Terms & Conditions — Serengeti Travels

These booking conditions explain the arrangements that apply when you reserve a private safari, scheduled small-group safari, fly-in journey, guided excursion, or holiday extension with Serengeti Travels. Please read them together with your written quotation, confirmed itinerary, invoice, and any tour-specific conditions before making a payment. We are based in Arusha, Tanzania, and are available to clarify any part of your journey before you confirm.

1. Our Agreement with You

In these Terms & Conditions, “Serengeti Travels”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to the operator identified as Serengeti Travels in your quotation or booking confirmation. “You”, “guest” and “traveller” refer to the person making a booking and, where relevant, every person included in that booking. The lead booker is responsible for sharing these conditions with the other travellers and for providing accurate information on their behalf.

Your contract is formed when we confirm your reservation in writing following receipt of the required payment, unless we expressly agree a different arrangement in writing. Your confirmed itinerary, invoice and any specifically agreed booking conditions form part of that contract. A specific term expressly agreed in writing takes precedence over a conflicting general term on this page.

2. Booking a Private or Tailor-Made Safari

We prepare individual itineraries based on your preferred dates, destinations, accommodation, activities and budget. A proposed itinerary or quotation is not itself a confirmed reservation: accommodation, vehicles, guides, flights and activities remain subject to availability until we issue written confirmation.

For a private or tailor-made booking, the standard deposit is 30% of the total confirmed tour price. The outstanding 70% is payable no later than 45 days before the start of the trip. For reservations made within 45 days of departure, full payment is due when the booking is confirmed, unless your invoice specifies an approved alternative. We may release unpaid reservations after giving written notice if a payment deadline is missed; applicable cancellation charges may then arise.

3. Payment Methods, Currency and Transaction Fees

Unless stated otherwise, quotations and invoices are issued in United States dollars (USD). We accept the payment methods identified on your official invoice or secure payment instruction, which may include bank transfer, card payment or an authorised online payment platform. Please use only payment details supplied directly through our verified company communications.

Any bank remittance, intermediary bank, currency conversion, payment-platform or card-processing charge must be disclosed in the quotation or invoice and is payable as indicated there. The net amount received should meet the invoiced amount. Payment processing charges retained by independent payment providers may not be recoverable on a refund.

4. Prices, Inclusions and Exclusions

Prices are based on the services specifically listed in your quotation or confirmed itinerary. Depending on the programme, these may include accommodation, meals, private or shared safari transport, driver-guide services, game drives, park and conservation fees, scheduled flights, airport transfers and specified activities.

Items not expressly included are excluded. Common exclusions include international flights, visas, personal travel insurance, mandatory inbound travel insurance where not specifically included, tips, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, optional activities and additional nights or transfers. Child rates, single-room supplements and room-sharing conditions apply only as stated in the written quotation.

5. Checking Your Travel Documents

Please examine your confirmation, names, dates, itinerary, room arrangements, flight information and invoice as soon as they are received. Notify us promptly, and preferably within seven days, of any error or discrepancy. We will correct errors made by us without imposing an administration charge, although changes requested after supplier confirmation may involve additional costs.

6. Health, Accessibility and Special Requirements

Before booking, inform us of any medical condition, mobility limitation, disability, severe allergy, dietary requirement or other circumstance that may reasonably affect the safe and comfortable delivery of your trip. We will assess suitable arrangements with our local partners and advise where an activity, vehicle, flight or accommodation may not be appropriate. Some remote safari settings have limited medical and accessibility facilities.

Travellers should seek professional medical advice concerning vaccinations, preventive medication and fitness for their planned activities. We may request relevant medical clearance for demanding activities where reasonably necessary for safety. Personal medical information will be handled in accordance with our privacy practices and disclosed to service providers only where necessary to arrange appropriate support.

7. Scheduled Small-Group and Group-Joining Safaris

Where we specifically offer a scheduled group-joining departure, the following standard payment structure applies unless its written offer states otherwise:

A booking made after one of these milestones requires the outstanding amount for that stage when confirmed. Each departure's description or confirmation will specify its minimum and maximum group size, room-sharing arrangements, exact itinerary, price basis, seat status and any single supplement. Group tours follow a shared timetable; individual deviations are subject to agreement and may involve extra costs.

If the advertised minimum number of participants is not reached and we cannot operate the departure on the agreed terms, we will offer you either a suitable alternative departure or a refund of all amounts you paid to us for that unoperated departure, including the seat-reservation payment. If a smaller group can operate at a revised, clearly disclosed price, you may choose whether to accept it. Any refund will normally be made through the original payment channel, subject to the payment provider's processing procedures. These protections do not apply where you independently cancel an otherwise operating departure.

