Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Meijo Safaris. Meijo Safaris is a locally owned and operated Tanzanian safari company providing private and tailor-made safaris, wildlife experiences, trekking, beach holidays and other travel services in Tanzania and East Africa. These Booking Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings made with Meijo Safaris. They should be read together with your quotation, confirmed itinerary, invoice and any specific arrangements agreed with you in writing. By making a booking or paying any amount toward your trip, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions.

1. ABOUT MEIJO SAFARIS

Meijo Safaris is a locally owned and operated Tanzanian tour operator governed by the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania. Our aim is to provide safe, personalised and memorable travel experiences while supporting responsible tourism and respecting Tanzania’s wildlife, environment, communities and culture.   BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

2. MAKING A BOOKING

Planning a safari is often an interactive process. We work with our clients to understand their interests, travel dates, preferred accommodation, budget and expectations before preparing a suitable itinerary. Once you are satisfied with the proposed itinerary and quotation and wish to proceed, we will provide payment instructions. To make a booking, we require the full names and dates of birth of all travellers, together with other information necessary to arrange your trip. Depending on the trip, we may also request:

• Passport details
• International arrival and departure information
• Dietary requirements
• Accommodation preferences
• Medical or mobility information relevant to the trip
• Special requests
• Emergency contact details

After the required deposit has been received, Meijo Safaris will confirm the booking and proceed with the necessary arrangements. Any special request that is not included in the confirmed itinerary or booking documentation should not be considered part of the contractual arrangement unless Meijo Safaris has expressly confirmed it in writing.  

3. BOOKING PROCESS

Once you confirm your safari itinerary, your designated Meijo Safaris safari consultant will begin securing the accommodation and services selected for your trip. We do not request payment before we begin the accommodation and activity booking process. Our team first works to confirm the selected accommodation, activities and other services included in your itinerary, subject to availability. Once the accommodation and relevant services have been confirmed, you will be requested to pay a 30% non-refundable deposit to secure your safari. After the deposit has been received, Meijo Safaris will issue your official Safari Confirmation Voucher. The Safari Confirmation Voucher contains the important information required for a smooth and well-organised journey. Depending on your itinerary, it will include:

• National parks and destinations included in your safari
• Confirmed accommodation
• Accommodation booking reference numbers
• Scheduled activities where applicable
• Domestic flight details, where applicable
• International arrival and departure flight information
• Airport pick-up and drop-off arrangements
• Dietary requirements
• Food allergies
• Special requests
• Relevant health or mobility information voluntarily provided by you
• Other essential arrangements connected with your safari

The Safari Confirmation Voucher serves as your official confirmation of the arrangements secured by Meijo Safaris. You should carefully review the voucher when you receive it and notify your safari consultant immediately if any information is incorrect or if any important details are missing. Important clarification The 30% deposit is required after the selected accommodation and relevant services have been confirmed, but the deposit remains non-refundable once received because Meijo Safaris will have committed funds and arrangements to suppliers on your behalf.

4. BOOKING CONFIRMATION

Your booking becomes confirmed once:

1. The agreed quotation has been accepted;
2. The required deposit has been received; and
3. Meijo Safaris has confirmed the booking.

These Terms & Conditions become effective once we receive any payment toward your booking. Please carefully check your confirmation, invoice and itinerary and notify us immediately if any information is incorrect.

5. PAYMENT TERMS

Our standard booking requirement is a 30% non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance is payable upon arrival in cash if you are planning to pay by card or bank transfer kindly do it two weeks before your arrival, Some services may require full payment before arrival because of the payment requirements of the relevant supplier. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Domestic flights
• Charter flights
• Hot-air balloon safaris
• Certain accommodation
• Special activities
• Other services requiring advance payment

The payment requirements applicable to your specific booking will be communicated to you during the booking process.  

6. PAYMENT METHODS

Where available, Meijo Safaris may accept payment by:

• Bank transfer
• Online payment
• Credit or debit card
• Cash upon arrival

Any payment processing, bank-transfer, card or third-party payment charges applicable to your chosen payment method will be communicated before payment where applicable. Please ensure that payments are made only to the official Meijo Safaris payment details provided by our authorised team.

