General Terms & Conditions
GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. Tour Payment & Price
All prices are based on prevailing at the time of publication of the price list. This can change without notice. However, once a holiday has been paid for we will guarantee the price, unless it is subsequently affected by the Government action or other influence beyond the control of Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd clients will be informed as quickly as possible in case of this eventuality. Bookings are confirmed only through email. A telephone booking is not deemed held until an email has been received. All bookings, alterations and cancellation must be made in writing. A 30% deposit is required to confirm a booking or the booking may be released at the sole discretion of Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd. The balance of the payment is due 30 days before the date of arrival. Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd reserves the right to refuse bookings at its discretion. Prices are subject to change in the event of any price increase in government imposed taxes, fuel prices, hotel charges & taxes, tourism levies, 3rd party supplier increase or introduction of any new taxes of levies of any nature, Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd reserves the right to pass the increase on.
A 30% deposit is required to reserve your space. A second payment of 50% is due 4 months (120 days) prior to the first land day of the trip and a final 20% payment is due 1 month (30 days) prior to the first land day of the trip. Payment is accepted as follows: 1) U.S. Dollar | EUR or Shilling check made payable to Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd, 13874 Arusha-Tanzania, Swahili Street, or 2) by wire transfer to our account in Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd or 3) by credit card as processed by our office in Arusha-Tanzania. The price quoted is based on current park entry fees, camping fees, accommodation, concession fees and government regulated VAT. If these government regulated fees should go up, the total cost of the itinerary will go up accordingly. Notwithstanding any prior confirmation arrangements, the right is reserved not to execute a tour if the payments have not been received in accordance with the foregoing.
1. Park Fees Assumptions:
The price quoted assumes the following conservation fees (valid from July 1, 2023): Arusha, Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks ($72.50/adult and $36.50/child); Serengeti National Park ($84.50/adult and $42.50/child); Ngorongoro Conservation Area ($84.50/adult and $42.50/child plus $300 per vehicle for each descent into the Crater). Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park ($95.50/adult and $64.90/child inclusive of conservation fee); Mikumi, Ruaha, Rubondo and Udzungwa National Parks ($60.50/adult and $30.80/child); Mahale National Park ($95.40/adult and $45.40/child); and Gombe National Park ($118/adult and $23.60/child) All fees are per person per 24 hour period. Child fees are applicable to children under the age of 15.
2.0 Accommodation
The above-noted accommodations will be immediately booked and confirmed upon receipt of payment and/or a signed contract. In the unlikely circumstance that, by the time Kim Tours tries to confirm and book, the rooms are no longer available, Kim Tours will allow the traveler(s) to give input on the selection of alternate locations. The total price may be adjusted as a result.
Traveler is advised to review the websites of the above-noted accommodations and/or to search for and read online reviews. While we do our best to recommend and accurately describe the best accommodation choices for your situation, Kim Tours cannot be held liable when the traveler’s expectations differ from the actual accommodation. Should a traveler arrive at an accommodation and find something unacceptable, Kim Tours will assist with the identification of a new location, but the costs will be billed to the traveler’s account. If the accommodation has a defect that the traveler believes warrants a refund, Kim Tours will aggressively pursue a refund on traveler’s behalf.
2.1 Child Rate & Policy
● Children below 2 years are allowed and free of charge.
* For game package with children above 2 years - the vehicle has to be booked on exclusively.
● 1 Child or 2 Children aged 3 - 11 years sharing with adult(s): 60% of adult rate.
● 1 Child or 2 Children aged 12 - 15 years sharing with adult(s): 70% of adult rate.
● Children aged 12 -15 years sharing their own room pay Adult rate.
● 1 adult sharing with 1 child or 2 children will be charged per person sharing rate and the applicable children rate.
● Children aged 15 years & older: Full adult rate.
● All children stay at their parents or guardians' own risk.
● Children below the age of 12 years are restricted from participating in Mountain Climbing, Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking, Walking Safaris, Horse Riding Safaris & Fly and Bush Camping.
2.2 Alternative Accommodation
In the case of a confirmed booking being rerouted for whatever reason we will endeavor to move guests to an equivalent level property subject to availability and with prior agreement with the operator/agent.
3. Not included in Prices
Prices quoted do not include costs of obtaining visas and passports, departure taxes, travel and medical insurance, telephone calls, laundry, entertainment arrangements not shown in the itinerary, beverages unless specified, or any other items of a personal nature.
4. Amendments to the itinerary
If after this contract has been completed the traveler wishes to change the itinerary, Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd will endeavor to accommodate you wherever possible. However should cancellation fees be levied by our suppliers these will be charged to you.
