1. Trip Contract

Your contract is with Kwetu Voyages (“Kwetu,” “We,” or “Us”). These terms and conditions apply to all brochures, trips, and bookings made with us. Please carefully read and understand these terms and conditions. The purchase of any travel service offered by Kwetu constitutes a contractual arrangement between you and each person identified within your travel booking (“You” or “Your”) and Kwetu. A binding contract for Your trip is formed once we have received the deposit as specified in the Payment Options.

2. Payment Options

After agreeing upon the specific travel package and price (the “Trip”), we require You to make a firm commitment to proceed with Your reservations. Once we have confirmed all accommodations and travel arrangements, We require a [specify the deposit percentage, e.g., 50%] deposit (100% if within [specify the number of days, e.g., 60] days of the Trip) to reserve the booking/rooms. The remaining [specify the remaining percentage, e.g., 50%] shall be paid [specify the number of days, e.g., 60] days prior to the Trip date. Your deposit and final payment, along with any associated bank fees, can be made to our designated payment platform or partner.

Instructions for payment will be provided after we confirm we have space for you on your desired trip. If You find it more convenient and wish to avoid multiple wire transfer fees, payment can be made in full upon reservation confirmation.

3. Cancellation and Refund Policy

We understand that it can be disappointing to cancel a much-anticipated trip. However, we plan these excursions well in advance and make nonrefundable payments to secure accommodations and transportation contracts. We strictly adhere to our Cancellation & Refund Policy for all travelers and strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance in the event of a cancellation. If You need to cancel, You must inform Kwetu of Your decision in writing. The date of cancellation is the date We receive written notice, and the following conditions and cancellation fees and policies apply:

  • Cancellation [specify the number of days, e.g., 60] days or more before the commencement of Your Trip incurs a cancellation fee of [specify the cancellation fee percentage, e.g., 50%] of the total Trip cost.
  • Cancellation within [specify the number of days, e.g., 59] days of departure requires forfeiture of 100% of the Trip cost.
  • If you cut short the Trip, reducing Your length of stay, no refund is provided.

4. Force Majeure Event

Kwetu will not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in Your Trip or our obligations arising directly or indirectly from forces beyond our control (“Force Majeure Event”). This includes but is not limited to strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, acts of God, epidemics/pandemics, restraints or delays affecting carriers, or inability or delay in obtaining adequate or suitable materials. Kwetu will make reasonable efforts to resume performance as soon as possible under the circumstances.

In the event Kwetu cannot provide, in whole or in part, the Trip due to a Force Majeure Event, either You or Kwetu may terminate the Trip contract with ten days’ written notice. Upon termination due to a Force Majeure Event, Kwetu will attempt to refund the amount paid by You, less any amounts paid or required to be paid by Kwetu and any non-refundable fees and charges.


5. Travel Insurance

It is solely Your responsibility, and Kwetu strongly recommends, that you purchase sufficient and comprehensive travel insurance from a reliable agent. Travel industry professionals have given good references to various insurance providers. One recommended insurer is [Include your recommended insurer’s website or contact information]. Please be assured that despite the slightly additional cost, it will be well worth Your investment. We must send Your payment to suppliers far in advance of our departure dates, so We cannot offer refunds beyond those described in our Cancellation and Refund Policy. Should You fail to obtain comprehensive travel insurance in a timely manner, any and all costs arising from the possible need to cancel, re-route, or follow different travel arrangements, including an emergency medical procedure, will be at Your own cost, and Kwetu shall be held harmless for any costs, expenses, harm, loss, or damages that You or Your heirs or assigns may suffer as a result.

6. Waiver, Indemnity and Hold Harmless

It is Kwetu’s goal to select reliable suppliers and contractors to provide transportation, hotels, guides, and other travel-related services. We act as agents between You and these service providers to secure the best booking for our travelers; however, We and our Travel Associates do not assume responsibility, directly or indirectly, for any defects, changes, or cancellations in the bookings or trips. Furthermore, Kwetu shall not be liable for delays, losses, costs, expenses, damages, or injury to persons or property of any kind or nature (“Damages”) sustained by You on account of any act or omission of any third party, including third party service providers hired or booked by Kwetu.

Kwetu shall be indemnified and held harmless by You for any Damages whatsoever that may arise or have arisen in connection with any services supplied or offered by or in connection with the Safari, except those Damages strictly arising from the gross negligence of Kwetu. Any claim or claims which You, Your agent, executor, heirs, or assigns may have for Damages from Kwetu resulting from injury or any loss occasioned whatsoever are hereby irrevocably waived. This includes any transportation to or during the trip, as well as any illness, injury, or death arising during or after the Safari.

Kwetu does work with associates, including but not limited to [List the names of your associates], to coordinate the booking and travel associated with your Safari.

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Travel Associates from any and all Damages and waive any and all claims against such parties. Any claims or issues directly or indirectly related to the Safari or Travel Associate’s booking and coordination thereof shall be directed to Kwetu and resolved under the terms and conditions of Your contract with Kwetu.

