Terms & Conditions
Terms and Conditions as of March 2007
STANDARDS AND CONDITIONS OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICA: Living standards and practices, as well as standards and conditions relating to the provision of utilities, sanitary services and the grading of accommodation may be encountered during your travels that differ with North American standards. You may also find that climate conditions at various destinations can affect the full enjoyment of the facilities and the provision of services at the accommodations included in our tours. In general road conditions in Africa are not up to North American standards. In some cases, particularly after the rains, road conditions deteriorate even more, making travel uncomfortable and increasing the length of of time needed from point to point.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Accommodations offered in our tours are, to the best of our knowledge, available at the time of publication and are accurately described. From time to time, factors beyond our control may cause us to vary the accommodations as described in this brochure. Usually, the changes are minor in nature and unlikely to affect the enjoyment of your vacation. In the event, prior to your departure, we become aware of a “material” change, we will notify you or your agent and make every effort to offer you a suitable alternative of a comparable standard or a full and immediate refund, if you notify us of your desire to cancel the travel arrangements at least 48 hours after notification or if the change occurs shortly before departure, within 24 hours of notification. If, after arrival at your destination, a tour component cannot be supplied as purchased, we reserve the right to provide an alternative service of a comparable quality.
“Material” changes include:
(i) The scheduled departure of any transportation that forms part of the travel service is delayed for 24 hours or more, except for delays due to mechanical problems that relate to the mode of transportation, safety considerations, weather, strikes or force majeure.
(ii) A change of cruise ship.
(iii) A change in accommodation or a change in the standard of accommodation.
(iv) A price change of more than 10% of the total price for the travel services, except for a price change that is a result of government taxation.
(v) A change in the routing of the transportation necessitates a change in the documentation required and there is insufficient time for the person to obtain the documentation before departure.
HOTELS/LODGES: Twin bedded room with private bath or shower (except tree lodges) at the hotels listed or of similar grade. Single rooms whether by choice or circumstance, are available in limited number at additional cost as shown for each tour. During peak season, it may be necessary for a person booked on a safari on a single basis to share accommodations at hotels/lodges. Two man tents are used for camping safaris. Please be aware that most accommodations undergo some form of renovations at all times.
DOCUMENTATION: All passengers must travel with a passport valid for at least six months after due date of return to country of origin. It is the passenger(s) responsibility to obtain all documentation, at their own expense, including health and visa requirements in compliance with all relevant government authorities. In the event the passenger does not possess the documentation required by the chosen destination, be aware that the carrier(s) reserve(s) the right to refuse the passenger(s) and no refund for unused portion(s) of ticket(s) will be allowed.
RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSITS: To secure your reservation for thetour of your choice, a deposit of US $500.00 is required at thetime of booking and further deposits as may be required by the safari operators.
TAILORMADE-SAFARI PLANNING: On tailor-made or custom safari consultations, one initial safari itinerary is proposed gratis. Thereafter a service charge of $250.00 is levied. This is fully credited toward a firm safari booking.
FINAL AND FULL PAYMENT: Payment is due eight weeks before departure. If booked within the eight weeks prior to departure, full payment is due immediately. Failure to comply with deposit and payment terms may result in refusal or cancellation of reservation by Africa On Safari Inc.
CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS: Full refund less the deposit of US $ 500.00 per person if cancellation is received in writing at least 8 weeks prior to departure. Between 8 and 4 weeks prior to departure, the cancellation fee is up to 50% of the total cost per person. Cancellations received 4 weeks or less prior to departure, are subject to 100% of the total cost per person. The tour is totally non-refundable after departure.
CLAIMS: All claims must be received in writing within 21 days of return date. Africa On Safari Inc. has no liability for complaints received outside of the 21 day period.
INSURANCE: We strongly recommend your consideration of the various types of insurance coverage that are available through your travel agent to protect you in the event of trip cancellation, protection to your baggage, possessions and valuables and to cover against personal accidents, sickness, injury and medical expenses. Trip cancellation insurance is available through RBC Insurance Limited for the full cost of your holiday. A copy of the application form containing the terms and conditions of the insurance is available at your request. Other types of cancellation insurance are available through your travel agent. Payment of insurance at time of booking avoids cancellation charges in the event of cancellation due to accident, sickness or bereavement on the outward package tour. This trip cancellation insurance should accompany your deposit.
PHOTOGRAPHS: Although we make every effort to ensure that the information and photographs contained in our web site are accurate, the occasional error or change in circumstances will occur. Inclusions may vary or be withdrawn with or without prior notice. If we are advised of any significant change, which may affect your enjoyment, we will do our best to inform you in advance.
LAWS AND CUSTOMS: In order to familiarize yourself with relevant laws and customs and what documentation is necessary for your travel and return to North America, we recommend you discuss these matters with your travel agent. He/she can then refer you to the relevant tourist boards and/or embassies / consulates for the countries that you will be visiting
PRICING: Prices are based on fixed costs at the time of quoting. These costs are dependent on full costs, rates of exchange and other factors. Should these costs increase, we reserve the right to increase the cost of any tour. In the event the increase is in excess of 20% (other than government levies and taxes), you are entitled to cancel the travel arrangements and receive a full refund. Every effort will be made to advise you of any price increase at least 15 days prior to your departure date.
VALIDITY DATE: This is reflected on each final Itinerary.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The passenger(s) hereby acknowledge(s) acceptance by having read the within provisions relating to our responsibility.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: If requested, Africa On Safari Inc. will endeavor to provide the best available airline transportation.
MEALS: As indicated on each itinerary by CB for continental breakfast, B for breakfast, L for lunch and D for dinner.
SIGHTSEEING AND GROUND TRANSPORTATION: Minibuses, cars and land rovers will be utilized. Safari trucks and/or minibuses will be used for camping safaris.
TRANSFERS: Transfers of passengers and two average sized suitcases per person between airport and hotels on arrivals and departures. Not included for camping safaris.
BAGGAGE: On safari one average sized suitcase is permitted per person, this should preferably be soft sided. Remainder of baggage may be stored at your hotel. On international flights back to North America, each passenger is allowed two pieces per person, dimensions not to exceed 150 cms for one piece and 140 cms for the other, with each piece not to exceed 32 Kgs/70 lbs. in weight. On private air charter flights within Africa, baggage restrictions may apply. Contact local carriers. Excess baggage is subject to excess baggage charges. Baggage insurance is strongly recommended.
TAXES AND GRATUITIES: Service charges as imposed by hotels and taxes as imposed by local administration and government authorities are included, but subject to change by the local authorities. In general, airport taxes are not included. Gratuities are not included and are left to the discretion of the individual.
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY: Africa On Safari Inc., in making reservations with contractors, providing means of transportation, accommodations and other related services in connection with the tour, does so as your agent, and shall in no way be held responsible or become liable for any claims of whatsoever nature that may arise in respect of said services including, without restriction the generally thereof, loss that may result from acts of God, strikes, weather, quarantines, accidents, sickness, government regulations, insufficient documentation. Payment by you for a reservation on the tour shall constitute complete acceptance of this statement of responsibility and other general conditions herein published.
TOUR RATES DO NOT INCLUDE: Passport and visa fees, government health requirements, insurance of any kind unless stipulated, excess baggage charges, meals other than specified in the itinerary, or any foods or beverages not on the regular table d’hôte menus at the included meals, gratuities, airport taxes or Canadian and U.S. departure taxes any expense of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and communication charges unless stipulated. Any expenses or costs in association with transportation to and from departure point, vaccinations or inoculations, expenses or guides, or transportation not specifically indicated.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Africa On Safari Inc. reserves the sole right to eliminate any feature (in which case, applicable refund will be made) and to make such changes in the itinerary as it may deem necessary or desirable. The right is also reserved to cancel the tour should it be deemed advisable for any reason. Return to passengers of all monies paid by them shall release Africa On Safari Inc. from all liability in respect to this tour. Africa On Safari Inc. reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a tour passenger should such person’s health or mental condition or physical infirmity or general deportment impede the operation of the tour or the rights or welfare of other tour passengers, and a refund of unused land tour services is the limit of Africa On Safari Inc. liability.
AIRLINE CLAUSE: All airlines concerned shall not have, or incur any responsibility or liability as common carrier, nor shall such carriers be or be held responsible for any act, omission or event after the passenger has disembarked from their conveyance. The usual passage contract is in use by the carriers: when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between said carrier and the passenger. The payment for a reservation of the tour shall constitute consent to all provisions in the General Conditions, as published herein.
Africa On Safari Inc. is a Toronto based Registered Retailer/Wholesaler under the provisions of the Travel Industry Act 1974, Ontario Registration Nos. 50014381/50014382