Bless Africa Tours and Safaris

Credit Cards, Payment Instructions, Terms and Conditions.

Deposit amounts requested

The deposits requested are relative to the amount of money that we need to put out before your trip begins. For a Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru trek or a basic camping safari, only a 10% deposit is requested. For lodge/tented camp safaris a 50% deposit is requested. For domestic flights (to Zanzibar or Serengeti for example) and for hotels outside of Moshi (Zanzibar, Arusha, etc.) 100% of this amount is requested.

Payment schedule

There is no deadline for the deposit, but we will not reserve accommodations, flights or put your trip into our schedule until a payment has been received. For flights, lodges, and tented camps these often fill quickly so making a deposit as soon as possible is strongly suggested. The remaining balance is not due until you arrive in the country.

Payments are refundable

In the event of postponement/cancellation from your end, an amount can be applied to future tours through Bless Africa tours for a period of any amount of time. Payments may be applied towards others traveling through Bless Africa Tours and Safaris at your request. Accommodations and flights will have more strict cancellation policies that may reduce the amount applied to future tours. 100% of amounts recoverable by Bless Africa Tours and Safaris will be available for your use.

Online payment

We accept Visa/MasterCard payments. For this our bank will add a 3.5% fee. To pay online, send us an email address and we will create the invoice and send you a payment link. We are not fussy about the deposits being the exact amount requested, so don’t worry too much about the math. We will work out the difference once you are in Tanzania. Please let us know if you have made an online payment so we can track it well.

It is also possible to pay by direct wire transfer from your bank to ours. Our bank does not add any fees to this but the sending bank determines the fees. This is a flat fee regardless of the transfer amount and typically ranges from $30 – $40 USD. Many times a third bank is involved in the transfer (correspondence bank) and they will deduct an additional $10 fee. For bank details to make a wire transfer please contact us at info@blessafricatours.com. A wire transfer may take up to one week before it arrives in our account. Direct wire transfers are far more secure than services such as Western Union.

In-person payments

For in-person card payments, in addition to Visa/MasterCard payments, we also accept American Express and Union Pay. Our bank will add a 4% service fee for in-person Visa/MasterCard/Union Pay payments and 5% for in-person American Express payments. For cash payments, USD is preferred. Only bills from the year 2004 or newer are accepted anywhere in Tanzania. Our bank account is a USD account (Tanzania uses USD for all tourism related matters – such as park fees and tourist visas). If you wish to pay cash with other currencies, it is best to convert to USD before you arrive. The banks here would, by law, have to convert your money into Tanzanian Shillings, then convert from Tanzanian Shillings into USD – resulting in a double commission being deducted. Payment of tips can be in any currency, but cannot be done by credit/debit card. We can take you to an ATM if you need to take a withdraw.

Specifics Regarding Cancellations

Bless Africa Tours is not in the business to make money off of cancellations or postponements. But we cannot lose money off them either. This country does not make it easy at all for us to send money outside of Tanzania. But due to the unpredictability of travel, we will now allow refunds of any recoverable amount, less transfer fees and taxes. Otherwise, you can transfer any amount that is recoverable by Bless Africa Tours and Safaris towards either future travel through Bless Africa Tours (non-expiring) or have that amount applied to another person traveling through Bless Africa Tours. Please note that hotels, lodges, and flights will have more strict cancellation policies that most likely will reduce the amount recoverable for use.

We cannot be responsible for adapting to cancelled/delayed flights, missed connections, missing/delayed baggage. We will do our best but we cannot guarantee that we can accommodate you in all situations. This is especially true for open group climbs/safaris.

We strongly recommend travel insurance for your protection of your invested amount. For Mt Kilimanjaro climbs, medical and rescue insurance is required and we suggest that you look for a policy that will handle other possible scenarios as well.

Questions will be gladly answered by contacting us at info@blessafricatours.com.

