INFORMATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Role of Acacia Holidays
The roles ofAcacia Holidays here after referred toas AH is to design and itineraries to fi tthe requirements of our customers.In doing so we may use independent suppliers for the provision of selected services. Whatever the case we accept responsibility for the proper performance of your contract with us subject to the following booking conditions.
Reservations and Payment
A binding contract between you and AH only exists when a deposit of the 50% of the total cost of the safari has been paid by you and upon your booking being confirmed and accepted by you and our communication (written) therefore to either you or your travel agent. The balance is to be paid 35 days before commencement of our services. If payment is not made by the due date, we reserve the right to treat the booking as having been cancelled by you, and apply cancellation charges as set out here.
Cancellation – By you
AH must be notifiedofcancellationsinwriting.Ifnotification is received 35 days or less before commencement of our services, a cancellation fee of 25% of the price of these services is payable. If notificationisreceived7daysorlessbeforecommencement, the cancellation fees payable is 100% of the total tour price.
Cancellation – By us
While doing our utmost to avoid cancellations, we must reserve the right to cancel arrangements. If this should happen (other than due to your default in paying) we would offerthechoiceof an alternative arrangement (Paying or receiving a refund in respect of any price difference)orreceivingafullrefundofallmonies paid. If an arrangement cancelled because an insufficient number of people have booked a scheduled tour, notification will be given no less than 14 days before commencement of our services. If we are forced to curtail a tour afterdeparturedue to circumstances amounting to ‘Force majeure’ we cannot make any refunds or pay any compensation or be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by you as a result.
Changes
We reserve the right to make changes to brochure details and holiday arrangements both before ad afteryourbookingismade. Most changes will be minor. If we have to make significant changes to an arrangement, you will be notifiedattheearliest possible opportunity. In such changes you will have the choice of either accepting the change or booking alternative arrangements (Paying or receiving a refund in respect of any price difference)orreceivingarefundinrespectofanypricedifference)orreceivinganimmediatefullrefundofallmoniespaid.
Force Majeure
‘Force majeure’ means those circumstances where the performance of ours with you is prevented or affectedbyreasonsof war, threat of war, strife, industrial dispute, governmental actions and all similar events beyond our control. In these circumstances we shall not be liable to pay any compensation or otherwise be responsible for any expense or losses you might incur where we are forced as a result to cancel, delay, curtail or change your arrangement in any way or where the performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected.
Insurance
You must take comprehensive cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability before the commencement of your tour. Thisshouldbe arranged at the time of payment of the deposit, and will in certain circumstances, cover you against loss of deposit or cancellation fee from the date of confirmationofyourbooking,as shown in the insurance policy. You also agree to indemnify us against all third party claims, actions, damages or remedies that may be brought against us in respect of your participation in the tour.
Complaints
Complains about any of the safari arrangements the client may have must be brought to the attention of the tour leader or a representative of AH at the time so that they may use their best endeavors to rectify the situation. Should the problem remain unsolved, a complaint must be put in writing to AH within 28days of the safari.
Carriers
In respect to air, sea and rail carriers, land vehicle and hotelkeepers our liability is in all cases limited as if we were carriers/hoteliers within the appropriate international conventions. Furthermore, all transport is provided subject to the relevant carrier’s conditions of carriage, some of which may limit or exclude their liability to you, ofteninaccordancewithinternational conventions.
General
Please note our responsibilities and obligations apply only in respect of those services, which we agree to arrange or provide on your behalf. We cannot any accept liability for any services which you arrange on your own.
Entry and Health Regulations
Visitors must be in possession of valid visa and health documents on arrival in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Differentregulations are applied according to nationality and country of origin and these should be checked with the nearest tourist officeordiplomaticmission.Diplomaticmission/KenyanEmbassy or inoculation centers in the country of origin will provide information and health regulations and recommendations.
Customs and Exit Regulations
Personal effect,filmandcameramaybeimportedtemporarily free of duty. However, a customs bond may be required in connection with professional video equipment, tape recorders, radios, musical instruments and souvenirs from other countries to ensure goods can be re-exported. Firearms need special permit, which must be obtained in advance. Excess baggage is strictly monitored and charges very expensive, Customs officialsnormallyinspectbaggageonarrivalanddeparture.