8. Cancellation by the Traveller

All cancellation requests must be sent in writing to [email protected]. The effective cancellation date is the date we receive your written request. Unless your tour quotation specifies a different, expressly accepted cancellation arrangement, the following standard scale applies to the total quoted trip price per cancelling traveller:

Issued airline tickets, certain special-permit fees, non-refundable accommodation commitments and other supplier services may carry stricter conditions. We will disclose material supplier-specific conditions when they are known; we will not charge twice for the same cost. Where a greater amount has already been paid, the balance after valid cancellation charges will be refunded in accordance with applicable law. We recommend comprehensive cancellation insurance.

9. Amendments Requested by You

Please request any change of travel dates, itinerary, traveller name, room type, flight or activity in writing. We will endeavour to assist, but all changes depend on availability, operational feasibility and supplier approval. You are responsible for any additional costs that we identify and you accept before the amendment is made. A major change that effectively replaces the original trip may be treated as a cancellation and new booking, with the applicable conditions explained in advance.

10. No-Shows, Unused Services and Late Arrivals

Travellers are responsible for arriving at agreed meeting points, airports and departures on time. Unused accommodation nights, game drives, meals, activities, transfers or other services are generally non-refundable once their suppliers have committed the costs, unless the supplier agrees otherwise or applicable law requires a refund. If a delay affects your trip, contact us promptly so that we can explore available alternatives; extra transport or accommodation costs may apply.

11. Domestic Flights, Transfers and Optional Activities

Domestic and international flights, hot-air balloon experiences, boat excursions and other specialist activities are subject to the operating supplier's timetable, safety requirements, baggage rules and cancellation terms. Flight times and routes may change. Where a service is cancelled by its supplier, we will assist with the available replacement, rescheduling or supplier refund process as appropriate. We do not guarantee wildlife sightings, weather conditions or the operation of an activity that a responsible supplier considers unsafe.

12. Changes or Cancellation by Serengeti Travels

We plan carefully to deliver the confirmed itinerary. Occasionally we may need to substitute accommodation with a comparable property, change the order of visits, reroute travel or adjust activities because of availability, safety, park restrictions, weather or transport conditions. We will communicate significant changes as promptly as reasonably possible.

If we cancel a trip for operational reasons within our control, or make a material change that you reasonably decline, we will offer a suitable alternative or a refund of the affected arrangements, as required by the contract and applicable law. We will explain any genuine third-party costs that are irrecoverable and any rights you have under applicable consumer-protection law.

13. Force Majeure and Events Beyond Our Control

Events beyond reasonable control may include severe weather, flood, fire, disease outbreaks, official travel restrictions, civil unrest, airport or park closure, disruption of air services, natural disasters and similar unforeseeable events. If such an event prevents a service from being provided, we will seek practicable changes and reasonable recoveries from suppliers, and explain the available rebooking, credit or refund arrangements. Any sums returned will reflect recoveries and applicable legal obligations. Nothing in this clause removes rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

14. Passports, Visas and Entry Requirements

Each traveller is responsible for holding a valid passport, appropriate visa or entry permission, and any required vaccination or health documents. Entry requirements vary by nationality, itinerary and travel history and can change at short notice. We may provide general guidance, but official immigration, health and consular information takes precedence. The traveller bears costs arising from missing or invalid documents where the issue is not caused by our error.

15. Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance for Tanzania

From 1 October 2026, Tanzania introduced mandatory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors, subject to applicable legal exemptions. Travellers whose first entry into Tanzania is through Mainland Tanzania must obtain the designated cover from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC); travellers entering first through Zanzibar must obtain the designated cover from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). A traveller visiting both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar generally needs one applicable inbound policy based on the first point of entry, subject to the current official rules.

The published standard adult premium is USD 44 and the policy may provide cover for up to 92 days; exemptions, reduced rates and conditions may apply. Check current requirements and purchase through the official portals before travelling: NIC (Mainland entry) or ZIC (Zanzibar entry). Keep your insurance certificate accessible at entry. Unless expressly included in your quotation, the policy cost is the traveller's responsibility.

16. Comprehensive Personal Travel Insurance

Mandatory inbound insurance is not a substitute for comprehensive personal cover. We require travellers to arrange a suitable policy for the full journey, including emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation and repatriation, trip cancellation or curtailment, baggage and personal belongings, and activities included in their programme. Read the insurer's exclusions, emergency-assistance procedures and claim conditions carefully, particularly for remote safari areas and any adventure activities.

17. Conditions in Remote Safari Areas

Safari travel can involve long drives on rough or dusty roads, changing seasonal conditions, wildlife activity, limited communications and remote airstrips. Road conditions, park access, river levels, animal movement and local operational requirements may affect the route or timing of game drives. The Great Migration and other wildlife encounters are natural events and cannot be promised for a particular day or location.

18. Wildlife, Safety and Assumption of Ordinary Travel Risks

Wildlife experiences involve inherent risks. Guests must respect the instructions of their professional guide, lodge personnel and park authorities, remain inside vehicles when required, and never approach or feed wild animals. We take reasonable care in organising and operating our services, but cannot eliminate all risks from wildlife, terrain, climate, transport or activities. Travellers are responsible for taking reasonable precautions and for disclosing relevant safety information before departure.

