Terms and Conditions

Booking Terms, Payments & Cancellation Policy – Benuki Safaris

These Terms and Conditions outline the agreement between you (the client) and Benuki Safaris regarding your safari booking, payments, changes, and responsibilities.
By confirming a booking and making any payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.
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1. Booking Confirmation & Contract

A booking is considered confirmed once:
• You have accepted your itinerary, and
• The required deposit has been received

At this point, a binding contract comes into effect between you and Benuki Safaris.
The lead traveler making the booking:
• Accepts these terms on behalf of all travelers
• Is responsible for ensuring all traveler details are accurate and match passports
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2. Deposit & Payment Terms

• A 50% deposit is required to secure your safari
• The remaining 50% balance is due 30–45 days before arrival, unless otherwise agreed
For bookings made within 45 days of travel, full payment is required at the time of confirmation.

Certain services (such as flights or trekking permits) may require full upfront payment and are non-refundable.

Failure to complete payment within the required timeframe may result in cancellation of your booking.
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3. Payment Methods

We accept:

• Bank transfer
• Credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, secure gateways)
• Mobile money (where applicable)

A 3.5% processing fee applies to card payments.
Clients are responsible for any bank or international transfer charges.

All payments are processed securely and only with your authorization.
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4. Cancellation Policy (Per Person)

We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy balances flexibility with costs already committed to suppliers.

• 60+ days before travel → Full refund (no cancellation fee, except the monies that are unrefundable)
• 30–59 days → 25% cancellation fee
• 14–29 days → 50% cancellation fee
• 8–13 days → 75% cancellation fee
• Less than 7 days / no-show → 100% cancellation fee
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Important Notes on Cancellations

The following are non-refundable:
• Flights and airline tickets
• Gorilla, chimpanzee, or other trekking permits
• Any services already paid to third-party suppliers
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Flexibility Where Possible

While some costs are fixed, we always aim to support you. Where possible, we may offer:
• Date changes (subject to availability)
• Travel credit for future safaris
Our goal is to find a fair and practical solution whenever circumstances allow.
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5. Supplier Policies

We work with trusted third-party providers, including:
• Lodges and camps
• Airlines and charter services
• National parks and conservation authorities
These suppliers may have independent cancellation policies. Where their terms are stricter, those will apply, and any unrecoverable costs will be deducted from refunds.
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6. Refund Policy

Refunds are processed after confirming recoverable amounts from all suppliers.
Refunds will exclude:
• Non-recoverable supplier costs
• Card processing fees
• Bank transfer charges
• Costs already incurred in organizing your safari
We will always act in good faith to recover and return as much as possible.
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7. Changes to Bookings

We understand plans may evolve.
• Changes are subject to availability and supplier approval
• Additional costs may apply depending on timing and availability
Requests made close to departure may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking.
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8. Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering:
• Trip cancellation
• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation
• Flight delays and baggage loss
While we include AMREF emergency evacuation cover, this does not replace full travel insurance.
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9. Our Responsibility & Your Experience

Your comfort, safety, and overall experience are our priority.
We work with experienced guides, trusted partners, and carefully selected accommodations to deliver a seamless safari.
However, certain elements are beyond our control, including:
• Weather conditions
• Wildlife movement
• Airline operations
• Road and infrastructure conditions
While we cannot guarantee specific wildlife sightings or eliminate all risks, our team is highly experienced in maximizing your safari experience.
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10. Force Majeure

We are not liable for disruptions caused by events beyond our control, including:
• Natural disasters
• Government restrictions
• Political unrest
• Pandemics
• Airline disruptions
• Park closures
In such cases, we will:
• Communicate clearly
• Explore alternative dates or arrangements
• Offer travel credits where possible
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11. Client Responsibilities

You are responsible for:
• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Required visas
• Vaccinations and health requirements
• Travel insurance
Failure to meet entry requirements will not be considered grounds for a refund.
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12. Complaints & Support

If an issue arises during your safari:
• Inform your guide or contact us immediately so we can resolve it
If unresolved:
• Please email us within 14 days after your safari
We are committed to resolving concerns fairly and promptly.
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13. Payment Disputes

Before initiating any chargeback or dispute, you agree to contact us directly to resolve the issue.
We are committed to fair resolutions and open communication.
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14. What You Receive When You Book With Benuki Safaris

When you travel with us, you receive:
• AMREF emergency evacuation cover during your safari
• 24/7 support before and during your trip
• Carefully selected accommodations with reliable comfort
• Well-planned routes with strategic stops and optional upgrades
• A dedicated safari team focused on delivering a seamless experience
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15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Kenya. Any disputes will fall under the jurisdiction of Kenyan courts.
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16. Acceptance of Terms

By confirming your booking and making payment, you accept these Terms and Conditions as the full agreement between you and Benuki Safaris.