4. Change Fees
After a contract has been signed, any change requested by the client will result in a change fee of $50 per change in addition to any other cost increases (decreases) resulting from the change. Prior to the first day of the safari, Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd will waive this change fee for the first change request. Starting on the first day of safari, no complimentary change requests will be allowed.
5. Cancellation and curtailment
In the event of the traveler(s) canceling their reservation for any reason, traveler(s) will be charged a penalty as outlined below. No cancellations or notifications of reduced numbers booked are accepted by phone. Only written notifications are considered valid. Written notifications include email. No-shows are considered cancelled at the date of their first expected arrival. There will be no refunds to clients who do not complete an itinerary.
If cancelled: More than 91 days prior to first land day | Cancellation Charge No fees Charged |
| More than 60 days and less than 90 days prior to first land day | 20% of total price |
| More than 45 days and less than 60 days prior to first land day | 30% of total price |
| More than 14 days and less than 45 days prior to first land day | 50% of total price |
| 14 days or less prior to first land day | 100% of total price |
| No Show | 100% of total price |
6. Unavoidable circumstances
The company does not hold itself responsible nor can it be held responsible for any delays prior to departure or, during the course of any tour mentioned whether brought about by technical difficulties, strikes, weather conditions or any other circumstances whatsoever, whether foreseen or unforeseen. It is understood that any expenses relating to these unscheduled extensions, amendments, or curtailments (eg. hotels, meals, airfares, telephone calls, etc) will be for the travelers’ account. We make every effort to ensure that all arrangements and services connected with your tour will be carried out as specified in the most efficient and effective way possible. However, we do not have direct control over the provision of services by suppliers and, whilst they are in all cases selected with the utmost care, we do not accept liability for error and omissions of such suppliers.
7. Travel documents
We do not accept responsibility for any consequences whatsoever from a traveler failing to ensure that he or she has complied with the necessary health, passport and visa requirements.
8. Travel Insurance
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For more information on the available plans click here or contact Travelex Insurance 800-228-9792 and reference location number CID 6990926. To get a quote or to enroll click here.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. V94
All booked clients of Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd will automatically be enrolled for AMREF Flying Doctor’s insurance. This enrollment does not replace traditional travel insurance but augments your coverage for emergency transport from safari to Nairobi for onward medical evacuation.
9. Contract
Once payment in whole or in part has been made by the traveler for a booking, the traveler shall be deemed to have accepted the terms and conditions contained herein as applicable to the contract entered into between the Company and the traveler.
10. Disclaimer
Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd (Kim Tours) acts only as an agent for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, activities, or other services connected with its tours. Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Kim Tours and their respective employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other incident which may be caused by the negligence, defect, default of any company or person in performing these services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. Kim Tours is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours/trips arranged by Kim Tours. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy, if desired, that can cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects.
11. Early Bird Offer
We will honor the current year’s accommodation rates for safaris booked one year before travel, for traveling in the next calendar year. Example, if booked by May 1, 2024, the 2024 accommodation rates will be honored for travel in 2025. Park and conservation area fees are not subject to this rule as they can change/increase without advance notice. Early Bird Offer
12. Ebola Re-Booking Policy
Only if the World Health Organization (WHO) announces a confirmed case of Ebola in Tanzania, traveler(s) will be given the option to re-book their itinerary for a later date, as follows:
- There will be no penalty.
- If the announcement comes more than 2 weeks prior to traveler’s first scheduled day in Tanzania, traveler will have until 2 weeks prior to the first scheduled day in Tanzania to make the decision to reschedule.
- If the announcement comes less than 2 weeks prior to traveler’s first scheduled day in Tanzania, traveler will have until the day prior to the first scheduled day in Tanzania to make the decision to reschedule.
- If the announcement comes while the traveler is already in Tanzania, traveler will have the option to cut the safari short and return home. The unused portion of the safari may be rebooked for a later date. Kim Tours will consult with traveler to make the wisest decisions should traveler decide to continue with the itinerary.
- The itinerary must be rescheduled to start within 1 year of the announcement that Tanzania is Ebola-free. Should the traveler wish to reschedule later than 1 year there may be a nominal penalty because some of the accommodations are insisting on a 1 year limit.
- The price for the rescheduled itinerary will likely change. The only price change will be a direct result of any changes in park fees or accommodation prices. (Accommodation prices normally go up moderately each year, but also the rescheduled itinerary may fall in a different season which may increase or even decrease the price.)
- Traveler must make payments on the itinerary as already agreed to in this contract with the exception that as soon as a decision is made to rebook, further payments (if not already due) do not need to be made until the re-booked itinerary payments are scheduled.