Kwetu shall not be responsible where You do not enjoy your Safari or suffer problems due to undisclosed or unavoidable problems or issues that arise during the Safari.

By entering into a contract with Kwetu Voyages through payment of Your safari deposit, You acknowledge that participating in a Safari may include possible exposure to communicable diseases, including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19. You further acknowledge that you are aware of the risks associated with COVID-19 and that certain vulnerable individuals may have greater health risks associated with exposure to COVID-19, including individuals with serious underlying health conditions such as, but not limited to high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, asthma, and those whose immune systems are compromised by chemotherapy for cancer, and other conditions requiring therapy. While particular recommendations and personal discipline may reduce the risks during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of serious illness, medical complications, and possible death does exist. You knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of others, related to exposure to or infection of COVID-19, and assume full responsibility for your participation in a Safari, including but not limited to compliance with any and all travel restrictions, limitations, or requirements.

7. Visas

You will need a visa to visit the countries included in your safari, such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and others. The specific visa requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. We recommend obtaining the necessary visas in advance to avoid delays at the airports.

  • For Kenya, visa processing is available at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi for $50 US cash (as of [specify the date]). However, please be aware that lines for onsite processing can be long and may delay our group’s departure time for the safari. Alternatively, we suggest obtaining the Single Entry E-visa online through the Kenyan Embassy website at [insert the website link]. To make the application, you will need a credit card for the fee, your flight information, a scan of your passport’s face page, your safari itinerary in PDF format, and a 2×2 inch passport photo scanned and uploaded.

  • For safaris that include other countries, please be aware that you may need additional visas for entry. For instance, for safaris including Tanzania, the multiple entry visa, which costs $100 (as of [specify the date]), is required for Americans to gain access to that country. They recently added an online visa application, which can be found on their website: [insert the website link].

8. Inoculations

You may be required to have certain vaccinations or provide proof of vaccinations to gain entry to the countries you’ll visit, especially Tanzania. A valid Yellow Fever inoculation certificate is mandatory for entry into Tanzania, and you may be required to show proof of this before gaining entry to the country.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to begin taking anti-malarial drugs before departure and continue during and after your visit to East Africa. Please refer to the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) website for guidance on other preventative shots and all health-related travel questions and concerns, in collaboration with your primary care provider and/or travel clinic professionals.

For travel to other African countries, you may need to conduct further research on the CDC Website to determine if any additional vaccinations or preventative care are required or suggested.

9. COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing

We are currently requiring proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to traveling with Kwetu Voyages to any and all destinations. The countries you visit may also require proof of a negative COVID-19 test before gaining entry. We will assist you in finding credible testing facilities to ensure compliance for your return flight.

10. Tipping and Accepted Currency

Our ESA tour staff are compensated for their services; however, they will gratefully accept gratuities at a level you determine fair, depending on how well they meet — or, as we hope, exceed your expectations!

For specific safari itineraries, we may have already included the appropriate tips for all safari, lodge, and program service staff in your Kwetu safari fee. Please check your specific safari itinerary to see if tips are included or not. If you feel that you want to give more generously, you are most welcome to do so.

We follow the standard gratuity guidelines for your ESA safari organizers, with a suggested tip of $10-$12 US per day per traveler. If your safari includes additional drivers, they customarily receive $7-$10 US per day per traveler. For staff at the lodges and hotels, including baggage porters and room stewards, tipping the equivalent of $1-$3 US per service or per day is appropriate.

Please note that if you want to bring US dollars for larger tips, we suggest getting “blue” US dollars or US bills no older than 2010 and in denominations of twenty dollar bills or larger. Smaller, older, ripped, or marked-up US bills offer no value on the Kenyan Money Exchanges and cannot be accepted. You may also use an ATM machine in Kenya and tip in Kenyan shillings. Tipping is usually done at the conclusion of the trip.

11. Electricity

The power supply in the countries you’ll visit is [Specify voltage and plug type]. It’s important to ensure you have the necessary adaptors and transformers for charging your electronic devices, such as cell phones, tablets, e-readers, and camera battery chargers.

12. Safari Packing List

As you prepare for your safari adventure, please take into account the following packing recommendations:

  • Pack 2-3 days’ worth of essentials in your carry-on luggage to cover you in case your checked bags are delayed.
  • Ensure you have your passport, a copy of your E-visa, Yellow Fever certificate, plane ticket, and credit card/ATM card with you at all times.
  • Carry some spending money and a few US dollars for tipping your tour professionals. Consider accessing Kenyan shillings from local ATM machines for non-included expenditures.
  • Pack one rolling duffel bag and one carry-on bag per traveler. Please avoid suitcases or additional luggage due to the trunk size and capacity limitations on safari vehicles.
  • Include a variety of clothing options suitable for layering, with long and short sleeves, long pants, and comfortable walking shoes.
  • Bring necessary toiletries, insect repellent, malaria medication, and any prescription medicines.
  • Ensure your photo equipment is in good order with extra memory cards and camera batteries.
  • Don’t forget your binoculars for wildlife viewing.

These packing guidelines are provided as a general reference, and we recommend adapting them to your personal needs and preferences.

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