Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Makayo Safaris ("Makayo," "we," "us," or "our"). By booking a trip, tour, trek, safari, or any other service with Makayo, you ("the client," "traveler," or "you") agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Makayo Safaris, a registered tour operator in the United Republic of Tanzania.

Please read these terms carefully. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you should not proceed with a booking. These terms apply to all services provided by Makayo, including but not limited to safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro treks, Zanzibar beach holidays, cultural tours, airport transfers, and accommodation bookings.

2.1 Booking Request. All bookings must be made via our official website, email, WhatsApp, or in person. A booking is considered confirmed only when you have received a written confirmation (invoice) from Makayo and the required deposit has been paid.

2.2 Deposit. A non‑refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to secure your reservation. For bookings made less than 30 days before departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.

2.3 Final Payment. The balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the start date of your tour. If the balance is not received by the due date, Makayo reserves the right to treat the booking as cancelled and retain the deposit.

2.4 Last‑minute Bookings. For bookings made within 14 days of departure, full payment is required immediately. Availability may be limited, and Makayo cannot guarantee all services at short notice.

3.1 Currency. All prices are quoted in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated. Payments must be made in the currency indicated on the invoice.

3.2 Payment Methods. We accept bank transfers, credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), and mobile money (M‑Pesa) for Tanzanian and Kenyan residents. A processing fee of 3% applies to credit card payments.

3.3 Price Changes. Makayo reserves the right to adjust prices due to unforeseen circumstances such as government tax increases, fuel surcharges, or park fee changes. Any price increase will be communicated immediately, and you may cancel without penalty if the increase exceeds 10% of the original price.

3.4 Included/Excluded. The services included in your tour price are clearly listed on your itinerary and invoice. Unless explicitly stated, the following are not included: international flights, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses (drinks, laundry, tips, souvenirs), and optional activities.

4.1 Notice of Cancellation. All cancellations must be submitted in writing (email accepted). The date of receipt determines the cancellation charges as follows:

• More than 60 days before departure: full refund minus a $100 administrative fee per person.
• 30 – 60 days before departure: 50% of the total tour cost is refundable.
• Less than 30 days before departure: no refund.
• No‑shows or voluntary early departure: no refund for unused services.

4.2 Refund Processing. Approved refunds will be processed within 14 business days via the original payment method. Bank charges or currency conversion fees are the client’s responsibility.

4.3 Postponement. Instead of cancelling, you may request to postpone your trip to a future date. This is subject to availability and may incur a re‑booking fee of $50 per person plus any supplier rate differences.

5.1 Force Majeure. Makayo shall not be held liable for cancellations or changes caused by events beyond our reasonable control (force majeure), including but not limited to natural disasters, war, civil unrest, epidemics, pandemics, airport closures, or extreme weather. In such cases, we will offer alternative arrangements or a credit towards a future trip; cash refunds are at our discretion and subject to supplier refund policies.

5.2 Minimum Numbers. Some tours require a minimum number of participants. If that number is not reached, we may cancel the tour up to 21 days before departure and offer either a full refund or an alternative date/itinerary.

5.3 Alternative Arrangements. Makayo reserves the right to change accommodations, transport, or routes if necessary for safety, weather, or operational reasons. We will provide comparable alternatives whenever possible.

6.1 Mandatory Insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all Makayo trips. Your policy must cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, loss of luggage, and personal liability. For Kilimanjaro treks, insurance must explicitly cover trekking up to 6,000 meters.

6.2 Proof of Insurance. You must provide evidence of adequate insurance before departure. Failure to provide proof may result in cancellation of your booking with no refund.

6.3 Pre‑existing Conditions. It is your responsibility to disclose any medical conditions at the time of booking. Makayo is not liable for any health issues that arise during the trip that are related to pre‑existing conditions not disclosed.

7.1 Assumption of Risk. You acknowledge that travel in Tanzania – including safaris, trekking, and water activities – involves inherent risks. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with the trip.

7.2 Our Liability. Makayo acts as an agent for airlines, hotels, lodges, and other suppliers. We are not liable for personal injury, death, property damage, delay, or loss caused by the acts or omissions of third parties. Our total liability is limited to the amount paid for your booking.

7.3 Medical Emergencies. In the event of illness or injury, Makayo will arrange medical assistance as deemed appropriate. All medical costs are your responsibility unless covered by your insurance.

7.4 Client Responsibility. You are responsible for obtaining the correct travel documents (passport, visa, vaccinations), arriving on time for all scheduled activities, and following the instructions of your guide. Makayo is not liable for missed flights or activities due to your late arrival.

8.1 Passports. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure from Tanzania. Ensure you have sufficient blank pages for visas and entry stamps.

8.2 Visas. A tourist visa is required for most nationalities. You can apply online (eVisa) or obtain a visa on arrival. It is your responsibility to verify the visa requirements for your nationality.

8.3 Vaccinations. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Yellow Fever (if arriving from a yellow‑fever endemic country). Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised. Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before travel.

9.1 During the Trip. If you encounter any problem during your tour, you must immediately inform your guide or Makayo’s office. We will do our best to resolve the issue promptly. Failure to report a problem during the trip voids any subsequent claim.

9.2 Post‑Tour Complaints. Written complaints must be submitted within 14 days of the tour’s end. We will acknowledge receipt within 5 business days and respond within 30 days.

9.3 Governing Law. These terms are governed by the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania. Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Tanzania.

Makayo may take photographs or videos during your tour for marketing and promotional purposes. If you prefer not to appear in such material, please inform us in writing before the start of your trip. You grant Makayo a non‑exclusive, royalty‑free license to use images taken during the tour, unless you opt out.

By making a payment or confirming a booking with Makayo, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions in full. These terms may be updated from time to time, and the version in effect at the time of your booking will apply.