African Bush Camps – Standard Terms & Conditions (revised August 2020)
We are thrilled you have chosen to book your safari with African Bush Camps. You can have peace of mind that by booking travel with us, you are helping to preserve the wonders of Africa for future generations.
The African Bush Camps Group of companies (“ABC”) for the purposes of this agreement shall be either African Bush Camps Limited, Marula Expeditions Travel Agency Pty Ltd or Siavonga Enterprises Pvt Ltd respectively, as detailed on your final invoice. The African Bush Camps Group (“ABC”) being a luxury authentic safari experiential operator in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana.
These Terms & Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and where your holiday is booked via our website, together with any other written information we brought to your attention before we confirmed your booking, form the basis of your contract with the respective invoicing company (“we”, “us”, “our”) as detailed above. Please read them carefully as they set out the Parties respective rights and obligations.
In these Terms & Conditions, references to “you” and “your” include the first named person on the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made or any other person to whom a booking is added or transferred.
By making a booking, the first named person on the booking agrees on behalf of and has the authority to represent all persons detailed in the itinerary that:
1.1. he/she has read these Standard Terms & Conditions, understands them and agrees to be bound by them.
1.2. he/she consents to our use of personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and is authorized, on behalf of all persons named on the booking, to disclose their personal details to us, including where applicable special categories of data (such as information on health conditions, disabilities and/or dietary requirements).
1.3. he/she is over 18 years of age and where placing an order for services with age restrictions declares that he/she and all members of the party are of the appropriate age to purchase those services.
1.4. he/she accepts financial responsibility for payment of the booking on behalf of all persons detailed in the itinerary.
2. General
2.1. Final itineraries will reflect the following where applicable:
2.1.1. Accommodation.
2.1.2. Meals and/or beverages included, where and if applicable.
2.1.3. Travel, which includes road, water or air transfers.
2.1.4. Laundry (limited).
2.1.5. Activities.
2.2. What is not Included:
Any items and matters not referred to in your itinerary are not included in the invoiced price. This can include, but is not limited to:
2.2.1. Visa fees.
2.2.2. International and/or regional flights.
2.2.3. Travel insurance.
2.2.4. Items of a personal nature.
2.2.5. Staff gratuities (paid to a staff representative directly in cash only).
2.3. Itineraries may be subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of ABC. This includes travel, accommodation and/or activities. ABC endeavors to minimize changes to any booking.
2.4. ABC reserves the right to make alterations to or withdraw any service deemed necessary, and to pass onto the Guest any additional expenditure or losses caused by delays or events beyond the control of ABC. In the event of such unforeseen circumstances, ABC reserves the right to adjust the cost of the itinerary as necessary.
2.5. A Commitment Fee of 20% of the total booking value is required in order to confirm your booking. This fee is not refundable as it covers the services in planning, coordinating and managing your booking. Included in the Commitment Fee is your vital Foundation Contribution as set out in clauses 2.6.
2.6. Included in the Commitment Fee is a Foundation Contribution being 2.5% of the total booking value. This Foundation Contribution supports the ongoing success and development of critical conservation and community projects carried out by our African Bush Camps Foundation.
2.7. ABC is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, or disruptions on international or domestic flights booked by the Guests or their travel agents prior to the ABC itinerary. This includes the inability to satisfy the immigration or customs requirements on arrival. In the event such delays, cancellations or disruptions impact the original scheduling of the ABC booking, any additional incurred costs or losses incurred by ABC as a result of such delay, cancellation or disruption will be charged to the Guest. The Guests are ultimately responsible to ensure connecting travel arrangements prior to starting the safari with ABC have been communicated to ABC accurately and timeously in order to avoid unnecessary inconvenience and additional costs.
