Payment Conditions:
Deposit:
• A 30% deposit is required to secure booking unless expressly stated otherwise in the invoice from Rutsoka Travels.
Installments:
• Balance may be settled in equal monthly installments and paid in full at least 30 days ahead of travel.
Single Supplement:
• Solo travelers occupying a room alone may be subject to a single supplement charge as specified in the booking invoice.
• Single supplement also covers private transfers for solo travelers for airport pickups/drop-offs and certain excursions where shared transfers are not available.
• Single supplement charges are non-refundable once accommodation has been confirmed.
Accepted Payment Methods:
• International payments shall be made via online payment links generated by Rutsoka Travels and/or intermediary international banks as provided for in official correspondence with Rutsoka Travels.
Cancellation Policy: In the event bookings have to be cancelled, our refund policy depends on how much in advance you make the cancellation and is as follows:
• +90 days – 90% refund
• 61-90 days – 75% refund
• 31-60 days – 50% refund
• 15-30 days – 25% refund
• Less than 15 days – 0% refund
Pricing Terms:
• Prices are subject to seasonal fluctuations with peak periods attracting a premium.
• Prices are subject to review from time to time to reflect changes in taxes, government levies, and other costs.
• Prices exclude parks and conservation fees unless expressly stated otherwise in the invoice from Rutsoka Travels.
Visa & Entry Requirements:
• Travelers are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining valid passports, visas, and meeting all entry requirements for destinations included in their itinerary.
• Rutsoka Travels can provide guidance and information regarding visa requirements but is not responsible for visa denials, entry refusals, or any costs incurred due to inadequate travel documentation.
• Travelers must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended return date.
Luggage & Baggage:
• Each traveler is permitted one checked bag (maximum 20kg) and one carry-on (maximum 7kg).
• Excess baggage fees are the responsibility of the traveler.
• Rutsoka Travels is not liable for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage during flights or transfers.
• Travelers are advised to keep valuables, medications, and essential documents in carry-on luggage.
Punctuality & Timekeeping:
• All travelers must arrive at designated meeting points at the specified time. Late arrivals may result in missed activities without refund.
• Departures operate on a fixed schedule. Rutsoka Travels reserves the right to depart without travelers who fail to arrive on time.
• Travelers who miss scheduled departures due to personal delays are responsible for their own transportation to rejoin the tour at their own expense.
Code of Conduct & Behavior:
• Travelers are expected to conduct themselves respectfully toward fellow travelers, guides, staff, and local communities.
• Disruptive, abusive, or illegal behavior will not be tolerated.
• Rutsoka Travels reserves the right to remove any traveler from the tour immediately if their behavior:
- Endangers the safety or well-being of others
- Disrupts the experience of others
- Violates local laws or customs
• In such cases, no refund will be issued, and the traveler is responsible for all costs associated with their early departure and return home.
Health & Fitness Requirements:
• Travelers must disclose any medical conditions, dietary restrictions, or mobility limitations at the time of booking.
• Certain activities may require a reasonable level of fitness. Travelers are responsible for ensuring they meet activity requirements.
• Rutsoka Travels reserves the right to exclude travelers from specific activities if safety concerns arise, without refund for that activity.
Special Requests & Dietary Requirements:
• Special requests, including dietary requirements, accessibility needs, and accommodation preferences, must be communicated at the time of booking or at least 30 days prior to departure.
• Rutsoka Travels will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special requests but cannot guarantee fulfillment in all cases.
• Failure to communicate special requirements in advance may result in inability to accommodate such requests during the tour.
Age Restrictions:
• Certain tours and activities may have minimum age requirements for safety reasons, as specified in the tour description.
• Travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Parents or guardians are responsible for the supervision and behavior of minors throughout the tour.
Tipping Policy:
• Tips for guides, drivers, and hospitality staff are not included in the tour price unless expressly stated otherwise.
• Tipping is at the traveler’s discretion and should reflect the quality of service received.
• Suggested tipping guidelines will be provided in pre-departure materials.
Travel Insurance:
• Comprehensive travel insurance (including medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage coverage) is highly recommended for all travelers.
• In countries where travel insurance is compulsory, obtaining adequate coverage is the responsibility of the traveler.
• Rutsoka Travels is not liable for costs arising from medical emergencies, trip interruptions, or cancellations not covered by insurance.
Itinerary Changes:
• While every effort is made to adhere to the published itinerary, Rutsoka Travels reserves the right to modify routes, accommodations, or activities due to weather, safety concerns, or circumstances beyond our control.
• Travelers will be notified of significant changes as soon as possible.
• No refunds will be issued for minor itinerary adjustments or force majeure events.
Force Majeure:
• Rutsoka Travels is not liable for failure to perform its obligations due to events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, extreme weather, pandemics, epidemics, political unrest, civil disturbances, strikes, war, terrorism, or government restrictions.
• In the event of force majeure, Rutsoka Travels will make reasonable efforts to provide alternative arrangements or reschedule the tour.
• Refunds in force majeure situations will be limited to recoverable costs from suppliers. Rutsoka Travels is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by travelers due to force majeure events.
Liability & Responsibility:
• Travelers participate in all activities at their own risk.
• Rutsoka Travels acts as an intermediary and is not liable for the acts, errors, or omissions of third-party service providers (airlines, hotels, activity operators).
• Travelers are responsible for ensuring they have valid passports, visas, and required vaccinations.
Communication & Complaints:
• Travelers who experience issues or concerns during the tour should immediately bring them to the attention of the tour guide or Rutsoka Travels representative so that corrective action can be taken.
• Formal complaints must be submitted in writing to Rutsoka Travels within 14 days of tour completion.
• Rutsoka Travels will investigate all complaints and respond within 30 days of receipt.
• Complaints raised after the 14-day period may not be considered.
Photography & Media:
• Rutsoka Travels may capture photos and videos during tours for marketing purposes.
• By participating, travelers consent to the use of their likeness in promotional materials unless they opt out in writing prior to departure.
ADDITIONAL TERMS FOR CURATED GROUP EXPEDITIONS:
The following terms apply exclusively to group bookings:
• Group expeditions are shared experiences, and travelers are expected to be flexible, patient, and considerate of others in the group.
• The group operates on a collective schedule, and individual preferences cannot always be accommodated.
• Private requests or deviations from the group itinerary may incur additional costs and are subject to availability.
• Group dynamics require cooperation and mutual respect to ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants.
• Travelers wishing to share accommodation may request to be paired with another traveler of the same gender, subject to availability.
• Disruptive or unruly behavior that negatively impacts the group experience may result in immediate removal from the expedition without refund, with the traveler responsible for all costs associated with their early departure.
Governing Law:
This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The Republic of Zimbabwe, and any disputes arising from or related to this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Zimbabwe.