Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are

Gerry Tours & Safaris ("we", "us", "our") is a Rwandan-registered tour operator based in Kigali, Rwanda. We are an RICTA & RATA Member and RDB Certified. For any privacy-related queries, contact us at gerrytours@icloud.com or call +250 799 525 648.

2. Data We Collect

We collect the following categories of personal data:

• Contact information — name, email address, phone number, nationality, and travel dates submitted through our contact or journey-planning forms.
• Communication records — emails, WhatsApp messages, and call logs related to your inquiry or booking.
• Travel documents — passport details, visa information, and emergency contacts provided during the booking process.
• Usage data — pages visited, browser type, device, IP address, and referring URL collected through cookies and analytics tools.
• Payment information — processed securely by third-party payment providers; we do not store full card details.

3. How We Use Your Data

• To respond to contact form inquiries and tailor journey proposals.
• To process bookings, permits, and accommodation reservations on your behalf.
• To send booking confirmations, travel documents, and pre-departure information.
• To send marketing communications (newsletters, promotions) only when you have explicitly opted in.
• To improve our website experience through aggregated, anonymised analytics.
• To comply with legal obligations and Rwandan regulatory requirements.

4. Contact Form Handling

When you submit a contact or "Tailor Your Journey" form, your data is stored securely in our backend system. We use this information solely to respond to your inquiry and prepare a personalised trip proposal. Your submission is not shared with any third party except where necessary to fulfil your booking (e.g., lodges, Rwanda Development Board for permit applications).

5. Email & SMS Consent

We will only send you marketing emails or SMS messages if you have explicitly opted in. You may withdraw consent at any time by:

• Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any marketing email.
• Replying "STOP" to any SMS message.
• Emailing us at gerrytours@icloud.com.

Transactional messages (booking confirmations, travel updates) are not marketing and will continue as long as you have an active booking.

6. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We share your personal data only when necessary:

• Accommodation providers — lodges and hotels you are booked with.
• Rwanda Development Board (RDB) — for gorilla and chimpanzee permit applications.
• Payment processors — to handle secure transactions.
• Analytics services — anonymised, aggregate usage data only.

We never sell your personal data to any third party.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, typically up to 3 years after your last interaction. Travel documents and booking records may be retained longer to comply with Rwandan tax and regulatory requirements.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements).
• Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time.
• Object to processing of your data for specific purposes.

To exercise any of these rights, email gerrytours@icloud.com. We will respond within 30 days.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. All data transmissions are encrypted using TLS/SSL. Access to personal data is restricted to authorised personnel on a need-to-know basis.

10. International Transfers

As an international tour operator, your data may be processed in countries outside Rwanda. Where this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors without parental or guardian consent.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates the most recent revision. Continued use of our website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of Rwanda, including the Law N° 058/2021 relating to the protection of personal data and privacy.