TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. Booking Procedures

• Preplanned Group Safaris: Bookings are confirmed upon receipt of a 30% deposit of the total itinerary cost. The balance is due 65 days before departure.

• Tailored Group or Individual Safaris: A customized itinerary will be provided. Confirmation requires a 50% deposit, with full payment due 65 days before departure.

• Late Bookings: For reservations made within 65 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.

• Changes to itineraries are subject to availability and an administrative fee of $150 per change.

• Customization Process: For tailored safaris, guests will participate in a consultation process to define their preferences. An initial itinerary will be provided within five business days, and changes will be accommodated up to 30 days before departure for an additional fee if required.

2. Payment Terms

• Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit card, or other approved methods specified in your invoice. Please note that credit card payments may incur a processing fee of up to 5%.

• Prices are quoted in US dollars (USD) and include accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities as outlined in the itinerary.

• The cost of passports, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses, and optional excursions is not included unless explicitly stated.

3. Cancellation Policies

• Client Cancellations:

  • More than 65 days before departure: Deposit is non-refundable.

  • Between 50-65 days: 50% of the itinerary cost is forfeited.

  • Less than 50 days: 100% of the itinerary cost is forfeited.

• Cancellations by ESE:

  • ESE reserves the right to cancel bookings in exceptional circumstances (e.g., force majeure). In such cases, a full refund or credit will be issued based on services not yet rendered.

• Participant Replacements: If a guest is unable to travel, they may nominate a replacement participant, subject to ESE approval and administrative fees.

4. Insurance Requirements

• Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. Your policy should cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation.

• Optional coverage for trip curtailment, lost baggage, or additional expenses is highly recommended.

• ESE is not liable for any costs arising from insufficient insurance coverage.

5. Liability Clauses

• Elevated Safari Experience acts as an agent for third-party service providers (e.g., accommodation, transportation, and activities). While we carefully select our partners, we are not liable for their actions or omissions.

• Guests acknowledge the risks associated with travel in remote areas, including wildlife encounters, limited medical facilities, and unpredictable conditions.

• ESE’s liability for any claim, including negligence, is limited to the total value of the booking.

• Guests are required to sign a waiver acknowledging the inherent risks of participating in safari activities and releasing ESE from liability for injury, loss, or damage beyond our control.

6. Force Majeure

• ESE is not liable for cancellations, delays, or changes caused by circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of God, political unrest, pandemics, or adverse weather conditions.

• In such cases, ESE will make reasonable efforts to provide alternative arrangements of similar quality.

• Refunds or credits issued under force majeure will be calculated based on the proportion of the itinerary that remains unfulfilled.

• If specific accommodations or activities are unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, ESE will substitute equivalent alternatives wherever possible. Guests will be notified promptly of such changes.

7. Special Provisions for Group and Individual Safaris

• Preplanned Group Safaris: Fixed itineraries are provided, and adjustments are limited.

• Tailored Safaris: Guests can customize itineraries to suit their preferences, subject to availability.

• Photographic Consent: Guests grant ESE permission to use photographs or videos taken during their safari for promotional purposes unless expressly declined in writing.

• Behavioral Expectations: Guests must comply with safety guidelines provided by ESE and their guides. Failure to do so may result in removal from the trip without refund.

• Health Requirements: Guests must disclose any medical conditions or limitations that may affect their ability to participate in safari activities. Vaccination against diseases such as yellow fever may be required.

• Environmental and Cultural Responsibility: Guests are encouraged to engage in sustainable practices, respect local wildlife, and honor the customs of the communities they visit. This includes avoiding littering, refraining from disruptive behavior around wildlife, and participating in any conservation efforts organized during the safari.

8. Travel Documents

• It is the guest’s responsibility to ensure passports and visas are valid and meet the requirements of the destination country.

• Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the final travel date.

• ESE will provide guidance on obtaining necessary travel documents but is not responsible for guests who fail to secure them.

9. Dispute Resolution

• Any disputes arising from these terms and conditions will first be resolved through good-faith negotiations. If unresolved, disputes will be referred to mediation or arbitration in Massachusetts before pursuing legal action.

10. Governing Law

• These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and any disputes will be resolved in its courts.

Thank you for choosing Elevated Safari Experience. We look forward to providing you with a journey of a lifetime. For any questions or clarifications, please contact us at INFO@ELEVATEDSAFARIEXPERIENCE.COM.