Booking Terms and Conditions
Read this agreement thoroughly and carefully before booking a trip with us.
It is a legally binding contract.
The terms and conditions set forth in this agreement (also referred to as “Terms”) constitute the entire understanding and agreement between you the trip participant (“Participant”) and Barking Zebra Travel LLC, a California corporation, DBA Barking Zebra Tours (“BZT,” “we,” or “us”) with respect to any and all bookings, reservations, tours or transactions made with BZT (“Tour” or “Tours”).
By booking a trip with us, paying a deposit or signing this agreement, you accept all of the terms in this agreement on your own behalf and on behalf of all persons listed on the booking, including any minor under your custody, care or control (“Minor” or “Child”) (also referred to individually as, “Traveler,” and collectively, “Travelers”), and direct us to perform services for each and every Traveler.
RESERVATIONS, ACCEPTANCE OF BOOKING, AND PAYMENTS: A booking is not accepted, and there is no contract for services between us, until the required deposit is paid and you receive written confirmation from us. We reserve the right to treat any reservation that is not fully paid according to the reservation and payment terms as a cancellation and subject to the cancellation terms below.
DEPOSIT: An appropriate non-refundable deposit of the total trip cost per person is required to confirm the booking. BZT will notify you of the deposit amount due at the time of your booking inquiry. This deposit is due within seven (7) days of making the reservation. Failure to remit your deposit on time will result in an automatic change of status of any confirmed space to a provisional basis and the possible inability to reinstate your reservation.
PAYMENT ADDRESS: The following forms of payment are accepted:
– Check payable to Barking Zebra Travel and mailed to our U.S. office (amount in U.S. Dollars)
Barking Zebra Travel, 27 W 60TH Street, Unit 20967, New York, NY 10023
– Wire transfer to our account at Barking Zebra Travel LLC, New York, NY 10023
We cannot confirm your reservation until your payment has cleared the bank. Checks returned by the bank will incur a returned check fee. You will be responsible for all bank transfer, payment and mail/delivery fees. If you wish to pay by wire transfer, contact us to make arrangements.
FINAL PAYMENT: Our prices are based on final payment by check or wire transfer. Credit cards are not accepted for final payment. You will be invoiced upon making a reservation and full payment is due 90 days prior to the first land day of the trip. If the balance has not been received by that date, BZT shall be entitled in its discretion to treat your reservation as canceled, and consequently to forfeit such part of the advance payment as determined solely by BZT. No client will be permitted on the Tour without payment in full being received by BZT.
LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS: Any reservation made within ninety (90) days of commencement of a Tour may be accepted provided space is available, payment in full is received, and provided that documents can be delivered prior to departure.
CANCELLATIONS BY YOU AND REFUNDS: To cancel your booking, you must submit your request to us in writing by email at info@barkingzebratours.com or postal mail at Barking Zebra Travel, 27 W 60TH Street, Unit 20967, New York, NY 10023. Cancellation fees will be applied per person according to the following schedule, based on the date we receive your written notification, not when you send it or notify us by phone.
At the time of cancellations, a full refund or credit will be made, less the following charges, deducted from the total land only package price (“package price”):
- 91 days before the arrival date: Cancellation fees equal the amount of the deposit
- 90 to 61 days before arrival date: 75% of the package price is non-refundable
- 60 days or less before arrival date: 100% of the package price is non-refundable
Please note that no partial refunds will be given for unused meals, hotel rooms, airport transfers etc., for any reason whatsoever. BZT is not responsible for expenses incurred by Travelers in preparing for the trip (e.g. non-refundable advance purchase air tickets, visa fees, equipment, etc.) or for any necessary additional travel arrangements.
“No Shows”: If you are a “no show”, BZT shall be entitled to treat your reservation as canceled without having given BZT any notice and subject to the above cancellation policy, meaning 100% of the total Tour price will be forfeited.
*IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING OTHER CANCELLATION COSTS: Cancellation and transfer schedules for some trips are more strict; consult your itinerary for any special cancellation terms, which also apply. Further, any non-refundable deposits made to third-party suppliers and third-party cancellation fees will be subtracted from any refunds due under this section.
