Congo 2027 Expedition Registration

Expedition Terms, Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability (2027 Republic of the Congo Expedition)
Version: October 2026

This agreement is between me and Dare to Dream Physician LLC, doing business as Dare to Dream Compass (“Dare to Dream Compass”). In this agreement, “Released Parties” means Dare to Dream Compass and its owners, members, managers, employees, agents, and expedition leaders, including Dr. Weili Gray, together with its affiliated guides and partners. By signing up, I understand and agree to the following:

The Expedition

1. Dates & Location: The expedition takes place July 5–15, 2027 (10 nights) or July 15–22, 2027 (7 nights), depending on the expedition I register for. It begins and ends in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, with nights at remote rainforest lodges in the Congo Basin. I commit to the full expedition I register for.

2. Wild Setting: This expedition takes place in remote, unfenced rainforest where wild animals, including gorillas, forest elephants, and buffalo, are present and unpredictable. Much of our travel is on foot and by water, including wading through streams and muddy areas. I understand the inherent risks and agree to follow all safety instructions from guides, trackers, lodge staff, and the expedition host at all times.

3. Gorilla Trekking Rules: I agree to follow all park and conservation rules for gorilla trekking, including completing the required medical declaration, wearing a mask near the gorillas, and keeping the distance and time limits set by the guides. I understand that I may not be allowed to trek if I am ill, because gorillas can catch human diseases, and that a trek missed for this reason is not refundable.

4. Itinerary Changes: Wildlife sightings, including gorilla encounters, are not guaranteed. Weather, wildlife, flights, and local conditions may require changes to the itinerary, activities, lodges, or order of travel. I agree that Dare to Dream Compass and its local partners may make these changes for safety or operational reasons, and that such changes do not entitle me to a refund.

5. Independent Suppliers: Dare to Dream Compass organizes and hosts this expedition but does not own, operate, or control the lodges, airlines, private flights, boats, vehicles, parks, or guiding services used. These are provided by independent suppliers, who are not employees or agents of Dare to Dream Compass. I understand that Dare to Dream Compass is not responsible for the acts, omissions, or negligence of independent suppliers or their staff.

6. Arrival & Rainforest Flights: The private flight into the rainforest operates only on scheduled days (currently Mondays and Thursdays). I am strongly advised to arrive in Brazzaville at least one night, and preferably two nights, early. If a delayed or canceled international flight causes me to miss the flight into the rainforest, the missed portion of the expedition is not refundable, and any added hotel nights, meals, or transfers are my responsibility.

7. Unplugging: Wi-Fi at the lodges is limited to common areas. To honor the purpose of this expedition — presence, connection, courage, and growth — I agree to limit internet and phone use to essential needs, not routine work or scrolling.

8. Confidentiality & Respect: This expedition is a small group of growth-minded professionals, entrepreneurs, and their loved ones. I agree to treat every participant, guide, staff member, and local community member with respect, and to keep confidential the personal or professional experiences others share within the group.

9. Accommodation & Roommates: Rates are based on two guests sharing a room. If I travel with a companion, we will share a room. If I travel solo, I will be matched with a roommate of the same sex. Private rooms may be available on request, subject to availability and an additional single supplement fee confirmed before booking.

Health & Safety

10. Assumption of Risk: I understand that this expedition involves inherent risks that cannot be eliminated, even with careful planning and expert guides, including but not limited to close encounters with wild animals that may charge, bite, or attack; walking and wading on uneven, wet, and muddy terrain, including water crossings; small-aircraft and boat travel; heat, humidity, and insects; exposure to tropical and infectious diseases; distance from advanced medical care, which may be hours or days away; and political, civil, or crime-related events. I knowingly and voluntarily accept these risks, including risks not listed here, and I accept full personal responsibility for my participation.

11. RELEASE OF LIABILITY: To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release, waive, and agree not to sue the Released Parties for any injury, illness, death, loss, or damage arising from or related to my participation in the expedition, including claims arising from the negligence of the Released Parties. This release does not apply to gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

12. Indemnification: I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising from my own conduct, my breach of this agreement, or damage I cause to property during the expedition.