13. Holiday surcharge:
A supplement of US $ 40.00 per person per day will apply to all bookings on the 24th, 25th, 26th and 31 December and 1st January
A supplement of US $ 35.00 per person will apply to all bookings between Friday 3rd and Monday 6th April (for all 4 days) as Easter holiday surcharge, even Eid Al Fitr Mubarak holiday.
14. Transportation:
A Safari four-wheel drive vehicle will be provided according to the route and the number of participants. The right is reserved to employ the service of a subcontractor. English/French/Spanish/Germany/Italy speaking driver/guides are provided.
15. Alteration to Tours:
The right is reserved to change any route or arrangement should the conditions necessitate, as is the right to offer substitutes of equal value or to cancel the operation of any scheduled tour. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of any tour at any time in which equitable amount will be refunded.
16. Rerouting Safari:
Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd very seldomely will reroute Safaris. This is due to room availability and Special Campsite availability. When this happens clients will be informed as far in advance as possible. Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd and its agents act only as the agents of the passenger in all matters relating to accommodation, meals, tours and transportation of any type, and shall not be held responsible for inconvenience or commission of service, injury, delay, loss or damage from any case in any manner, however, including weather, machinery breakdown, labor disputes, civil disturbances and government orders, Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd is insured against legal liabilities arising from injuries which may be incurred by the passenger in its own vehicles, subject only to the jurisdiction of the courts of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.
17. Danger:
From wild animals is minimal on safari as most creatures avoid direct contact with humans unless threatened. Respect the advice of your guide who is experienced with the environment and has your best interest and safety at heart. Believe it or not, the most dangerous animal you are likely to encounter in Tanzania is the mosquito!
18. Pets or service dogs are NOT allowed inside the park.
Pets are barred from all Kenyan and Tanzanian parks to protect the wildlife from disease transmission. It is in the law. National Policies for National Parks in Tanzania, March 1994. Article 8.10.4 state "domestic pets and other domestic animals will be prohibited from all national parks".
Furthermore, keepers are frequently in with big cats that are wild by nature. Pets or service animals can trigger instincts that pose a severe risk to our keepers. For the safety of your animals, our guests, and our staff who work with wild animals directly, we do not allow pets and service animals inside the park.
19.0 National Park Drone Permit
Drones are not allowed in any of the 417 parks administered and managed by the National Park Service. This includes national trails, rivers, monuments, historic parks, etc. This law has been in place since 1990 and states that the launching, landing, or operation of an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service is prohibited. The only way you can fly a drone within the boundaries of a particular park would be to get approval in writing from the park’s superintendent.
Drones are not permitted in national parks unless accompanied by a signed permit. This approval can come in the form of a Special Use Permit. The downside is that not only is it almost impossible to get one, but it also has different purposes. Such permits are issued for research, fire safety, and search and rescue purposes. Commercial or recreational drone usage and filming cannot obtain such a permit virtually. One other way to get a drone into the airspace of a national park is to have it take off and land from outside the designated national area. This would mean that the drone is not launched, landed, or operated from or on national parks lands, as the law states. This practice is open to interpretation. If found, you could still be fined and held accountable.
19.1 Why You Shouldn’t Bring Drones on Safari in Tanzania
We love panoramic shots and aerial views as much as anyone else, but there’s a good reason we don’t suggest bringing drones on safari. Actually, there are many reasons.
19.1.1. Drones are not allowed in Tanzania’s national parks
None of Tanzania’s national parks allow drones. Flying them in places like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater is illegal, and nearly all our safaris visit these locations.
19.1.2. Drones bother wildlife
If you’ve flown a drone before, you know they can be noisy and intrusive. This can be particularly bothersome for wildlife. We try our best to “never disturb of harass wildlife,” and drones unfortunately don’t support that mission.
19.1.3. Drones can annoy people
It might not be in our Wildlife Code of Conduct, but we try very hard not to bother people either. In our experience, drones unfortunately annoy some safari enthusiasts by whirring, obscuring photographs and bothering wildlife.
19.1.4. There are heavy fines for interfering with or harming wildlife
Even the most conscientious drone operator can face severe penalties for inadvertently harming or disturbing Tanzania’s animals.
19.1.5. Drones can be dangerous to wildlife and other safari goers
In a worst-case scenario, a drone can be dangerous. There are plenty of opportunities to become distracted and lose control during flight. If that happens, your drone could come down in a herd of animals or onto other safari vehicles.