2.8. Guests will be covered by ABC’s medical emergency evacuation insurance cover. In the event it is deemed necessary for a Guest to be evacuated, it shall be the Guests’ responsibility to ensure sufficient medical and travel insurance is available to cover in-hospital medical expenses and costs after being admitted to hospital. The decision to evacuate a Guest remains the sole discretion of the responding medical team appointed by our insurer. Travel and medical costs requested and/or arranged by the Guest but not approved by our insurer remain the sole responsibility of the Guest.
3.1. Quoted itineraries MORE than 60 days before date of travel
3.1.1. We will endeavour to hold quoted itineraries supplied 60 days or more before date of travel on a Provisional status for a maximum of 14 days, after which ABC reserves the right to release the space.
3.1.2. If the quoted itinerary is accepted a Commitment Fee, being 20% of the total itinerary value, must be paid within 14 days of acceptance date by the Client, notwithstanding Section 4 Final Payment.
3.1.3. An Itinerary is not confirmed until a Commitment Fee is paid. It is only upon payment of the Commitment Fee that the itinerary status is changed from provisional to confirmed.
3.1.4. Should the Commitment Fee not be paid to ABC within the 14 days the itinerary will expire and be released back into the system.
3.2. Quoted itineraries LESS than 60 days before date of travel
3.2.1. We will endeavour to hold quoted itineraries supplied LESS than 60 days before date of travel on a provisional basis for a maximum of 7 days, after which we will release the space. Before being released.
3.2.2. Once the quoted itinerary is accepted the Client must pay 100% of the itinerary value within 7 days of acceptance in order to confirm the itinerary.
3.2.3. An Itinerary is not confirmed until 100% of the itinerary value is paid. It is only upon receipt by ABC of this payment that the itinerary status is changed from provisional to confirmed.
3.2.4. Should full payment not be made within 7 days the provisional itinerary will expire and be released back into the system.
3.3. No obligation exists between the Guest and ABC until such time as receipt by ABC of the payment as detailed in 4.1 or 4.2.
3.4. A binding contract will come into existence between the Guest and ABC upon:
3.4.1. Payment as required having been received by ABC within the stipulated period;
3.4.2. Acceptance by the Guest of ABC’s Standard Terms and Conditions;
3.4.3. Receipt by ABC of Indemnity Forms for all Guests included in the itinerary
4.1. The final payment due is stated on the original invoice and must be paid to ABC no later than 60 days prior to the date of travel.
4.2. If the booking is made less than 60 days prior to travel, 100% payment is due before the booking will be confirmed.
4.3. No Guest/s may travel unless full payment is reflected on ABC’s bank statement.
4.4. Should payment not be received within the timeframe set out in 4.1, ABC reserves the right to cancel the booking and take such action as may be deemed necessary to recover the full amount owing to ABC.
4.5. Any bank charges, payment fees or card fees incurred by the Guest in making any payment to ABC are for the Guests account.
4.6. While we do accept major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard and/or American Express, you must provide to us a signed charge authorization agreement or click authorization for every transaction for your trip. Your authorization is a binding agreement for us to charge your card and as such you waive any right to chargeback in the case of cancellation for any cause whatever, including a Force Majeure event, as defined herein, and agree to refund policies and procedures as outlined in these Terms and Conditions. Should you institute a chargeback in violation of this paragraph we will be entitled to costs and fees associated with defending the dispute, including legal fees.
The Guest shall;
5.1. Complete the Client Personal Booking Forms including detailing:
5.1.1. Guests passport nationalities (required by certain national park authorities).
5.1.2. Each Guest’s weight (where they have booked light aircraft transfer services).
5.1.3. Specific dietary requirements.
5.1.4. Confirmation of travel insurance that has been obtained for all Guests.
5.1.5. Any pre-existing medical conditions which you feel ABC should be made aware of.
5.1.6. Any other special needs for consideration by ABC. ABC will inform the Guest if such special needs can be met.
5.2. Agree that is your responsibility to be familiar with these terms and conditions and any amendments to the Standard T&Cs as communicated by ABC.