Immigration
All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport. Visa requirements vary from time to time and are dependant on the nationality of the visitor. Since it is essential that no visitor arrive without the correct documentation, visitors are strongly recommended to check the latest requirements either from the airline officesorthroughthenearesttouristoffice,EmbassyorHigh Commission. Most nationals visiting Kenya require a visa, and this can be obtained either pre-departure or at the point of entry at a cost of US$50 per person. Visas are required for most nationals traveling to Tanzania, which must be obtained prior to departure. Visitors are not allowed to take up work or residence in Kenya and Tanzania without the authority of the Principal Immigration Officer.
Photography
Film is readily available in Kenya. Before taking pictures of the local people, permission should be sought and if necessary, a price agreed on. The driver guide should be able to assist.
Law in the country prohibits taking photographs or video filming of the following areas – Military bases, State Houses’, any Armed Forces Base.
Food & Drink
As a rule, quotes are based on bed and breakfast in Nairobi, half board at the coast and full board whilst on safari. Standards of cuisine are very high offeringaselectionofEuropean,Africanand Asian styles of food.
Drinks selections are good including premium brands and imported wines. Tap water in Nairobi is oftenportablebutwater for drinking is generally provided by hotels and clients are advised to drink this or bottled water which is widely available.
Local Laws
All participants in tours operated by AH are expected to obey laws and regulations of the country(s) visited and any failure to do so will relieve AH of all obligations that they may otherwise have under these booking conditions.
Currency
Currency country regulations prohibit the export of local currency. Thereisnorestrictiontotheamountofforeigncurrencya visitor may import. Only authorized dealers are allowed to exchange money.
Language
The official languagein Kenyais English,whichis taught at all schools and is widely understood. ThenationalLanguageisSwahili.
Climate
Much of Kenya has a perfect climate with warm sunny days and cool evenings. Due to the high altitude of most safari itineraries, the atmosphere is usually pleasantly dry except at the coast, which can sometimes be very hot and humid.
As Kenya is on the equator, the sun is very strong and visitors should be advised to take necessary precautions.
Therearetworainyseasons,usuallyfromApriltoendofMayand from November to early December. Even during these periods, the weather can be pleasant with rain early in the morning and late in the afternoonsandfreshclearsunnyperiodsinbetween.
Medical Advice
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania enjoy a healthy invigorating climate and visitors need feel no concern for their general health during their stay. However, malaria is endemic in certain areas and anti-malarial medication should be taken according to prescription recommendations. Visitors requiring special medication should pack sufficientsuppliesintheirhandluggage.Chemist shops are well stocked, but the name of the generic medication may not be readily available. Filtered and purifiedbottled water is also available throughout Kenya.
ThereareexcellenthospitalsinNairobiandMombasawhereblood is screened for the HIV virus by the most modern equipment. Therearealsoverygooddentistsandopticians.
Clients are advised to take out their own medical and travel insurance before coming to Kenya. TheflyingDoctorsservicecanalso be joined for a small fee so that in the event of an accident or illness on safari clients can be flowntoNairobifortreatment.If this service is required, then clients should advise at the time of booking.
Security
Despite some well-published isolated incidents, Kenya is a very destination for visitors.
Visitors should take the same care as they would normally take in any other destination worldwide. Keep a close watch to your handbags, wallets and cameras when walking in crowded places. Avoid walking at night and place valuables in safe deposit boxes at hotels and lodges.
Supplements
A supplement charge will be applied to all tours operating between 24th December and 3rd January each year.
Electricity
TheelectricitysupplyinKenyais240voltsandvisitorsshouldbring an international adaptor for any electrical appliances they have.
Time
Kenya is three hours ahead of the Greenwich meantime [GMT]
Flight Bookings
Theitinerariesandpricespublishedareforthelandportionofthe safari only. Thereisawidechoiceofairlinesofferingservices to Kenya and East Africa as a whole and we have found it best to allow our travelers the flexibilitytochoosetheflightthatsuits their individual preferences. If you would like us to findflightsforyou,pleaseensureatthetimeofbooking.
Departure Tax
Airport departure taxes are included on tickets.
Seasons
High season – 15th December - 31st January & 01st June-30th June
Peak Season – 01st February-28th February & 01st July – 31ST October
Shoulder Season – 01st November 14th December
Low season – 01 April – 31st May
NOTE:
During Easter period high season rates will apply.