“There is something about a safari that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne — bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.”

Terms & conditions

The Booking

Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport Nairobi

Bookings may begin and conclude in either Nairobi or Mombasa in Kenya.

In Tanzania the booking will conclude in Arusha.

The company reserves the right to decline any booking without outlining the reasons for it.

Covid - 19

Due the Coronavirus pandemic that has wreaked havoc the entire world and affected thousands of people globally; world leaders together with the different countries including Kenya and Tanzania have instructed the public to follow specific guidelines to abate the spread of this virus. Some of these precautionary measures have included travel restrictions and closure of country entry points, halting flights, limited entry to tourist attractions and facilities. Hence this has affected mainly the Tourism industry of Kenya and other travel destinations and this has affected safari travel plans of our esteemed guests.

Therefore Surprise Tours & Safaris in compliance to the given health and safety guidelines, operational requirements and regulatory obligations, we wish to inform our esteemed guests that our booking policies that will be applied during the COVID – 19 period and these new guidelines will only apply during the COVID – 19 pandemic periods. These include as below;

The cancellation policy on the website “will not” apply during this period of the pandemic

All already confirmed booking of the safaris “will only be postponed" to a period of the client’s choice.

In lieu of Kenya's borders being closed to tourists due to covid pandemic it may be necessary (due to length of time and increase in fuel, accommodation, park fees etc.) to adjust costing the safari if postponed due to border closures.

There will be no extra office fees charged for postponed bookings.

We, therefore, appeal to our guests to follow the provided guidelines and stay safe in your homes.

Booking, Deposit
& Payment

RESERVATIONS AND TRIP PAYMENT PROCESS

How far in advance should we plan and book our safari?

Most of the safari lodges and camps we recommend are small, exclusive and dearly sought after. To ensure availability we suggest planning and booking your travel arrangements at least 8 -12 months in advance.

How do we book a safari with you?
You may use the contact form on our home page, or send us an email. Let us know when you would like to travel, how many people will be traveling, and the trips/wildlife you are interested in, your budget, and your length of time you will be in Kenya. If you would like to arrange a tailor-made trip simply let us know your requirements and we will gladly make suggestions. With your input we can easily design a safari that suits your needs.

We will then check availability (this takes 24-48 hours as we check with the lodges and camps), and if space is available, we will make a provisional booking in your name. There is no obligation on your part at this stage.

Normally we can hold a provisional booking for 2 weeks.

Initial trip deposit / payment must be accompanied by completed terms and conditions / reservation form, liability release / assumption of risk agreement and insurance acceptance forms. Each traveller must complete separate copies.

Your trip deposit and / or final trip payment details will be given to you for payment in USD. We do not accept credit cards.

Upon receipt of your deposit we will mail you a confirmation letter, invoice, and trip details.

Your final trip payment is due 75 days prior to departure. If a reservation is made within 75 days of the trip departure the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation.
Upon receipt of final payment your paid invoice will be emailed to you.

A 50% deposit is required to secure a booking. This deposit forms part of the payment for the trip to secure your pre-safari and post-safari hotels if needed, and to secure your safari lodge accommodation; and shall be offset to the total amount charged to the client.

If the full amount is not paid 4 weeks prior to departure, the company reserves the right to treat the booking as cancelled and the deposit shall be forfeited.

Clients booking within 4 weeks of tour departure are required to pay the full amount at the time of booking to secure the reservation. All bank charges are to be settled by the client—this includes transaction fees charged by our bank for telegraphic transfers.

The amount shown on the invoice is the amount that needs to reflect in our account and should bank charges be deducted, we would have to invoice you subsequently.

It is strongly advisable that all travellers purchase comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation and interruption coverage at the time of deposit.

What if we have to cancel our safari plans?
Cancellations must be made and sent in writing via email to Surprise Tours & Safaris and signed by the client. Cancellations shall only be effective from the date of receipt of cancellation. In case of a booking cancellation, the company shall retain the full deposit.

In the event of a cancellation the client is subject to a cancellation fee as follows:

Until 4 weeks prior to departure – 30% cancellation fee
4 – 2 weeks prior to departure - 50% cancellation fee
2 – 1 weeks prior to departure – 75% cancellation fee
Less than 1 week prior to departure – 100% cancellation fee

The company reserves the right to cancel any tour at its sole and absolute discretion, without prior notification in instances where this is unavoidable. However, in that case, the company agrees to refund all monies already paid by the client. This shall be the company’s sole responsibility to the client and no claim for any damages arising shall accrue against the company.

Booking Amendments

For amendments of existing bookings done by the client (e.g. departure dates, air tickets, accommodation, number of participants etc.,) a handling fee of USD 50 per booking applies.

The handling fee will be charged in addition to the service provider fees.

Luggage

At any time all personal effects and baggage are the client’s responsibility and the company does not accept any liability for any loss or damage of any personal effects.

Clients are entitled to one bag of not more than 20 kg and one back pack. It is advisable no hardtop suitcases are brought on safari as there is limited room in safari vans and jeeps for extra luggage. The company reserves the right to refuse excess baggage that may impede upon other travelers enjoyment and comfort.

On safari flights other regulations (such as only 12 - 15kg) of baggage may apply. This is out of our control. The safari flights are in light planes.

Risk

The client accepts that all tours are of an adventurous nature and involve an element of personal risk. Neither the company nor its agents can be held liable in any way for any injury, loss of life, or personal damage to property.

The client hereby indemnifies the company and will not hold the company, its agent, or staff liable for any claim. The client takes full responsibility for all risks involved.

Authority on Tour

The decisions of the company’s guide/driver on tour shall at all times be final and binding.

The client must at all times comply and respect the laws, customs, and foreign exchange regulations of countries visited whether it be Kenya or Tanzania.

The client must also respect and understand directions given by the company's guide/driver for their own safety.

Marketing

The company reserves the right to use any photographs and videos taken during tours for marketing or any other advertising material.

The client hereby gives consent to use such photographs.

Force Majeure

Unforeseen circumstances including but not limited to war, mechanical breakdowns, covid 19, weather, riots, and other unforeseen reasons beyond the control of the company may cause delays or alterations to the tour.

The company shall not be held liable in any way for any of these possible occurrences or any consequences, which may arise as a result.

Price Changes

All our prices are based on the current national park fees and taxes and are in USD.

Should the authorities decide on increasing fees and taxes, even though they might currently not be scheduled, we would subsequently have to pass on these increases.