These safari booking terms and conditions establish the contractual framework governing all services provided by RYDER Signature to clients. By making a booking inquiry, submitting a deposit, or participating in any RYDER Signature journey, you acknowledge having read, understood, and agreed to these terms in full.
Section 01
Company Representations and Commitments
1.1 Licensing and Authorisation
RYDER Signature operates as a fully licensed tour operator in both the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Kenya. We maintain all permits, licences, and authorisations required for conducting safari operations, mountain climbing expeditions, and coastal tourism activities within our operating regions.
Our company maintains registration with relevant tourism boards, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies in both nations, and complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards governing tourism operations.
1.2 Service Standards
We commit to providing services as described in confirmed itineraries and booking documentation. We employ professionally trained guides, utilise well-maintained vehicles and equipment, and partner with reputable accommodation providers meeting our quality standards. We provide accurate, honest information about our services, destinations, and experiences without exaggeration or misrepresentation.
Certain journey elements including accommodations, domestic flights, park entry permits, and specialised activities involve third-party service providers. We carefully select these partners based on quality, reliability, and shared commitment to guest satisfaction.
1.3 Community Commitment
RYDER Signature actively supports local communities throughout our operating regions through fair employment practices, sustainable tourism principles, and community development initiatives. Our founder's Maasai heritage reinforces our deep connection to the lands and peoples we work with every day.
Section 02
The Booking Process
2.1 Eligibility and Age Requirements
To make a booking with RYDER Signature, you must be at least eighteen (18) years of age with full legal capacity to enter binding agreements. Bookings for travellers under eighteen years require submission by a parent or legal guardian who accepts these terms on the minor's behalf. Minors must travel accompanied by a supervising adult who bears responsibility for the minor's conduct throughout the journey. All necessary legal documentation for minors entering Tanzania or Kenya, including any required consent letters or custody documents, remains the responsibility of accompanying adults.
2.2 Inquiry and Quotation
Your journey begins with an inquiry, after which a dedicated travel consultant will be assigned to understand your requirements and craft a personalised itinerary. You will then receive a detailed quotation including proposed accommodations, activities, included services, and pricing.
Quotations remain valid for fourteen (14) days unless otherwise specified. Prices may change after quotation expiration due to accommodation rate adjustments, park fee changes, or currency fluctuations. Quotations do not constitute confirmed bookings and do not guarantee availability of specified services.
2.3 Booking Confirmation
Your booking becomes confirmed only upon our receipt of the required deposit payment and your signed booking form acknowledging these terms. We will provide written confirmation detailing your confirmed itinerary, services, and payment schedule.
Confirmation does not occur until we receive cleared funds in our designated account. Verbal or email acceptance without payment does not create a binding booking. We reserve the right to decline bookings at our discretion and will refund any payments received if we cannot accommodate your request.
2.4 Information Requirements
You must provide complete and accurate details including full legal names exactly as they appear on passports, dates of birth, nationality, passport numbers with validity dates, emergency contact information, and any relevant medical conditions or dietary requirements.
Certain information may be shared with park authorities, immigration officials, accommodation providers, or airline partners to secure necessary permits, reservations, or entry clearances. Inaccurate information may result in denied entry, permit problems, or service failures for which we cannot accept responsibility. Please review our Privacy Policy for comprehensive information about data handling practices.
Section 03
Payment Terms
3.1 Deposit Requirements
Confirmation of your booking requires payment of an initial deposit according to the following schedule:
- Safari Journeys: A deposit equal to thirty percent (30%) of the total journey cost secures your booking and becomes payable upon booking confirmation to reserve accommodations and services.
- Mountain Climbing Expeditions: A non-refundable deposit of one hundred United States dollars ($100) per climber is required at booking confirmation. This deposit covers initial permit processing and crew organisation that cannot be recovered if plans change.
- Beach Holidays and Combination Journeys: Deposit requirements follow the safari schedule of thirty percent (30%), unless the beach component includes flights or high-season bookings requiring a larger deposit as specified in your quotation.
3.2 Balance Payment Schedule
- Standard Bookings: Complete payment is due no later than forty (40) days before your scheduled arrival date in Tanzania or Kenya.
- Peak Season Bookings: For travel during July through October (Great Migration season) or December through February, complete payment may be required sixty (60) days before arrival, as specified in your booking confirmation.
- Late Bookings: Reservations made within thirty days of travel require full payment at the time of booking confirmation.
Important
Failure to complete payment by the specified due date may result in automatic cancellation of your booking, with applicable cancellation penalties deducted from any refund.
