Terms & Conditions

A binding contract is formed between you (the Client) and African Trails Expeditions (we, us, or the Company) when we issue a written booking confirmation and receive the required deposit payment, whichever occurs later.

The lead traveller listed on the booking form accepts these Terms and Conditions on behalf of all persons in the travelling party and is responsible for ensuring that all members are aware of and comply with them.

All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation. We reserve the right to decline any booking at our sole discretion.

All prices are quoted in United States Dollars (USD) unless expressly stated otherwise. Prices are valid only at the time of quotation and are subject to change until a booking deposit has been received and a written confirmation issued.

Our quoted prices include only the services explicitly listed in your confirmed itinerary. Items such as international airfares, visas, travel insurance, items of a personal nature, gratuities, optional activities, and any services not listed as included are excluded unless stated in writing.

In the unlikely event of a significant increase in our operating costs — including fuel surcharges, park and conservancy fee revisions, or currency fluctuations exceeding 10% — we reserve the right to adjust confirmed prices. We will provide written notice of any such revision no less than 60 days before departure. You will have the right to cancel and receive a full refund of monies paid if the increase exceeds 8% of the total booking value.

Any government-imposed taxes, levies, or park fees introduced after the date of booking confirmation will be passed on to the Client.

Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total booking value is required to confirm your reservation. For bookings involving exclusive-use camps, private aircraft charter, or peak-season departures, a deposit of 50% may be required and will be stated in your quotation.

Final Payment: The remaining balance is due no later than 90 days prior to the departure date. For bookings made within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking confirmation.

Late Payment: We reserve the right to treat a booking as cancelled if full payment is not received by the due date, in which case the cancellation fees set out in Clause 5 will apply.

Payments may be made by bank transfer (SWIFT/IBAN), credit card, or such other methods as may be agreed in writing. Any bank charges or transaction fees incurred on the Client's side are the Client's responsibility.

We will use all reasonable efforts to operate your safari as confirmed. However, the nature of travel in Africa means that unforeseen circumstances — including weather, wildlife movement, road conditions, and operational constraints at partner lodges — may require adjustments to your programme.

If a significant change becomes necessary before departure (for example, the substitution of a property of materially lower standard), we will inform you as soon as practicable and offer either an alternative of equivalent or higher standard, or a full refund of monies paid.

Minor changes — including alteration of the order of activities, substitution of vehicles, adjustments to meal arrangements, or replacement of activities with equivalents — do not constitute significant changes and do not entitle the Client to cancel without incurring cancellation fees.

Changes requested by the Client after booking confirmation will be accommodated where possible but may incur an amendment fee of USD 150 per change, in addition to any supplier costs arising from the amendment. Changes requested within 60 days of departure may not be possible.

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all Clients. Your policy must, at a minimum, cover: emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation; medical evacuation and repatriation (including helicopter evacuation); trip cancellation and curtailment; loss or theft of personal baggage and travel documents; and personal liability.

We strongly recommend that your policy also covers adventure activities such as bush walks, hot air balloon flights, and boat excursions, as applicable to your itinerary.

We reserve the right to request proof of adequate travel insurance prior to departure. We accept no liability for any costs or losses arising from a Client's failure to obtain appropriate coverage.

It is the Client's sole responsibility to consult a qualified medical professional regarding health requirements, vaccinations, and malaria prophylaxis applicable to the destinations on their itinerary.

The Client must disclose to us, at the time of booking, any pre-existing medical conditions, physical limitations, or dietary requirements that may affect their ability to participate in the planned activities or that may require special accommodation. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate such requirements, but cannot guarantee that all requests can be met.

Certain activities — including hot air ballooning, bush walks, and light aircraft transfers — may be subject to weight limits or fitness requirements imposed by third-party operators. The Client accepts responsibility for complying with such requirements.

We will not be held liable for any illness, injury, or adverse health event arising during your safari. The Client participates in all activities at their own risk.

It is the Client's sole responsibility to hold a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the return travel date, and to obtain all visas, permits, and documentation required for entry into each country on the itinerary.

We will provide general guidance on visa requirements upon request, but this information is provided as a courtesy only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements change frequently, and the Client must verify current requirements with the relevant embassies and consular authorities.

We accept no liability for any costs, delays, or losses arising from a Client's failure to hold appropriate documentation.

All Clients are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of wildlife, the environment, local communities, lodge staff, guides, and fellow travellers at all times.

We and our partner lodges reserve the right to remove any Client from a safari, aircraft, vessel, or property if their behaviour is deemed dangerous, threatening, abusive, or otherwise unacceptable. No refund will be issued in such circumstances.

Clients must comply with all wildlife regulations, national park rules, and conservation guidelines. Any fines or penalties incurred as a result of a Client's non-compliance are the sole responsibility of that Client.

We act as a principal in respect of services supplied directly by us, and as an agent in respect of services supplied by third-party operators, airlines, lodges, and ground handlers. Our liability in respect of third-party services is limited to exercising reasonable care in selecting reputable suppliers.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, our total liability to any Client for any loss, injury, damage, or expense of any nature shall not exceed the total amount paid by that Client for the booking in question.

We accept no liability for loss, injury, delay, or expense arising from: acts of God, natural disasters, or extreme weather events; acts of war, terrorism, civil unrest, or government actions; industrial disputes, pandemics, or public health emergencies; the negligence or default of third-party suppliers; or any loss that was not foreseeable at the time of booking.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our own negligence, or for any other liability that cannot be excluded by law.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. African safari is a wildlife experience in a natural environment; animal behaviour is inherently unpredictable. No refunds or credits will be offered in connection with any wildlife sighting — or absence thereof.

Safari activities involve inherent risks, including proximity to wild animals, uneven terrain, and travel in remote areas. The Client voluntarily accepts these risks and acknowledges that all activities are undertaken at their own risk.

We are committed to responsible tourism. The Client agrees not to engage in any activity that causes harm to wildlife or ecosystems, including the purchase of products made from protected species.

We may, from time to time, use photographs taken on our safaris for marketing and promotional purposes. By participating in a safari with us, you consent to the use of such photographs unless you notify us in writing prior to departure that you object to the use of your likeness.

Photography of staff, community members, or private lodge facilities for commercial use is not permitted without express written consent.

Any complaints arising during your safari should be brought to the attention of your guide, lodge manager, or our local ground team at the earliest opportunity, so that we may have the chance to resolve the matter promptly.

Any unresolved complaint must be submitted to us in writing within 30 days of the conclusion of your safari. We will acknowledge receipt within 7 days and endeavour to respond fully within 28 days.

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Kenya. Any dispute that cannot be resolved amicably shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nairobi, Kenya.

We collect and process personal data solely for the purposes of booking administration, service delivery, and communication in connection with your travel. Your data will not be shared with third parties except where necessary for the fulfilment of your booking (for example, with partner lodges, airlines, or ground handlers).

You have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data held by us. Please direct such requests to info@africantrailsexpeditions.com.