Booking Terms and Conditions
These terms apply to every safari, trek, beach holiday, transfer and travel arrangement booked through RedSoil Safaris.
By confirming a booking with us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and accepted these terms and conditions.
1. Booking confirmation
A booking becomes confirmed once:
- The itinerary has been agreed by the client and RedSoil Safaris; and
- The required deposit has been received.
A booking confirmation and invoice are provided after the booking has been confirmed. All arrangements are subject to availability at the time of booking.
2. Deposit and payment
A deposit is required to secure your booking. Unless otherwise stated on your quotation or invoice:
- A 30% deposit of the total booking price is required to confirm the reservation.
- The remaining balance must be paid before the agreed departure date.
- The exact payment deadline is stated on your booking confirmation or invoice.
For bookings made close to the departure date, RedSoil Safaris may require full payment at the time of confirmation.
All bank charges, transfer fees and payment processing charges are the responsibility of the client unless otherwise agreed in writing.
3. Prices
All prices are based on the itinerary and services specified in the quotation. Prices may include, where applicable:
- Accommodation
- Safari transport
- Professional safari guide
- Park and conservation fees
- Meals specified in the itinerary
- Activities stated in the itinerary
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Government taxes and VAT where applicable
Items not specifically listed as included are excluded.
Park fees, government charges, taxes, accommodation rates, flight costs and other supplier prices may change. If a supplier or government authority changes a mandatory charge after your quotation has been issued, RedSoil Safaris reserves the right to adjust the affected cost accordingly.
4. Changes to your booking
We understand that travel plans can change. Requests to change travel dates, accommodation, number of travellers, activities, flights or other arrangements should be submitted as early as possible.
Changes are subject to availability and may result in additional charges from hotels, airlines, parks or other service providers. Any additional costs will be communicated to the client before the change is confirmed whenever possible.
5. Cancellation by the client
All cancellations must be submitted to RedSoil Safaris in writing.
Cancellation charges depend on how close the cancellation is made to the scheduled departure date and on the cancellation policies of the individual suppliers involved. Unless otherwise stated on your booking confirmation, the following standard cancellation policy applies:
- More than 60 days before departure: the deposit may be refundable, less any non-refundable supplier costs already incurred.
- 60 to 31 days before departure: cancellation charges may apply depending on the services booked.
- 30 to 15 days before departure: a substantial portion of the booking price may be non-refundable.
- 14 days or less before departure: the booking may be subject to up to 100% cancellation charges.
Certain accommodation, flights, permits, park arrangements and special services may have stricter cancellation policies. The cancellation terms stated on your specific quotation or booking confirmation take precedence where they differ from these general terms.
6. Cancellation by RedSoil Safaris
RedSoil Safaris reserves the right to cancel or modify an arrangement where circumstances beyond our reasonable control make it impossible or unsafe to operate the planned trip. Where possible, we will offer a suitable alternative arrangement.
If an arrangement must be cancelled, any refund will be subject to amounts recoverable from suppliers and service providers.
7. Force majeure
RedSoil Safaris shall not be held responsible for failure or delay in providing services caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control. These may include:
- Natural disasters
- Extreme weather
- Floods
- Fire
- Epidemics or pandemics
- Government restrictions
- Civil unrest
- Strikes
- Road closures
- Airline cancellations
- Changes in park regulations
- Political events
- Other unforeseen circumstances
We will make reasonable efforts to assist clients and arrange suitable alternatives where possible.
8. Safari vehicles
Safari transport is provided using suitable safari vehicles appropriate for the itinerary. Vehicle allocation may change due to operational requirements, mechanical issues or other unforeseen circumstances. Where necessary, RedSoil Safaris may use an alternative vehicle of a similar standard. We prioritise passenger safety and reliable transport.
9. Accommodation
The accommodation listed in the itinerary is subject to availability. If the selected accommodation becomes unavailable, RedSoil Safaris may arrange an alternative property of a similar standard. Any significant changes will be communicated to the client as soon as reasonably possible.
10. Flights
Where domestic or international flights are included, the airline's terms and conditions also apply. Flight schedules may change due to airline operational requirements, weather or other circumstances. RedSoil Safaris is not responsible for delays, cancellations or schedule changes caused by airlines, airports or other aviation authorities.
11. Passports, visas and travel documents
Clients are responsible for ensuring that they have:
- A valid passport
- The appropriate Tanzanian visa
- Required vaccinations or health documentation
- Valid travel insurance
- Any other documents required for their nationality and travel arrangements
We can provide general travel information, but responsibility for obtaining the correct travel documents remains with the traveller.
12. Travel insurance
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance. Insurance should cover, where appropriate:
- Medical expenses
- Emergency evacuation
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Lost or damaged luggage
- Flight delays or cancellations
- Personal liability
Clients take part in safari, trekking and other activities at their own responsibility and should ensure that their insurance provides appropriate cover.
13. Health and fitness
Clients are responsible for informing RedSoil Safaris of any medical, dietary or mobility requirements that may affect their trip. Certain activities, particularly mountain trekking and walking safaris, may require an appropriate level of physical fitness. Clients should seek professional medical advice where necessary before undertaking physically demanding activities.
14. Luggage
Allowances depend on the type of transport and accommodation included in your itinerary. Clients will be informed of any specific luggage restrictions that apply to their safari or flights. Where luggage must be limited because of domestic flights or vehicle capacity, travellers are responsible for complying with the applicable limits.
15. Personal belongings
Clients are responsible for their personal belongings during the trip. RedSoil Safaris is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to personal property unless caused by our proven negligence. We recommend keeping valuable items secure and carrying appropriate travel insurance.
16. Wildlife and safari activities
Wild animals are unpredictable. Safari activities take place in natural environments where wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed. Our guides follow the applicable national park regulations and safety procedures. Clients must follow their guide's instructions at all times, particularly when viewing wildlife, taking part in walking activities or staying in camps.
17. Itinerary changes
Safari conditions can change because of weather, road conditions, wildlife movements, park regulations or other operational circumstances. Your guide may recommend reasonable changes to the daily schedule when necessary for safety or to improve the experience. Major itinerary changes will be discussed with the client whenever reasonably possible.
18. Client conduct
Clients are expected to behave respectfully towards:
- Other travellers
- Guides and staff
- Local communities
- Wildlife
- National parks
- Accommodation providers
RedSoil Safaris reserves the right to terminate services without refund if a client's behaviour seriously threatens the safety or wellbeing of other guests, staff or wildlife.
19. Complaints
If a problem occurs during your trip, please inform your guide or RedSoil Safaris immediately. We will make reasonable efforts to resolve problems while you are still travelling. Complaints submitted after the completion of the trip should be made in writing as soon as reasonably possible.
20. Photography and images
RedSoil Safaris may occasionally take photographs or videos during trips for marketing purposes. We will respect a client's reasonable request not to appear in promotional material.
21. Governing law
Bookings made with RedSoil Safaris are subject to the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania. Any dispute shall first be addressed through good-faith discussion between the client and RedSoil Safaris. Where a dispute cannot be resolved amicably, the applicable courts and legal authorities of Tanzania shall have jurisdiction.
22. Acceptance of terms
By paying the deposit or otherwise confirming a booking with RedSoil Safaris, the client confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Booking Terms and Conditions.
RedSoil Safaris reserves the right to update these terms from time to time. The terms that apply to your booking are those provided at the time of confirmation.