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Cherish Africa Safaris: Booking Terms & Conditions

1. Booking Confirmation & Payment Terms

• 1.1 Deposit: A safari is a significant logistical undertaking. To secure your reservation, a non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total quoted itinerary cost is required at the time of booking.

• 1.2 Final Balance: The remaining balance of the tour price must be cleared in full no later than 60 days prior to the safari commencement date.

• 1.3 Last-Minute Bookings: For reservations made within 60 days of the departure date, the full 100% payment is required immediately upon confirmation.

• 1.4 Currency & Fees: All prices are quoted in USD unless otherwise stated. Clients are responsible for any bank transfer fees or credit card surcharges incurred during payment.

2. Cancellation by the Guest

Cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@cherishafricasafaris.com. The date the email is received during our standard business hours dictates the cancellation tier. Due to the strict payment policies of our partner lodges, national parks, and domestic airlines, the following cancellation fees apply:

• 61 days or more before departure: Forfeiture of the 30% deposit.

• 60 to 31 days before departure: 50% of the total tour cost is forfeited.

• 30 to 15 days before departure: 75% of the total tour cost is forfeited.

• 14 days or fewer before departure (including no-shows): 100% of the total tour cost is forfeited.

• Note: Permits (e.g., Gorilla/Chimpanzee trekking) and domestic flight tickets are 100% non-refundable from the moment of purchase, regardless of the cancellation date.

3. Itinerary Alterations & Flexibility

• 3.1 Changes by Cherish Africa Safaris: Operating in the East African bush requires flexibility. We reserve the right to alter routes, substitute accommodations of a similar standard, or change transportation if dictated by severe weather, impassable roads, wildlife migrations, or security concerns.

• 3.2 Changes by the Guest: Any requested alterations to a confirmed itinerary will be accommodated where possible, subject to availability. The guest will bear any additional costs generated by these changes (e.g., lodge amendment fees or new transfer costs).

4. Health, Fitness & Medical Evacuation

• 4.1 Medical Fitness: Safaris can involve long drives on dusty, bumpy roads and extreme heat. It is the guest’s responsibility to ensure they are medically fit for the journey and to notify us of any dietary requirements or medical conditions at the time of booking.

• 4.2 Bush Environments: Many of our partnered luxury camps and lodges are unfenced. Wildlife moves freely through these areas. Guests must adhere strictly to the safety instructions provided by camp staff and our driver-guides.

• 4.3 Medical Evacuation: We highly recommend that all guests ensure their travel insurance includes emergency AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation coverage from remote national parks to standard medical facilities in Nairobi.

5. Travel Insurance & Documentation

• 5.1 Comprehensive Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all guests traveling with Cherish Africa Safaris. The policy must cover trip cancellation, curtailment, emergency medical expenses, and repatriation.

• 5.2 Visas and Passports: Guests are solely responsible for ensuring their passports are valid for at least six months beyond their departure date with sufficient blank pages. Securing the Kenya eTA, Tanzanian visas, and mandatory health certificates (such as Yellow Fever vaccinations) is the strict responsibility of the traveler. We are not liable for any delays or financial losses caused by border entry denials.

6. Liability and Risk Assumption

• 6.1 Inherent Risks: Participating in a wildlife safari carries inherent risks, including but not limited to unpredictable animal behavior, rugged terrain, and varying tropical weather. By booking with us, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

• 6.2 Third-Party Suppliers: Cherish Africa Safaris acts as an agent for the independent suppliers providing your accommodations, domestic flights, and activities. We cannot be held liable for any negligence, breach of contract, or damages caused by these third-party subcontractors.

• 6.3 Luggage: We accept no liability for loss or damage to baggage or personal effects. Guests are advised to keep high-value items (cameras, binoculars, electronics) on their person during transit.

7. Force Majeure

Cherish Africa Safaris shall not be liable for any delays, itinerary cancellations, or failure to perform our obligations caused by events beyond our reasonable control. This includes acts of God, global pandemics, government restrictions, strikes, war, or natural disasters. In such events, we will work diligently to postpone your trip or offer credit notes, subject to the policies of our third-party suppliers.

8. Marketing and Photography

During your safari, our guides may take photographs or videos for use in Cherish Africa Safaris’ promotional materials. If you prefer that your image not be used, please inform us in writing prior to your departure.

9. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kenya. Any disputes arising from this contract shall first be subject to amicable mediation in Nairobi. If unresolved, the matter will fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Kenyan courts.