5.3. Promptly comply with any lawful and reasonable instruction given by ABC and their designated representatives.
5.4. Promptly communicate with ABC any requests regarding amendments, changes or cancellations to itineraries in writing by e-mail.
5.5. Ensure you take out full comprehensive medical and travel insurance, for the countries being visited. ABC strongly recommends cover which includes pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness.
5.6. Ensure you have the necessary documentation to satisfy immigration, customs and port health authorities for all countries being visited. This should include passport (with sufficient pages and validity), visa and proof of any required vaccinations.
5.7. Seek medical advice regarding prophylaxis and vaccination requirements for countries into which travel is planned.
5.8. Comply with the required baggage restrictions when the itinerary includes flight transfers (details supplied on request).
5.9. Acknowledge that your travel may take you into isolated remote areas and in close proximity with wildlife by signing the required waiver and indemnity forms provided by ABC.
5.10. Behave in way that is considerate of other Guests and your shared enjoyment of the travel experience. Safe keeping of baggage and personal effects shall at all times remain the sole responsibility of the Guest.
5.11. At all times be solely responsible for ensuring that all payments due to ABC are received timeously by ABC in accordance with the terms and conditions.
ABC shall;
6.1. Undertake the responsibility of planning and arranging itineraries, providing quotations, making reservations and invoicing.
6.2. Promptly supply the Guest with brochures, information and marketing material at ABC’s disposal to assist the Guest in making informed decisions.
6.3. Provide information on all accommodation, transfers and activities specified in the itinerary.
6.4. Make every effort to secure Guest preferences and special requests, noting that these cannot always be secured or guaranteed.
6.5. Be entitled to change travel arrangements including flights, accommodation and activities due to unforeseen circumstances after the itinerary has been issued. Should this occur ABC will promptly notify the Guest of the changes to the itinerary. ABC shall endeavor not to unnecessarily inconvenience the Guest.
6.6. NOT be responsible for any losses/costs incurred by the Guest resulting from inadequate, insufficient or incomplete medical and travel insurance cover.
6.7. Provide prompt appropriate assistance if, whilst during the itinerary, you find yourself in difficulty for any reason. In particular, we will provide you with appropriate information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance, and assistance with distance communications and finding alternative travel arrangements. Where you require assistance, which is not as a result of any failure by us, our employees or sub-contractors we will not be liable for the costs of any alternative travel arrangements or other such assistance you require. Furthermore, we reserve the right to charge you a fee for our assistance in the event that the difficulty is caused intentionally by you or a member of your party, or otherwise through your or your party’s negligence.
6.8. Reserve the right, from time to time, to amend these Standard Terms and Conditions and/or any other special terms by notifying you in writing.
6.9. ABC shall not be held responsible for any damages caused to Guest clothing in using our limited laundry service in camp
6.10. ABC is acting as facilitator and not as principal in relation to booking with third party suppliers such as accommodation or activities, and your contract is directly with such supplier – whilst we will seek to resolve issues between you and the third party, ABC is not responsible for the delivery of their service or any failure of such third party supplier, including a failure to deliver such service caused by the insolvency of such supplier.
7.1. If you wish to change any part of your confirmed itinerary, you must inform us in writing as soon as possible. This should be done by the first named person on the booking. Whilst we will do our best to assist, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet your requested change. Date changes might result in additional costs depending on availability and time of the year. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date and you should contact us as soon as possible. Where ABC is unable to assist you and you do not wish to proceed with the original confirmed itinerary, we will treat this as a cancellation by you. A cancellation fee in accordance with section 8 will be applicable.
7.2. Where changes requested by the Guest to the original confirmed itinerary can be accommodated by ABC and the revised itinerary value is lower than the original confirmed itinerary value, the difference shall be refunded back to the Guest only if the changes are agreed more than 61 days before travel date per the original confirmed itinerary.
