Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Why Are Full Refunds Not Always Possible?
We are often asked why full refunds aren’t always feasible, especially if the trip hasn’t started yet. While we would love to refund every customer whose plans change, many expenses are incurred long before your arrival. These include payments to:
Hotels, Lodges, and Local Airlines:
We work with a variety of accommodation providers to ensure your comfort. While we can offer a 100% refund for bookings at our own properties—Brubru Lodge in Moshi and Aishi Machame Hotel in Hai—partner lodges and airlines have their own cancellation policies, which we must respect.Tanzania National Parks Authority:
Park entry fees for Mount Kilimanjaro and safari parks are paid 2–3 days before your tour begins. Unfortunately, these fees are non-refundable.Local Suppliers and Preparations:
Trips require fresh food, fuel, water, medications, and other supplies, which are procured and paid for in advance. These are essential for your safety and comfort during your adventure.
Moreover, our dedicated team invests significant time and effort in planning your trip, from managing bookings to preparing equipment. As a company committed to supporting local communities, we prioritize the job security of our Tanzanian team members, whose livelihoods depend on tourism.
Our Approach to Refunds and Flexibility
We strive to minimize risks for our customers. While our standard cancellation and refund terms are outlined below, we always evaluate each case individually. For extreme circumstances like severe illness, natural disasters, or other emergencies, we work with our partners to waive cancellation fees wherever possible.
Refund requests are reviewed and responded to within 72 hours.
Cancellation Fees
The refund amount depends on when you notify us about the cancellation:
- $100 deposit per person: Non-refundable but transferable to other dates.
- Standard cancellation fees for Kilimanjaro and safari packages:
- No fee if you cancel 60–90 days before the tour.
- 20% fee if you cancel 30–59 days before the tour.
- 40% fee if you cancel 8–29 days before the tour.
- No refund if you cancel within 7 days of the tour.
If partner lodges or airlines impose higher cancellation penalties than those listed, the refund will be adjusted accordingly. Bank fees for refund transfers are deducted from the final amount.
Lifetime Deposits
Instead of canceling, you can hold your deposit indefinitely and use it for a future trip with us. However, any price changes due to increased park fees or other costs will apply when you reschedule.
Rescheduling is usually more cost-effective than canceling, as many lodges and airlines are more flexible with deferrals. Please note, during peak seasons (mid-December to mid-March and early July to mid-October), cancellation penalties from accommodation providers and airlines may be higher, sometimes up to 50–80% of the total trip cost.
Travel Insurance: A Worthwhile Investment
We strongly recommend securing travel insurance with cancellation coverage. In the event of unforeseen issues, such as illness or flight cancellations, your insurance can cover financial losses. We will gladly provide documentation to support your claim.
Thank you for choosing Bush Lion Trekking and Tours. We are here to ensure your experience is unforgettable, even in the face of unexpected changes.