13. Medical Fitness & Disclosure: I confirm that I am medically, physically, and emotionally fit to participate, including being able to walk unassisted at a normal pace on uneven ground for at least two hours at a time and wade through streams. I agree to disclose any health conditions, medications, allergies, or limitations that may affect my participation. I understand that the host may, at her discretion, decline or limit participation if safety is a concern. If I am removed from activities or must leave the expedition for medical reasons, I will not receive a refund for the unused portion. I consent to Dare to Dream Compass sharing relevant health information with guides, lodges, and medical providers when needed for my safety.

14. Travel Health Requirements: I understand that yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into the Republic of the Congo and that I must carry proof of vaccination. Malaria is present throughout the country. I will consult my own physician or a travel medicine specialist about malaria prevention, vaccines, and other travel health needs before departure.

15. Host’s Role: Although Dr. Weili Gray is a physician, she participates as the expedition host, not as my medical provider. Any help she offers in an emergency is given as a fellow traveler and does not create a doctor–patient relationship. I remain responsible for my own medical care and medications. She is not responsible for providing medical care, equipment, or supplies.

16. Emergency Medical Authorization: In the event of a medical emergency, I authorize Dare to Dream Compass and its representatives to obtain emergency medical treatment and evacuation on my behalf. Medical evacuation coverage included in the expedition is limited to transport from camp to Brazzaville. I agree to be financially responsible for all other medical and evacuation costs.

Travel Requirements

17. Travel Arrangements: I am responsible for arranging my own international flights to and from Brazzaville, and for any hotel nights, meals, and drinks in Brazzaville not included in my booking or Early Registration Bonus. My passport must be valid through at least January 31, 2028 and have at least two blank visa pages.

18. Travel Documents & Visas: A visa is required for U.S. citizens to enter the Republic of the Congo. A letter of invitation from the local vendor will be provided for my visa application. Visa-on-arrival service is highly recommended and is included with the Early Registration Bonus or available for an extra charge. I agree to follow the visa instructions I receive, to verify current entry requirements for my citizenship and any countries I transit, and to obtain all required documents in time. I understand that being denied boarding or entry because of missing documents is not grounds for a refund.

19. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is required. I agree to purchase and maintain a policy that covers this expedition, including emergency medical care and medical evacuation to my home country. Because all payments are non-refundable, I am strongly encouraged to include trip cancellation coverage, such as “cancel for any reason” coverage, which usually must be purchased soon after the first payment. Before departure, I will provide my policy number and my insurer’s emergency phone number. If I choose not to purchase insurance, or my policy does not cover a loss, I accept full financial responsibility for that loss.

20. Baggage & Personal Property: The private flights into the rainforest have strict baggage weight and size limits, which will be provided before departure, and I agree to follow them. Dare to Dream Compass is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of my baggage or personal property.

Payments & Policies

21. Payment Schedule: I agree to pay according to the schedule for my expedition: $4,000 at registration, $4,000 by January 8, 2027, and the remaining balance by April 1, 2027. If a payment is more than 14 days late, Dare to Dream Compass may cancel my registration and retain all payments made.

22. Early Registration Bonus: To receive the Early Registration Bonus, my first deposit must be made by November 1, 2026 and all later payments must be made on time. The bonus includes complimentary visa-on-arrival service and up to two complimentary hotel nights in Brazzaville before departure to the rainforest, in shared accommodation. The bonus is non-transferable and has no cash or credit value if unused.

23. Payment Policy: I understand that all payments are final and non-refundable, except as described under Cancellation by Dare to Dream Compass. If I am unable to attend, I may transfer my place to another eligible participant, provided:
• Payment arrangements are handled directly between me and the new participant.
• The new participant is reviewed and approved by the host.
• The new participant agrees to all the same expedition agreements outlined here.
• The new participant pays any name-change fees charged by suppliers.

24. Cancellation by Dare to Dream Compass: Each expedition requires a minimum of 5 guests. If this minimum is not reached, Dare to Dream Compass may cancel the expedition by May 15, 2027. If Dare to Dream Compass cancels the expedition for this or any other reason within its control, I may choose either a full refund of the payments I made to Dare to Dream Compass or a credit toward a future expedition. Dare to Dream Compass is not responsible for airfare or other travel costs I have paid to third parties.