7. CURRENCY

Our safari quotations are normally provided in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise agreed. Cash payments may be accepted in USD and other currencies by prior agreement. If you choose to pay in another currency e.g. EURO, the applicable exchange rate and payment conditions will be agreed at the time of payment.  

8. PRICES

All prices are subject to availability at the time of booking. A quoted price is guaranteed once the booking has been confirmed and the required payment has been received, subject to the exceptions described below. Prices may change because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, including:

• Government taxes and fees
• National Park and conservation fees
• Fuel-price increases
• Airline price changes
• Accommodation price changes
• Currency fluctuations
• Supplier price increases
• New government charges or regulations

Where an unavoidable price increase affects your booking, we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible.

9. MAJOR PRICING ERRORS

Although we take care when preparing quotations, occasional human, technical or system errors can occur. If a quotation contains a significant and obvious pricing error that results in the safari being substantially underpriced, Meijo Safaris reserves the right to correct the error. We will communicate the situation to you and provide the available options and evidence of an error before proceeding.

10. AMENDMENTS BY THE CLIENT

If you wish to change your booking after confirmation, please notify us in writing as soon as possible. Changes may result in:

• Supplier amendment charges
• Airline fees
• Accommodation charges
• Transport costs
• Additional Park or conservation fees
• Administrative costs
• Changes to the overall safari price

If the number of travellers decreases, the booking may need to be recalculated and the revised price will be communicated to you. Adding services or travellers to an existing booking may normally be possible, subject to availability.

11. ITINERARY CHANGES BY MEIJO SAFARIS

We make every reasonable effort to operate your safari according to the confirmed itinerary. However, safari travel takes place in natural and sometimes remote environments. Circumstances may require an itinerary, route, accommodation or transportation arrangement to be changed. Possible reasons include:

• Weather
• Road conditions
• Wildlife movements
• Park regulations
• Natural disasters
• Flight schedules
• Government restrictions
• Safety considerations
• Operational requirements
• Other circumstances beyond our reasonable control

Where a change is necessary, we will make reasonable efforts to provide an appropriate alternative.

12. ACCOMMODATION CHANGES

Accommodation availability can occasionally change after booking, particularly in remote safari areas, seasonal camps and mobile camps. A lodge or camp may become unavailable because of:

• Overbooking
• Closure
• Maintenance
• Natural disasters
• Weather-related damage
• Operational changes
• Supplier circumstances

If this happens, Meijo Safaris may arrange a suitable alternative accommodation of a similar standard and location where reasonably possible. Where a replacement results in a lower price, the appropriate difference will be considered. Where an equivalent replacement costs more, Meijo Safaris will discuss the available options with you before proceeding where reasonably practical.  

13. GROUP AND ITINERARY FLEXIBILITY

Where a safari is arranged as part of a shared or group programme, the order of destinations may occasionally be adjusted for operational reasons. For example, an itinerary visiting destinations A, B and C may operate as C, B and A without changing the destinations or overall duration. Such changes may be made to improve logistics, accommodation availability or the overall operation of the trip.

14. CANCELLATIONS BY THE CLIENT

If you need to cancel your safari, you must notify Meijo Safaris in writing as soon as possible. Additional payments made toward services such as flights, accommodation or other third-party services may be subject to the cancellation terms of those suppliers. Supplier cancellation charges may be as high as 100% of the relevant booking value. If a supplier has received payment and a refund is due, Meijo Safaris will not be able to refund that amount until the relevant supplier has returned the funds to us. Where a refund is approved, applicable bank, card or payment-processing charges may be deducted.

15. CANCELLATIONS PERIOD (Applies to those paid more than 30%)

Because Meijo Safaris confirms and often prepays accommodation, park fees, camps, transfers, guides, and other safari services well in advance, cancellation costs may increase as the travel date approaches. Refunds are also subject to the cancellation policies of the lodges, camps, airlines, and other third-party suppliers involved in your safari. Where a supplier provides a credit or voucher instead of a cash refund, Meijo Safaris will pass the available credit to the client, subject to the supplier’s terms and validity period. A 30% deposit is required to confirm your safari booking and is strictly non-refundable. The deposit is used to secure accommodation, camps, park arrangements, flights, transportation, guides, and other safari services in advance. Any refund or travel credit following cancellation will therefore be calculated based on the remaining 70% balance, subject to the cancellation terms below and the amounts recoverable from third-party suppliers. 90+ Days Before Arrival

• The 30% deposit is non-refundable.
• The remaining 70% may be eligible for a refund of recoverable amounts, less a 15% administration, banking, and processing fee.
• Alternatively, the client may choose a travel credit equivalent to the recoverable value of the remaining booking balance, subject to applicable supplier terms and validity.
• Any non-refundable amounts already paid to suppliers will be deducted from the applicable refund or travel credit.