3.3 Payment Methods and Currencies
All pricing is quoted in United States dollars (USD) unless otherwise specified. We accept payment via the following methods:
- Bank Wire Transfer: Our banking details will be provided upon booking confirmation. All bank charges, transfer fees, and intermediary bank costs incurred in sending payments remain your responsibility. Payments must arrive as the full invoiced amount without deduction.
- Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express): A processing surcharge of three and one-half percent (3.5%) applies to credit card payments. This fee covers merchant processing costs and will be added to your invoice.
- Online Payment Platforms: Select platforms are accepted where specified. Applicable processing fees will be confirmed at the time of payment.
If you remit payment in a currency other than USD, you bear responsibility for exchange rate differences. Any shortfall due to unfavourable exchange rates must be settled before service commencement.
3.4 Price Adjustments
Once your booking is confirmed with deposit payment, the agreed price will not increase except where factors beyond our reasonable control necessitate adjustment. Such factors may include government-imposed increases to park fees, conservation levies, or tourism taxes announced after your booking confirmation.
If price increases exceeding five percent (5%) of the total booking value become necessary, you may cancel your booking with a full refund of all payments made. We will provide official documentation of any mandated increases and you must communicate your decision to cancel within fourteen (14) days of receiving increase notification.
Section 04
Modification Policies
4.1 Guest-Requested Changes
We accommodate reasonable modification requests where possible, subject to availability and any additional costs incurred.
- Minor Modifications: Changes to meal preferences, activity timing adjustments, or room configuration requests that do not affect confirmed reservations can typically be accommodated without additional charges.
- Date Changes: Requests to modify travel dates submitted more than sixty (60) days before original departure may be accommodated without penalties, subject to availability. Any rate differences between original and new dates will be reflected in adjusted invoicing.
- Itinerary Modifications: Requests to change destinations, accommodations, or activities after booking confirmation may incur modification fees if changes require rebooking with suppliers who charge change penalties. We will communicate any applicable fees before implementing requested changes.
- Administrative Fee: A modification fee of fifty United States dollars ($50) per change request may apply for processing alterations to confirmed bookings. This fee does not include any third-party charges incurred.
4.2 Company-Initiated Changes
Occasionally, circumstances beyond our control may require modifications to confirmed itineraries. Such circumstances may include accommodation closures, weather events, wildlife movements, safety considerations, or other operational factors.
Before Departure: If significant changes become necessary before your departure, we will notify you promptly and offer either comparable alternative arrangements or a full refund. Minor changes such as hotel substitutions with equivalent properties do not entitle cancellation with refund.
During Journey: Our guides and operations team may need to modify itineraries during your journey due to weather, road conditions, wildlife movements, or safety considerations. Such changes reflect professional judgment prioritising your safety and experience quality. No refunds apply for modifications made during journeys when caused by factors beyond our control.
Section 05
Cancellation Policy
5.1 Cancellation by Guest
The following cancellation schedule applies based on timing of written cancellation notice received by RYDER Signature:
Safari and Beach Holiday Cancellations
| Cancellation Notice Period | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| More than 70 days before departure | 10% of total booking value |
| 45 to 70 days before departure | 30% of total booking value |
| 30 to 44 days before departure | 50% of total booking value |
| 15 to 29 days before departure | 75% of total booking value |
| 14 days or less before departure / No-show | 100% of total booking value |
Mountain Climbing Cancellations
| Cancellation Notice Period | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| More than 45 days before departure | $100 non-refundable deposit only |
| 30 to 45 days before departure | 35% of total booking value |
| 15 to 29 days before departure | 60% of total booking value |
| 7 to 14 days before departure | 80% of total booking value |
| Less than 7 days before departure / No-show | 100% of total booking value |
5.2 Cancellation Fee Calculation
Cancellation fees compensate for non-recoverable costs incurred on your behalf, including accommodation deposits, permit fees, crew commitments, and vehicle reservations. Fees charged by our suppliers may exceed the percentages listed above in certain circumstances, particularly for premium accommodations or peak-season bookings. If supplier cancellation penalties exceed our standard schedule, the higher amount will apply. All bank fees and processing costs associated with refund transactions will be deducted from refunded amounts.
5.3 Voluntary Departure or Early Termination
If you voluntarily depart from a journey in progress, whether due to personal choice, illness, or circumstances within your control, no refunds apply for unused services. You bear responsibility for additional costs incurred including transportation to departure points, accommodation, and rebooking fees.
If our team determines your continuation poses safety risks to yourself or others, we may require your departure from the journey. No refunds apply in such circumstances, though we will assist with necessary arrangements.