No refunds will be provided for any unused portion of a tour once the tour begins, including if you leave a tour for any reason, miss the tour’s departure date, or have to be removed from a tour. There are no exceptions to this cancellation and refund policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, airline default, strikes, personal, family or medical emergencies or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this reason, we strongly suggest that you secure comprehensive trip cancellation and interruption insurance in order to participate on a Tour.
NO REFUNDS FOR PERSONAL EXPENSES: You will not be reimbursed for any personal expenses such as airfare, hotel or other travel expenses due to changes in itineraries or tour cancellations.
CHANGE REQUESTS AND FEES: If you request to change your tour dates or alter your itinerary any time after we confirm your booking, we will do our best (but are not required) to accommodate your request. If we are able to make such changes, a minimum change fee of $100 will apply and be added to your final invoice or invoiced separately if the final payment has already been made, although the fee could be higher. The type and scope of change dictates the total amount of the change fee. Our outside suppliers, including hotels, often impose additional fees or penalties for changes and cancellations. These will be included in the change fee and can be substantial. Change requests must be in writing.
CANCELLATIONS OR CHANGES BY US AND FLEXIBILITY: We reserve the right to cancel, alter or modify any tour without prior notice for the safety and/or comfort of clients and for circumstances of Force Majeure. BZT shall not be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to you, by reason of delay in performance, or by non-performance, of any of its obligations hereunder as a result of any cancellations, alterations or modifications under this section.
You acknowledge that the amenities, accommodations, transportation, route, schedule, and itinerary may change without prior notice due to local circumstances or events, which may include mechanical breakdown, flight cancellations, illness, strikes, political disputes, weather, border crossing problems, and other unforeseeable factors. If, prior to departure, we make a significant change because of a problem with a supplier (e.g., bankruptcy), we will, as soon as reasonably possible, notify you of available alternatives.
Any changes may require a supplemental payment from you or result in a refund less any cancellation fees and nonrefundable deposits. If we cancel, which is rare, a check for a full refund will be issued to you less any airline ticket cancellation fees, nonrefundable deposits advanced to local suppliers, and any other third party cancellation charges. This refund will constitute full settlement of claims you may have arising out of our cancellation. No refunds under this paragraph will be provided due to cancellations or changes due to Force Majeure, although BZT may, in its sole discretion, use reasonable endeavors to reimburse you where possible less the reasonable actual and potential costs to BZT of the Force Majeure.
Regarding civil unrest, once BZT has investigated the prevailing situation as it deems fit, it shall remain in the sole discretion of BZT whether to proceed with the trip. You may in such circumstances cancel the trip. However, if, after having made all reasonable and proper inquiries, BZT is of the opinion that the trip may proceed, no refund will be payable to you and the cancellation provisions of this agreement shall apply.
PRICE ADJUSTMENTS: Quoted trip prices are set far in advance of departure based on our projections of fuel, exchange rates, inflation, tariffs, government fees, airfares and other costs using available information. The price at booking is guaranteed under normal conditions. In the rare event that current costs create an unsustainable financial situation if we were to fully absorb the increases, we reserve the right to pass on these unexpected costs to you in whole or in part. If we do so and your trip price increases by more than 10% of the original tour cost excluding any insurance premiums, you may cancel the booking within 10 days’ notice of the surcharge and obtain a full refund less any non-refundable deposits to our suppliers except in the case of an increase in government taxes and park fees as discussed below. We will work with our suppliers to try and obtain any non-refundable deposits so that we can give you a full refund. We cannot guarantee such a result, though. We will give you advance written notice of any price increase and the reason for it. The surcharge must be paid no later than ten (10) days after we provide written notice to you. If the surcharge is not paid within such time, BZT shall construe such non-payment as an act of cancellation on your part and the cancellation policy set forth in this agreement shall apply, subject to the terms in this paragraph.
Rates used in the safaris are based on tariffs and exchange rates valid at the time of printing and advertising safaris. Should a rate vary against the U. S. Dollar by more than 3%, BZT reserves the right to recalculate the safari cost and apply the differential as a surcharge. Any refund made by BZT shall be in its absolute and sole discretion.