60–89 Days Before Arrival

• The 30% deposit remains non-refundable.
• Refunds on the remaining balance are subject to the amounts successfully recovered from third-party suppliers.
• Where suppliers provide a cash refund, Meijo Safaris will pass the recovered amount to the client, less applicable administration and banking fees.
• Where suppliers provide a credit instead of a cash refund, the equivalent supplier credit will be offered to the client, subject to the supplier’s terms.
• The client may alternatively choose a travel credit based on the recoverable value of the remaining booking balance.

30–59 Days Before Arrival

• The 30% deposit is non-refundable.
• A cash refund on the remaining balance is not guaranteed.
• Any amount successfully recovered from accommodation providers, airlines, camps, or other suppliers will be passed to the client, less applicable administration and banking fees.
• Where suppliers issue credits instead of refunds, Meijo Safaris will provide the corresponding travel credit to the client, subject to the supplier’s terms and validity.
• No refund or credit will be provided for amounts that are non-refundable and cannot be recovered from suppliers.

0–29 Days Before Arrival

• The 30% deposit is non-refundable.
• Cancellations made within 29 days of arrival are generally non-refundable because most safari arrangements have already been confirmed and prepaid.
• No cash refund or travel credit is guaranteed.
• However, Meijo Safaris may consider a travel credit or refund where amounts can be recovered from suppliers or where exceptional circumstances apply.
• Exceptional circumstances may include serious medical emergencies, government or legal travel restrictions, significant airline disruptions, or other circumstances accepted by Meijo Safaris.
• Supporting documentation may be required for exceptional circumstances.
• Any refund or credit issued will be limited to the amount actually recoverable from the relevant suppliers, after applicable fees and charges.

Important Note The 30% deposit is non-refundable in all circumstances, as it is used to secure and confirm safari services with our suppliers. Cancellation terms may vary depending on the specific accommodation, airline, camp, activity, season, and other services included in the safari. The cancellation conditions applicable to your specific booking will be communicated at the time of confirmation. Meijo Safaris strongly recommends travel insurance that provides appropriate coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances.

16. CANCELLATION LETTERS FOR INSURANCE CLAIMS

If you cancel your safari and require a cancellation letter for your travel insurance claim, please notify us in writing. After receiving your written request, we aim to provide the cancellation letter within 72 hours.

17. REFUND PROCESSING

Refund processing times depend on:

• Supplier reimbursement timelines
• Banking systems
• Payment providers
• International transfers
• Currency conversion
• Other administrative procedures

A refund cannot be processed before Meijo Safaris receives the applicable funds from the supplier where the refund depends on supplier reimbursement.

17. TRAVEL CREDITS

Where a supplier provides a credit rather than a cash refund, Meijo Safaris may pass the applicable credit to the client. Travel credits remain subject to:

• Supplier conditions
• Validity periods
• Availability
• Applicable rates
• Rebooking conditions

The exact conditions of any travel credit will be communicated to the client when the credit is issued.  

18. TRAVEL INSURANCE

Your insurance should provide appropriate cover for the full period of your travel. We recommend that your policy covers, where applicable:

• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption
• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation
• Repatriation
• Baggage loss or delay
• Theft
• Personal belongings
• Travel delays
• Activities included in your itinerary

We recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as your safari is booked. We may request:

• Insurance company name
• Policy number
• 24-hour emergency contact number

19. PASSPORTS

Travellers are responsible for ensuring that their passports are valid for international travel. Many countries require passports to have at least six months’ validity beyond the date of entry and sufficient blank pages. Please check the requirements applicable to your nationality before travelling. Meijo Safaris cannot accept responsibility for problems arising from invalid or insufficient travel documentation.

