Privacy Policy
Effective Date: July 27, 2026
Vugane Safaris (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates from Arusha, Tanzania. We are committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of our guests, website visitors, and clients. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website or book a safari or mountain trek with us.
1. Information We Collect
To arrange your safari itinerary, mountain trekking permits, and accommodations, we must collect specific personal details. This includes:
– Identity Data: Full name, passport details (number, expiration date, nationality), and date of birth.
– Contact Data: Email address, phone number, and physical billing address.
– Travel & General Health Data: Dietary preferences, general medical conditions or physical limitations, emergency contact info, and flight details.
– High-Altitude Medical Data (for Kilimanjaro Climbs): Pre-existing medical conditions, current prescription medications (such as Diamox/Acetazolamide), cardiovascular health history, previous history of altitude sickness (AMS/HAPE/HACE), and your current physical fitness level.
– Insurance Verification: Comprehensive travel insurance policy numbers, insurer contact details, and emergency evacuation rider information (specifically covering extreme high-altitude trekking up to 5,895 meters).
– Payment Data: Credit card details or bank account information (processed securely through authorized third-party payment gateways).
– Technical Data: IP address, browser type, and cookies used to improve your browsing experience on our website.
2. How We Use Your Information
We process your personal data under legal frameworks, including the Tanzania Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), 2022. We use it to:
– Confirm and manage your safari bookings, lodge reservations, and internal flight arrangements.
– Secure mandatory national park permits with the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), and Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA).
– Evaluate participant suitability for extreme high-altitude environments and prepare our guiding crew for your safety.
– Coordinate emergency rescue operations, medical evacuations, and hospital admissions with your self-provided insurance and local emergency services if required during the trek.
– Communicate vital pre-trip information, packing lists, and itinerary updates.
– Process secure payments and prevent fraudulent transactions.
– Send optional marketing emails regarding new itineraries or seasonal wildlife updates (you can opt out at any time).
3. Sharing Your Information
We never sell your data. We only share essential information with trusted third parties strictly necessary to deliver your safari experience:
– Local Suppliers: Safari lodges, tented camps, local flight operators, and specialized mountain/safari guides.
– Emergency Medical Entities: Local mountain rescue teams, designated emergency medical facilities or hospitals in Moshi or Arusha, and your personal insurance provider’s international emergency response team.
– Government Authorities: TANAPA, NCAA, KINAPA, and the Tanzania Immigration Department for legal entry permits, park access validation, and mandatory mountain registration.
– Payment Processors: Authorized banking institutions and secure online payment gateways.
4. Data Security and Storage
Your data is securely stored on protected servers. In compliance with Tanzanian law, we implement strict administrative, technical, and physical security safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure of your personal profile. We retain your information only as long as necessary to fulfill booking obligations and tax reporting requirements.
5. International Data Transfers
Because our clients travel from all over the world, your data may be transferred across international borders to facilitate your trip bookings. By using our website and services, you consent to these secure transfers.
6. Your Legal Rights
Depending on your residency, you hold specific rights regarding your data under the Tanzania PDPA or EU GDPR. You have the right to:
– Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
– Request the correction or update of inaccurate information.
– Request the deletion of your data (provided it does not conflict with legal or financial tracking requirements).
– File a complaint with the Tanzania Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) if you believe your rights have been violated.
7. Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted instantly on this page with an updated “Effective Date.”
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about this policy or want to update your data preferences, contact us directly at our Arusha office:
Company Name: Vugane Safaris
Email Address: info@vuganesafaris.com
Phone Number: +255 768 108 373