Foreign currency-based supplier rates in South Africa can fluctuate relative to the US dollar and may result in a price increase at the final invoice. Any airfare quotes are estimates only and are subject to change until tickets are issued. Unless otherwise specified, ticketed flights are non-refundable. Amendments to flights are subject to applicable change fees and any fare increase.
GOVERNMENT TAXES AND PARK FEES: Prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes of the destination country. Any increase in government taxes or park fees affecting the cost included in the Tour price will be passed through and paid for by the traveler. Any increase in the Tour price due to a government tax rate hike and park fees shall not be sufficient grounds for any refund of fees already paid for the Tour.
CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION FOR POST-BOOKING CHARGES: You authorize us to charge your credit card number for any change fees, price increases, or supplemental payments that you incur post-booking. If you prefer a different payment method, you must notify us in writing at the time of booking.
BAGGAGE LOSS: Temporary or permanent loss of baggage is the responsibility of you or the carrier. It is recommended that you obtain travel insurance for protection against baggage loss and delay.
FEES AND BAGGAGE LIMITATIONS ON BUSH FLIGHTS: For safety and because space is restricted, baggage in the charter aircrafts commonly used to transport travelers to and from safari camps is restricted to a maximum of 33 lbs. (15kg) per person in a soft bag. The cargo pod door measurements are: 14.5” x 27” (36 cm x 68 cm). If larger, it will not go through the cargo door. This limit includes camera equipment and carry-on luggage. Should a traveler arrive with excess luggage without prior notification, the luggage could be delayed and be an extra cost for the traveler. If you know in advance that your luggage will exceed the limit, we may be able to make arrangements to book an extra seat for these bags on your flight or on a later flight for an additional cost.
Check with your specific airline(s) for baggage fees and restrictions. Most domestic U.S. carriers and some international carriers charge for each piece of checked baggage. International flights often have weight restrictions for baggage, including checked bags and carry-ons, that are more limited than you may be accustomed to. You are responsible for your baggage and personal effects throughout the tour. Keep track of your belongings just as you would at home. All costs incurred for lost, misplaced, damaged or delayed baggage are at owner’s expense.
COVID-19: As a result of the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), governments and travel suppliers (including airlines, hotels, restaurants, guides and tourist attractions) have implemented health, safety, hygiene, security and other measures to be followed before, during and after your trip (collectively, the “Covid Measures”). As a result of Covid-19 and/or the Covid Measures, you and other travelers may experience, without limitation, (i) extended wait-times and other travel delays; (ii) shortening, prolonging, or cancelling your trip or trip excursions, not gaining entry to your destination country or certain tourist attractions, and/or returning home unexpectedly; and (iii) unexpected costs associated with Covid-19 testing and other Covid Measures, hospital stays, medical treatments, cancellations or change charges relating to your trip excursions, early cancellation or extended trip charges, as well as in-destination and home-country quarantine protocols. Because Covid Measures change day-to-day and from country to country, the preceding risks and costs associated with Covid-19 and the Covid Measures are not intended to be exhaustive.
FORCE MAJEURE: BZT will not be deemed in breach of this agreement or otherwise liable to you, by reason of delay in performance or nonperformance of any of its obligations under this agreement to the extent that any such delay or nonperformance is due to any Force Majeure. “Force Majeure” means any circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including without limitation acts of God, terrorist activities, insurrection, explosion, flood, tempest, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, sabotage, civil disturbance, labor strikes, requisition, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions, and unforeseen circumstances. If we and any of our Suppliers are affected by Force Majeure, we and our Suppliers shall be entitled to, and may in our sole discretion, vary or cancel any itinerary or arrangement in relation to the tour. Regarding civil unrest, once we have investigated the prevailing situation, as we deem fit, it shall remain in our sole and absolute discretion whether to proceed with the tour.
If BZT is affected by Force Majeure, BZT, if practicable, will notify you of the nature and extent thereof.