7.3. Changes to third party bookings are subject to the third party’s terms and conditions and might result in additional costs being incurred.
7.4. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed and any alteration could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the itinerary.
8.1. The cancellation terms below relate strictly to services with ABC. Any third-party supplier booked through ABC will have their own cancellation terms and conditions, a copy of which will be provided to the Guest on request.
8.2. Cancellation of a booking 61 or more days before the date of travel will result in forfeiture of the 20% Commitment fee paid to confirm the itinerary.
8.3. Cancellation of a booking between 60 – 46 days before the date of travel will incur a 50% Cancellation Fee based on the total value of the itinerary (the 50% cancellation fee includes the 20% Commitment Fee paid on acceptance).
8.4. Cancellation of a booking 45 days or less prior to date of travel will incur 100% Cancellation Fee based on the total value of the itinerary (the 100% cancellation fee includes the 20% Commitment Fee paid on acceptance).
8.5. Refunds will not be made for any activities or travel included in the confirmed itinerary which are prevented from occurring due to events outside ABC’s control or not undertaken at the Guest’s discretion.
9.1. You have the right to cancel your confirmed itinerary before departure without paying a cancellation charge in the event of “unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances” occurring at your holiday destination or its immediate vicinity that are not known about at the time of booking that significantly affect the performance of the booking or significantly affecting the transport arrangements to the destination. In these circumstances, we shall provide you with a full refund of the monies you have paid but we will not be liable to pay you any additional compensation.
9.2. Please note that your right to cancel in these circumstances will only apply where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (in the UK) or equivalent government body advises against travel to your destination or its immediate vicinity. For the purposes of this clause, “unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances” means warfare, acts of terrorism, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination (excluding Covid-19, see ABC’s Covid-19 specific policy) or natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or weather conditions which make it impossible to travel safely to the travel destination.
10.1. Except where otherwise expressly stated in these Terms & Conditions if either party is prevented or restricted from carrying out all or any of its obligations for any cause beyond the reasonable control of that party (ABC or Guest), the affected party shall be relieved of its obligations during the period of that event.
10.2. ABC will not be liable to pay the Guest any compensation or refunds if our contractual obligations to you are affected by “Force Majeure”.
10.3. For the purposes of these Terms & Conditions, Force Majeure means any event beyond our, our supplier’s or the Guest/s control, actual or threatened, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Examples include warfare and acts of terrorism (and threat thereof), civil strife, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination, pandemics or epidemics (excluding Covid-19, see section 10.4), or natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or weather conditions which make it impossible to travel safely to the travel destination or remain at the travel destination, the act of any government or other national or local authority including port or river authorities, industrial dispute, labour strikes, airport or lock closure, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, chemical or biological disaster, changes of schedules or operational decisions of air carriers, unavoidable technical problems with transport and all similar events outside our or the respective supplier(s) control.
10.4. The only Force Majeure exception relates to the current Covid-19 related travel restrictions (See ABC’s Covid-19 Terms and Conditions). This Force-Majeure exception will only apply while Covid-19 travel restrictions exist.
11.1. We are not adequately equipped to deal with Guests requiring special needs, but we will do our utmost to cater for any special requirements you may have. If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your booking, please provide us with full details before you make your booking so that we can try to advise you as to the suitability of your chosen arrangements. We may require you to produce a doctor’s certificate certifying that you are fit to participate.
11.2. Acting reasonably, if we are unable to properly accommodate the needs of the person(s) concerned, we will not confirm your booking or if you did not give us full details at the time of booking, we will cancel it and impose applicable cancellation charges when we become aware of these details.
12.1. We make every effort to ensure that your arrangements run smoothly but if you do have a problem during your trip, please immediately inform the relevant supplier’s most senior person available (i.e the camp manager) who will endeavor to put things right.
12.2. If your complaint is not adequately resolved, please contact the ABC sales consultant responsible for your itinerary.