19. Guide Authority and Traveller Conduct

For safety and conservation reasons, guides and activity leaders may adjust plans or refuse an unsafe action. Travellers must observe local laws, protected-area regulations, property rules and reasonable instructions from our representatives. Conduct that endangers other guests, staff, animals or local communities may result in exclusion from an activity or the remainder of a tour, with any entitlement to refund determined by the circumstances and applicable law.

20. Baggage and Personal Belongings

Keep valuables, passports, medication and essential documents in your personal care. Soft-sided bags are strongly recommended for safari vehicles and are commonly required for light-aircraft flights. Many bush flights restrict checked baggage to approximately 15 kg per person, including hand baggage, although limits vary by carrier, aircraft and fare. Your confirmed flight information takes precedence. Charges for excess luggage, delayed baggage or separately transported items are the traveller's responsibility unless otherwise agreed.

21. Accommodation, Room Sharing and Families

Hotel and camp categories, room types, meal plans and occupancy arrangements are those specified in your confirmed itinerary. Check-in and check-out times are set by each property. Requests for twin beds, adjoining rooms, family rooms, dietary arrangements or accessible facilities will be communicated but are subject to the property's confirmation. Single supplements and any shared-room arrangements must be expressly accepted in writing. Parents or guardians remain responsible for children in their care unless a specific supervised activity is formally arranged.

22. Price Adjustments and Government Charges

Our prices reflect known park fees, conservation charges, taxes, transport and supplier costs when a quotation is prepared. Before confirmation, we may correct genuine pricing errors and provide a revised quotation. After confirmation, changes arising from new or increased government levies, conservation fees, fuel or airline surcharges will be handled transparently and, where contractually and legally permitted, may be passed on with supporting explanation. We will absorb cost increases up to 2% of the confirmed package price; if an additional surcharge exceeds 10% of that price and is proposed more than 60 days before departure, you may decline it and cancel for a full refund of amounts paid to us for the affected trip. This provision does not limit any stronger statutory rights.

23. Complaints and Assistance During Your Trip

If a service does not meet the confirmed arrangements, please inform your guide, hotel or camp manager promptly so there is an opportunity to put it right. If unresolved, contact our Arusha office immediately by email or phone/WhatsApp at +255 775 561 927. Provide relevant details and supporting records. We will review complaints fairly and communicate the next steps. Raising a concern during travel helps us address it before it affects the remainder of your journey.

24. Photos, Personal Information and Privacy

We use booking information to plan and deliver your trip, communicate with you and meet applicable legal obligations. Some information must be shared with accommodation providers, airlines, activity operators or competent authorities for these purposes. We respect guest privacy and will not use identifiable photos or video of you in promotional materials without appropriate permission. You may decline promotional photography without affecting your booking. Further details appear in our website's privacy policy.

25. Third-Party Suppliers and Liability

We work with reputable accommodation properties, airlines, activity specialists and other providers. Some services are subject to separate supplier terms, which we will identify when relevant. We remain responsible for the services we are legally and contractually obliged to provide, using reasonable care in arranging them. We are not responsible for losses caused solely by a traveller's own actions, an independent third party outside our contractual responsibility, or unavoidable extraordinary circumstances, except where the law requires otherwise. Nothing in these terms excludes liability for fraud, intentional misconduct, or other liability that cannot legally be limited.

26. Website Information, Offers and Promotions

Tour descriptions, photographs, sample itineraries, advertised rates and wildlife information on our website are intended to help you plan. They may change due to season, accommodation availability or operating conditions and do not replace your final confirmed quotation. Promotional offers are subject to their published validity dates, eligibility and availability and cannot be combined unless expressly stated. Website text, images and branding may not be republished commercially without permission or another valid legal basis.

27. Governing Law and Resolution of Disputes

These conditions are governed by the applicable laws of the United Republic of Tanzania. We encourage you to raise concerns with us first so that we can seek a practical resolution. If a dispute cannot be resolved amicably, it may be referred to the competent courts or other authorised dispute-resolution body in Tanzania, subject to any mandatory legal rights or jurisdiction rules that apply.

28. Acceptance and Updates to These Terms

By authorising a booking and paying the required deposit, seat-reservation amount or other agreed payment after receiving these terms, you acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to read and accept the applicable booking conditions on behalf of the travellers covered by the reservation. Any specific change to your contract must be confirmed by an authorised Serengeti Travels representative in writing. We may update the website version of these conditions for future bookings, but changes will not retrospectively alter a confirmed contract without your agreement or a lawful basis.

29. Contact Serengeti Travels

If you need clarification about a quotation, payment, cancellation or any aspect of your safari, please contact our team before confirming your reservation.

Serengeti Travels
Meru Spring Plaza, Arusha, Tanzania
Email: [email protected]
Phone / WhatsApp: +255 775 561 927
Website: serengetitravels.com

Last updated: 9 November 2026. These terms should be read alongside the specific itinerary and written booking confirmation.