TRAVEL INSURANCE/PROTECTION: The tour price does not include travel insurance. Barking Zebra Travel strongly suggests that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance including medical coverage through a provider of your choice, covering medical, accident/life, evacuation, and repatriation, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury occurring to you, as well as any dependents and traveling companions for the duration of your Tour. We also strongly recommend that you extend your coverage to include trip interruption and cancellation, curtailment, loss of belongings and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience. We will take no responsibility for any costs for loss of personal luggage, money, and goods, medical expenses, theft, damage or cancellation or curtailment of the adventure. You will be charged directly by the relevant service provider for any emergency services you may require.
PRE-DEPARTURE DOCUMENTATION: It is important that you carefully read all trip-related documents that you receive from us as soon as you receive them. It is your responsibility to contact us if any information is incorrect. We cannot accept any liability if you do not notify us of any inaccuracies within 45 days of your receipt of those documents. This agreement, our release and waiver of liability and assumption of risk and indemnity agreement, and, if required, a medical statement or certification must be signed and submitted by you. If you fail to submit these and other necessary documentation prior to departure, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you and impose the cancellation fees described in this agreement.
PASSPORT, VISAS, VACCINATIONS AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: You are responsible for ensuring that all necessary travel documents are valid and effective and in your possession for the entire tour. Passports are required for all citizens traveling abroad and should be valid for at least 6 months after your date of return. We suggest you apply for or renew a passport early. Visas, permits, vaccination certificates, international driving license, and other documents may be required. You assume complete and full responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements and required documentation. Any required inoculations must be recorded by the traveler’s health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate, which the traveler must carry in his/her possession throughout the tour. You are also solely responsible for any adverse consequences, including additional costs and fees, resulting from incomplete or defective documentation. While we may provide information or advice on matters such as visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, and special equipment in good faith as a courtesy to you, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions as to the information provided.
+For information concerning possible dangers at an international destination, contact the government office in your country that is responsible for issuing travel advisories. In the U.S., contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department, 1-888-407-4747, http://www.travel.state.gov/ . U.S. citizens may register for the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service, at https://step.state.gov/step/.
Anti-malaria precautions and altitude medication should be commenced according your doctor’s instructions. Please consult your physician for more details. Safari clients should bring their own insect repellant.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS, MEDICAL CARE AND SPECIAL NEEDS: Our tours are physically active, with varying levels of demands and fitness requirements depending on the specific itinerary. By signing this agreement, you represent that you do not have any physical or other conditions that would create a hazard for you or other participants or affect other people’s enjoyment of the tour. If you have a physical condition, dietary restrictions, or other conditions (pre-existing medical) that will require special attention during the tour, you must inform us in writing when the booking is made. We may require a medical certificate if you have a special condition. We reserve the right in our sole discretion to accept, decline, or remove anyone from a tour (at departure or during the tour) who we judge to be incapable of meeting the tour’s physical demands for his or her own safety.
It is your sole responsibility to take all appropriate medical advice prior to departure as to whether or not you are fit enough to undertake the trip booked.
We assume no responsibility for any medical care provided to you. You agree to assume all costs of medical care and related transportation that are provided to you during the tour.
DENIAL OF PARTICIPATION: You shall comply with instructions of any representative of BZT, the trekking and/or safari guide or local ground operator at all times. We reserve the right to deny participation in the trip to any traveler at any time before or during the trip that we, in our sole discretion, judge to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of the trip activities, or whose actions or deportment we judge unsuitable for group travel. No client shall be accepted or be permitted to continue on a Tour while their status or mental or physical condition is, in the opinion of BZT, trekking and/or safari guide or local ground operator, such as to render them incapable of caring for themselves or make themselves objectionable to other Travelers or become a hazard to themselves or other Travelers. Any costs resulting from being removed from a trip or being declined participation in a trip is at your expense.
COMPLAINT PROCEDURE: If you have any cause for complaint while on your Tour, you must immediately bring it to the attention of the local representative of BZT or agent, who will attempt to resolve the situation. Failure to do so while you are on the tour will extinguish or reduce your ability to claim compensation from BZT. Further, if you attempt to address the problem on your own without using this notice procedure, you assume responsibility for any added costs you may incur and forfeit any potential refunds.
If you are not satisfied after using this notice procedure, you must submit your complaint in writing to BZT within 30 days of the Tour’s end date.
