Booking Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions – In this document, GWA or ‘The Company’ refers to Game Whisperers Adventures, a business and brand owned and operated by Krisdera Services. Krisdera Services is a Tour Operator, registered and licensed in the Republic of Kenya, and is the formal entity referred to as GWA in this Binding Agreement with the Client. A ‘Client’ is any person or group of people who books a Safari with GWA. A ‘Safari’ is any holiday or other travel service, or part thereof, booked with GWA A ‘3rd Party Supplier’ is any hotel or other accommodation, airline, air charter, ground transportation, boat purveyor and other independent contractor service booked by GWA to provide a service for a Safari.

2. Binding Agreement – All Safaris are subject to the Terms & Conditions in this document and, by booking a safari with GWA, the Client acknowledges and accepts all of the Terms & Conditions as a Binding Agreement between the Client and GWA.

3. Booking a Safari – Inquiries are made by contacting GWA, where after an itinerary and quotation will be issued and should be confirmed in writing by the Client. At the point that this confirmation is received by GWA the Safari is deemed to be booked, GWA will issue an invoice to the Client, a deposit becomes immediately due from the Client and all Booking Terms and Conditions outlined in this document come into effect, including cancellation fee policy, regardless of whether deposits or full payments have been paid by the Client at the due times. The Client shall be issued with a Service Confirmation Voucher to confirm all trip details.

4. Payments schedule & charges – A deposit to the value of 30% of the total safari cost is required at the time of booking a Safari to secure services for the Safari. Full payment of the safari cost is due 15 days before the start of the Safari. All bank charges pertaining to telegraphic (wire) transfers should be paid by the Client.

5. Cancellation and cancellation fees – Postponements or cancellation of a Safari must be made in writing to GWA by the Client and will only be effective upon written acknowledged receipt by GWA. Cancellation fees are dependent upon the time before the start of the Safari, as follows:

more than 120 days prior to the start of the safari, US$ 200 per person handling fee & all non-refundable deposits made to 3rd party suppliers are charged as cancellation fees
Note: GWA commits to make its best endeavors to recoup ’non-refundable’ deposits paid out for a Safari
120 – 61 days prior to the start of the safari – 30% of full safari cost is payable
16 – 60 days before the start of the safari – 50% of full safari cost is payable
15 days or fewer prior to the start of the safari – full safari cost is payable

GWA does not give refunds or compensation for loss of length of travel time, substitution of facilities or any amendment to the safari itinerary after departure due to circumstances arising beyond the control of The Company.

6. Cancellation in special circumstances – In special instances such as bereavement, accident or critical medical situations involving the Client or their immediate family, GWA commits to make its best endeavors to return all monies received to the Client or postpone the Safari to a later date without any penalty. The Client acknowledges that this may be entirely dependent upon the discretion of 3rd Party Suppliers, over whom GWA has no control. In the case where Complete Travel Ban from the Client’s country of original is issued after the time of confirming the Safari, where the ban clearly warns “against all except for absolutely essential travel to Kenya / Tanzania / Uganda / Rwanda (whichever country is being traveled to by the Client)”, GWA commits to make its best endeavors to negotiate fair cancellation or postponements terms with 3rd Party Suppliers on behalf of the Client.

7. 3rd Party Suppliers – 3rd Party Suppliers are individuals or companies, which are independent entities with their own management, and are hence not subject to the control of GWA. GWA cannot be liable for and cancellation, delay, events beyond the control of The Company or the 3rd Party Supplier, personal injury, property loss or damage, which may arise from these services.

8. Currency, Fuel & Other Fluctuations – Out of respect for our guests, only in an extreme situation would Game Whisperers Adventures consider increasing a trip price due to fluctuations in exchange rates, energy prices and government surcharges.

9. Liability – GWA draws the Client’s attention to the fact that there are certain inherent risks involved in participating in a safari holiday, and by booking a Safari with GWA, the Client accepts them as their own risk Although every possible care is taken to safeguard the Client and the Client’s property, GWA, its’ employees and its’ agents accept no liability to the Client for any accidents, injuries or illness incurred from any Safari booked by GWA, or for any loss or damage to clients’ property during such a Safari, subject to any wanton misconduct and gross negligence by The Company.

10. Force Majeure – ‘Force Majeure’ means, in relation to GWA, any circumstances beyond the reasonable control of The Company (including, but without limitation, acts of God, explosion, flood, tempest, fire or accident, war or threat of war, sabotage, insurrection, civil disturbance, requisition, Government intervention, weather conditions or other untoward occurrence). Should GWA be affected by Force Majeure it shall immediately notify the Client of the nature and the extent thereof. GWA shall not be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to the Client, by reason of delay in performance, or non-performance, of its obligation herein to the extent that any such delay or non-performance is due to any Force Majeure.

