GREY JOY SAFARI ADVENTURES

We understand that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or embarking on a Tanzania wildlife safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers. These adventures require a significant investment, including international flights, safari or trekking costs, accommodation, park fees, and travel insurance. As such, cancellations and refunds are an important concern, as unexpected situations may arise that require a trip to be canceled or postponed.

 

Why full refunds are not always possible

Guests often ask why a full refund is not always possible if the tour has not yet taken place. While we genuinely wish we could refund every guest whose plans change unexpectedly, the reality is that your journey involves many independent parties beyond Grey Joy Safari Adventures.

To ensure smooth operations and guaranteed availability, we make advance payments to several essential service providers well before your arrival in Tanzania, including but not limited to:

 

Hotels, lodges, and local airlines

Most safari and trekking itineraries involve accommodations operated by our trusted partner lodges and camps, each with their own cancellation policies. Once reservations are confirmed, these partners often impose penalties for cancellations, especially during peak seasons.
The same applies to local airlines providing domestic flights between mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar, and remote national parks, where tickets are frequently non-refundable once issued.

 

Tanzania National Parks Authorities

All national parks, including Mount Kilimanjaro and safari parks, require advance payment of entrance, conservation, camping, and crew fees. These fees are typically paid several days prior to the tour start date and are strictly non-refundable once submitted to the authorities.

 

Food supplies and operational logistics

Each expedition requires advance procurement of fresh food supplies (including perishable items), fuel, bottled water, medical kits, and other essential consumables sourced from local suppliers. These costs are incurred before your tour begins and cannot be recovered once purchased.

 

Our team and local workforce

Behind every successful safari or mountain climb is a dedicated team of Tanzanian professionals. From travel consultants and reservation staff to guides, porters, drivers, chefs, and logistics teams, many hours of preparation go into planning and delivering your experience.
At Grey Joy Safari Adventures, supporting sustainable employment and community livelihoods is a core value. We are committed to protecting the welfare and job security of our local team, whose families depend on tourism.

For these reasons, Grey Joy Safari Adventures must follow a structured cancellation policy to balance fairness to our guests with our financial obligations and ethical responsibilities.

 

Our commitment to flexibility and support

While the terms below represent our standard policy, we always strive to be as flexible and supportive as possible. Each cancellation request is reviewed individually, and we work closely with our partner lodges and service providers to minimize penalties whenever feasible.

In extreme and documented circumstances—such as serious illness, death, natural disasters, or war in the departure country—we make every reasonable effort to secure maximum refunds, which may include a full refund where possible.

Once a cancellation request is received, we immediately notify our partners and evaluate the case. A decision regarding refunds is typically made within 72 hours or less.

 

Cancellation fees

Refund amounts depend on the date we receive your written cancellation request.

Kilimanjaro climbs and safari tours

The following cancellation and refund terms apply to all Kilimanjaro climbing packages and safari adventures unless otherwise specified in your booking agreement:

• 10% cancellation fee if canceled more than 90 days before tour start
• 30% cancellation fee if canceled 60–89 days before tour start
• 60% cancellation fee if canceled 30–59 days before tour start
• 80% cancellation fee if canceled 8–29 days before tour start
• No refund if canceled 0–7 days before tour start

Please note:
If penalties charged by lodges, airlines, or other suppliers exceed the percentages above, the non-refundable amount will be increased accordingly.
Any bank or transaction fees incurred during the refund process will be deducted from the refunded amount.

 

Lifetime deposits and rescheduling options

Instead of canceling your tour, you may choose to retain your deposit indefinitely and use it toward any future trip with Grey Joy Safari Adventures.
Please note that future price increases—such as higher park fees or operational costs—may apply, and any difference will be payable at the time of your rescheduled tour.

Rescheduling is often more favorable than cancellation. In many cases, partner lodges and airlines are more willing to allow date changes with reduced or no penalties. While we will advocate on your behalf, final decisions regarding penalty-free deferrals remain at the discretion of the respective service providers.

 

Peak season considerations

Cancellations made on short notice during peak seasons—mid-December to mid-March and early July to mid-October—are more likely to incur higher accommodation and flight penalties.
While this does not necessarily mean forfeiting the full tour cost, accommodation and flight charges can account for a significant portion of the total price, sometimes resulting in penalties of 50–80%. Any remaining balance will be credited to your account where applicable.

 

Travel insurance recommendation

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and flight disruptions. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, your insurance provider can reimburse eligible losses.
Grey Joy Safari Adventures will provide all necessary documentation to support your insurance claims.