Terms of Service

Terms and Conditions
Goldfinch Adventures - Last Updated: 3rd August, 2025

1. Scope & Contract Acceptance

By booking with Goldfinch Adventures (“the Company”), the client accepts these Terms and Conditions as binding. They govern the relationship between the client (or group leader) and the Company.

2. Booking a Tour

a) Booking Process

Bookings are made individually, usually through direct communication. Once you’ve contacted us and we’ve agreed on the travel dates and itinerary, we will send you the payment details. Upon receipt of your deposit, we’ll send you a written confirmation of your booking.

You’ll then receive a form to provide relevant travel details (e.g. arrival flight times, dietary requirements). Only requests submitted via this form will be considered contractually binding. Requests shared informally or prior to the form submission are not part of the agreement.

The Company reserves the right to decline bookings at any point prior to confirmation, without stating a reason.

b) Price Guarantee

Once the deposit is received, the quoted prices are guaranteed – with the following exceptions:

• Estimated surcharges for long-term bookings (over 12 months in advance): the final surcharge may not exceed double the estimated increase.

• Government taxes & fees (e.g. national park fees) are subject to change and must be borne by the client.

• Fuel surcharges may apply in case of sharp increases in fuel prices.

• Significant pricing errors entitle the Company to correct or cancel the booking.

• Exchange rate fluctuations may result in extra costs, also to be covered by the client.

3. Payment Terms

Payment Schedule

• Camping Safaris: 10% deposit

• Lodge Safaris: 30% deposit 

• Tailor-made tours: 10–70% deposit, depending on the package

The remaining balance is due upon arrival (cash preferred). We accept bank transfers, credit cards, or online payment (e.g. PesaPal). All payments must be made to Tanzanian business accounts only.

Group bookings: individual participants may pay separately, but all booking-related communication and financial responsibility remains with the group leader.

Proof of Payment & Fees

Please email us a copy of your payment confirmation. Any transaction fees (e.g. 3.5% for card payments) are the client’s responsibility.

Currencies

Our offers are in USD, EUR, or TZS. We prefer cash payments in USD, but EUR is also accepted. Bank transfers can be made in any of these currencies to our Tanzanian account.

4. Modifications to the Travel Program

a) Changes by the Company

Goldfinch Adventures reserves the right to modify the itinerary if necessary due to:

• Flight delays, weather, strikes, or political events

• Provider issues or operational requirements

• Accommodation or service unavailability

Any additional costs incurred (e.g. rebooking, meals, accommodation) must be covered by the client. A comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Minor changes (not grounds for cancellation):

• Replacing up to two lodges with equivalent ones

• Adjusting the order or number of nights per accommodation

• Changing transport providers

Pricing implications:

If the change results in a lower price → the difference will be refunded. If higher → your approval is required. If not granted, we’ll absorb the cost.

Example: Instead of visiting parks A→B→C, it may be operationally preferable to start with C.

Booking errors that would have been reasonably noticeable to the group leader must be accepted. Errors that were not reasonably noticeable will be corrected or the booking may be declined.

If a double booking or allocation error prevents a stay as originally confirmed, our liability is limited to the amount paid for that specific segment.

b) Changes by the Client

Post-booking changes (especially those affecting the itinerary) may incur an administrative fee. Additions such as more participants or activities are usually free of charge.

Cancellation of specific elements is treated as a partial cancellation and subject to standard conditions.

5. Cancellations

a) Cancellation by the Client

• Less than 10 days before departure: No refund

• More than 10 days before departure: Refund possible, except for lodge-related costs, which depend on the accommodation’s cancellation policy

• Bank fees are always deducted from the refund​

Exceptions:

In verifiable emergencies, refunds may be granted at the Company’s discretion.

No refunds are given for missed tour components. However, rebooking to another person or date is usually possible.

Credit Notes: During low season, we may offer credit notes instead of refunds for the deposit.

b) Cancellation by the Company

If a provider fails to deliver as agreed (e.g. mobile camps banned, overbooking), we will seek alternatives or consult with you for further solutions.

In cases of force majeure (e.g. terrorism, natural disasters), the trip may be cancelled. In this case, we will refund all payments made for land arrangements. No further claims will be accepted.

Important: The Company does not cover indirect costs, such as visa fees, vaccinations, or nonrefundable flights.

6. Insurance

We insist that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking. It should cover:

• Cancellation or interruption

• Medical emergencies and hospital care

• Emergency evacuation and repatriation

• Loss or theft of luggage or valuables

• Death-related expenses

• High-risk activities (e.g. scuba diving, horse riding, water sports)

Note: Many standard policies exclude such adventure activities – please check your policy carefully.

Our tip: Arrange insurance immediately upon booking and ensure it covers the full travel period.

7. Fitness & Behaviour

The Company reserves the right to exclude any participant whose behaviour poses a risk or serious disturbance to others, or involves illegal activity – without refund.