19.1.6. If your drone comes down unexpectedly, retrieving it may be impossible
It’s not uncommon to lose signal to a drone or see it sail off in the wind. If that happens, and it comes down away from the road, there may be no way to retrieve it. Driving off road in the parks is strictly prohibited, and, for obvious reasons, exiting the safari vehicle is not an option.
19.1.7. Special permits are required to fly drones and are costly and require advance application.
Applying for permission to fly a drone in Tanzania as a foreigner is a long and complicated process. You will need:
- A certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration or an equivalent authority corroborating your experience as an operator
- Permission from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority
- Permission from Tanzania’s Ministry of Defense and National Service
- A cover letter explaining what you will be operating a drone for and where you will be flying
- Liability and third-party insurance from an insurance broker with unmanned aircraft operations insurance experience
19.1.8. We cannot help you apply for drone permits
While we regularly help travelers with visa applications, we do not help with drone applications. We do not have staff with drone experience and do not regularly communicate with the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority or Ministry of Defense and National Service.
19.1.9. Your drone may get stuck in customs on arrival or departure
Even with the necessary certificates and applications, drone equipment may be held at customs during arrival or departure. Customs officials may ask you to pay substantial fees before it is returned.
20.0 Our Wildlife Code of Conduct
The wildebeest have thundered across Tanzania’s plains for millennia. Its ancient baobab trees budded through soil and dust thousands of years ago. From the lion to the dik-dik, its animals have persevered through wildfires, droughts and other threats for the entirety of human history – and likely much longer.
Unlike the game reserves that bring wildlife into man-made enclosures, the national parks of Tanzania protect the animals where they have always been. If we take great care, the ecosystem will thrive just as it has for countless years.
Wildlife preservation has been a pillar of our work for nearly four decades, winning recognition from the Tanzania Tourist Board and partnerships with some of the world’s leading wildlife conservation groups.
We codified the best way to protect the animals we view every day. Every guide follows a set of rules to ensure the wildlife is preserved and our guests are safe. Here are just a few.
20.1. Our Wildlife Code of Conduct
20.1.1. Never feed the animals
Tanzania’s wild animals aren’t used to receiving food from people, and this is a good thing. Their survival hinges on their ability to find food themselves. Receiving food from humans can build a dangerous dependency.
Ultimately, when you’re working with apex predators, sometimes it’s best not to associate humans with food.
20.1.2. Animals always have the right of way
Unobtrusive, unthreatening, uninteresting – that’s what animals should think of safari vehicles. This way, when a lion sees a Land Rover, they don’t see a potential threat and change their behavior. They see an unassuming four-wheeled contraption and go about their business – it’s as if we’re not even there.
Aggressive driving can break the illusion, so we give animals the right of way to leave them undisturbed and make your safari better at the same time.
20.1.3. Never disturb or harass the wildlife
See rule two. The less we interact with the wildlife, the less we impact the ecosystem. That means no imitating animal sounds, making loud noises or throwing objects.
20.1.4. Do not litter
Need we say more?
20.1.5. Never pick, cut or destroy any vegetation
This is particularly important for camp staff. We want the accommodations to have the lowest possible impact on the land. That’s one reason we choose tented camps. They don’t interfere with nature; they blend right in.
Case in point, animals aren’t shy around the camp grounds like they are around established lodges. You’ll wake up to the sound of grazing zebras and see tracks going right through the grounds. That’s what traveling in harmony with nature looks like.
20.1.6. Do not touch or remove any object of biological interest, including eggs, bones or trophies
In case there were any doubts, we do not condone the hunt or capture of any of Tanzania’s creatures. We have been vocal opponents to game hunting and trophy trafficking in Africa and our home state of Massachusetts.
20.1.7. Remain in the vehicle within 200 meters of any game animal
There’s always a limit to how close you can get to Africa’s animals and for good reason. Dangerous interactions with humans can justify lethal force against the wildlife – a circumstance we want to avoid at all costs.
We have operated for nearly four decades without any incident between guests and wildlife, largely because of the tenured judgment of our guides and hard and fast rules like these. You’ll get close to the lions, but we’ll always consider your safety first.
20.1.8. Avoid organizations that restrain, subdue or train wildlife for commercial purposes
You might have seen game reserves where guests ride elephants, pet lions or experience other canned wildlife interactions. The sad truth is that many of these entities do not treat wildlife well.
Elephants must be restrained and trained for years to carry riders. Organizations that host lion walks often breed and sell lions to game hunting groups.
These incredible creatures belong in the wild. Wildlife sanctuaries should only operate with the intention of protecting, rehabilitating and releasing the species they serve, and those are the only groups we’re willing to work with.
Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd: We recommend that you have a full comprehensive personal insurance for any and every eventuality!!