Travel Insurance gives you a Peace of Mind Safari in Uganda
Our Advice to you: Get travel Insurance – do not book your Safari in Uganda without it!
When planning your dream safari in Uganda, one essential step that is often overlooked is securing travel insurance. At Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, we strongly advise you not to book your safari without it. Although more than 99% of safaris occur without any issues, unexpected situations can arise—such as sudden illness, family emergencies, or work-related complications—that may force you to cancel or interrupt your plans.
While we are a safari tour operator and not insurance brokers, we understand the immense value that travel insurance provides. It is not just an additional expense—it is an investment in your peace of mind. With proper coverage, you can embark on your adventure with confidence, knowing that you are protected against unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise lead to significant financial loss.
Travel insurance covers a wide range of issues, including medical emergencies, repatriation, cancellations, and lost luggage. This allows you to focus on the incredible experiences Uganda has to offer—from gorilla trekking to exploring vast savannahs—without worrying about potential what-ifs in the background. The cost of insurance is minimal compared to the potential expenses you might face without it.
Your safety, security, and peace of mind are our top priorities. Therefore, before finalizing your booking, ensure that you have adequate travel insurance in place. It is a small step that guarantees your unforgettable Ugandan safari remains a joyful memory, regardless of any surprises that life may throw your way.
Why You Should Never Book a Safari in Uganda Without Travel Insurance
Planning an adventurous safari in Uganda is exciting, but it’s crucial to protect yourself from unexpected risks by purchasing travel insurance—ideally at the time of booking your trip. Uganda offers thrilling experiences such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, white-water rafting, and hiking. While these activities create incredible memories, they also come with inherent risks. Travel insurance serves as your safety net, designed to protect you against emergencies and costly disruptions.
We have seen firsthand how travel insurance has rescued our clients from financial loss and medical emergencies during their safaris. Whether it’s a sudden illness, an accident on a hiking trail, or the need for emergency evacuation, having the right insurance policy ensures you receive prompt care without the burden of high costs. Medical treatment and repatriation can be extremely expensive, especially in remote areas, making insurance essential.
Your policy should cover trip cancellations, delays, loss or theft of valuables, personal liability, and legal expenses to fully protect your investment. For those with pre-existing conditions, it’s vital to consult an insurance expert before your trip to ensure full coverage. Additionally, if you plan to participate in extreme activities like bungee jumping or white-water rafting, make sure your insurance explicitly covers those adventures.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a comprehensive policy that covers the entire cost of your safari, including international flights. Many credit card travel insurances have coverage limits that could leave you exposed. We strongly recommend reviewing your options carefully and selecting coverage that aligns with your itinerary and activities.
In summary, travel insurance is not just a precaution—it is an essential part of responsible travel planning. Protect your journey, your health, and your financial well-being by securing the right travel insurance before you embark on your unforgettable Ugandan safari.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Insurance:
My credit card includes travel insurance – is that enough?
It is essential to check that you are satisfied with the amount of coverage included. Please contact your credit card company to verify what is and what isn’t covered.
Is medical coverage provided by national social insurance programs or national healthcare systems in my country of residence valid in Africa?
Public social insurance programs, such as Medicare, and national healthcare systems, like the NHS, are unlikely to provide you with medical coverage. Please contact the relevant authority for further information.
I have private health insurance – is that enough?
It is unlikely that your private health insurance policy will provide you with adequate coverage. Please speak to your health insurance company about what is covered.
Can I buy travel insurance from Kabiza Wilderness Safaris?
No, Kabiza Wilderness Safaris does not sell insurance. We are not part of an affiliate travel insurance program. This could lead to legal tangles – we do one thing only, create memorable Safaris.
How much does travel insurance cost, and where can I compare policies?
The cost of travel insurance varies, as insurance companies will consider pre-existing health conditions, the trip’s length, the journey’s cost, and many other factors. We cannot legally advise clients on which policies are best, nor can we recommend any travel insurance companies or policies. However, to get an idea of where to begin your research, please take a look at the following:
- for Canadian residents, there is some advice on the website for the Government of Canada
- for UK residents, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers further information on the importance of travel insurance and what to look for in a policy
- for US residents, there is some advice on the US State Department website.
Please note that we cannot take any responsibility for the information provided on a third-party website.