12.3. If the problem cannot be resolved and you remain unsatisfied with the way your complaint has been handled, you must send formal written notice by email detailing your complaint to us within 28 days of the end of your stay, giving your booking reference and all other relevant information. Please keep your letter concise and to the point. This will assist us to quickly identify your concerns and speed up our response to you. Failure to follow the procedure set out in this clause may affect ours and the applicable supplier’s ability to investigate your complaint and may affect your rights under this contract.
13.1. The Parties unconditionally consent to the relevant court(s) within the Applicable Jurisdiction having the authority to preside over any matter(s) / dispute(s) arising from this agreement.
13.2. The terms and conditions of this agreement shall be governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the Laws of the Applicable Jurisdiction.
Definitions for the purposes of this agreement, unless the context requires otherwise shall be as follows:
14.1. “Accommodation” means collectively any accommodation reserved by ABC at any of the ABC lodges and camps or any third-party property.
14.2. “ABC” means ABC Group.
14.3. “ABC Group” means the African Bush Camps group of companies which includes the following legal entities, African Bush Camps Limited, Marula Expeditions Travel Agency Pty Ltd, Siavonga Enterprises Pvt Ltd, Ledgeback Safaris Pvt Ltd, Lake Lodges Pvt Ltd, Thorntree Investment Limited, Cranes Nest Safaris Pty Ltd, Safari Drive Botswana Pty Ltd and Khwai Leadwood Pty Ltd.
14.4. “Activities” means any recreational pursuit reserved by ABC and shall include, without limitation sight-seeing excursions, sporting and adventure activities, community and conservation interaction provided by ABC or any third-party service provider.
14.5. “African Bush Camps Limited” is a company registered in England and Wales under company number 05462528 whose registered office is at Suite 1, Staple House, Eleanor’s Cross, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1SU, England.
14.6. “Applicable Jurisdiction” shall mean the country of domicile in which the relevant ABC entity, responsible for the processing, administration and invoicing of the itinerary, is registered and incorporated.
14.7. “Applicable Laws” means the Laws of the Applicable Jurisdiction.
14.8. “Booking(s)” means the initiation, processing, amendment and/or finalisation of any itinerary and shall include provisional bookings.
14.9. “Day” means a normal calendar day, including Saturday, Sundays and any public holidays.
14.10. “Guest/s” means the end user of services rendered by either ABC or a third party during the itinerary.
14.11. “Laws” means all legislation, statutes, regulations (as amended, replaced or re-enacted from time to time) which may be applicable in the Applicable Jurisdiction.
14.12. “Marula Expeditions Travel Agency Pty Ltd” is a company registered in Botswana under company number BW1517653 whose registered office is at Plot 529, Mophane Avenue, Light Industrial Area, Maun.
14.13. “Parties” means collectively ABC and the Guest(s) and “Party” means either of them as the context may require.
14.14. “Reservation” means a reservation made by the Guest on behalf of the Guest and confirmed by ABC in writing.
14.15. “Siavonga Enterprises Pvt Ltd” is a company registered in Zimbabwe under company number 5624/2013 whose registered address is 16 Preston Drive, Alexander Park, Harare, Zimbabwe.
14.16. “Travel” means any transport reserved by ABC, including but not limited to road, water and air travel provided by ABC or any other 3rd party service provider.
14.17. “You” / “Your” means the Guest.
African Bush Camps – Covid-19 Terms & Conditions (amended August 2020)
During this period of uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, African Bush Camps is committed to being as flexible as is reasonably possible in amending guest bookings, but with country specific conditions and quarantine requirements it is difficult to find a universal solution. Disruption caused to travel by Covid-19 is unfortunately the new normal for travellers.
Whilst Covid-19 conditions exist, the amended Covid-19 Terms and Conditions set out below replace all previous amendments to the Covid-19 Terms and Conditions and Section 7 (Changes, amendments or variations to the booking) and Section 8 (Cancellation Policy) of our Standard Terms and Conditions (“T&Cs”).