BLESS AFRICA TOURS  RESERVATION AND BOOKINGS TERMS & CONDITIONS:

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Bless Africa Tours  does not provide travel insurance and you must obtain personal travel insurance with medical, evacuation and repatriation coverage covering all applicable dates of travel with us. This insurance should cover personal injuries and emergency medical expenses. We strongly recommended that you extend your coverage to include cancellation and all other expenses that might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay etc. You should make sure your insurance company is aware of the type of travel you plan to undertake, in order to get the right type of insurance.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Bless Africa Tours is not responsible for any travel insurance. All clients must take out their own adequate travel insurance and supply the details to Bless Africa Tour who will keep them on file, in order that they can assist with any emergency (All clients are obligated to provide relevant medical information to Bless Africa Tours upon booking their tour.). The original documents should be carried by the client at all times during their holiday. The insurance must take into account the nature of the holiday and client must specify to their insurance company if they intend climbing, trekking, diving, safari etc. The policy should also have repatriation cover in the event of serious accident. Clients are responsible for assessing their own suitability and capability to participate in a tour with us, and when in doubt you should consult your physician.
We recommend all clients to seek medical advice regarding necessary or advisable vaccinations, medical precautions, or other medical concerns regarding the entirety of their travel. We can provide tips concerning these topics, but they can under no condition be seen as accurate medical advice.

Adventure tours provided by Bless Africa Tours involve visiting remote or less developed regions of Tanzania, where medical facilities may not meet the standards of those found in your home country. The condition of medical facilities in these areas varies and we make no representations and give no warranties in relation to the standard of such facilities or medical treatment in those regions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Bless Africa Tours will strive to accommodate your special requests, including (without limitation) dietary and accommodation requests, but such requests do not form part of these terms and conditions or the contract between you and Bless Africa Tours. We are not liable for any failure to accommodate or fulfill such requests.

PRICES, SURCHARGES AND TAXES

Due to the nature of the tourism industry in Tanzania and the prices of the resources on which it depends, the published price of any tour product is subject to change at any time, before or after booking confirmation, up to 35 days before the departure of such a tour. Bless Africa Tours reserves the right to impose surcharges on any tour products, but only for reasons arising from increases in accommodation costs, transportation costs, fuel costs, dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as third party supplier costs, currency and exchange fluctuations, park fees, increases in taxes, or government action which impacts the price of the applicable tours, but only where the increase in question is substantial enough to warrant the right to impose these surcharges.

Bless Africa Tours shall provide notice to the affected client as soon as reasonably possible upon learning of the necessity to impose a surcharge in accordance with this section. Upon receiving notification from Bless Africa Tours, the affected client(s) may elect to either:

(a) Cancel the applicable tour booking without incurring any penalty; or
(b) Accept the change of price.

The client must notify Bless Africa Tours of their selection within 14 days of receipt of notice of the increase, or they shall have been deemed to have accepted the price change and have accepted liability for payment of the increase.

From time to time Bless Africa Tours may offer reduced pricing on selected tours. The reduced pricing applies strictly to new bookings. Bookings that have already been confirmed (which for these purposes shall mean bookings in respect of which payment of at least a deposit has been received by Bless Africa Tours) are not entitled to the reduced pricing.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES & CANCELLATION OF A TOUR BY BLESS AFRICA TOURS:

Bless Africa Tours guarantees all scheduled group tour departures that have been booked by a client, shall depart as scheduled (subject to reasonable itinerary changes). Brochures, and other printed materials displaying tour information and departure dates are subject to change, and such dates are excluded from this guarantee. A departure shall become guaranteed once at least one client has a confirmed booking. This guarantee is not applicable in Force Majeure situations.