Your Essential Guide to Travel Insurance for Your Uganda Safari
At Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, your safety and well-being are our most important concern. We have seen many times how having good travel insurance can make a big difference during a trip. Travel insurance is not just paperwork—it is a safety net that protects you from unexpected problems. For example, some of our clients lost their luggage, and others with medical conditions needed urgent care while on safari. The COVID-19 pandemic and other unexpected global events have shown us even more how important travel insurance really is.
For your peace of mind, all our safari guests automatically receive AMREF Flying Doctor Medivac-Evacuation insurance. This special service means that if you need emergency medical care while on safari, a “flying ambulance” — a specially equipped plane — will quickly take you to a hospital in Nairobi. This hospital meets international health standards. After you arrive there, your personal travel insurance will cover your medical care.
We often get asked to check insurance policies, but for legal reasons, we cannot do that. We encourage you to contact your insurance company directly to understand their terms and conditions. While we cannot make you buy travel insurance, we strongly recommend it. Think about your health, your age, and the risks involved. Buying travel insurance helps you enjoy your safari with less worry.
Understanding Your Travel Insurance Options
When choosing travel insurance, there are different types of coverage. Here are the main ones to know:
1. Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage
This is an optional extra you can add to your insurance. It gives you more flexibility to cancel your trip for reasons not covered by a normal policy. If you cancel, you can get back part of your prepaid, non-refundable costs — usually between 50% and 75%. But you must buy this coverage within 14 to 21 days after your first trip payment. Also, you usually need to cancel at least two days before your trip starts. Last-minute cancellations are not covered.
2. Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Coverage
This is standard in most travel insurance policies. It protects you if you must cancel your trip before you go, or if you need to cut your trip short. Covered reasons include illness, a death in the family, or severe flight delays.
3. Always Read the Fine Print
No matter which policy you choose, read all the details carefully. Some clients have thought they were fully covered but found out their policy had limits. Make sure your insurance covers the full cost of your trip, including international flights. For example, many credit card travel insurance policies only cover a certain amount, which might not be enough for your safari. Also, check if your policy covers any pre-existing medical conditions.
Please remember, Kabiza Wilderness Safaris cannot be responsible for any costs if you travel without proper insurance. Travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself and your trip.
Travel Insurance: The Indispensable Safety Net for Your Ugandan Safari
A safari in Uganda represents more than just a vacation; it is often a significant investment in a dream that has been planned for years. While Uganda is generally a safe and peaceful destination, it is essential to include travel insurance as part of your trip planning. Since 2008, Kabiza Wilderness Safaris has been dedicated to creating “hakuna matata, no worries” safari experiences. Throughout this period, we have encountered only two situations where travel insurance proved crucial for our clients.
In one instance, a client with a pre-existing medical condition needed medical attention while on safari, and their travel insurance facilitated this care without issue. In another case, a client experienced a serious fall while running, which required airlifting to a medical facility. Without insurance, these unexpected situations could have led to significant financial burdens.
These rare examples underscore our strong recommendation for travel insurance. It serves as a vital safety net against unforeseen circumstances, covering non-refundable expenses such as gorilla and chimpanzee permits and lodge deposits in case of a personal emergency that may force you to cancel your trip. Our goal is for you to feel completely secure in your booking, knowing that prioritizing your well-being and the success of your safari experience is our utmost concern.
Our “Hakuna Matata” Promise and the Role of Travel Insurance
At Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, we are dedicated to ensuring your safari experience embodies the spirit of “hakuna matata” — meaning no worries, just pure enjoyment. Your well-being and safety are our utmost priorities, and we genuinely believe that your satisfaction is far more critical than our profits. This core philosophy drives every decision we make.
We recognize that a safari is not just a trip; it’s a significant investment, often planned well in advance, especially when it comes to a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla safari in Uganda. Life, however, can be unpredictable, with unexpected events such as family emergencies or health issues.
That’s why we strongly recommend protecting your investment with a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers your entire stay in Africa. Although over 99% of our safaris unfold without a hitch, the rare cancellations that do happen are usually due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control. Travel insurance becomes essential in these cases, safeguarding against the loss of non-refundable permits and lodge deposits, which can be challenging to recover.
While we are not an insurance broker and do not sell policies directly, we strongly recommend securing a high-quality travel insurance plan as a prudent move. It not only offers you peace of mind but also shields the extraordinary adventure you’ve worked so hard to plan. Don’t let unforeseen changes disrupt your journey—equip yourself with the protection you need, and get ready to immerse yourself in the incredible magic of Uganda.
