Refund Policy

Cancellation and Refund Policy for Beeadventure Safaris

At Beeadventure Safaris, we understand that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and embarking on a Tanzanian wildlife safari can be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for many travelers. However, these extraordinary experiences come with significant financial investment, including costs for airfare, accommodation, tours, and travel insurance. This is why it is essential to address cancellation and refund policies, as unforeseen circumstances may arise, requiring a change in travel plans.

Why Full Refunds Are Not Always Possible

Many clients ask why a full refund is not always available, especially if the tour has not yet occurred. While we would love to accommodate last-minute cancellations with full refunds, there are factors that limit our ability to do so. It is important to understand that your tour involves coordination with multiple partners, including accommodations, airlines, local authorities, and suppliers, all of whom require advance payments.

Some of the key contributors include:

• Hotels and Lodges: While we own a few select properties, such as [Property Name], most of our tours involve stays at partner lodges. Each partner has their own cancellation terms, and we cannot always secure a full refund.

• Local Airlines: Our tours often include internal flights, and as with accommodations, airlines have specific cancellation policies that may result in non-refundable charges.

• National Park Fees: Entry fees for Kilimanjaro and other Tanzanian parks are paid in advance to the relevant authorities. These fees are non-refundable once paid, typically 2-3 days before the tour’s start.

• Suppliers and Staff: We arrange for fresh food, fuel, medical supplies, and other essential items well in advance. Additionally, our team of dedicated professionals, from planners to expedition assistants, works diligently to ensure your adventure is smooth. Many of these costs are non-refundable.

We are committed to sustainability and community development, which means we prioritize the job security of our local Tanzanian staff, whose livelihoods depend on the tourism industry. Given these various financial commitments, we must be cautious with refunds and cancellations to support both our clients and our team.

Our Effort to Be Flexible and Supportive

While we have clear policies in place, we are always sensitive to extreme circumstances such as serious illness, natural disasters, or unforeseen emergencies. In such cases, we will work with our partners to provide as much flexibility as possible, and in many cases, we may be able to offer a full refund.

Once a cancellation request is received, we will evaluate the situation and aim to make a decision within 72 hours.

Cancellation Fees

The refund amount varies based on when we receive your cancellation request. Below are the current cancellation and refund terms:

• Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $100 per person is required for all Kilimanjaro climbing packages and safaris. This deposit is transferable to other dates.

For our premium Kilimanjaro climbing packages and safari tours, the following cancellation fees apply:

• 10% cancellation fee for cancellations made more than 90 days before the tour starts.
• 30% cancellation fee for cancellations made 60-89 days before the tour starts.
• 60% cancellation fee for cancellations made 30-59 days before the tour starts.
• 80% cancellation fee for cancellations made 8-29 days before the tour starts.
• No refund for cancellations made within 7 days of the tour start date.

Please note that if penalty fees from lodges, airlines, or other partners exceed the above percentages, the non-refundable amount may be adjusted accordingly. Any bank charges related to the refund process will also be deducted from the refund amount.

Lifetime Deposit Option

If you prefer not to cancel your tour, we offer the option to hold your deposit indefinitely for use on any future tour with Beeadventure Safaris. However, please note that if prices increase due to changes in park fees or other costs, you will need to pay the difference at the time of booking.

If you choose to reschedule your safari, many of our partners may offer a reduced cancellation penalty or allow a no-penalty deferral, depending on availability. We will make every effort to reschedule your entire trip to new dates without changes, though this is subject to the policies of the hotels, airlines, and suppliers.

Please be aware that cancellations during peak seasons (mid-December to mid-March, or early July to mid-October) may result in higher cancellation fees from accommodation providers and local airlines. In such cases, these charges can account for up to 50-80% of the total trip cost. However, we will transfer any remaining balance to your new booking.

Travel Insurance

To safeguard your investment, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that provides adequate coverage for cancellations. Should an unforeseen event, such as illness or flight cancellations, disrupt your plans, you can claim financial losses through your insurance. We will assist by providing documentation of any expenses incurred on your behalf.

We appreciate your understanding of these policies, and we remain dedicated to ensuring your Tanzania adventure is unforgettable, whether you decide to reschedule or proceed with your planned journey.