Cancellation and Refund Policy
At Vela Safari, we understand that embarking on a Tanzania wildlife safari is a dream adventure for many travelers. However, planning such a trip involves significant investments, including tour costs, accommodations, park fees, and travel insurance. We recognize that unforeseen circumstances may arise, leading to cancellations or postponements.
This policy outlines our approach to cancellations and refunds, ensuring transparency while balancing the commitments we have to our partners, suppliers, and team.
Why Full Refunds Are Not Always Possible
Many travelers wonder why a full refund isn’t always feasible, especially if the trip hasn’t yet taken place. While we wish we could accommodate every last-minute change, several factors prevent us from offering full refunds in most cases:
Lodges, Camps & Local Airlines
Vela Safari works with partner lodges, tented camps, and local airlines that have their own cancellation policies.
Once bookings are confirmed, deposits or full payments are often non-refundable, especially during peak seasons (June-October & December-February).
If a trip is canceled, we must adhere to the policies of these third-party providers.
Tanzania National Parks & Conservation Fees
Park entry fees, concession fees, and permits (e.g., Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) must be paid in advance.
These fees are non-refundable once processed, as they are paid directly to the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).
Local Suppliers & Logistics
We secure fresh food, fuel, vehicle rentals, and guide services well in advance.
Many of these costs are pre-paid and cannot be recovered upon cancellation.
Our Team’s Commitment
From trip planners to safari guides, our team works diligently to prepare for your adventure.
We prioritize fair wages and job security for our Tanzanian staff, meaning some costs are incurred even if a trip is canceled.
Our Approach: Flexibility & Understanding
While we must enforce our cancellation policy, we strive to be as flexible and fair as possible. In cases of extreme circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies, natural disasters, or political unrest), we will work with our partners to minimize penalties or offer future travel credits.
Each cancellation request is evaluated individually, and we aim to respond within 72 hours.
Cancellation Fees & Refund Terms
For Safari Bookings:
Non-refundable deposit: $200 per person (transferable to future dates).
Cancellation timelines & refunds:
90+ days before departure: 90% refund (10% cancellation fee).
60-89 days before departure: 70% refund (30% cancellation fee).
30-59 days before departure: 40% refund (60% cancellation fee).
8-29 days before departure: 20% refund (80% cancellation fee).
0-7 days before departure: No refund.
Important Notes:
Peak season cancellations (June-October & December-February) may incur higher penalties due to lodge and airline policies.
If third-party penalties exceed our stated fees, the non-refundable amount may increase.
Bank fees for processing refunds will be deducted from the returned amount.
Rescheduling vs. Cancelling
Instead of canceling, we encourage rescheduling your safari to a later date.
✅ Lifetime Deposit Hold:
Your deposit remains valid indefinitely for future trips.
Price differences (due to future rate increases) will apply.
✅ No-Penalty Deferrals (Case-by-Case):
Lodges and airlines may allow postponement without penalty, depending on availability.
We will assist in rebooking your trip for new dates.
Travel Insurance: Highly Recommended
To protect against unforeseen cancellations, we strongly advise purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering:
✔ Trip cancellation/interruption
✔ Medical emergencies
✔ Flight delays/cancellations
We can provide documentation for insurance claims if needed.
Final Considerations
We value your trust in Vela Safari and are committed to making your Tanzanian adventure as seamless as possible. While some costs are unavoidable, we will always strive for fair and compassionate solutions in case of cancellations.
For any questions, please contact us