At Mara Spirit Safaris, we understand that planning an international safari requires commitment from both our guests and our team. This policy explains how bookings, payments, cancellations, amendments and refunds are handled.
1. Booking Confirmation
A booking is considered confirmed once the required deposit has been received and Mara Spirit Safaris has issued written confirmation.
All bookings are subject to availability of accommodation, safari vehicles, activities and other services included in your itinerary.
2. Deposit
A minimum deposit of 30% of the total safari cost is required to confirm your booking, unless a different amount is stated on your quotation or invoice.
Some hotels, camps, flights, activities or other suppliers may require a higher deposit or full advance payment. Where this applies, you will be informed before confirmation.
3. Final Payment
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the safari departure date, unless otherwise stated on your invoice.
Bookings made within 45 days of departure may require full payment at the time of booking.
If payment is not received by the agreed due date, Mara Spirit Safaris reserves the right to treat the booking as cancelled and apply the relevant cancellation conditions.
4. Cancellation by the Client
All cancellations must be submitted to Mara Spirit Safaris in writing. The cancellation date will be the date on which we receive written notification.
The following cancellation charges may apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 20% of the total safari cost.
- 31–60 days before departure: 30% of the total safari cost.
- 15–30 days before departure: 50% of the total safari cost.
- 8–14 days before departure: 75% of the total safari cost.
- 7 days or less before departure: 100% of the total safari cost.
- No-show: 100% of the total safari cost.
Where a hotel, camp, airline, park authority or other supplier applies stricter cancellation conditions, the supplier’s applicable charges will also apply.
5. Non-Refundable Services
Certain services may become non-refundable once confirmed or paid. These may include park and conservation fees, domestic flights, permits, hot-air balloon safaris, accommodation deposits and other prepaid third-party services.
Any such conditions will be communicated where applicable during the booking process.
6. Changes to Your Booking
If you wish to change your travel dates, accommodation, itinerary or other confirmed arrangements, please contact us as early as possible.
Mara Spirit Safaris will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your request, subject to availability and supplier conditions. Any additional costs resulting from the requested change will be communicated before the change is confirmed.
7. Rescheduling
Where possible, we may assist guests who wish to postpone rather than cancel their safari. Rescheduling is subject to availability, new-season rates and the terms of hotels, camps, airlines and other suppliers.
Any increase in accommodation rates, park fees, transport costs, government charges or other services for the new travel dates will be payable by the client.
8. Refunds
Where a refund is due, Mara Spirit Safaris will calculate the refundable amount after deducting applicable cancellation charges, non-refundable supplier payments and transaction or bank charges where applicable.
Refund processing times may depend on banks, card providers, payment processors and third-party suppliers.
9. Early Departure or Unused Services
No refund will normally be provided for accommodation, meals, game drives, transfers, park fees, activities or other services voluntarily missed or unused after the safari has commenced.
10. Cancellation or Changes by Mara Spirit Safaris
In the unlikely event that Mara Spirit Safaris must significantly change or cancel an arrangement, we will make reasonable efforts to offer a suitable alternative, reschedule the affected service or provide an appropriate refund for services not provided, subject to supplier conditions and circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
11. Force Majeure
Mara Spirit Safaris cannot be held responsible for cancellations, delays or changes caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, government restrictions, epidemics, civil disturbances, strikes, road or park closures and similar extraordinary events.
Where such circumstances occur, we will make reasonable efforts to assist with alternative arrangements. Any refunds, credits or rescheduling will also depend on the conditions applied by the relevant suppliers.
12. Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that every traveller obtains comprehensive travel insurance immediately after confirming their safari. The policy should provide appropriate cover for trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation, baggage loss and other unforeseen travel circumstances.
13. Contact Us
For booking changes or cancellations, please contact:
Mara Spirit Safaris
Nairobi, Kenya
Email: info@maraspiritsafaris.com
WhatsApp: +254 707 545 375