25. Credit Card Chargebacks: I understand that by registering for this expedition, I am committing to the payment in full. I agree to contact Dare to Dream Compass first to resolve any billing concern, and not to initiate a chargeback or dispute with my credit card company for any payments made toward this expedition in accordance with this agreement. I acknowledge that I have read and agreed to the non-refundable payment policy, and that my acceptance of these terms serves as my authorization for Dare to Dream Compass to retain all payments as described. Any attempt to reverse charges through a credit card dispute will be considered a breach of this agreement.

26. Travel Advisories & Postponement: If the U.S. Department of State raises the travel advisory for the Republic of the Congo to Level 4: Do Not Travel, Dare to Dream Compass will postpone the expedition and reschedule it for a future date. Depending on the circumstances, I may also have the option to apply my trip credit toward a different expedition. In the event of a postponement, the payments I made to Dare to Dream Compass become a credit, which must be applied to a new booking within 24 months of the postponement notice; the travel itself may take place later. The credit is not a cash refund.

27. Force Majeure: Dare to Dream Compass shall not be liable or responsible for any failure or delay in performance, including expedition cancellation, postponement, or changes, resulting from causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, extreme weather, disease outbreaks, pandemics, strikes, political unrest, airline or charter cancellations, or government restrictions. In such cases, no refunds are guaranteed. The host will make reasonable efforts to recover any refundable portion of prepaid expenses from local vendors, accommodations, or suppliers, and if such funds are recovered, they may be returned to participants at the host’s discretion. Participants are strongly encouraged to ensure their travel insurance covers such circumstances.

General Terms

28. Media Release: I grant permission for photos and videos taken during the expedition that include my image to be used by Dare to Dream Compass for marketing, educational, or promotional purposes in print, online, or social media. I understand that no royalties or compensation will be provided for such use. If I prefer not to appear in marketing materials, I will tell the host in writing before departure.

29. Behavior & Grounds for Removal: Respectful conduct and following safety instructions are required at all times. Dare to Dream Compass reserves the right to remove any participant without refund if their behavior is deemed unsafe, disrespectful, or disruptive to the group. Any costs of an early departure are the participant’s responsibility.

30. Lodge & Park Requirements: I agree to sign any additional waivers, forms, or terms required by the lodges, park authorities, or local operators, and to follow their rules.

31. Participants Under 18: If I am registering a participant aged 15–17, I confirm that I am their parent or legal guardian, that I accept these agreements on their behalf, and that I will travel with them and be responsible for their supervision and conduct throughout the expedition. I also consent to emergency medical treatment for the minor and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree to indemnify the Released Parties for any claims brought by or on behalf of the minor arising from the expedition.

32. Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, the total liability of the Released Parties for any claim related to the expedition will not exceed the amount I paid to Dare to Dream Compass, and the Released Parties are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

33. Notice of Claims: I agree to give Dare to Dream Compass written notice of any claim within 30 days after the expedition ends, and to file any lawsuit within one year after the expedition ends.

34. Jurisdiction & Governing Law: This agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Vermont, USA. Any disputes arising from this agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Vermont.

35. Severability: If any provision of this agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

36. Entire Agreement & Electronic Acceptance: This agreement, together with the expedition description on the Dare to Dream Compass website and my booking confirmation, is the entire agreement between me and Dare to Dream Compass. My electronic acceptance has the same effect as my handwritten signature. If Dare to Dream Compass does not enforce any provision at a given time, it keeps the right to enforce it later.

Expedition Price and Payment Schedule
Prices are per traveler, based on two guests sharing a room.

10-night expedition · July 5–15, 2027
Adult: $20,045 total. $4,000 at registration, $4,000 by January 8, 2027, and $12,045 by April 1, 2027.
Youth (ages 15–30, traveling with a parent): $14,140 total. $4,000 at registration, $4,000 by January 8, 2027, and $6,140 by April 1, 2027.

7-night expedition · July 15–22, 2027
Adult: $15,030 total. $4,000 at registration, $4,000 by January 8, 2027, and $7,030 by April 1, 2027.
Youth (ages 15–30, traveling with a parent): $10,885 total. $4,000 at registration, $4,000 by January 8, 2027, and $2,885 by April 1, 2027.

Payments made by bank transfer (ACH) get a 2.8% discount.