Safari Booking & Cancellation Policy

At NLS Safaris, safari arrangements involve advance reservations with hotels, safari lodges, camps, transport providers, domestic airlines, and other travel suppliers. Because of this, cancellation charges may apply once bookings have been confirmed on your behalf.

Cancellation charges are calculated as a percentage of the total safari cost as follows:

• Cancellation up to 60 days before safari start date — No cancellation charges
• Cancellation between 35 and 60 days before safari start date — 20% cancellation charges
• Cancellation between 15 and 34 days before safari start date — 40% cancellation charges
• Cancellation less than 15 days but more than 3 days before safari start date — 60% cancellation charges
• Cancellation 3 days or less before safari start date — 100% cancellation charges (no refund)

Where refunds apply, they will only be processed back to the original payment method used during booking, subject to applicable banking timelines and supplier refund policies.

An administrative processing fee of 5% may apply to refunds to cover transaction and processing costs.

Refund processing may take up to 60 days from the official cancellation notification date depending on supplier processing timelines and banking procedures.

Please note that certain lodges, camps, flights, or special offers may carry stricter cancellation policies. Where applicable, these will be communicated at quotation or booking stage and will override the general cancellation policy above.

Safari Payment Terms

To confirm a safari booking with NLS Safaris, a deposit payment is required.

Our standard payment terms are:

• 30% deposit required to confirm the booking
• Remaining balance payable at least 14 days before the travel date

For last-minute bookings made within 14 days of travel, full payment may be required at the time of confirmation.

Payments are generally made in USD unless otherwise agreed. Payments in other currencies may be accepted based on current exchange rates and prior agreement.

Website Pricing & Surcharges

All safari prices displayed on the NLS Safaris website are intended as guide prices unless stated otherwise. Final pricing will always be confirmed in your official quotation or invoice.

Safari prices may occasionally change due to factors beyond our control, including but not limited to:

• Increases in park fees or conservation fees
• Airline fuel surcharges or airfare changes
• Government taxes
• Exchange rate fluctuations
• Supplier rate adjustments
• Unexpected transport cost increases

NLS Safaris reserves the right to correct pricing errors or adjust rates where significant cost changes occur before booking confirmation.

Payment by Credit or Debit Card

For security and convenience, NLS Safaris strongly encourages payments through secure online payment systems rather than cash transactions.

Once your booking has been confirmed and your invoice issued, you may receive a secure payment link to complete payment using:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• Debit cards

Your card provider may apply international transaction or currency conversion charges depending on your country and banking institution.

Payment by Bank Transfer

Please note that all official NLS Safaris bank accounts are based only in Kenya.

For your security:

• Only make payments to bank accounts officially provided by NLS Safaris representatives
• Always confirm payment details through official communication channels
• Contact us directly if you are unsure about any payment request

NLS Safaris is not responsible for losses resulting from payments sent to unauthorized accounts.

General Booking Conditions

Our goal is to provide every guest with a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable safari experience. However, travel occasionally involves circumstances beyond our control.

If any issue arises during your safari, please notify:

• Your safari consultant
• Your safari driver-guide
• The lodge or camp management where applicable

Immediate reporting gives us the opportunity to resolve the matter as quickly as possible during the safari itself.

If an issue is not resolved during travel, guests should submit the complaint in writing within 20 days after completion of the safari.

Failure to report issues during the safari may affect our ability to investigate and address the matter properly.

Seasonal Factors & Lodge Facilities

Certain safari experiences and lodge facilities may vary depending on season, weather conditions, maintenance schedules, or local operational factors.

Examples may include:

• Swimming pool maintenance
• Temporary closure of facilities
• Seasonal weather impacts
• Public holidays or religious events affecting local operations
• Reduced services during low seasons

These factors are outside the direct control of NLS Safaris.

Wildlife & Safari Safety

Safari travel involves close proximity to wild animals in their natural habitat. Although serious incidents are rare, safaris carry inherent risks associated with wildlife and remote travel.

Many safari camps and lodges are unfenced, allowing animals to move freely through surrounding areas at any time of day or night.

Guests must always:

• Follow guide instructions
• Observe park and lodge safety rules
• Avoid approaching wildlife
• Remain cautious in unfenced safari areas

NLS Safaris, its employees, and suppliers cannot be held responsible for incidents involving wildlife or other natural safari-related risks.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all guests travelling with NLS Safaris.

Insurance should ideally cover:

• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Medical treatment
• Emergency evacuation
• Personal accidents
• Loss of baggage
• Delays and missed connections

Guests are responsible for arranging their own travel insurance before travel.

For international guests, we recommend sharing your insurance provider details and emergency contact information before arrival.

Responsibility & Liability

Safari travel in Africa involves certain unavoidable risks including:

• Road conditions
• Remote travel
• Weather conditions
• Delays
• Mechanical breakdowns
• Medical emergencies in remote areas
• Wildlife encounters

NLS Safaris acts as an agent for accommodation providers, airlines, transport companies, activity providers, and other suppliers involved in your safari arrangements.

While every effort is made to ensure safety and quality service, NLS Safaris cannot be held liable for:

• Delays
• Injury
• Loss
• Damage
• Changes caused by weather
• Airline disruptions
• Government actions
• Road conditions
• Natural events
• Acts beyond reasonable control

We reserve the right to adjust itineraries, accommodations, or routing where necessary for operational, safety, or weather-related reasons.

Safari Transportation

Safari vehicles used in Kenya are specifically designed for safari conditions and wildlife viewing. They differ from standard highway touring vehicles commonly used in developed countries.

Most safari vehicles:

• Are designed for rough park roads
• Use sliding windows and pop-up roofs
• May not have full air-conditioning systems
• Are built for visibility and safari practicality rather than luxury highway comfort

Fly-in safaris may also use open-sided safari vehicles inside conservancies or reserves.

Electricity

Kenya uses 240V electricity with British-style three-pin plugs.

Some safari camps and lodges operate on generators or solar systems, meaning electricity may only be available during certain hours.

Guests are advised to carry:

• Universal travel adapters
• Power banks
• Extra camera batteries
• Flashlights or torches

Voltage fluctuations and temporary outages may occasionally occur in remote safari areas.

Water

Tap water in safari lodges and camps is generally not recommended for drinking.

Bottled drinking water is usually provided during safari and should also be used for brushing teeth where advised.

Roads & Travel Conditions

Road conditions in Kenya vary depending on location, weather, traffic, and remoteness.

Some safari roads, especially inside parks and reserves, may be rough, dusty, muddy, or uneven. Travel times are therefore approximate and may change depending on conditions.

Law & Jurisdiction

These booking terms and conditions are governed by the laws of Kenya.

Any disputes arising in connection with safari bookings or services shall be handled within the legal jurisdiction of Kenya and may be subject to arbitration where applicable.

Complaints & Claims

While every effort is made to provide excellent service, any complaints or dissatisfaction during safari should be reported immediately to your safari consultant, guide, or guest relations contact for prompt attention.

Where issues are not resolved during travel, guests should submit a written complaint within 30 days after safari completion.

Complaints will be reviewed and investigated, and where applicable, resolutions or compensation will be handled within a reasonable timeframe following formal review.