Terms and Conditions
Last updated: 16 October 2026
These terms apply to all tours, safaris and services booked with Safariwale (“we”, “us”). By paying an advance or confirming a booking, you (“the guest”) accept these terms in full.
8.1 Bookings and Payments
- A booking is confirmed only on receipt of the advance (30–50% of the tour cost, or the full non-refundable permit cost if higher) and government ID details required for permits.
- The balance amount is due 30 days before departure. Bookings confirmed within 30 days of the departure date require 100% payment upon confirmation.
- All prices are per person on twin-sharing basis unless explicitly stated otherwise, and exclude GST, which is charged as applicable by law.
- International tours (such as Masai Mara, Kenya) may be settled in USD (forex cash) or in INR by direct bank transfer to Safariwale as specified on the tour page.
- Prices may be adjusted if the government forest department increases entry permit fees, road taxes, or statutory taxes beyond our control.
8.2 Cancellation and Refunds
Cancellation requests by the guest must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected]. The following schedule applies:
| Days Before Departure | Cancellation Charge |
|---|---|
| More than 60 days prior to departure | 25% of tour cost |
| 59 to 30 days prior to departure | 50% of tour cost |
| 29 to 15 days prior to departure | 75% of tour cost |
| Less than 15 days or no-show | 100% of tour cost (No refund) |
Forest Department Permits: Safari permits booked with state forest departments are 100% non-refundable and non-transferable once issued, regardless of the cancellation timeline above.
Refund Processing: Approved refunds are processed within 15 to 30 working days to the original payment source.
Unused Services: Unused safaris, missed meals, or early lodge departures are non-refundable.
Cancellation by Safariwale: If we cancel a group departure due to insufficient numbers, guests will be offered alternative departure dates or a full refund of payments made to Safariwale, less third-party non-refundable permit fees. In cases of park closures due to weather, forest fires, government orders, elections, strikes, or other force majeure, we will arrange alternative drives where possible but cannot refund third-party costs already disbursed.
8.3 Safari Permit Rules (Forest Department Regulations)
- Permits are issued strictly in the guest’s legal name. The exact original photo ID used during permit booking must be presented at the gate.
- Zone, gate, vehicle, and naturalist allocations are decided solely by forest department computerized lottery systems and may change at short notice.
- Safari gate timings are rigid. Late arrival at the gate will result in forfeiture of the drive without refund.
- Drones, pets, loud music, smoking, alcohol, and single-use plastic are strictly prohibited inside all tiger reserves.
8.4 Sightings and Itinerary
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Wild animals roam across vast natural ecosystems. No refund or compensation is due for a lack of animal sightings. Safariwale reserves the right to modify routes, lodges, or vehicles for safety and operational viability.
8.5 Code of Conduct on Safari
- Stay seated inside the vehicle at all times; never stand on seats or lean out.
- Maintain silence near animals; no calling, clapping, mimicking calls, feeding, or flash photography.
- Never instruct or pressure the driver or guide to speed, go off designated tracks, or approach animals closer than permitted.
- Respect other safari vehicles and practice rotation etiquette at sightings.
- Carry all trash out of the forest; leave zero litter behind.
- Safariwale naturalists and forest department officials reserve the right to terminate the safari of any guest who violates park guidelines, without refund.
8.6 Health, Safety and Insurance
Guests must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions. Safaris involve rough forest tracks, dust, early morning cold, and midday heat. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for Indian safaris and mandatory for international Kenya expeditions.
8.7 Limitation of Liability
Safariwale acts as a tour organizer connecting guests with independent service providers (lodges, vehicle owners, drivers, state forest departments, airlines). We are not liable for personal injury, illness, delay, damage, or loss resulting from animal actions, weather, or third-party acts. Our maximum aggregate liability is limited to the fees received for the specific service affected.
8.8 Photography and Content
Group photographs taken during safaris may be used for marketing. If you prefer not to appear, please notify us in writing prior to departure. Photos shared with our team or tagged with #SafariwaleMoments on our official Instagram (@safariwale) may be reposted with photographer credit.
8.9 Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of India. Any disputes arising shall be subject exclusively to the jurisdiction of the competent courts in Thane / Mumbai, Maharashtra.
8.10 Contact
For questions regarding these booking conditions:
Email: [email protected]
Phone / WhatsApp: +91 80809 08016
Instagram: @safariwale (https://www.instagram.com/safariwale/)
Office: Alura E/601, Casa Bella Gold, Palava City, Dombivli East, Thane 421204, Maharashtra, India.