Clients must inform us in advance of any medical conditions or mobility limitations. If we or a service provider believe that a participant is not fit to join the tour, we reserve the right to refuse participation – again without refund.

In summary:

In cases of unfitness or misconduct, our obligations cease, full cancellation fees apply, and we accept no liability.

8. Issues During the Trip

If any issues arise, please report them immediately to us, your guide, or our local partners. Complaints raised only after the trip cannot be considered.

Please keep documentation such as:

• Photos or receipts

• Written confirmations from providers

• Direct statements from those involved

9. Liability & Limitations

General Disclaimer

Goldfinch Adventures, its staff, partners, or subcontractors are not liable for:

• Injuries, losses, illnesses, or death

• Travel delays, schedule changes, missed connections

• Overbookings or accommodation unavailability

• Errors or negligence by third-party providers

• Wild or domestic animal attacks

• Epidemics or health risks

• Inadequate medical treatment or lack of evacuation

• Natural disasters, strikes, severe weather

• Terrorism, war, quarantines, or acts of God

• Theft, fraud, crime, or damages beyond our control

• Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage

This applies even if the issue stems from third-party actions – whether negligent or not.

We also decline responsibility for:

• Behaviour in public spaces (e.g. markets, airports)

• Damages or losses caused by unaffiliated third parties

• Third-party services not covered by our contract (e.g. hotel extras, external excursions)​

10. Legal Framework & Regional Differences

All services are subject to the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania, even if these differ from those in your home country.

Regional Travel Standards

Please note:

• Car seats for children are not legally required in Tanzania and may not be available

• Safety or hygiene standards common in Western countries may not apply

• Infrastructural conditions (e.g. road quality) may differ greatly

Such differences do not constitute a defect and do not justify refunds or complaints.

11. Wildlife Sightings

Safaris take place in open, wild environments where animals roam freely. Sightings depend on:

• Season

• Weather

• Animal movement patterns

• Vegetation and water availability

Our guides strive to show you amazing wildlife – but no specific sightings are guaranteed, especially for rare or elusive species like leopards or rhinos. Lack of sightings does not justify refunds.

12. Third-Party Activities

Optional activities not arranged by Goldfinch Adventures (e.g. hot air balloon rides, village visits) are:

• Offered by external providers

• Not part of your travel contract, even if we assist with booking

• Subject to the provider’s own terms & conditions

We accept no liability for the execution, cancellation, or consequences of such activities.

If any such activities are essential to your decision, please let us know before booking.

13. Transfers & Last-Minute Bookings

If transfers (e.g. flights, boat rides) are cancelled or delayed, we will adapt the itinerary where possible – without accepting liability for consequential losses.

Clients are required to confirm departure times and meeting points directly with providers in advance.

Bookings made less than 7 days prior to travel are considered at the client’s own risk.

14. Information & Room Requests

We are not responsible for damages caused by incorrect, incomplete, or missing information provided during planning or booking.

We aim to honour specific room requests (e.g. view, layout), but cannot guarantee them.

In the event of double bookings or allocation issues, our liability is limited to the amount paid for the affected segment.

15. Third-Party Terms

Many travel services (e.g. transport, lodging, excursions) are provided by independent third parties.

Their Terms & Conditions:

• Form part of your contract with them

• May limit or exclude their liability

• Often refer to international travel conventions

Upon request, we’ll provide copies of relevant terms.

16. Client Protection

• Financial Security: All booked services are prepaid. Your booking remains valid even in the event of insolvency. Company profits are held in a separate account until after your return.

• Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance at the time of booking. It should at minimum cover illness, accident, trip interruption, and loss of luggage. The choice and conclusion of insurance remain the customer’s responsibility.

• Additional Safety – AMREF Flying Doctors: For travel to East Africa, we recommend a membership with AMREF Flying Doctors. This service provides rapid medical evacuation in emergencies but does not replace
  travel insurance.

17. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

All agreements with the Company are governed exclusively by the laws of Tanzania. All disputes shall be resolved by Tanzanian courts.

18. Fraudulent Inquiries

Inquiries made under false pretences (e.g. from competitors, suppliers, or their affiliates) will be treated as fraudulent.

We reserve the right to pursue legal action and claim damages for:

• Lost time and resources

• Competitive advantages gained from confidential data

19. Definitions

"Company"

Goldfinch Adventures – a company registered in Tanzania.

Office address: P.O. Box 14770, Arusha, Tanzania

Phone: +255 673 337 026

Email: info@goldfinch-adventures.com

"Group Leader"

The first person named on the booking documents is considered the group leader. They are the main point of contact and responsible for:

• Providing all relevant information in a timely manner

• Handling all payments

• Covering any cancellation fees

• Forwarding booking-related details to other travelers​

"Contract"

Refers to the binding booking agreement between the Company and the group leader. The term may also appear as "booking" or "trip" throughout these Terms.

Final Note

These Terms & Conditions are valid from 3rd August, 2025 and supersede all previous versions. Last updated: 3rd August, 2025.