apply based on the date we receive your written cancellation notice:

• 91+ Days Before Departure: Loss of non-refundable deposit + permit costs. Remaining balance is refunded.

• 61 – 90 Days Before Departure: 50% of the total tour cost is non-refundable.

• 31 – 60 Days Before Departure: 75% of the total tour cost is non-refundable.

• 0 – 30 Days Before Departure: 100% of the total tour cost is non-refundable.

​

3. Digital Products (Guides & Itineraries)

• Due to the nature of digital content, all sales of the Rwanda Travel Guide and other downloadable itineraries are final and non-refundable once the download link has been issued.

​

4. Rescheduling & Changes

• Traveler-Initiated Changes: If you wish to change your dates after booking, we will do our best to accommodate you. A rescheduling fee of $350 per person plus any price differences in seasonal rates or permit fees will apply.

• Judge Tours Cancellations: In the rare event that Judge Tours must cancel a trip (due to safety or force majeure), we will offer a full refund of the amount paid or a 100% credit toward a future tour.

​

5. Travel Insurance Requirement

Because of the strict cancellation policies of African lodges and park authorities, Judge Tours strongly recommends (and in some cases requires) comprehensive travel insurance. Your policy should cover:

• Trip cancellation and interruption

• Emergency medical evacuation

• Pre-existing conditions

​

6. Refunds for Unused Services

No refunds will be provided for any unused portion of the tour, including missed sightseeing, meals, or late arrivals/early departures.

​

How to Request a Refund

All cancellation requests must be sent in writing to: Email: info@judgetours.org Subject: Cancellation Request. Refunds will be processed back to the original payment method within 10–14 business days of approval.