Booking Terms & Conditions

Important information about booking hotels, shuttles, safari packages, and other travel services through Trails & Tales Kenya. Please read carefully before making a booking.

Last Updated: April 15, 2024

General Terms & Conditions

Introduction

Welcome to Trails & Tales Kenya. These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our platform and the booking of travel services including hotels, shuttles, safari packages, and other travel-related services. By making a booking through our platform, you agree to be bound by these terms.

Important Notice

Trails & Tales Kenya acts as an intermediary between you (the traveler) and the service providers (hotels, shuttle operators, safari companies, etc.). We facilitate the booking process but are not directly responsible for the provision of the services.

User Eligibility

To make a booking through our platform, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
  • Provide accurate and complete information during booking
  • Use the platform for legitimate travel purposes only
  • Not make speculative, false, or fraudulent bookings

Age Restrictions

Persons under 18 years of age cannot make bookings. For bookings involving minors, the adult making the booking assumes full responsibility for all terms and conditions.

Scope of Services

Our Role

Trails & Tales Kenya provides an online platform that allows users to:

  • Search and compare travel services across Kenya
  • Make reservations for hotels, events, and safari packages
  • Access special offers and deals
  • Manage bookings through user accounts
  • Access customer support for booking-related issues

Intermediary Role

We act as an intermediary and are not a party to the service agreement between you and the service provider. The service provider remains solely responsible for the provision of services.

Booking Process

Search & Selection

Our platform displays available services based on your search criteria. Please note:

  • All information is provided by service providers
  • We verify but do not guarantee the accuracy of all listings
  • Prices are subject to change until booking is confirmed
  • Availability is real-time but not guaranteed until booking confirmation

Booking Confirmation

A booking is considered confirmed when:

  1. You complete the booking process on our platform
  2. Payment is successfully processed
  3. You receive a booking confirmation email with a reference number
  4. The service provider accepts your booking

Immediate Confirmation

Most bookings are confirmed immediately. Some may require manual confirmation from the service provider within 24 hours. Until you receive confirmation, your booking is not guaranteed.

Hotel Booking Terms

Room Types & Occupancy

When booking hotel accommodations:

  • Room types are as described by the hotel
  • Maximum occupancy limits must be respected
  • Extra beds may be available at additional cost
  • Age requirements for children vary by hotel
  • Specific room requests (view, floor, etc.) are not guaranteed

Occupancy Policy

Hotels reserve the right to refuse check-in or charge additional fees if the number of guests exceeds the room's maximum occupancy. Always book for the correct number of guests.

Check-in & Check-out

Standard policies apply unless otherwise specified:

Service Standard Timing Notes
Check-in Time After 2:00 PM Early check-in subject to availability
Check-out Time Before 11:00 AM Late check-out may incur charges
Identification Required Yes Valid ID/passport for all guests
Security Deposit Varies by hotel Refundable at check-out

Transport Service Terms

Luggage Policy

Standard luggage allowance per passenger:

  • One piece of checked luggage (max 20kg)
  • One carry-on bag (max 7kg)
  • Additional luggage may incur extra charges
  • Oversized items require prior approval
  • Fragile items travel at owner's risk

Important Transport Rules

Punctuality

Passengers must arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Vehicles will not wait for late passengers, and no refunds will be provided for missed departures.

Pick-up/Drop-off Points

Specific pick-up and drop-off locations are provided in your booking confirmation. Changes must be requested at least 24 hours in advance and are subject to availability.

Safari Package Terms

Health & Safety Requirements

Safari participants must:

  • Follow all guide instructions at all times
  • Remain in vehicles during game drives unless instructed otherwise
  • Not feed or approach wildlife
  • Declare any medical conditions before departure
  • Carry necessary medications

Weather & Itinerary Changes

Safari itineraries may change due to:

  • Weather conditions
  • Road conditions
  • Park regulations
  • Wildlife movements
  • Safety considerations

Flexible Itineraries

Safari guides may modify itineraries for safety or to enhance wildlife viewing opportunities. No refunds are provided for itinerary changes made for safety reasons.

Cancellation & Modification Policy

Cancellation Timeframes

Cancellation policies vary by service provider. General guidelines:

Service Type Free Cancellation Partial Refund No Refund
Hotels 48+ hours before check-in 24-48 hours before check-in Within 24 hours
Transport 72+ hours before departure 24-48 hours before departure Within 24 hours
Safari Packages 30+ days before departure 15-30 days before departure Within 15 days

Non-Refundable Rates

Some special offers and discounted rates are marked as "Non-Refundable." These bookings cannot be cancelled or modified, and no refunds will be provided.

Modification Policy

Modification requests are subject to:

  • Availability at the time of request
  • Service provider approval
  • Any rate differences
  • Modification fees (if applicable)

How to Modify

Contact our customer service team to request modifications. Do not contact service providers directly, as this may invalidate your booking.

Payments, Fees & Taxes

Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods:

  • Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
  • Mobile Money (M-Pesa, Airtel Money)
  • Bank Transfers (Kenyan banks)
  • Digital Wallets

Secure Payments

All payments are processed through secure, encrypted payment gateways. We do not store your full payment card details on our servers.

Taxes & Additional Charges

Prices displayed include all applicable taxes unless otherwise stated. Additional charges may include:

  • Tourism Levy (where applicable)
  • Park entry fees (for safari packages)
  • Service charges
  • Optional extras selected during booking

Currency

All prices are in Kenyan Shillings (KES). Currency conversions are approximate and actual charges may vary based on your bank's exchange rates.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Trails & Tales Kenya shall not be liable for:

  • Any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
  • Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
  • Personal injury or property damage caused by service providers
  • Service interruptions, errors, or omissions on our platform
  • Acts of God, natural disasters, or force majeure events

Maximum Liability

Our total liability to you for any claim arising from your use of our platform or booking of services shall not exceed the total amount paid by you for the specific booking giving rise to the claim.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from your use of our platform or bookings made through us shall be resolved as follows:

Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal proceedings, you agree to contact our customer service team to attempt informal resolution of any dispute.

Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kenya, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Jurisdiction

Any legal proceedings arising out of or relating to these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the courts of Nairobi, Kenya, and you submit to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

Time Limit

Any claim or cause of action arising out of or related to your use of our platform or these Terms must be filed within one (1) year after such claim or cause of action arose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my booking for free?

Free cancellation depends on the service provider's policy and the rate you booked. Most hotels allow free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in, while transport services typically require at least 48 hours. Always check the specific cancellation policy displayed during booking.

What happens if the service provider cancels my booking?

In the rare event that a service provider cancels your booking, we will immediately notify you and help you find an alternative. If no suitable alternative is available, you will receive a full refund. We may also offer compensation depending on the circumstances.

Can I modify my booking after confirmation?

Yes, modifications are possible subject to availability and the service provider's policy. Contact our customer service team for assistance. Note that modifications may incur additional charges or rate differences.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit/debit cards, mobile money (M-Pesa, Airtel Money), bank transfers, and digital wallets. All payments are processed through secure, encrypted payment gateways.

What happens if I miss my scheduled transport?

If you miss your scheduled departure, no refund will be provided. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before departure. In some cases, you may be able to reschedule subject to availability and additional fees.

Are children allowed on safari packages?

Yes, children are welcome on most safari packages. However, age restrictions may apply for certain activities. Please check the specific package details or contact us for more information about family-friendly options.

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