Guests are still required to acknowledge and accept all other terms and conditions set out in our Standard T&Cs.
Given the fluidity of world events and developments surrounding Covid-19, African Bush Camps strongly recommends Guests do not cancel their booking but postpone their once-in-a-lifetime African safari.
1.1. Are applicable for any confirmed bookings still to travel subsequent to 1st August 2020.
1.2. Will remain in effect until amended, withdrawn or substituted by ABC in writing.
1.3. When withdrawn, any confirmed booking still to travel will follow African Bush Camps’ Standard Terms and Conditions.
During the period these Covid-19 Terms and Conditions are in force, the Guest is granted greater flexibility by being given the following options:
2.1. To postpone at the Guests’ sole discretion up to 45 days before travel
The Guest may postpone their trip free of charge by notifying African Bush Camps at least 45 days prior to travel. Assuming availability, African Bush Camps will honour the same rates per the original booking for travel up to the 1st January 2022 – subject to seasonal and special package rates. Any postponement where travel takes place after the 1st Jan 2022 will be subject to any annual price increases, and seasonal and special package rates.
2.2. Cancellation of the Booking and refund of price
The Guest may cancel the booking by notifying us in writing African Bush Camps at least 45 days prior to travel, in which case the Guest will be refunded in full any monies paid, less the Foundation Contribution of 2.5% on the total booking value. This will be paid to the African Bush Camps Foundation to fulfil its financial commitments to our Community and Conservation projects. Any bookings cancelled 45 days or less from the date of travel will be subject to a 100% cancellation fee unless the specific Covid-19 Travel Restrictions (section 2.3 below) apply.
2.3. To postpone the booking under specific Covid-19 Travel Restrictions
We recognise that certain specific travel restrictions or events might occur within the 45-day period prior to travel which potentially impact the Guests ability to undertake the proposed itinerary. A Guest may postpone the trip for up to 18 months from the original date of travel, subject to availability, and to adjustments for seasonal and special package rates, by notifying African Bush Camps at least 72 hours before travel if any of the following occurs:
2.3.1. Quarantine (at destination): A country, in which the African Bush Camps Property’s booked by the Guest is located, requires a mandatory quarantine for longer than 24 hours for travellers arriving from the Guest’s country of residence that cannot be avoided by testing or vaccination, and where the itinerary cannot be satisfactorily rerouted into other African Bush Camps properties in countries which do not have such restrictions.
2.3.2. Border Closures: A country, in which the African Bush Camps Properties booked by the Guest are located, closes its borders to everyone but returning residents and the itinerary cannot be satisfactorily rerouted into other African Bush Camps properties in countries which do not have such restrictions.
2.3.3. Refusal of Entry: A country, in which the African Bush Camps Properties booked by the Guest is located, denies entry to visitors from the Guests’ country of residence and the itinerary cannot be satisfactorily rerouted into other African Bush Camps properties or locations.
2.3.4. Quarantine in home country: In the event the governmental authority in the Guest’s country of residence, or any country through which the Guest is scheduled to travel, has issued a public notification requiring mandatory quarantine for longer than 24 hours for travellers returning from the location of the ABC Property in which the Guest is booked that cannot be avoided by testing or vaccination, and where the route of travel or the itinerary cannot be satisfactorily rerouted into other African Bush Camps properties in countries which do not have such restrictions.
2.3.5. Contracting Covid-19: Any Guest contracts Covid-19 in the 30 days prior to travel (African Bush Camps may require reasonable proof of such event).
In the case of a postponement for the reasons given in 2.3.4 and 2.3.5, a postponement fee of 15% of the total value of the booking will be charged. If ABC is notified (in writing) LESS than 72 hours prior to travel a 100% cancellation fee.