Once GWA has investigated the prevailing situation, it shall remain in GWA’s sole and absolute discretion whether to proceed with a Safari. In an instance where the Client wishes to cancel the Safari but GWA, after having made all reasonable proper inquiries, is of the opinion that the Safari may proceed safely, the full policy regarding cancellation fees (clause 5) shall apply.

11. Changes to Itinerary, Quotation and Booking Terms & Conditions – GWA reserves the right to substitute any service and to alter the Safari itinerary should the Company consider this necessary or advisable. Should exceptional circumstances arise, GWA reserves the right to alter its quotation, particularly relating to currency fluctuations and fuel costs. Should 3rd Party Suppliers adjust their own terms and conditions with GWA, The Company reserves the right to amend these Booking Terms & Conditions accordingly and will inform the Client of the same – all booked Safaris are automatically subject to the amended Booking Terms & Conditions.

12. Baggage – Temporary or permanent loss of baggage is the responsibility of the Client or the carrier involved. It is not the responsibility of GWA and any expense involved in such a loss is entirely the responsibility of the Client or carrier, even in situations where this is a 3rd Party Service booked by GWA. GWA endeavors to provide assistance in retrieving your luggage and ensuring that it is delivered to you at your onward destination, however any costs involved are the responsibility of the client. It is the Client’s responsibility to be aware of luggage weight limits which will be provided to your following confirmation of you trip. Baggage exceeding specified limits is subject to being left behind or forwarded to the ending point at your expense. “All carry-ons” includes camera equipment. Please pack lightly and follow the guidelines provided. Overweight luggage and associated costs will be at the Client’s expense.

13. Insurance – Whilst on safari Clients are not covered by any insurance unless specifically indicated in the itinerary & quotation document. It is a condition of booking a Safari with GWA that the sole responsibility lies with the Client to ensure the Client and their property are fully insured for the duration of the Safari and also for travel in light aircraft, helicopters, balloons and other activities if applicable. It is compulsory for the Client to have full medical, emergency evacuation and repatriation cover for the period of the Safari and properties require proof of your insurance prior to arrival. Similarly GWA strongly advises all Clients to arrange adequate insurance to cover the unforeseen event of any postponement or cancellation of a Safari.

14. Client Travel documents – It is the responsibility of the Client to ensure that all passports, visas, travel permits, health certificates, inoculations and other documentation required for the Safari are obtained and are in order. GWA can provide advice and guidance on the requirements of each country, however it is the responsibility of the client to ensure that they contact their local embassy or high commission to obtain information on requirements based on their nationality and passport held.

15. Client Information – GWA requires that the Travel Forms provided following confirmation of your safari are fully completed and returned no later than 30 days prior to your arrival. This information is required to ensure that we can provide you with necessary assistance in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

14. Governing Law –This agreement shall be governed by and construed in all respects in accordance with the Laws of Kenya, and each party shall hereby submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of Kenyan Courts.


Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a safari to East Africa can at first glance be a daunting task; a myriad of companies offering an array of safari experiences to different destinations. At Game Whisperers Adventures, we are here to advise you and guide you through this process to create a safari that’s uniquely suited for you and your group.

These Frequently Asked Questions are a collection of the common questions that our safari guests have asked in the past, as well as some of the things we’ll ask you to consider as you start thinking about your adventure


Length of stay?

For a first-time traveler to East Africa, this is often the most difficult question, as you may have limited time and want to see as much as you possibly can. Game Whisperers Adventures, we pride ourselves in creating life-changing, unique travel experiences. We do not believe this can be achieved by racing between destinations and cramming as much as possible, as this simply compromises the overall experience and limits your exposure to the amazing possibilities that each hand-picked location has to offer.

Your first safari will most likely include 10-14 days on the ground in East Africa – we recommend that you aim to spend at least 3 nights in each safari area, which would give you the time to visit 3-4 destinations, each offering differing yet complementary wildlife, landscapes and community experiences of the country you will be visiting. In rare cases, we may recommend two nights in one wilderness destination if we feel this will enhance your safari experience.

Most safaris tend to focus on just one East African country, usually Kenya or Tanzania, although it’s also possibly to combine these with either of Uganda or Rwanda for those particularly interested in gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. For return guests and those with more time, you can extend your time in destinations that may hold a particular interest for you or be exceptionally good in the season you intend to travel.

