Terms and Conditions
At a Glance
The following is a summary of our core policies. Please ensure you read the full Terms & Conditions below before completing your booking.
- Payment Structure: A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your boutique accommodations and local permits. Final balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellation Policy: We operate a strict refund schedule. Cancellations made 120+ days out allow for a future trip credit (minus deposit). Within 90 days, all funds are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Mandatory Insurance: To protect your investment, comprehensive travel insurance is required for all travelers. This is your primary protection for health emergencies or unexpected cancellations.
- Wildlife & Safety: You will be entering wild, unpredictable habitats. You are legally required to follow all instructions from your guide and lodge staff. Nuru Voyages assumes no liability for risks taken outside of these protocols or for inherent wildlife dangers.
- Itinerary Flexibility: Africa is dynamic. While we curate every detail, we reserve the right to adjust boutique hotels or routes due to local conditions to ensure the highest standard of safety and experience.
- Conduct: To maintain the “Nuru Standard” for all guests, we reserve the right to remove any traveler whose behavior compromises the safety or harmony of the voyage.
Full Terms & Conditions
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the contractual relationship between you (“Client,” “you,” or “traveler”) and Nuru Voyages, an American-owned and operated travel agency based in Virginia, United States (“Nuru Voyages,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By submitting a booking request, paying a deposit, or participating in any journey arranged by Nuru Voyages, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms.
If a booking is made on behalf of multiple travelers, the primary booking contact represents and warrants that they have the authority to accept these Terms on behalf of all individuals listed on the booking, including minors.
1. BOOKINGS, DEPOSITS & PAYMENT TERMS
Booking Confirmation
A booking is confirmed once Nuru Voyages receives the required deposit and issues written confirmation via email.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total trip cost is required to secure your reservation.
Final Payment
The remaining balance is due no later than 90 days prior to departure, unless otherwise stated in writing.
Late or Missed Payments
Failure to remit payment within seven (7) days of the due date may result in cancellation of the booking at Nuru Voyages’ discretion, with forfeiture of all funds paid.
Payment Fees
Nuru Voyages is not responsible for bank fees, credit card processing fees, currency conversion charges, or other third-party transaction costs.
2. ITINERARIES, FLEXIBILITY & CHANGES
Travel in East Africa often requires flexibility. By booking with Nuru Voyages, you acknowledge that:
- Published itineraries are guidelines, not guarantees.
- Routes, accommodations, schedules, or activities may change due to weather, safety, operational requirements, wildlife movements, political conditions, or other unforeseeable circumstances.
Material Changes
A “Material Change” is defined as a modification affecting more than one-third (⅓) of the land itinerary.
If a Material Change occurs, we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible. You may elect to:
- Accept the revised itinerary
- Transfer to an alternative trip (subject to availability)
- Cancel and receive a refund of the recoverable land portion only, excluding non-recoverable supplier costs and deposits
3. PRICING, SURCHARGES & CURRENCY
All prices are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise stated.
Nuru Voyages reserves the right to impose surcharges up to 30 days before departure due to:
- Fuel or transportation cost increases
- Government taxes, park fees, or regulatory changes
- Currency fluctuations or supplier cost increases
If a surcharge exceeds 7% of the total trip price, you may cancel without penalty.
4. MEDICAL FITNESS & DISCLOSURE
Travelers are responsible for assessing their physical and mental fitness for travel.
- You must consult a physician regarding vaccinations, medications, and travel readiness.
- You must disclose in writing any medical condition, pregnancy, disability, or limitation that could impact your participation.
You acknowledge that:
- Medical facilities in remote regions may be limited
- Nuru Voyages makes no warranties regarding medical care standards
- Failure to disclose relevant conditions may result in removal from the trip without refund
5. TRAVELER CONDUCT & AUTHORITY ON TOUR
At all times, the authority of Nuru Voyages guides, partners, and representatives is final regarding safety and operational decisions.
Nuru Voyages reserves the right to terminate participation without refund if a traveler’s behavior:
- Endangers others
- Disrupts group harmony
- Violates local laws or cultural norms
Any costs related to early termination are the traveler’s responsibility.
6. WILDLIFE, SAFETY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Travel in wildlife areas involves inherent risks.
By participating, you:
- Acknowledge and accept these risks
- Agree to follow all safety instructions from guides, rangers, and staff
- Release Nuru Voyages from liability related to wildlife encounters or failure to follow safety protocols
7. CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY (BY CLIENT)
All cancellations must be submitted in writing.
- 120+ days prior to departure:
Payments may be transferred to a future trip, less the 30% deposit and a $250 administrative fee - 91–119 days prior:
50% of the trip cost is forfeited; remaining balance issued as future credit - 90 days or less:
100% of trip cost is non-refundable and non-transferable
8. UNUSED SERVICES
No refunds or credits are provided for missed or unused services, including voluntary departure, late arrival, or early exit from the trip.
9. THIRD-PARTY SUPPLIERS & LIABILITY LIMITATION
Nuru Voyages acts as an agent for independent suppliers including hotels, lodges, transport operators, and guides.
We are not responsible for:
- Acts or omissions of third-party suppliers
- Mechanical failures, delays, or force majeure events
Our liability, if any, shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Client for the land portion of the trip.
10. FORCE MAJEURE
Nuru Voyages is not liable for delays, cancellations, or losses caused by events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:
- Natural disasters
- Political unrest
- Pandemics
- Government restrictions
- Weather conditions
Refunds in such cases are limited to recoverable supplier funds only.
11. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Travelers are responsible for:
- Valid passports (minimum 6 months validity)
- Required visas, permits, and vaccinations
- Compliance with entry and exit requirements
Failure to obtain proper documentation is not grounds for refund.
12. INSURANCE (MANDATORY)
All travelers must obtain travel insurance covering:
- Emergency medical care
- Medical evacuation and repatriation (minimum USD $200,000)
Proof of insurance may be required prior to departure.
13. PHOTOGRAPHY & MARKETING CONSENT
You consent to the use of photographs or videos taken during your journey for marketing, promotional, or editorial purposes without compensation.
14. PRIVACY
Personal information is collected solely to administer travel services and is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
15. GOVERNING LAW
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States. Any disputes shall be resolved in Virginia courts.
16. AMENDMENTS
Nuru Voyages reserves the right to update these Terms. Updated versions will be posted on our website and take effect seven (7) days after posting.