If a tour is cancelled by Bless Africa Tours before the agreed date of departure for reasons not arising from Force Majeure or the fault or negligence of or within the reasonable control of the client, the client shall have the choice of:

• accepting from Bless Africa Tours a substitute tour product of equivalent value, where such substitute is reasonably available; or
• accepting from Bless Africa Tours a substitute tour of lower value if no tour of equivalent value is reasonably available, and to recover from Bless Africa Tours the difference in price between the price of the tour originally purchased and that of the substitute tour; or
• accepting from Bless Africa Tours a substitute tour of higher value if no tour of equivalent value is reasonably available, and to pay to Bless Africa Tours the difference in price between the price of the tour originally purchased and that of the substitute tour; or
• accepting from Bless Africa Tours a full refund of all money  paid for the cancelled tour.

Bless Africa Tours  is not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the client may have incurred as a result of the cancelled booking such as but not limited to visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, nonrefundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment. Bless Africa Tours reserves the right to issue a full refund in lieu of the other choices above, in its sole discretion.
Where after departure a significant element of the tours as described cannot be provided, Bless Africa Tours will make suitable alternative arrangements for the continuation of the tours. If it is not possible to provide a suitable alternative or the client reasonably rejects any suitable alternatives, Bless Africa Tours will provide the client a refund of unused tour products or tour product portions.

RISK

The client acknowledges that the nature of our tour products is adventurous and may involve a significant amount of risk to the client’s health and/or safety as well as to the client’s personal belongings. There are dangers inherent to adventure travel generally and the client acknowledges they have considered such risks and are willing to assume it to the full extent legally possible, by confirming their booking of this tour. The client hereby assumes all such risk and does hereby release Bless Africa Tours from all claims and causes of action arising from any losses, damages, injuries or death resulting from these risks inherent in travel, including adventure travel specifically, visiting wild and remote areas, and participating in adventurous activities such as those included in the tour itineraries. Standards of hygiene, accommodation and transport in some areas where the tours take place are often lower than what the client may reasonably expect in their home country or region..

The client acknowledges that the degree and nature of personal risk involved depends on the nature of the tour booked, or the location(s) in which such a tour is to operate, and that there may be a significant degree of personal risk involved in travel on the tour, particularly if such a tour involves physical activities, travel to remote locations, high altitude activities or other high-risk activities, or travel areas of Tanzania with under-developed infrastructure. The client acknowledges they have considered the potential risks, dangers and challenges in light of their own personal capabilities and needs, and expressly assumes the risks attendant to travel under such conditions. The client acknowledges and agrees that Bless Africa Tours will provide, to the best of its ability, information or guidance to the client with respect to local customs, weather conditions, specific safety concerns, physical challenges or laws in effect in any locations where tours are operated, but will not be liable if the given information is incomplete or if the client does not act according to the information provided.

The client must at all times strictly comply with all applicable laws and regulations of Tanzania and regions visited on the applicable tour. Should the client fail to comply with the above or commit any illegal act when on the tour or, if in the opinion of Bless Africa Tours (acting reasonably), the client’s behavior is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress or material annoyance to others, Bless Africa Tours may terminate that client’s travel arrangements on any tour immediately without any liability on  Bless Africa Tours  part and the client will not be entitled to any refund for unused or missed services or costs incurred resulting from the termination of the travel arrangements, including, without limitation, return travel, accommodations, meals, and/or incidentals.

Clients agree that they are responsible for any costs incurred by Bless Africa Tours, as a result of damage, destruction, theft, or excess cleaning fees caused or occasioned by the client while on tour. Clients agree to immediately report any pre-existing damage of this kind to the staff of the accommodation, transportation service, or facility (as appropriate) and/or a Bless Africa Tours representative as soon as possible upon discovery by the client.

Client agrees to take all prudent measures in relation to their own safety while on any tour with Bless Africa Tours, including, but not limited to, the proper use of safety devices such as seat belts, harnesses, and helmets, and obeying all posted signs and warnings in relation to client health and safety. Bless Africa Tours  and its third party suppliers shall not be liable for any failure on the client’s part to comply safety instructions or recommendations of Bless Africa Tours or its third party suppliers.

