Terms of Service

Effective Date: January 1, 2025 | Last Updated: January 1, 2025

Welcome to Swahili Expeditions ("Company," "we," "our," "us"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website swahiliexpeditions.com and our safari booking, trekking, and tour services (collectively, "Services").

By accessing our Website or booking our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our Services.

1. Definitions

• "Company", "we", "us" — Swahili Expeditions
• "Client", "you" — The person or entity booking our Services
• "Services" — Safari packages, trekking expeditions, tour planning, and related offerings
• "Booking" — A confirmed reservation for any Service
• "Force Majeure" — Events beyond our reasonable control (natural disasters, pandemic, political unrest, etc.)

2. Bookings & Reservations

2.1 How to Book

A booking is confirmed when: (a) we receive your completed booking form or written confirmation, (b) the required deposit is paid, and (c) we issue a written booking confirmation.

2.2 Pricing

All prices are in US Dollars (USD). We reserve the right to adjust prices due to:

• Government tax or park fee changes
• Significant currency fluctuations
• Fuel surcharges imposed by suppliers

We will notify you of any price changes before your booking is confirmed. Once confirmed, prices are locked unless changes are required by law.

2.3 Payment Schedule

• Deposit: 30% of total cost to confirm booking
• Balance: Full payment due 60 days before departure
• Late Bookings: Full payment required for bookings made within 60 days
• Payment Methods: Bank transfer, Visa/Mastercard, or cash (USD)

3. Cancellation & Refunds

3.1 Client Cancellation

All cancellations must be in writing to info@swahiliexpeditions.com. Refunds are calculated from the date we receive your written notice:

• 90+ days before departure: Full refund minus $200 administration fee
• 60-89 days: 50% refund
• 30-59 days: 25% refund
• Less than 30 days: No refund

3.2 Company Cancellation

We may cancel a tour due to force majeure, insufficient bookings, or safety concerns. In such cases, you receive a full refund or option to reschedule at no additional cost.

4. Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

You must have comprehensive travel insurance covering:

• Medical expenses and emergency evacuation (minimum $100,000 coverage)
• Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay
• Lost, stolen, or damaged baggage
• Personal liability
• Adventure activities (for trekking packages)

Proof of insurance may be required before departure. We are not liable for any costs arising from inadequate insurance coverage.

5. Health & Medical Requirements

• You are responsible for assessing your fitness for the chosen tour
• Disclose any medical conditions, dietary requirements, or disabilities at booking
• Obtain required vaccinations (Yellow Fever, Hepatitis, Typhoid, etc.)
• We may decline participation if health poses a risk to you or others

6. Passports & Visas

• Passport valid for 6+ months beyond travel dates
• You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas
• We provide visa guidance but cannot guarantee approval
• No refunds for failure to obtain proper documentation

7. Liability

7.1 Our Liability

Swahili Expeditions acts as an agent for third-party suppliers (lodges, transport, guides). We are not liable for:

• Acts, errors, or omissions of third-party suppliers
• Force majeure events
• Personal injury, illness, or death (covered by your insurance)
• Loss, damage, or theft of personal property
• Flight delays, cancellations, or missed connections

7.2 Your Responsibilities

You agree to:

• Follow all safety instructions from guides and staff
• Respect local customs, laws, and wildlife
• Not engage in behavior that endangers yourself or others
• Safeguard your personal belongings

8. Website Use

8.1 Intellectual Property

All Website content (text, images, logos, design) is owned by Swahili Expeditions. Reproduction without written permission is prohibited.

8.2 Acceptable Use

You agree not to misuse our Website, submit false information, or interfere with its operation.

9. Complaints

Report issues during your tour to your guide or our office immediately. Post-tour complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of tour completion.

10. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Tanzania. Disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Tanzanian courts.

11. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. Changes are effective upon posting. Continued use of our Services constitutes acceptance.

12. Contact

• Email: info@swahiliexpeditions.com
• Phone: +1 269 599 8899 (USA) | +255 123 456 789 (Tanzania)
• Address: Arusha, Tanzania & Austin, TX, USA

By using our Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service.