2.4 Cancel after postponing under specific Covid-19 Travel Restrictions
In the event a booking was postponed under circumstances in section 2.3, should the Guest subsequently choose to cancel the booking, a 100% cancellation fee shall be charged.
3.1. The Guest agrees to inform African Bush Camps in writing if any of the Guests included in the itinerary test positive for Covid-19 in the 30 days prior to travel.
3.2. For the safety or all Guests, we reserve the right to request Covid-19 testing prior to travel and to exclude any Guests who display symptoms or test positive for Covid-19 from travel at our sole discretion. Additionally, if Guests exhibit symptoms common to coronavirus during their trip, we reserve the right to take any action reasonably necessary including, but not limited to, quarantine, testing and medical evacuation at the Guest’s expense. In such cases we shall have no liability to the Guest for related expenses.
4.1. All reservations made at third party properties and suppliers are governed by their own respective cancellation policies, terms and conditions (copies of which will be made available on request). African Bush Camps cannot be held responsible and accepts no liability for losses incurred on 3rd party bookings.
5.1. African Bush Camps recommends you take out full comprehensive medical and travel insurance, for the countries being visited. African Bush Camps strongly recommends cover which includes pre-existing medical conditions, medical expenses, repatriation in the event of accident or illness and which covers cancellation, “for any reason” to ensure any payments made to date can be recovered.
5.2. African Bush Camps will not be responsible for any losses/costs incurred by the Guest resulting from inadequate, insufficient or incomplete medical and travel insurance cover.
6.1. The Guest expressly acknowledges that naturally occurring diseases and viruses (including, but not limited to, the currently widespread Covid-19) may be present and actively occurring in all environments in which their vacation will take place. They acknowledge the novel coronavirus, Covid-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. They acknowledge that Covid-19 has made travel uncertain due to government closures and travel restrictions. Covid-19 is extremely contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact (however the exact method of spread remains unknown). They also understand that if they are older or have underlying conditions, they may be more prone to serious infection and death due to Covid-19. As a result of the highly infectious nature of this disease, state, and local governments and federal and state health agencies recommend social distancing, wearing of PPE (including masks), and have, in many locations, prohibited the congregation of groups of people. They acknowledge that exposure to such viruses or disease is an inherent risk of traveling, that cannot be controlled or eliminated by African Bush Camps.
6.2. By making a booking at this time, Guests acknowledge the highly contagious nature of Covid-19 and voluntarily assume the risk for themselves and any minors traveling with them. That they may be exposed to or infected by Covid-19 by traveling and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. They acknowledge that due to the uncertainty of travel at this time, their trip may be postponed or cancelled or changes may be made to itineraries due to closures of certain sites or activities, for which there may be no refund. They understand that they may become sick before the trip and may not be able to travel and such cancellation will be subject to our Covid-19 related cancellation terms above. They also acknowledge that they may become sick during the trip and that their travel plans may change, for which we will not be liable.
6.3. They understand the description of the risks due to Covid-19 is not complete and that unknown or unanticipated risks may result in injury, illness, death or any other loss. They agree that having considered these risks, they, and any minors traveling with them, desire to book travel at this time and that they freely and voluntarily assume complete personal responsibility for the risk of exposure, illness, death, delay, postponement, change, and cancellation due to Covid-19, for themself and any minors traveling with them, even if such injuries or losses occur in a manner that is not foreseeable at the time the booking is made.
6.4. They agree that due to uncertainty cause by Covid-19, African Bush Camps has strongly encouraged the purchase of travel protection coverage including “cancel for any reason” coverage, and that should they fail to purchase travel protection coverage, African Bush Camps shall not be liable to any losses howsoever arising.