When calculating your travel time, always plan to spend the first night of stay in the city of arrival, as most international flights arrive in the evening and your connection to the bush will most likely be the following morning, whether by air or road.
When is the best time to travel?

There is always resident wildlife to be seen in East Africa during every month of the year, although some destinations are much more seasonal than others. Our itineraries will be based upon the best wilderness areas to visit during your preferred time of travel. In general, the only time to avoid any area is during the heaviest rainy season, when it can be more difficult to get around. This is generally May & November, which is also when many properties are closed.

The Great Wildebeest Migration is often considered the ‘must-see’ wildlife spectacle of East Africa – what many don’t realise is that the migration occurs all year round across the Maasai Mara & Serengeti ecosystem and each month offers a different highlight.
Who is travelling?

The majority of properties we recommend are small with limited accommodation, so in order to start planning a safari we’d need to know how many adults and children will be travelling and, if possible, the children’s ages and your preferred room set up (double or twin beds, family room, etc). It’s also useful to know how active travellers are and whether you have any particular interests, so that we can suggest particular wildlife destinations and properties that will be most suitable for you.
What types of safaris are available?

Game Whisperers Adventures caters to guests who are on a medium to high budget, with our specialist consultants creating a private tailor-made itinerary for each group. This ‘Private Group Safari’ is a more exclusive and higher quality safari than shared group travel and can be for a single traveller or group of people who already know each other, such as a couple or small family or a larger groups of friends, multigenerational family or a private club group.

Our Private Group Safari itineraries feature allows you to get off the beaten track and away from the crowds to experience East Africa the way we feel it should be seen. Our recommended accommodations are always uniquely suited to a particular wilderness area and we like to give you as much flexibility as possible in your daily activities, including specially included activities.

We offer two types of Private Group Safaris:

1. Privately Guided, by a specialised guide who hosts only your group throughout your safari and personalises your trip at each stop

2. Lodge Hosted, where each property’s resident guides will host you and any other guests at the property during that time and you will share your activities.

We do not offer Shared Group Travel, where you will join strangers on a set itinerary that departs on specific dates.
How active is a safari?

Your safari can be as energetic or relaxing as you like! The traditional safari is usually thought of as game driving for the duration of your trip, as this is the best way to view and photograph wildlife safely and with minimal disturbance to the animals. However, in addition to this, it is possible to personalize your safari experience by include a wide variety of activities, either from the lodges or camps where you will be staying, or specifically arranged by our safari consultants based on your interests. Wildlife focused activities include:

1. night game drives that reveal nocturnal animals and some different anima activity, such as predators hunting

2. bush walk or walking safari takes you out of the vehicle where you will see many tracks & signs and is often led by a member of the local community

3. visits to conservation projects to learn about how our wilderness areas are protected and managed.

There are also several more exciting & and active options including – helicopter or fixed wing aircraft excursions, camel or horse riding safaris, gorilla & chimpanzee trekking, white water rafting, water sports, fly camping, quad biking and more.

If you have an ailment, disability or are concerned about your level of fitness, please let us know in advance so we can tailor your itinerary to avoid strenuous, energetic activities but allow you to experience the wonders of East Africa.
Can I bring my children on safari?

Absolutely – a safari can be one of the most exciting and rewarding holidays that a family can take!

It’s been our personal experience that children adore Africa and that families return home reveling in an amazing shared experience. Our focus is on understanding the dynamics of your family and showing kids a joyful time while they discover and investigate the environment and culture around them in safety. Many camps and lodges welcome families and are well geared up to entertain children with an array of specifically focussed activities to nurture their curiosity and creativity.
How will we get around?

East Africa’s varied and remote wilderness areas are often far apart, so the most convenient and quickest way to travel between them is on short flights in light aircraft – either a scheduled flight or private charter. Scheduled flights follow pre-set routes, stopping at multiple airstrips to drop and pick passengers before reaching their final destination. An obvious advantage of private charter flights is that you have the aircraft to yourself and will get between your destinations more quickly.

Certain national parks and conservation areas, particularly in the northern part of Tanzania, are well-linked and accessible by road and lend themselves to driving between different camps and lodges, especially as these transfers are through picturesque, game-filled wilderness and are often game drives in their own right. All of our driving transfers in the bush are done in specially converted 4×4 safari vehicles – these are perfectly suited to our gravel roads, which can often get quite bumpy. Our safari consultants will always let you know an expected minimum transfer time between camps and lodges, which may be much longer if you stop to view wildlife along the way.

It’s important to note that driving is not always a less expensive option than flying and we will recommend the mode of travel we feel will best suited to your itinerary.
What language will be spoken?

