Refund Policy

We recognize that embarking on a Kilimanjaro climb and a Tanzania wildlife safari represents a unique and cherished experience for many. However, these adventures often require a substantial investment, encompassing airfare, tour expenses, lodging, and travel insurance, making them more financially significant than other common vacation options

Understanding the Importance of Cancellation and Refunds

The possibility of trip cancellations or sudden rescheduling is a concern for many, as life can be unpredictable. It's natural to wonder why full refunds are not always feasible. We genuinely wish we could refund every traveler facing unexpected changes in their plans for our Kilimanjaro or safari journeys. It is a challenging decision for us to decline such requests, especially when we've assisted in planning and shared the anticipation of your Tanzanian adventure.

However, it's crucial to recognize that Kilimanjaro Guru Expedition is just one component of your trip. Multiple organizations play pivotal roles in ensuring your journey. We often remit payments to these entities well in advance of your arrival in Tanzania, including:

1. Hotels, lodges, and local airlines:

While we partner with Park View hotel, Panama Hotel and Lindrin Lodge which are all highly accommodating for reservations within our tour programs, many of our partnered lodges have their own cancellation policies, making full refunds difficult to secure.

Similarly, local airlines, responsible for inland flights, have their own policies that may hinder full refunds.

2. Tanzania National Parks Authority:

Entry fees for Mt. Kilimanjaro and safari parks are non-refundable, as we pay these fees on behalf of our clients to ensure timely departures.

3. Local Suppliers:

Our mountain trips necessitate the purchase of perishable items, such as fresh food, fuel, medication, bottled water, and other supplies, which we procure in advance.

4. Dedicated Team:

A considerable staff works diligently behind the scenes, from managers and reservation agents to expedition assistants and supply teams. Their dedication contributes to the success of your tour.

Prioritizing Sustainable Community Development

Kilimanjaro Guru Expedition is built upon the pillars of sustainable community development and job security for our Tanzanian team. We remain committed to safeguarding the livelihoods of families in the region, which depend on tourism. In this regard, we must maintain a cautious approach to refunds, adhering to our cancellation policies.

Flexibility and Assistance

At Kilimanjaro Guru Expedition Travel, we strive to make our trips as risk-free as possible. While the terms outlined below represent our standard policies, we always consider individual circumstances. In cases of extreme events, such as death, serious illness, war, or natural calamities in your departure country, we endeavor to provide a 100% refund.

Upon receiving a cancellation request, we promptly contact our partners to explore the possibility of waiving penalties in exceptional cases. We aim to make a decision within 72 hours or sooner.

Cancellation Fees

Refund amounts are subject to the date of your cancellation request, as per the following policy:

CANCELLATION POLICY. Notification of cancellation must be made in writing to Kilimanjaro Guru Expedition (e-mail). The following penalties apply to all cancellations:

100 USD per person deposit is non-refundable regardless of the date of cancelation, though transferable to any other dates;

10% cancelation fee if canceled more than 90 days before tour start;

25% cancelation fee if canceled 60-89 days before tour start;

50% cancelation fee if canceled 30-59 days before tour start;

75% cancelation fee if canceled 8-29 days before tour start;

No refund if canceled 0-7 days before tour start.

*If the penalty fees imposed by lodges and airlines exceed the percentages mentioned above, the non-refundable amount will be adjusted accordingly. Bank commissions required to return funds to your account will be deducted from the refund.

When a tour is rescheduled instead of canceled, lodges and airlines may offer a no-penalty deferral. If a no-penalty deferral is permitted, we will make every effort to reschedule your entire tour to new dates without any changes. However, the decision to grant a no-penalty deferral rests solely with the lodges and airlines, as they are contractually entitled to charge penalties regardless of the cancellation circumstances.

To cover all potential contingencies, we strongly recommend purchasing insurance with sufficient coverage for tour cancellation. In the event of unforeseen issues such as illness or flight cancellation, you can claim financial losses from your insurance provider. We will provide the necessary documentation for all expenses incurred.

Lifetime Deposits

Rather than canceling your tour, consider keeping your deposit indefinitely, available for future trips with us. Be aware that prices may change, and you'll need to cover any increased costs at the time of your future trip.

Rescheduling Your Safari Tour

Rescheduling instead of canceling may allow for penalty waivers or reduced cancellation charges by our partnered lodges and airlines, subject to their discretion. Notably, during peak seasons, a full cancellation penalty of accommodation and local air travel costs may apply, but the remainder will be transferred to your balance.

Travel Insurance Recommendation

We strongly advise obtaining comprehensive travel insurance to cover unforeseen contingencies. In case of unexpected events, such as illness or flight cancellations, you can seek compensation from your insurance provider, and we will provide necessary expense documentation for your claim.