TOUR DEPARTURE/COMMENCEMENT DATE: It is your responsibility to be ready to embark on the tour as specified in the itinerary. We are not responsible for any losses due to cancelled or missed flights.
COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL LAWS AND TOUR ETIQUETTE: You must strictly comply with all local laws, respect local customs and culture, accurately assess your abilities, respect other trip members’ privacy, and follow the suggestions and advice of any assigned guide. The decision of the local guide or local supplier is final on all matters that may threaten the safety or interfere with the well-being of others. During the tour, the local guide/supplier has the right in their sole discretion to remove anyone who they determine to detract from others’ enjoyment of the tour.
WILD ANIMALS: Please be aware that our safaris may take you into close contact with wild animals. BZT cannot be held responsible for any injury or incident on the Tour. Please note that the majority of the safari camps are not fenced and wildlife moves freely in and around the camps. Always follow the safety instructions from the camp staff.
IMAGES RELEASE: You agree that BZT may use, re-use and reproduce any images, photos or videos that you send to us, or that are taken by our guides and/or other travelers of you individually or in a group, in any medium, including but not limited to print, electronic media, or Internet, free of charge and without your right to inspection, for promoting and publicizing our travel products and services worldwide. If you do not want us to use any images of you that are taken by us or other participants during the tour, you must inform us or your tour leader in writing before the start of the tour.
INFORMATION IN BROCHURES / ELECTRONIC ADVERTISEMENTS: All information given in any brochure or otherwise advertised, (including electronic advertisements on the Internet) is, to the best of BZT’s knowledge, correct, but BZT cannot guarantee that all such information is accurate. Further, BZT reserves the right to change such information before any Tour. The photographs reproduced and information provided depict typical scenes experienced and details on each destination. However, the depicted or described subject matter may not necessarily be seen or experienced while visiting that destination as conditions and itineraries may change, be adjusted, etc. as explained these terms.
LIMITATION OF REMEDIES: You agree that the sole remedy for any default by BZT arising under this agreement shall be the return of the paid tour cost, to the extent consistent with applicable law. To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, BZT shall not be liable for any special, consequential, indirect, incidental or other damages arising out of or in any way connected to this agreement, including lost profits, whether such damages arise in contract, negligence, tort, under statute, in equity, at law, or otherwise, even if BZT has been advised of the possibility of such damages. You expressly waive any right you may have to recover such damages.
SEVERABILITY: If any provision of this agreement shall be unenforceable or invalid under any applicable law, such unenforceability or invalidity shall not render the agreement unenforceable or invalid as a whole.
Such unenforceable provision will be replaced with one that is valid and enforceable, and which achieves, to the extent possible, the original objectives and intent of the original provision.
SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS: This agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon BZT and you and your respective heirs, legal and personal representatives, successors and assigns.
UPDATING OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS: We reserve the right to update or alter these Terms at any time. Any amendment will take effect seven days after being posted to our website or immediately upon notice to you in writing by email or mail. An up to date hard copy of these Terms will be sent to you upon your written request. You are deemed to have accepted any amendments to these Terms on the date that is seven days after their posting on our website. We recommend that you refer to these Terms prior to travel to familiarize yourself with the most up to date version available on our website. https://barkingzebratours.com/bzt-s-bc
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS: In addition, we shall not be liable for (a) expenses such as additional hotel nights and meals not specified in the individual trip itineraries, but which may be required to get to or from a trip start or end; (b) expenses due to the delay of a trip for any reason (e.g., bad weather, trail conditions, landslides, flooding, sickness, etc.); and (c) expenses incurred in recovering luggage lost by airlines, belongings left behind on a trip, or in shipping purchases or other goods home from abroad.
BINDING ARBITRATION: I agree that any dispute concerning, relating to, or referencing this agreement, or any other literature concerning my trip or the trip itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association in New York, New York. Such proceedings shall be governed by substantive New York law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or part of this contract is void or voidable.
MERGER: This agreement is the final, complete and exclusive statement of the parties’ agreement on the matters contained in this agreement. It supersedes all previous negotiations and agreements.