20. VISAS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Citizens of most countries can get a visa upon arrival in Tanzania, but applying online in advance is a way to avoid possible queues at the airport. This is easy to do on the website of Immigration Service and usually takes up to 7 days. Citizens of most countries apply for regular single-entry visa that costs $50. Holders of American passports should apply for multiple-entry visa, and it costs $100. Your manager will share an application manual to simplify the process for you.

21. HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS

Travellers are responsible for understanding the health requirements applicable to their journey. We recommend consulting a doctor, travel-health specialist or vaccination clinic before travelling. Depending on your itinerary and previous travel history, requirements or recommendations may include:

• Yellow fever vaccination
• Malaria precautions
• Routine vaccinations
• Other destination-specific health precautions

Please carry any required vaccination certificates with you. Health requirements can change, so travellers should check the latest official guidance before departure.

22. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Please notify us at the time of booking about any special requirements, including:

• Dietary requirements
• Food allergies
• Bedding configuration
• Mobility requirements
• Accessibility needs
• Medical considerations relevant to the trip
• Special celebrations
• Other important requests

We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate these requirements, but specific arrangements are subject to availability and supplier capabilities.

23. TOUR SUITABILITY AND CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY

Some Meijo Safaris trips can involve long drives, early starts, walking, hiking, high altitudes or remote environments. Clients are responsible for providing accurate information regarding any health, mobility or fitness limitations that could affect their ability to participate safely. If your health, mobility or fitness changes between booking and departure, please inform us immediately. We reserve the right to make reasonable safety-related decisions where a client may be unable to safely participate in a particular activity.

24. CLIENT CONDUCT

Clients are expected to behave respectfully toward:

• Guides
• Drivers
• Lodge and camp staff
• Other travellers
• Local communities
• Wildlife
• The environment

We reserve the right to terminate arrangements where a client’s behaviour is reasonably considered dangerous, illegal, abusive, threatening, disruptive or likely to cause serious distress or damage. In such circumstances, cancellation charges may apply and additional costs arising from the termination may be the responsibility of the client, subject to applicable law.  

25. PROBLEMS DURING YOUR SAFARI

If a problem occurs during your safari, please notify your guide or Meijo Safaris as soon as possible. This gives us the opportunity to investigate the problem and, where possible, correct it while you are still travelling. We encourage clients to provide relevant evidence where appropriate, including photographs or other documentation. Complaints raised only after the trip without giving us a reasonable opportunity to address the problem may be more difficult to resolve.

26. FLIGHT BOOKINGS

All flights arranged by Meijo Safaris are subject to the terms and conditions, fare rules and cancellation policies of the relevant airline. Some airline tickets may be:

• Non-refundable
• Partially refundable
• Subject to cancellation penalties
• Subject to change fees
• Subject to fare differences

Where an airline provides a refund or credit, Meijo Safaris will pass on the amount received from the airline, less any applicable airline penalties, supplier charges, administration costs or payment-processing fees. Airline credits remain subject to the airline’s own validity and rebooking conditions. IMPORTANT: If your program includes a domestic flight, clients are responsible for paying the full cost of flight booked by meijo safaris, in addition to the required 30% safari deposit. flight costs are separate from the safari deposit and must be paid in full at the time of booking.

27. FLIGHT DELAYS AND CANCELLATIONS

Flight delays, cancellations, schedule changes and baggage problems are primarily governed by the airline’s policies. If you experience a flight problem, please inform Meijo Safaris as soon as possible. We will make reasonable efforts to assist with your safari arrangements, but additional costs caused by airline disruption may be payable by the client where applicable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for such situations.

28. TRANSFER PROBLEMS

If you experience a problem with an airport transfer or transportation arranged by Meijo Safaris, please contact us or your driver/guide immediately so that we can attempt to resolve it. We cannot accept responsibility for transportation arrangements independently organised by the client or services that were not booked through Meijo Safaris.

29. WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS

Wild animals are free-roaming and unpredictable. Although our guides are experienced and knowledgeable about wildlife behaviour and seasonal movements, we cannot guarantee sightings of specific animals. Our guides will make every reasonable effort to provide excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities while following park regulations and respecting wildlife.

