Terms & Conditions
Welcome to Ellis African Safaris. By making a reservation, submitting a deposit, or utilizing our website and travel services, you enter into a legally binding agreement with us.
The following Terms and Conditions apply to all travel packages, safari itineraries, accommodation bookings, and transportation arrangements provided by our company. If you are making bookings on behalf of a group or third party, you warrant that you have the power to accept these conditions on behalf of all parties in your group.
Booking Process & Payment Structure
Confirmation & Deposit Requirements
To secure your itinerary, reservations must be submitted in writing or via electronic mail. Bookings are officially confirmed only upon receipt of the designated deposit and our written issuance of a Final Operating Itinerary (FOI).
β’ A deposit ranging from 15% to 40% of the total tour cost is required upon reservation confirmation.
β’ Reservations requested within 45 days of the tour start date require 100% full payment immediately upon confirmation.
β’ The remaining balance must be settled in full no later than 35 to 40 days prior to the departure date. Failure to remit payment by the due date may result in cancellation of the reservation and applicable cancellation fees.
Payment Methods
Payments may be executed via bank wire transfers, mobile money systems, credit/debit cards, or direct deposits.
β’ All transaction charges, bank processing fees and intermediary transfer costs are the sole responsibility of the sender.
β’ If paying via alternative currencies or mobile platforms, exact conversion rates must be agreed upon with Ellis African Safaris prior to transaction execution.
β’ Returned or dishonored payments may incur an administrative surcharge of up to 20% of the instrument value.
Rates, Price Adjustments & Inclusions
Price Volatility
While Ellis African Safaris endeavors to honor quoted prices, we reserve the right to adjust tour prices prior to receiving full final payment under the following circumstances:
β’ Official fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
β’ Statutory tax adjustments or VAT modifications.
β’ Increases in fuel surcharges, airline fares, or ground transportation expenses.
β’ Re-pricing of national park entry, conservancy levies, or lodge tariffs by local authorities.
Once full and final payment has been received and acknowledged by Ellis African Safaris, tour prices are locked and protected against further surcharge adjustments.
Local Regulatory Policies & Park Regulations
Park entry fees, vehicle permits, and conservancy conservation levies are mandated by Kenyan local authorities and private conservancy boards. Clients must comply with relevant park operating rules.
β’ Masai Mara National Reserve maintains a strict 12-hour working period (0600 to 1800 hours). Exceeding the working hours or leaving after 10 a.m. on subsequent days may result in an additional full-day park entrance fee charged by county authorities.
β’ Nairobi National Park is open from 0600 to 1800 hours, with last entry around 1715 hours.
β’ Private conservancies may issue entry permits for 24-hour periods. Activities such as night game drives or walking safaris may incur additional conservancy fees.
Ellis African Safaris does not accept liability for extra costs incurred by clients for failure to comply with local park operational rules.
Cancellations, Amendments & Refunds
Client-Initiated Cancellations
All cancellation notices must be submitted to Ellis African Safaris in writing. The effective date is the business day the notification is received by our office.
Standard cancellation fee schedule:
β’ More than 90 days prior: 10% (subject to minimum administrative fee)
β’ 89β45 days prior: 25%β35% of total tour cost
β’ 44β15 days prior: 50%β70% of total tour cost
β’ 14 days or less / no-show: 100% of total tour cost
Unused Services
No financial compensation will be provided for unused lodging, missed meals, canceled activities, voluntary early checkouts, or late arrivals.
Alterations, Subcontracting and Accommodation
Ellis African Safaris may change routes, schedules, or safari-related plans depending on road conditions, weather-related problems, security concerns, or logistical matters. If the confirmed lodge or hotel is unavailable, accommodation of a similar level will be provided.
Client Responsibilities & Liabilities
Travelers are responsible for obtaining relevant passports, necessary visas, and required health certificates, including Yellow Fever certification where applicable.
Mandatory Travel Insurance
Travelers are required to have insurance before travel covering medical emergencies, evacuations, cancellations, lost luggage, and injuries. Ellis African Safaris will not be responsible for expenses that fall under the applicable insurance coverage.
Behavioral Standards
Ellis African Safaris reserves the right to cancel or deny services if a customer acts unlawfully or creates danger for other travelers or specialists.
Photography & Media Release
During excursions, authorized personnel may capture media. Ellis African Safaris may use group photos or visual materials featuring non-identifiable people for advertising and promotion. Clients who do not want to be identifiable in advertising or promotional materials must notify Ellis African Safaris in writing before the tour begins.
Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
This Agreement is interpreted and governed according to the laws of the Republic of Kenya. Disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of Kenyan Courts. Claims regarding services received should be made within 14 days from tour completion.