All direct bookings are made with Mbutu Tours and Safaris. By booking a trip with us you are deemed to have agreed to these Booking Conditions (which constitutes the entire agreement between you and us) and your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation invoice.
Dates, itineraries and prices are valid from 01 January 2025 until 31 December 2025. Beyond 31 December 2025 dates, itineraries and prices are indicative only.
You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 20% per person per trip for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 60 days of the departure date then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. Please note that a higher deposit is required for peak season,40%, that is for July-October.
If we accept your booking we will issue a confirmation invoice. A contract will exist between us from the date we issue the confirmation invoice or if you book within 7 days of departure the contract will exist when we accept your deposit. Please refer to your booking confirmation invoice for details regarding final payments. Payment of the balance of the trip price is due 30 days before the departure date. Please note that full payment is required earlier for Peak season bookings. If this balance is not paid on or before the due date we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled.
In order for us to confirm your travel arrangements you must provide all requested details with the balance of the trip price. Necessary details include full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue and expiry date and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements. On some more demanding trips we also require you to complete and forward a Self-Assessment form. Your booking cannot be confirmed without provision of these details.
If you cancel some or all portions of your booking cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation. If you cancel a trip:
• 60 days or more prior to departure, we will retain the deposit;
• between 31 and 59 days prior to departure, we will retain the deposit or 50% of the total booking cost; whichever is greater, and
• 30 days or less prior to departure, we will retain 100% paid by you in connection with the booking.
Note that different cancellation conditions apply to Peak Season bookings and some styles of trips and additional services. Your booking consultant will advise if differences apply. Please note that for certain travel arrangements the cancellation charge may be higher than those shown. In certain cases a 100% cancellation fee applies as soon as the booking is made and the ticket is issued. You will be advised of different cancellation charges at time of booking. You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover cancellation fees. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services.
If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third party tour and transport operator fees.
We may cancel a trip at any time up to 60 days before departure, subject to clause 14. We may cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events it is not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary. If we cancel your trip, you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate departure date or alternatively receive a full refund. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights. Please note that different cancellation conditions may apply to some styles of trips, your booking consultant will advise if differences apply.
If you wish to transfer from one trip to another or transfer your booking to a third party you must notify us at least 60 days prior to the proposed departure date. A fee of $200 per person per change will apply (in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines). If you notify us less than 60 days prior to the proposed departure date the refund policy applicable to cancellations will apply. Transfers to a third party are only permitted where the transferee meets all the requirements in relation to the trip, and transfers to another departure can only be made to a departure within the current validity period.
Amendments to any other arrangements made in conjunction with your trip will incur a $100 administration fee per booking per change. This fee is in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines. No amendments are permitted to your booking within 10 days of departure
The Safari price of your trip includes:
All Accommodation As Listed In The Trip Notes
All Transport Listed In The Trip Notes
Sightseeing And Meals As Listed In The Trip Notes
The Services Of A Tour Guide As Described In The Trip Notes Plus All Park Fees Associated With Your Trip
The land price of your trip does not include:
International Or Internal Flights Unless Specified
Airport Transfers, Taxes And Excess Baggage Charges Unless Specified In Your Final Itinerary.
Meals Other Than Those Specified In The Detailed Itinerary
Visa And Passport Fees
Travel Insurance
Optional Activities And All Personal Expenses