COMPLAINTS

The client agrees to bring any complaints regarding a tour to Bless Africa Tours as soon as it appears in order to provide us with the opportunity to address such complaint properly. The client agrees to inform the head guide or other designated Bless Africa Tours representative at the earliest opportunity. Bless Africa Tours assumes no liability for complaints that are not properly brought to our attention with sufficient notice for us to resolve and no refunds will be made for issues that could have easily been solved had they been brought to our attention sooner. Any complaint made after the completion of a tour must be received in writing by Bless Africa Tours within 30 days of the end of the tour in question (e-mail is acceptable). Bless Africa Tours will deal with legitimate complaints post trip, any evidence that you are able to gather at the time will be valuable, especially photographs. Bear in mind that when determining whether a refund is due, Bless Africa Tours has to negotiate with the supplier (eg, hotel) in question. Any acceptance of problems/responsibility you get from a service supplier (e.g. hotel manager) should be reported back to Bless Africa Tours (possibly a written statement) will speed up the compensation process.

THIRD PARTY SUPPLIERS

Bless Africa Tours makes arrangements with accommodation providers, activity providers, other tour operators, airlines, coach companies, transfer operators, shore excursion operators, tour and local guides, and other independent parties (“Third Party Suppliers”) to provide you with the travel services and other services you purchase or which form the component parts of your tour. Third Party Suppliers may also engage the services of local operators and/or sub-contractors for the provision of travel services that form part of the tour(s). Although Bless Africa Tours takes all reasonable care in selecting Third Party Suppliers, Bless Africa Tours is unable to control Third Party Suppliers and does not supervise Third Party Suppliers and therefore cannot be responsible for their acts or omissions. The travel services and other services provided are subject to the conditions imposed by these suppliers and their liability is limited by their tariffs, conditions of carriage, tickets and vouchers and international conventions and agreements that govern the provision of their services. These may limit or exclude liability of the supplier. Client acknowledges that Third Party Suppliers operate in compliance with the applicable laws of Tanzania and Bless Africa Tours does not warrant that any Third Party Supplier is in compliance with the laws of the client’s country of residence, or any other jurisdiction.
To the fullest extent permissible by law, Bless Africa Tours is not liable and will not assume responsibility for any claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses arising out of inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration, whether physical or mental, resulting from the act or omission of any party other than Bless Africa Tours and its employees. For clarity, neither Bless Africa Tours nor any carrier is liable for the acts or omissions, whether negligent or otherwise, of Third Party Suppliers or any independent contractors.

LIABILITY

Bless Africa Tours are not responsible for any damages, expenses, losses, or claims which are attributable to the fault of any client, the unforeseeable or unavoidable act or omission of a third party unconnected with the provision of any services that form any part of the tours, or a force majeure event.

Bless Africa Tours shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects of clients while participating in a tour. Clients should not leave personal belongings unattended in any public areas, on board any mode of transportation, or elsewhere, and are responsible at all times for their own effects and belongings. Bless Africa Tours cannot accept responsibility for and in no event shall be liable for loss or damage of valuables or other articles left in or on facilities used by Bless Africa Tours such as hotels, home stays, vessels, expedition vehicles, or any other mode of transportation.

In the event that any loss, death, injury or illness is caused by the negligent acts and/or omissions of Bless Africa Tours or of the third-party suppliers of any services which form part of the contract then Bless Africa Tours limits its liability, where applicable by all applicable International Conventions.

Compensation payments do not apply to changes caused by reasons of accidents, war, riots, civic strike, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural disasters, fire, closure of an airport or port, adverse weather conditions and similar events beyond our control. In case of such an event Bless Africa Tours will have no liability. In regards to Liability Release and Assumption of Risk; the client must acknowledge that they have voluntarily agreed to participate in the trip designated on the reservations & booking. In so doing the client subjects that they may be subjecting themselves to dangers and hazards, which could result in illness, injury or death. The client also acknowledges that there are inherent dangers which may arise at any time during the trip. The client specifically familiar with and accept the risk of these dangers, accidents and hazards inherent in partaking in their trip and are aware that medical services and facilities may not be available while participating in their trip. In order to partake in the enjoyment and excitement of this travel trip, the client is willing to accept the risks and uncertainties involved as being an integral part of their tour.