5.4 Cancellation by RYDER Signature
In rare circumstances, we may need to cancel confirmed bookings due to minimum participation requirements, force majeure events, or safety concerns. If we cancel your booking, you may choose between a full refund of all payments or transfer to alternative dates without penalty. We will not cancel confirmed bookings to accommodate other travellers or for commercial convenience.
Section 06
Travel Documentation Requirements
6.1 Passport Requirements
Passports must remain valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended departure date from Tanzania or Kenya, and must contain at least two (2) blank pages for entry stamps and visas. You bear sole responsibility for ensuring valid travel documentation throughout your journey.
6.2 Visa Requirements
Most international travellers require visas for entry into Tanzania and Kenya. Visas may be obtained online through official immigration portals or upon arrival at major entry points. Visa fees are typically not included in our quotations unless explicitly stated.
While we provide general guidance regarding visa requirements, this information does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may change without notice and you bear responsibility for verifying current requirements with relevant embassies or consulates. RYDER Signature cannot accept liability for issues arising from inadequate documentation.
6.3 Health Documentation
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for travellers arriving from endemic countries and recommended for all travellers. You should consult healthcare professionals regarding recommended vaccinations well in advance of travel.
Any COVID-19 or other infectious disease entry requirements in effect at the time of travel must be verified and met before departure. Requirements may change with little notice and current information should be obtained from official government sources.
6.4 Documentation Failure
If you are denied entry into Tanzania, Kenya, or any transit country due to inadequate documentation, RYDER Signature bears no liability for resulting losses. No refunds will be provided for services unable to be rendered due to documentation failures. Any costs incurred by us due to your documentation failures may be charged to you.
Section 07
Health, Fitness, and Medical Considerations
7.1 Fitness Requirements
Certain RYDER Signature experiences require appropriate physical fitness for safe participation. Mountain climbing expeditions demand substantial cardiovascular fitness and the ability to walk for extended periods at high altitude. Walking safaris, canoe excursions, and certain activities involve physical exertion unsuited to all travellers.
You warrant that you are physically capable of participating in your booked activities. We strongly recommend consulting healthcare professionals regarding fitness for intended activities, particularly for travellers over sixty years of age, those with pre-existing conditions, or those undertaking high-altitude climbs.
7.2 Medical Disclosure
You must disclose any medical conditions, allergies, or disabilities that may affect your ability to participate safely in booked activities. Such disclosure must occur during the booking process to enable appropriate preparation and, where necessary, professional medical clearance. For Kilimanjaro climbs and certain other activities, we may require a signed medical clearance from a licensed healthcare provider. Failure to provide required clearances may result in booking cancellation. Provision of false or incomplete medical information may result in removal from activities without refund.
7.3 Dietary and Special Requirements
Please communicate dietary requirements, allergies, or other special needs at least thirty (30) days before arrival. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, gluten-free, and allergy-conscious meal preparation. We cannot guarantee that all requests can be fully accommodated at all locations, particularly in remote wilderness settings. No refunds apply for meals not consumed due to dietary preferences.
Section 08
Travel Insurance Requirements
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all RYDER Signature journeys without exception. We will not permit participation in any journey without confirmation of appropriate coverage.
8.1 Mandatory Coverage
Your insurance must provide adequate coverage for emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation, trip curtailment, personal belongings, and personal liability.
8.2 Coverage Specifications
For mountain climbing expeditions, your insurance must specifically cover high-altitude trekking to at least six thousand metres (6,000m) and helicopter evacuation. Many standard travel policies exclude high-altitude activities, requiring specialised adventure travel coverage.
Minimum recommended coverage levels include thirty thousand United States dollars ($30,000) for medical expenses and evacuation. We may request proof of adequate coverage before departure.
8.3 AMREF Flying Doctors Partnership
RYDER Signature is an official partner of AMREF Flying Doctors, providing emergency air evacuation capability across Tanzania and Kenya. This partnership supplements your personal travel insurance but does not replace it. All clients benefit from our AMREF relationship as an additional layer of safety assurance throughout their journey.
8.4 Insurance Claims
RYDER Signature will provide documentation to support insurance claims arising from covered events during your journey. We cannot guarantee claim outcomes, which remain subject to your insurer's assessment. We strongly recommend reviewing your policy terms and ensuring full understanding of coverage before travel.
Section 09
Limitation of Liability
9.1 Acknowledgment of Inherent Risks
You acknowledge that safari travel, mountain climbing, and adventure activities involve inherent risks that cannot be entirely eliminated. Such risks include wildlife encounters, challenging terrain, extreme weather, remote locations with limited medical facilities, altitude sickness, vehicular travel on unpaved roads, and other factors inherent to adventure travel.
