Terms and Conditions for Africa Wetu Tours and Safaris Pty Ltd
Website Terms and Conditions
Please note that the terms and conditions and various policies on this page pertain to the website of Africa Wetu Tours and Safaris: www.africawetutours.com
Africa Wetu Tours and Safaris Pty Ltd (hereinafter referred to as "Africa Wetu," "we," "us," or "our") operates as an incoming tour operator and destination management company in Southern and East Africa. All bookings, quotations, and services provided are subject to these Terms and Conditions, which form a binding contract between you (the "Client," "you," or "your") and us. By confirming a booking, you agree to these terms on behalf of yourself and all members of your party/group. These terms limit our liability and incorporate the conditions of third-party suppliers (e.g., accommodations, transport providers, airlines).
Definitions
Booking and Confirmation
To secure your booking, a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the invoice amount is payable to Africa Wetu Tours & Safaris to commence the confirmation of our services, with the balance to be paid at least sixty (60 days) prior to the arrival date as per the payment schedule below. The deposit amount may exceed 20% depending on the terms and conditions set out by our partners, or fees that require full payment in order to be confirmed (such as gorilla permits). For bookings made less than sixty (60) days prior to arrival, full payment is due immediately. Bookings are only confirmed upon receipt of the deposit and our written confirmation. All prices are quoted in United States Dollars (USD) unless specified otherwise and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, or supplier increases until full payment is received. We accept payments via bank transfer, credit card (subject to fees), or EFT. Cash payments are not accepted.
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: 20% non-refundable upon booking confirmation.
- Balance: Due 60 days prior to arrival.
- Late Payments: May result in cancellation and forfeiture of deposit. Additional deposits may apply for peak seasons, air travel (100% upfront), or specialist services. You are responsible for all bank charges and exchange rate differences.
- Payment Currency: We expect clients overseas to pay in USD. Local clients may pay in South African Rand (ZAR) at the prevailing exchange rate, subject to our approval. Should you wish to pay in another currency, please arrange this with us in advance.
Changes to Bookings
Any changes requested by you (e.g., dates, itinerary, group size) are subject to availability and may incur additional fees, including supplier penalties. We will endeavour to accommodate changes but cannot guarantee them. Involuntary changes due to Force Majeure or supplier issues may require itinerary adjustments; we will provide reasonable alternatives where possible, but additional costs are your responsibility. Name changes or transfers may be treated as cancellations.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following fees apply as a percentage of the total booking cost (excluding non-refundable items like flights or park fees):
- More than 60 days prior to departure: Loss of deposit (20%).
- 60–31 days prior: 75% of total cost.
- 30–15 days prior: 90% of total cost.
- 14 days or less/No-show: 100% of total cost.
Supplier-specific penalties may apply additionally. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover cancellation risks. No refunds for unused services, early departures, or missed portions of the tour.
Travel Documents, Health, and Visas
You are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, vaccinations, and health certificates required for entry into Southern and East Africa and any destinations. We can provide guidance but accept no liability for inaccuracies or denials. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for certain regions. Advise us of any medical conditions or special needs at booking; failure to do so may limit our ability to assist.
Limitations on Luggage and Weight:
When using scheduled light air flights on a seat-rate basis, some limitations apply:
For safety reasons, an additional seat will need to be included in the package in the case of passengers weighing more than 100 kg – should this be the case, guests need to notify Africa Wetu Tours & Safaris well in advance of their trip.
Unless otherwise noted, the majority of airlines that operate in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda have a normal luggage allowance of 15 kg per passenger. This includes carry-on luggage and photographic gear, and everything needs to be stowed in (a) soft bag(s). Upon request, additional baggage allowance may be purchased, contingent on airline availability and restrictions.
Please be aware that any additional fees incurred will be charged to your account if the aforementioned limits are exceeded.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and must cover medical expenses, evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss, and personal liability. We do not provide insurance and accept no responsibility for losses not covered by your policy. Proof of insurance may be required prior to departure.
Liability and Indemnity
We act as agents for Third-Party Suppliers and are not liable for any loss, damage, injury, delay, or additional costs arising from their actions, omissions, or Force Majeure events. Participation in tours/safaris involves inherent risks (e.g., wildlife encounters, rough terrain); you participate at your own risk and indemnify us against claims. Our liability is limited to the booking cost, excluding consequential damages. We are not responsible for lost/stolen items or personal belongings.
Pricing and Inclusions/Exclusions
Prices include only what is specified in your itinerary (e.g., accommodations, select meals, guided activities, transfers and transportation, the services of a driver/guide where stipulated). Exclusions include international flights, visas, tips, personal expenses, beverages where not stipulated, additional meals not mentioned in a package tour, telephone calls, laundry, optional activities, insurance and all other items of a personal nature. Prices are subject to VAT and tourism levies where applicable.
Rate Fluctuations:
While Africa Wetu Tours & Safaris generally aims to adhere to agreed-upon rates, we retain the right to alter rates and conditions at any moment owing to uncontrollable circumstances (e.g., fuel prices, exchange rates, camping/concession fees, service taxes, or tax rises).
Africa Wetu Tours & Safaris retains the right to alter the rates on confirmed and paid reservations in the event of significant changes brought about by governmental entities and/or other comparable entities that are beyond our control and would result in significant losses jeopardizing financially viable operations. You will be responsible for paying the full cost of any third-party rate increases after confirmation, including but not limited to adjustments in the cost of the flights you have reserved.
Conduct and Safety
You must comply with local laws, safety instructions, and guide directives. We reserve the right to remove disruptive participants without refund. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Complaints
Report issues immediately to your guide or our representative for resolution. Written complaints must be submitted within thirty (30) days post-tour for investigation.
Governing Law
These terms are governed by South African law. Disputes shall be resolved in the courts of South Africa.
Privacy
We handle your personal information in compliance with POPIA (see Privacy Policy below).
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