Terms & Conditions
Last updated: March 2026
1. About These Terms
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern all bookings and services provided by Rafiki Tours ("we", "us", "our"). By making a booking with us, you ("the Guest", "you") confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.
2. Bookings and Confirmation
2.1 A booking is considered confirmed once we have received the required deposit payment and sent you a written confirmation via WhatsApp or email. 2.2 By making a booking, you confirm that all information provided (including the number of guests, any special requirements, and contact details) is accurate and complete. 2.3 The person making the booking accepts these Terms on behalf of all guests included in the booking and is responsible for communicating these Terms to them.
3. Pricing and Payment
3.1 All prices are quoted in Euros (EUR). Where payment is made in a different currency, the exchange rate used will be the rate displayed on Google on the day before the tour. 3.2 A deposit of 20% of the total tour price is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. 3.3 The remaining balance is due before or on the day of the tour, unless otherwise agreed in writing. 3.4 We accept payment via credit/debit card (processed through Stripe), bank transfer, and cash. Accepted cash currencies and any applicable payment processing fees will be communicated at the time of booking. 3.5 Prices include all activities, equipment (snorkeling gear, life jackets), entrance fees, meals, and hotel transfers as described in the tour listing, unless stated otherwise. 3.6 We reserve the right to adjust prices at any time. However, confirmed bookings will be honoured at the price agreed upon at the time of booking.
4. Cancellation by the Guest
4.1 Zanzibar Tours (day tours and packages on Zanzibar): You may cancel or change your booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time of your tour. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour start time are non-refundable. 4.2 Safaris (mainland day trips and multi-day safaris): You may cancel or change your booking free of charge up to 48 hours before the scheduled start time of your safari. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the safari start time are non-refundable. 4.3 To cancel or change a booking, please contact us via WhatsApp or email. 4.4 Refunds for eligible cancellations will be processed within 14 business days using the original payment method. Any third-party transaction fees incurred during the refund process are the responsibility of the Guest.
5. Cancellation or Changes by Rafiki Tours
5.1 Weather and Safety: We reserve the right to cancel, reschedule, or modify any tour if weather conditions, sea conditions, or other safety concerns make it unsafe to proceed. In such cases, we will offer you the choice of an alternative date, an alternative tour of equal value, or a full refund. 5.2 General Cancellation Right: Rafiki Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour at any time and for any reason. In such cases, all payments made by the Guest will be refunded in full. 5.3 Itinerary Modifications: We reserve the right to modify tour itineraries, routes, or specific activities at any time due to weather, tidal conditions, wildlife behaviour, local regulations, or other circumstances beyond our control. Such modifications do not entitle the Guest to a refund, provided the overall experience remains substantially similar to what was booked. 5.4 Minimum Group Size: Certain tours may require a minimum number of participants. If the minimum is not met, we will notify you in advance and offer an alternative date, an alternative tour, or a full refund.
6. Third-Party Providers
6.1 Rafiki Tours acts as a booking agent and coordinator for third-party service providers, including but not limited to tour guides, drivers, boat captains, boat operators, flight carriers, and local facilitators. These providers are independent contractors and not employees or agents of Rafiki Tours. 6.2 Rafiki Tours is not liable for any loss, injury, illness, death, damage, delay, or expense caused by or arising from the acts, omissions, negligence, or default of any third-party provider. 6.3 Any claims arising from the services of third-party providers must be directed to the relevant provider. Rafiki Tours will, where reasonably possible, assist the Guest in pursuing such claims.
7. Liability and Assumption of Risk
7.1 Our tours involve outdoor and water-based activities including but not limited to boat trips, snorkeling, swimming in open water, and wildlife encounters. These activities carry inherent risks. By participating, you acknowledge and voluntarily accept these risks. 7.2 Wildlife encounters, including dolphin sightings, are not guaranteed. The behaviour and presence of wild animals is beyond our control and the absence of wildlife during a tour does not entitle the Guest to a refund. 7.3 Rafiki Tours, its owners, employees, and affiliated guides shall not be held liable for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, or expense arising from participation in our tours, except where caused by our proven negligence. 7.4 We are not liable for loss or damage to personal belongings during any tour. Guests are advised to leave valuables at their accommodation and to bring only what is necessary. 7.5 Our guides reserve the right to refuse participation or remove any Guest from a tour if their behaviour poses a risk to themselves, other guests, staff, wildlife, or the environment. No refund will be issued in such cases.
8. Health and Fitness
8.1 Guests are responsible for ensuring they are in adequate physical health to participate in the activities included in their booked tour. 8.2 You must disclose any medical conditions, disabilities, allergies, pregnancy, or other health concerns that may affect your ability to safely participate at the time of booking or, at the latest, before the tour begins. 8.3 Rafiki Tours reserves the right to refuse participation to any Guest if, in the reasonable judgment of our staff, participation could endanger the health or safety of the Guest or others. In such cases, a full refund will be offered. 8.4 Guests are responsible for arranging their own travel and health insurance. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal belongings.
9. Photography and Media
9.1 By participating in our tours, you grant Rafiki Tours permission to take photographs and videos during the tour and to use this material for marketing, promotional, and editorial purposes, including but not limited to our website, social media channels, and printed materials. 9.2 If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please inform your guide at the beginning of the tour. 9.3 No compensation will be provided for the use of such images or recordings.
10. Guest Conduct
10.1 Guests are expected to behave respectfully toward fellow guests, staff, local communities, wildlife, and the natural environment at all times. 10.2 Guests must follow all instructions given by tour guides, boat captains, and other staff, particularly regarding safety procedures. 10.3 Guests must comply with all local laws and regulations, including those related to marine parks, national parks, and protected areas. 10.4 The consumption of illegal substances is strictly prohibited during all tours. Rafiki Tours reserves the right to remove any Guest who is visibly intoxicated or under the influence of substances if their condition poses a safety risk.
11. Force Majeure
Rafiki Tours shall not be held liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations where such failure or delay results from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, severe weather, pandemics, government restrictions, political unrest, strikes, or transportation disruptions. In such cases, we will work with you to reschedule or provide a refund where possible.
12. Communication
12.1 Our primary communication channels are WhatsApp (+255 776 537 823) and email. All booking confirmations, changes, and cancellations should be made through these channels. 12.2 We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.
13. Privacy
13.1 Personal information collected during the booking process (name, contact details, hotel information, health disclosures) is used solely for the purpose of providing our services and will not be shared with third parties except where necessary to operate your tour (e.g., sharing pickup details with drivers). 13.2 For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy on our website.
14. Governing Law and Disputes
14.1 These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania. 14.2 In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter amicably through direct communication. If a resolution cannot be reached, the dispute shall be submitted to the competent courts in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
15. Changes to These Terms
Rafiki Tours reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. The most current version will be available on our website at https://rafiki-tours.com. Changes do not apply retroactively to bookings already confirmed under a previous version of these Terms. By booking a tour with Rafiki Tours, you confirm that you have read and agree to these Terms and Conditions. For any questions regarding these Terms, please contact us: WhatsApp: +255 776 537 823 E-Mail: info@rafiki-tours.com