FORCE MAJEURE

Bless Africa Tours shall not be liable in any way to the client for death, bodily injury, illness, damage, delay or other loss or detriment to person or property, or financial costs both direct and indirect incurred, or for Bless Africa Tours failure to commence, perform and/ or complete any duty owed to the client if such death, delay, bodily injury (including emotional distress or injury), illness, damage or other loss or detriment to person or property is caused by Act of God, war or war like operations, mechanical breakdowns, terrorist activities or threat thereof, civil commotions, labor difficulties, interference by authorities, political disturbance, howsoever and where so ever any of the same may arise or be caused, riot, insurrection and government restraint, fire, extreme weather or any other cause whatsoever beyond the reasonable control of Bless Africa Tours; or an event which Bless Africa Tours or the supplier of services, even with all due care, could not foresee.

ALTERATION BY CLIENT OF CONFIRMED BOOKING:

Alteration of a confirmed booking prior to arrival: If you have booked your trip and then decide to make changes to that trip your agent will assist you. We reserve the right to charge for the additional administration.
Alteration to a confirmed booking whilst in Tanzania: We regret that no credit or refund is possible for any unused services provided in the cost of your holiday. If you decide to alter your travel arrangements whilst abroad, this is your own responsibility and Bless Africa Tours are not responsible for any extras or difficulties that may arise with onward travel as a result of such alterations.

MISCELLANEOUS

Adventure holidays; Please note that for clients undertaking a trekking itinerary we offer first class guides, porters and provide safety equipment where needed. We are not responsible for guides and rangers provided by TANAPA or similar authorities. If you are obliged to abandon an activity due to your own physical limitations there is no refund of park fees and any additional accommodation and/or transport fees are not the responsibility of Bless Africa Tours . You may be asked to sign a Disclaimer Form prior to participation in certain activities.

Airport, International and domestic flight delays. In the unlikely event of a delay, arrangements for meals, overnight accommodation etc, should be met by your airline. If you are joining a group and flight delays mean that additional transfers etc. are required to enable you to join the group, these costs must be met by you the client and should later be reclaimed under your insurance policy if applicable.

Clients are responsible for obtaining passports, visas, health certificates, international driving permits and any other documents relating to their holiday themselves and to meet any additional costs which may be incurred as a result of failure to comply with such requirement.

TRUST. Normally payments are made to our Tanzanian company bank account and kept until your safari is completed. All monies paid will be held in our company bank account, until your tour is complete.

Major Credit Cards are accepted with a small surcharge to cover their administration fee.

IMAGES AND MARKETING

The client agrees that while participating in any tour with Bless Africa Tours, images, photos or videos may be taken by other clients and/or Bless Africa Tour representatives or guides that may contain or feature the client in part or in whole. The client acknowledges that they consent to any such images, photos and videos being taken and grants a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to Bless Africa Tours, its affiliates and assigns, to reproduce for any purpose whatsoever (including marketing and promotions), in any medium whatsoever, whether currently known or hereinafter devised, without any further obligation to the client or compensation payable to the client.

AMENDMENTS

Bless Africa Tours reserves the right to update and/or alter these Terms and Conditions at any time, and shall post the amended Terms and Conditions on the Bless Africa Tours website. Any such amendment shall take effect 10 days following their posting to the website and shall apply to new bookings as well as current ones. The latest Terms, as amended, may be accessed any time on the Bless Africa Tours website, or will be sent to clients upon their written request to Bless Africa Tours Clients shall be deemed to have accepted any amendments to these Terms and Conditions on the date that is 10 days after their posting on the Bless Africa Tours website. Bless Africa Tours recommends that all clients refer to the Terms and Conditions prior to their travel to familiarize themselves with the most up-to-date version of the Terms and Conditions.