Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Jovara 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 itinerary, accommodations 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).

• A deposit ranging from 15% to 40% of the total tour cost is required upon reservation confirmation.
• Reservations requested within 45 days of the tour start date require 100% full payment immediately upon confirmation.
• 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 we will cancel the reservation and apply applicable cancellation fees.

Payment Methods

Payments may be executed via bank wire transfers, mobile money systems, credit/debit cards, or direct deposits.

• All transaction charges, bank processing fees and intermediary transfer costs are the sole responsibility of the sender.
• If paying via alternative currencies or mobile platforms, exact conversion rates must be agreed upon with Jovara African Safaris prior to transaction execution.
• Returned or dishonored payments (such as unpaid cheques) will incur a administrative surcharge of up to 20% of the instrument value.

Rates, Price Adjustments & Inclusions

Price Volatility

While Jovara African Safaris endeavors to honor quoted prices, we reserve the unconditional right to adjust tour prices prior to receiving full final payment under the following circumstances:

• Official fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
• Statutory tax adjustments or Value Added Tax (VAT) modifications.
• Increases in fuel surcharges, airline fares, or ground transportation expenses.
• Re-pricing of national park entry, conservancy levies, or lodge tariffs by local authorities.

Note: Once full and final payment has been received and acknowledged by Jovara 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 the relevant park working hours rules:

• Masai Mara National Reserve- maintains a strict 12-hour working hours (0600 to 1800 hours). Exceeding the working hours or leaving after 10 a.m. on subsequent days results in the automatic full-day park entrance fee charged by the county authorities.
• Nairobi National Park: Is open from 0600 to 1800 hours, the last entry is done around 1715 hours.
• Private Conservancies: entry permits might be issued for 24-hour periods. Some activities like night game drives or walking safari will incur extra conservancy fees.

We does not accept any 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 Jovara African Safaris in writing. The effective date of cancellation is the business day the notification is received by our office.

The standard cancellation fee schedule based on the total tour cost is as follows:

Unused Services

No financial compensations will be provided for unused lodging, missed meals, canceled activities, and voluntary early checkouts or late arrivals.

Alterations, Subcontracting and Accommodation

• Jovara African Safaris holds the authority to change routes, schedules, or safari-related plans depending on the condition of the roads, weather-related problems, security concerns, or logistical matters.
• If the confirmed lodge or hotel is not available we will provide accommodation of similar level.

Client Responsibilities & Liabilities

Travel Documents & Health

Before the trip, it is incumbent upon tourists to acquire the relevant passports and necessary visas with appropriate health certificates for infection (such as a Yellow Fever certificate) related to their journeys.

Mandatory Travel Insurance

Travelers are required to have insurance before they travel which covers medical emergencies, evacuations, cancellations, lost luggage, and injuries.

Note: Travel Destination Kenya will not be held responsible for expenses incurred due to any events that fall under the insurance coverage.

Behavioral Standards

We reserve the right to cancel or deny services if a customer acts unlawfully and gives rise to danger to other travelers and specialists.

Privacy Policy & Data Protection

Jovara African Safaris collects personal information as per the relevant data protection regulations including the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019. Personal information is kept solely for the purpose of completing travel arrangements, making park reservations and meeting legal requirements. The information will never be sold or rented to outsiders.

Photography & Media Release

During the excursions, authorized personnel may be involved in shooting media files. Jovara African Safaris reserves the right to make good use of group photos or visual materials featuring non-identifiable people for advertising and promotion. If the clients do not want to be identifiable in advertisements or promotional materials, they must inform about this in a written form before the tour begins.

Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

This Agreement is to be interpreted and governed according to the legislation of the Republic of Kenya. This means that any disputes will be resolved within the jurisdiction of Kenyan Courts. Any claims regarding the services received should be made within 14 days from the moment of the tour completion.