Terms and Conditions

These are the terms and conditions of any contract between Ngotea Distinctive Safaris (the Service Providers) and you (all persons traveling with us, named on a booking).

They are very important, so please take time to read them. Confirmation of travel with Ngotea Distinctive Safaris implies that you have read, fully understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions described below.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

1.1 All services are subject to availability and are not guaranteed until confirmed.

1.2 A deposit of 50% of the total value for each person referred to on the booking form is required at the time of booking. If a higher deposit is required for any particular tour, this will be indicated before confirmation.

1.3 Where gorilla permits are required, they must be paid in full at the time of confirmation and are non-refundable. This is in addition to the standard non-refundable deposit.

1.4 The remaining balance is due 30 days before the start of the tour unless otherwise indicated. A certain percentage may be paid upon the start of the tour. Should this payment not be received without notice, Ngotea Distinctive Safaris reserves the right to treat the booking as canceled, whereby normal cancellation conditions apply.

1.5 If the booking is made within 30 days of the tour start date, full payment is required at the time of booking. The contract between us is made when we issue your confirmation invoice.

1.6 At the time of booking, we require full details for all passengers (names must appear as they do in passports).

2.1 All prices are quoted and paid in US Dollars unless otherwise stated.

2.2 Prices quoted by Ngotea Distinctive Safaris are subject to change without notice and are not guaranteed until confirmation.

2.3 Prices quoted are as per itinerary and per person and, unless stated otherwise, include:

  • Overnight accommodation as specified
  • National park and game reserve entrance fees
  • Overland transportation
  • Domestic air transportation where indicated
  • Driver and guide fees (excluding tips)
  • Chimpanzee tracking permits
  • Three meals per day as specified
  • Unlimited mineral water during the safari (not at lodges/camps)
  • Coffee/tea twice a day during the safari
  • Unlimited game drives

2.4 Prices quoted do not include:

  • Personal expenses
  • Personal insurance
  • Laundry
  • Meals not specified
  • Drinks
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Tips and gratuities
  • International flights

2.5 Meals are provided three times per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, often including a packed lunch or picnic for one of these.

2.6 Accommodation varies depending on location and price plan. Options include camping, tented camps, bandas, guest houses, tented accommodation, and hotels.

2.7 Ngotea Distinctive Safaris reserves the right to substitute accommodations for those indicated in itineraries.

3.1 All information and descriptions (including those regarding accommodation and activities) are based on the latest information available and are given in good faith. Ngotea Distinctive Safaris is not liable for deviations from these descriptions.

3.2 Transport provided will vary according to the itinerary and the number of clients. We strive to ensure that vehicles used are maintained in decent and roadworthy condition. Rescue vehicles are available in all the national parks to minimize time lost in case of a breakdown. However, we accept no liability for breakdowns, punctures, road conditions, or delays resulting from such issues.

3.3 We reserve the right to use the services of subcontractors when necessary.

3.4 We do not guarantee sightings of wild animals, as they are unpredictable in nature. However, our guides will make every effort to provide the best possible wildlife experiences.

4.1 If you are dissatisfied with any service or facility provided, you must immediately inform your representative (guide, tour leader, or driver provided by Ngotea Distinctive Safaris) to allow them to resolve the issue promptly.

4.2 If the complaint is unresolved to your satisfaction, you may submit a formal written complaint to Ngotea Distinctive Safaris within 28 days of completing the tour. We accept no liability for complaints not submitted within this period.

5.1 Cancellation by you:
5.1.1 If you decide to cancel your holiday, you must notify us immediately. Any cancellation by phone must be confirmed in writing or via email within 24 hours, effective from the day we are notified, provided the written confirmation is received within 24 hours.

5.1.2 Cancellation charges are based on the tour price and are applied as follows:

  • More than 30 days prior to the tour start date: loss of 50% of deposit.
  • Less than 30 days prior to the tour start date: loss of 50% of total cost.
  • Less than 15 days prior to the tour start date: loss of 100% of total cost.

5.1.3 No refund will be given for gorilla permits, regardless of the cancellation date.

5.1.4 Refunds will not be issued for unused services, late arrivals, or client absences.

5.1.5 Ngotea Distinctive Safaris accepts no liability for loss or damage arising from cancellations.

5.2 Cancellation by Ngotea Distinctive Safaris:
5.2.1 We reserve the right to cancel your holiday and apply cancellation fees if the balance remains unpaid when due.

5.2.2 Ngotea Distinctive Safaris may cancel your tour up to 60 days before the start date. Beyond this, cancellations will only occur for reasons beyond our control. In such cases, we will offer:
a) A similar tour at the same standard and price, if available.
b) A tour of a lower standard, with a refund for the price difference.
c) A more expensive tour, with the additional cost covered by you.
d) A full refund.

5.2.3 Ngotea Distinctive Safaris is not liable for loss or damage arising from cancellations.

6.1 Alterations by you:
6.1.1 If you wish to alter a confirmed booking, we will do our best to accommodate your request, though changes may not always be possible.

6.2 Alterations by Ngotea Distinctive Safaris:
6.2.1 While rare, confirmed bookings may need to be altered. We will aim to provide services of a higher standard.

6.2.2 If significant changes are necessary, we will notify you promptly and provide the following options:
a) A similar arrangement at the same standard and price.
b) A lower standard arrangement with a refund for the price difference.
c) A more expensive arrangement, with the price difference covered by you.
d) Cancellation with a full refund.

6.3 Alterations by third parties:
6.3.1 Ngotea Distinctive Safaris does not control its suppliers. Where significant changes are made by suppliers, we will notify you promptly, but we are not liable for these changes.

6.4 Alterations due to circumstances beyond our control:
6.4.1 Unforeseeable circumstances such as weather, political unrest, or natural disasters may require itinerary changes. Clients are responsible for any additional costs incurred, though some costs may be recoverable through insurance. Ngotea Distinctive Safaris will strive to minimize the impact.

7.1 Ngotea Distinctive Safaris accepts no responsibility for illness, injury, death, or property damage arising from any aspect of your tour.

7.2 We ensure that all tours and services are arranged as advertised. However, we cannot guarantee supplier performance and are not liable for errors by third parties.

7.3 Participation in tours involves inherent risks. Clients assume these risks at their own discretion.

7.4 We accept no liability for unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to: flight delays, government actions, strikes, theft, epidemics, road closures, or acts of God.

7.5 Clients are responsible for ensuring that they hold appropriate passports, visas, and travel documents.

8.1 Clients are responsible for arranging necessary vaccinations, visas, and travel documentation. Ngotea Distinctive Safaris is not liable for costs resulting from missing documentation.

8.2 It is your responsibility to report on time for transport arrangements. Additional costs for missed connections will not be reimbursed.

9.1 The guide’s or driver’s authority is final during the tour for the safety and wellbeing of all clients.

9.2 Compliance with local laws and regulations is mandatory.

9.3 Ngotea Distinctive Safaris reserves the right to refuse service to individuals whose behavior endangers the safety or wellbeing of others. No refunds will be provided in such cases.