6.5. They and any minors traveling with them, and on behalf of them and their heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS African Bush Camps its officers, agents, and/or employees, suppliers, and other participants (RELEASEES), from any and all claims, demands, losses, and liability arising out of or related to any POSTPONEMENT, CANCELLATION, CHANGES, INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH OR ANY OTHER LOSS they may suffer due to exposure, infection, spread, closure, and travel restrictions related to Covid- 19, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
6.6. Any variations of the above terms and conditions are at the discretion of African Bush Camps and African Bush Camps reserves the right to amend or withdraw the terms without notice.
As we find ourselves adjusting to a new norm, our team has been in camps serving as guardians of wildlife, patrolling the lands on foot, and most importantly getting up to date with guidelines and preventative measures going forward. We can’t wait for you to come back to the wide-open spaces of Africa and get away from the crowds and away from the stress. to help ease your mind about the unknowns, we have outlined the preventative measures & health guidelines for Covid-19.
I recently sat with James Halstead, MD at Halstead Aviation Corporation and Simon Sawyer, CEO of Special Projects & Services to talk about medical evacuations and Emergency Procedures, watch the talk here:
Our camp hygiene and preventative measures are based on World Health Organization guidelines about the transmission of Covid-19. This document will specify our camps’ regulations, however, due to our camps being situated in different countries, (Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia) some of the requirements are country-specific.
Vigilant personal hygiene is the single most important priority at camp and will limit any potential spread of viruses. Staff have been re-trained in correct sanitizing and personal hygiene procedures with a focus on limiting the transmission of communicable diseases.
Hazard detection and reporting is the most important step in effective risk management.
Our collective goal is to give our guests peace of mind so they can experience our bush camps and lodges safely and immerse themselves in their adventures. We have learned so much throughout the pandemic and have used the lockdown to make changes and educate our staff on protecting themselves and our guests. We can’t wait to welcome travellers to Africa again. To find out more about How to Plan a Safari Amidst Covid-19, read our article here.
Our rates for African Bush Camps properties include:
Our rates do not include:
All rates are based on a per person per night basis unless otherwise specified. You will find specific rates for each camp & safari in the respective camps & safari pages.
Single guests
Conservation & Community Matters
Private Vehicles
Guides and Pilots
Our camps are unfenced and wild animals will occasionally pass through. Children should be under the constant supervision of their parents.
Please contact us for our regional specials. These specials are applicable for SADC residents and apply to all our camps and lodges.
Our booking conditions apply to all travel arrangements with us.
Our cancellation policies are as follows:
It is a requirement that guests have adequate travel insurance to cover them for unexpected medical emergencies, cancellation for medical reasons, delays or cancellations due to weather conditions as a minimum.
National Parks and Conservation Fees may be subject to change and African Bush Camps cannot be held liable for unexpected changes to Park Fees, and Government Tariffs. Roads in the bush are rough and bumpy, guides occasionally travel “off road” and injuries can occur. African Bush Camps, their staff members, associates or agents cannot be held liable for any accidents or any damages. Most places booked for travel are in wild and remote parts of Africa with dangerous wildlife and often harsh terrain; hence you will be exposed to potentially hazardous activities. African Bush Camps, its associates, partners and staff will not be held liable for any injury, loss of life or damage whatsoever during and after the travel arrangements.
African Bush Camps is committed in ensuring that your travel arrangements remain according to plan. African Bush Camps and its partners and associates may alter, cancel or change travel arrangements at any time should they feel it justified in the interest of safety. Such changes will be communicated timeously in order for alternative arrangements to be made where necessary. It is assumed that the deposit payment and your final amount paid is because you have agreed to the terms and conditions set out by African Bush Camps, its associates and related companies and partners and thereby will not hold liable any claim against any person or organization as a result of any changes, cancellations, damage to one’s property, injury, death and any other unforeseen occurrences whether it is due to negligence by one or more of our staff or any company.
Therefore, you have indemnified the various organizations and individuals aforementioned in any such events.
Upon submission of the Agent Registration form, African Bush Camps assumes that you agree to the terms and conditions of travel, and thereby waiver indemnity to African Bush Camps, its agents, associates and employees.
