Terms & Conditions

1. About Us

SHUTTERWILD EXPEDITIONS LTD (“ShutterWild Expeditions”, “we”, “us”, “our”) operates small-group wildlife photography expeditions worldwide.
By booking a tour or using our website, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

2. Booking & Contract Formation

• 2.1 A booking is confirmed only once ShutterWild Expeditions has received the required deposit and issued written confirmation.
• 2.2 The person making the booking confirms they have authority to accept these terms on behalf of all participants in their party.
• 2.3 All participants must be at least 18 years old unless otherwise agreed in writing.

3. Payments

• 3.1 A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.
• 3.2 The remaining balance must be paid by the deadline stated on your invoice (typically 60 days prior to departure).
• 3.3 Failure to pay the balance by the due date may result in cancellation of your booking and forfeiture of deposit.
• 3.4 Prices are quoted in GBP (£) unless otherwise stated.
• 3.5 Any bank charges, card fees, or currency conversion costs are the responsibility of the participant.

4. Participant Cancellation

If you cancel your booking, the following charges apply:

• More than 90 days before departure – Deposit retained
• 60–89 days before departure – 50% of total tour price
• 30–59 days before departure – 75% of total tour price
• Less than 30 days before departure – 100% of total tour price

All cancellations must be made in writing.
ShutterWild Expeditions strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking.

5. Changes or Cancellation by ShutterWild Expeditions

ShutterWild Expeditions reserves the right to cancel or amend a tour due to:

• Insufficient bookings
• Safety concerns
• Government restrictions
• Force majeure events (natural disasters, pandemics, civil unrest, etc.)

If ShutterWild Expeditions cancels a tour, participants will be offered:

• A full refund of payments made to ShutterWild Expeditions, or
• The option to transfer to a future expedition.

ShutterWild Expeditions is not responsible for costs incurred outside of the booking (e.g., flights, visas, insurance).

6. Itinerary Changes

Wildlife expeditions are dynamic and subject to natural conditions.
ShutterWild Expeditions reserves the right to adjust itineraries, accommodation, hide sessions, or daily schedules in the interest of safety, logistics, or improving photographic opportunities.
Such changes do not constitute grounds for compensation.

7. Wildlife & Photography Conditions

• 7.1 Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• 7.2 Photography success depends on weather, natural behaviour, and seasonal conditions.
• 7.3 All expeditions operate under ethical wildlife guidelines.

8. Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

All participants must hold comprehensive travel insurance covering:

• Trip cancellation
• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation
• Personal liability
• Photography equipment

Proof of insurance may be requested prior to departure.

9. Health & Fitness

Participants must ensure they are physically fit and medically capable of participating.
Some tours involve:

• Cold climates
• Uneven terrain
• Early mornings
• Remote locations

It is the participant’s responsibility to disclose any medical conditions that may affect participation.

10. Participant Conduct

Participants must:

• Follow guide instructions
• Respect wildlife and habitats
• Act respectfully toward accommodation providers and fellow participants

ShutterWild Expeditions reserves the right to remove any participant whose behaviour endangers safety or disrupts the group. No refund will be issued in such circumstances.

11. Liability

Participation in wildlife expeditions involves inherent risks.
SHUTTERWILD EXPEDITIONS LTD shall not be liable for:

• Injury or illness
• Loss or damage to personal belongings or camera equipment
• Travel delays or cancellations
• Events beyond our reasonable control

Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

12. Image Usage

Participants retain copyright of their own images.
By participating, you grant ShutterWild Expeditions permission to use behind-the-scenes images or group photographs for promotional purposes unless you notify us otherwise in writing.

13. Data Protection

Personal data is processed in accordance with the ShutterWild Expeditions Privacy Policy.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

15. Assumption of Risk & Participant Acknowledgement

16. Limitation of Liability

17. UK Package Travel Regulations

Where a booking constitutes a “package” under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, SHUTTERWILD EXPEDITIONS LTD will provide services in accordance with those regulations.
Participants are responsible for:

• Passport validity
• Visa requirements
• Health documentation
• Vaccinations

Unless explicitly stated, flights are not included and are arranged independently by participants.

18. Participant Release

By confirming a booking, participants:

• Confirm they understand the physical demands of the expedition
• Confirm they hold valid insurance
• Release SHUTTERWILD EXPEDITIONS LTD from claims arising from risks inherent in wildlife expeditions
• Accept that itineraries may change due to safety or environmental factors

This acknowledgement forms part of the legally binding agreement between the participant and SHUTTERWILD EXPEDITIONS LTD.