Kiswahili is the lingua franca of East Africa, although within the tourism sector English is the primary language of all guides and hosts. Many of our guides are fluent in other languages, so if you would prefer to communicate in your own language, let us know and we’ll ensure you don’t miss anything on your safari because of communication problems.
What is included within the cost of my safari?

This varies with each itinerary but we try and ensure that there are no surprises or hidden costs when you get here. Most Game Whisperers Adventures safaris are ‘fully inclusive’ – this means all accommodation, meals, standard safari activities and special ones we have arranged for you, park and conservation fees, internal road transport, and in some cases all house beverages are included and paid for in advance – these will all be outlined in the detailed proposal sent to you. What this means is that from the moment you walk off your international flight to the moment you step back on, you are in our hands and can enjoy your safari without having to worry about any additional finances. Not included within the cost of our safaris are medical & travel insurance, gratuities and any additional activities not arranged in advance. If there are any other costs we know about, we will ensure that you have all the exact information well in advance of making your booking.
Do I need to be concerned about safety?

East Africa has been our home – we live, work and travel throughout the region and use this experience to provide first-hand knowledge and advice to our guests. Your safety is always our first priority and, in East Africa like everywhere in the world, there are some areas which are best avoided and we ensure our guests are kept well clear of these. However, when out on safari in the remote wilderness areas we recommend, surrounded by wild animals and well away from the hustle and bustle of major urban area, you will feel safe and comfortable throughout your safari.

Most of your safari will be focused around finding and viewing wild animals, often at very close quarters, and these animals are by nature wild and unpredictable. Your guide will be experienced at reading each situation, keeping you safe as you get as close to the action as possible. Each camp and lodge you stay at will provide an orientation and safety briefing on your arrival, but most of the advice is common sense to remind you that you are in a wilderness area. Within these properties, once the sun sets, you will always be escorted to and from your tent or room by a watchman, who is aware of any animal movements and will ensure your safety.
What support do you provide during the safari?

When you arrive, you will be met by a Game Whisperers Adventures staff member or representative and our team will be on hand to provide assistance and answer any questions you may have at any time during your stay. We provide you with telephone numbers and email addresses, at will be able to assist you in reaching us, should this be necessary. No task is ever too small, from assisting in locating lost luggage and items left behind at properties and ensuring that they reach you whilst on safari, to sourcing and purchasing any equipment you may need and assisting in emergencies. These contact details can be shared with friends and family at home, should they need to contact you urgently.
Vaccines & Precautions

East Africa is a malarial area and does contain some other tropical diseases. Before you travel, you should ensure that your immunisation jabs are up to date and that you are taking a recommended malarial prophylactic. For comprehensive advice on the country or countries you are visiting, please refer to the websites below for up to date information. It is necessary that you refer to a health professional when seeking medical advice.

It is important that you carry proof of the required vaccines, particularly yellow fever, or a medical certificate indicating that you are unable to receive it.
What medical treatment and facilities are available?

All our guides carry a well-stocked first aid kit and a stock of medicines and have certification to administer first aid. You should travel with a sufficient supply of prescribed or regularly used medication and separately a copy of any prescription for replacement should you misplace them. You may also want to carry a small supply of over the counter medications for basic ailments. Depending on where you are located, there may be pharmacies, medical facilities or doctors available nearby to treat you.
Do I require Medical & Travel Insurance?

We cannot stress enough how important both medical & travel insurance is! We advise that you purchase insurance as soon as you have made your booking to cover any pre-safari issues, most notably cancellation due to ill-health or a personal emergency at home. We also strongly recommend that all guests have insurance for the duration of the safari that provides against personal injury, medical evacuation & repatriation, loss, damage, theft, cancellation, delay, etc and specifically for activities that could be considered ‘extreme’. Many properties now insist on obtaining proof of your medical insurance upon our confirmation of your booking to ensure that you are suitably assisted in any event. A safari is an investment and we would like our guests to feel comfortable and safe in the knowledge that this investment is protected – we have seen first-hand how a guest’s experience could be ruined because of circumstances out of their control, potentially resulting in additional costs that could be covered by an insurance company. Our team can assist in liaising with your insurance company should this be required.

Lastly,

Upon confirmation of your safari to East Africa, we will provide you with a detailed ‘Guest Information Booklet’ that has further details on the destination, requirements and our recommendations for making the final plans for your safari. Our team is always at hand to discuss any detail of your safari and assist in any queries that you may have.

Disclaimer

  • All corporate and/or tour info is provided by Game Whisperers Adventures, not SafariBookings
  • The tours offered by Game Whisperers Adventures are subject to their terms & conditions