30. ACCURACY OF INFORMATION

Information provided on our website, in emails, quotations or verbally regarding:

• Itineraries
• National parks
• Wildlife
• Accommodation
• Vehicles
• Driving times
• Distances
• Weather
• Security
• Activities

is provided in good faith and based on information available to us at the time. We make reasonable efforts to keep information accurate and current. However, conditions can change and certain information is outside our control.    

31. ADDITIONAL EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES

During your trip, we may provide information about additional activities available in the area. Where an activity is not included in your confirmed itinerary and is not operated or directly controlled by Meijo Safaris, it may be provided by an independent third party. Such services are subject to the third party’s own terms and conditions. Examples may include:

• Diving
• Night Game drives
• Canoeing
• Hot Air-Balloon
• Horse riding
• Water sports
• Independent cultural activities
• Independent excursions
• Activities booked directly through your hotel

Clients should check the terms, safety requirements and insurance coverage of any additional activity before participating.

32. LIABILITY

Meijo Safaris takes reasonable care in arranging the services included in your confirmed booking. However, many services are provided by independent third-party suppliers. To the extent permitted by applicable Tanzanian law, Meijo Safaris is not responsible for loss, injury, damage, delay, additional expenses or inconvenience caused by circumstances outside our reasonable control or by the acts, omissions or defaults of independent third-party providers. This may include circumstances involving:

• Airlines
• Hotels
• Lodges
• Camps
• Transport providers
• Government authorities
• Park authorities
• Weather
• Road conditions
• Wildlife
• Natural disasters
• Strikes
• Civil unrest
• Illness
• Force majeure
• Other circumstances beyond our reasonable control

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to exclude liability that cannot legally be excluded under applicable law.

33. SAFARI ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RISKS

Safari travel takes place in natural environments. Wild animals, insects, uneven roads, remote locations, changing weather and other environmental conditions present inherent risks. Guests must follow the instructions of their guide and accommodation staff at all times. Never approach wildlife on foot unless accompanied by an authorised guide. Guests should remain inside the safari vehicle except at designated areas or when instructed by their guide.

34. SUPPLIER TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Many services forming part of your safari are provided by independent suppliers. Those suppliers may have their own terms and conditions that govern the services they provide. Where applicable, their conditions may include limitations on liability, cancellation policies, baggage restrictions and other requirements. Clients agree to comply with reasonable supplier rules applicable to their booked services.

35. CUSTOMER PROTECTION

Meijo Safaris is committed to responsible handling of client bookings and payments. We work with established accommodation providers, transport operators, airlines and other suppliers to secure the services included in your safari. Clients should also maintain appropriate travel insurance to protect themselves against circumstances such as cancellation, medical emergencies, travel interruption and other risks.

36. FORCE MAJEURE

Meijo Safaris will not be responsible for failure or delay in performing contractual obligations where such failure or delay results from circumstances beyond our reasonable control. Such circumstances may include:

• Natural disasters
• Extreme weather
• Government restrictions
• Park closures
• Civil unrest
• War
• Epidemics or public-health restrictions
• Strikes
• Road closures
• Airline disruption
• Government decisions
• Other events that could not reasonably have been prevented

Where possible, we will make reasonable efforts to assist clients and arrange practical alternatives. Additional costs resulting from force majeure events may be payable by the client where applicable.

37. PRIVACY

Meijo Safaris respects the privacy of our clients. We handle personal information responsibly and only share relevant information with third parties where necessary to provide the services you have booked. This may include:

• Airlines
• Hotels
• Lodges
• Camps
• Transport providers
• Government authorities
• National Park authorities
• Other suppliers involved in your trip

We do not knowingly disclose personal information unnecessarily.

38. LEGAL JURISDICTION

These Terms & Conditions and your contractual relationship with Meijo Safaris are governed by the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania. Any dispute arising from or relating to your booking or services provided by Meijo Safaris shall be handled in accordance with applicable Tanzanian law. Where legally permitted, the courts of Tanzania shall have jurisdiction over such disputes.

39. FRAUDULENT OR MISLEADING ENQUIRIES

Meijo Safaris invests significant time and resources in preparing personalised safari itineraries and quotations. We reserve the right to refuse or discontinue enquiries that we reasonably believe are fraudulent, deceptive, intended to obtain confidential commercial information, or submitted by competitors under false pretences. This does not affect genuine customers seeking information or quotations for their own travel.