By booking with RYDER Signature, you accept these inherent risks and release the Company from claims arising from events beyond our reasonable control. This acknowledgment applies to physical injury, illness, death, property damage, or other losses arising from inherent travel risks.
9.2 Third-Party Services
Certain journey elements are provided by independent third parties including accommodations, airlines, and specialised activity operators. Your relationship with such providers is governed by their own terms and conditions. RYDER Signature cannot accept liability for actions, omissions, or failures of independent service providers.
Claims relating to air travel are subject to relevant international conventions and airline conditions of carriage. Claims relating to accommodation are subject to property terms and applicable hospitality regulations.
9.3 Liability Cap
To the maximum extent permitted by law, RYDER Signature's total liability for any claims arising from your journey shall not exceed the total amount paid for your booking. We exclude liability for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages. This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory upon which claims are based.
Section 10
Guest Conduct and Responsibilities
10.1 Guide Authority
For your safety and the integrity of your journey, you must follow instructions provided by RYDER Signature guides and staff. The lead guide's decisions regarding safety and operational matters are final and binding during the journey.
If a guide determines that your physical condition, behaviour, or failure to follow instructions poses risk to yourself or others, they may require your withdrawal from activities or the journey itself. Removal for conduct or safety reasons does not entitle refunds.
10.2 Wildlife and Environment
You must comply with all park regulations and guide instructions regarding wildlife observation distances, noise levels, and environmental protection. Approaching wildlife on foot without guide authorisation, attempting to feed animals, or removing any natural materials is strictly prohibited.
Tanzania and Kenya maintain strict wildlife protection laws with severe penalties for violations. RYDER Signature will not intervene on behalf of guests who violate wildlife protection regulations.
10.3 Property Responsibility
You bear responsibility for any damage to RYDER Signature property, vehicles, equipment, or accommodation facilities caused by your actions or negligence. Costs for repair or replacement must be settled before departure from the region.
Section 11
Force Majeure
RYDER Signature shall not be liable for delays, modifications, or cancellations caused by events beyond our reasonable control. Such events include natural disasters, severe weather, epidemics or pandemics, war or civil unrest, terrorism, government actions or travel advisories, strikes or labour disputes, and other circumstances constituting force majeure.
In force majeure situations, we will make reasonable efforts to provide alternative arrangements or reschedule affected journeys. Refunds may not be possible for costs already incurred with third-party providers. We strongly recommend travel insurance that includes cover for cancellation due to unforeseen events.
Section 12
Intellectual Property and Media
12.1 Use of Images
During your journey, photographs, videos, and other media may be captured by RYDER Signature staff. By participating in our journeys, you consent to use of such imagery for promotional, marketing, and educational purposes without compensation. This consent extends to use on our website, social media channels, printed materials, and advertising.
If you prefer not to appear in promotional materials, please inform us by email at africa@rydersignature.com before your journey's commencement.
12.2 Company Materials
All itinerary documents, marketing materials, website content, and other materials provided by RYDER Signature remain our intellectual property. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without written permission is prohibited.
Section 13
Dispute Resolution and Governing Law
13.1 Governing Law
These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania. Any disputes arising from or relating to these terms or your journey shall be resolved under Tanzanian law.
13.2 Dispute Process
Before initiating formal proceedings, you agree to submit complaints in writing to RYDER Signature within thirty (30) days of journey completion. We will respond within fourteen (14) days and make good-faith efforts to resolve disputes amicably.
If informal resolution proves unsuccessful, disputes shall be submitted to arbitration in Arusha, Tanzania, under the rules of the Tanzania Institute of Arbitrators (TIArb). The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding on both parties.
Section 14
General Provisions
14.1 Entire Agreement
These terms, together with your confirmed itinerary and any supplementary terms provided in writing, constitute the entire agreement between you and RYDER Signature. No verbal representations or prior communications modify these terms unless confirmed in writing.
14.2 Severability
If any provision of these terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force. Unenforceable provisions shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to achieve enforceability while preserving original intent.
14.3 Waiver
Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute waiver of our right to enforce that or other provisions subsequently. Waivers are only effective if provided in writing by an authorised representative of RYDER Signature.
14.4 Assignment
You may not assign or transfer your booking without our written consent. RYDER Signature may assign its obligations to affiliated entities or successor companies without notice.
14.5 Modifications to These Terms
We reserve the right to modify these terms periodically. The version in effect at your booking confirmation date governs your specific journey unless we communicate changes and obtain your acknowledgment. We encourage reviewing current terms before each booking.
Contact Information
Booking and General Enquiries
Registered Office
RYDER Signature
Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania