Terms and Conditions
Take a look at the booking terms and conditions from The Safari Edit. The Safari Edit offers both ATOL and ABTOT protection.
The Safari Edit is a trading name for Letaba Sales & Marketing Ltd, Caledonia House, 89 Seaward Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G41 1HJ.
Terms and conditions updated on 2 February 2026
A booking with The Safari Edit will exist as soon as we issue our ‘Booking Confirmation’. This will be issued after receiving your deposit and confirming every element of your trip to Africa, which can take several days. Your booking is made on the terms of these booking conditions, and in agreeing to them you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these booking conditions.
At the time of booking, you are required to pay a deposit of between 10 and 30% of the total booking cost, depending on the requirements of the lodges or suppliers. The full amount will be required if your departure date falls within 70 days. In certain cases, additional upfront payments may be necessary on top of the standard deposit. For example, this may apply to international flights, gorilla trekking permits, or specific bookings during peak holiday periods. If an additional deposit is required, we will notify you before you confirm your trip with us, though from time to time, additional deposit amounts may be required after confirmation. The remaining balance of the booking cost must then be settled no later than 70 days before your departure unless required sooner by the supplier.
Failure to pay the deposit and/or balance by the specified deadlines may result in the cancellation of your travel arrangements, and we will retain the deposit as per our terms. Should your payment be delayed, we will issue a reminder; however, if the payment remains outstanding, we will unfortunately have no choice but to cancel your trip.
Illness and Disability
If anyone in your group has a disability or medical condition, it’s essential to inform us before making a booking. The Safari Edit is always ready to offer advice and help you find a holiday that caters to your needs. However, many of our destinations are remote and may lack basic facilities like wheelchair ramps or elevators. Most trips also require a reasonable level of physical fitness, and medical services might be limited, especially while on safari.
To provide the best possible assistance, please supply us with detailed written information about any medical conditions or special requirements prior to booking.
Air Travel Considerations
Travelling by air can pose challenges for individuals with circulatory or respiratory issues, such as deep vein thrombosis. Those with high blood pressure or breathing difficulties should avoid high-altitude destinations. You should seek medical advice from your doctor before confirming your booking and well ahead of your trip.
Passports and Visas
All travellers require a valid 10-year passport, with at least six months’ validity remaining after your return date. Some destinations also have visa requirements. It’s your responsibility to check with the relevant Embassy or Consulate and obtain any necessary documentation required for your trip in advance. Additionally, consult your doctor or a vaccination centre for advice on health precautions, including vaccinations, before you travel. Children must also travel with a full passport.
Should you or anyone in your group fail to travel due to missing or incorrect documents, The Safari Edit will not be liable for any refunds or compensation.
Special Requests
If you have specific requirements, such as dietary needs, preferred room arrangements, or flight seating that are an important factor in the choice of your trip, you must notify us before booking. We’ll communicate these requests to the relevant hotel or airline, but we cannot guarantee that they will be fulfilled. For dietary requests on flights, it’s best to confirm directly with the airline once tickets have been issued. Unless we confirm a request in writing, it will not form a contractual obligation.
Booking Terms
When you make a booking with The Safari Edit, you’re confirming that you and your group accept our terms and conditions. All contracts are governed by Scottish law and jurisdiction. Airlines may require full passenger details, including first names, titles, and surnames as shown on passports, so we will collect this information at the time of booking.
Upon receiving your confirmation document, please review it carefully and contact us immediately if there are any errors. If your booking is made through a travel agent, they will handle communications on your behalf.
Your Holiday Price
Fuel costs can fluctuate significantly, and airlines often impose fuel surcharges with little notice. Other factors such as transportation costs, taxes, and exchange rates may also impact the price of your holiday after booking.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all trips booked with The Safari Edit. This should include adequate medical coverage tailored to your needs. If you plan to participate in independent activities such as water sports, ballooning, or hiking, it’s your responsibility to ensure your insurance covers these. Keep your insurance details handy while travelling for peace of mind.
Accuracy of Information
We carefully review the details of all holidays we offer. However, itineraries may change due to unforeseen factors like weather conditions or local circumstances. This could mean some advertised facilities are unavailable or altered. If we become aware of significant or long-term changes, we will make every effort to inform you before departure.
Building and Development Work
Hotels and resorts are often under development or renovation, sometimes with little or no prior notice. While The Safari Edit has no control over such work, we aim to ensure you’re aware of any significant construction or refurbishment happening during your stay. General renovations are often necessary to maintain standards. If we are informed of any building activity that might impact your trip, we’ll notify you as soon as possible.
Flights and Aircraft
Long-haul flights can be tiring, particularly in economy class. If comfort is a priority, consider upgrading to a premium cabin. For those travelling in economy, we recommend checking in early to increase the likelihood of securing preferred seats. While in some cases The Safari Edit can request specific seats on your behalf, charges may apply, and we cannot guarantee that these will be available at the time of departure.
Additionally, airlines may change the type of aircraft or partner with another airline through code-sharing agreements without prior notice. Such changes are not considered significant alterations, and we may not be able to inform you in advance. Flight schedules and days of operation are also subject to change, and minor timing adjustments will be reflected on your tickets. In the event of a major change, such as a reduction in your holiday duration, we will offer you a refund for the applicable costs.
Changes to Your Holiday
While we strive to provide all the services confirmed at the time of booking, adjustments may occasionally be necessary due to factors beyond our control. These could involve changes by independent suppliers like airlines, hotels, or local operators. Minor changes are generally unavoidable, but if a significant alteration occurs—such as a downgrade in accommodation or a substantial flight schedule change—The Safari Edit will inform you or your agent as soon as possible. On occasions, changes do have to be made, and we reserve the right to make these.
In such cases, we will offer three options:
- Accepting an alternative holiday of equal or higher quality at no additional cost.
- Accepting a lower-quality alternative with a refund of the price difference.
- Cancelling your holiday and receiving a full refund.
We will not be liable to pay any refunds or compensation if changes arise due to unforeseen circumstances that as a result of unusual or unforeseen situations outside of our control or the control of suppliers; including but not limited to technical transport issues, flight cancellations or rescheduling, natural disasters, war or threat of war, epidemics or outbreaks of illness, terrorist activity, civil unrest, or adverse weather conditions.
FCO Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice Unit issues advice on various aspects of travelling to specific countries, we encourage you to review the latest FCO travel advice at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. If you choose not to travel based on this advice, standard cancellation policies will apply. If The Safari Edit reasonably concludes that it’s necessary to cancel your trip due to specific safety warnings, we will act accordingly. However, in all other situations, it’s your decision whether to proceed with your holiday. Please note that travelling against FCO advice may render your insurance invalid.
While on Holiday
It’s important to be aware that hygiene standards in some destinations, particularly in developing regions, may be lower than in the UK or Europe. Take extra precautions, especially for children, pregnant women, and older travellers.
Safari and Adventure Activities
Safaris and adventure activities like walking, canoeing, and horseback riding can bring you into close close with wildlife, whose behaviour can be unpredictable. The Safari Edit works with qualified guides to minimise risks, but in confirming your holiday you must accept that some level of personal risk is inherent in such experiences. Following the instructions of your guide is essential at all times.
Activities such as hot-air ballooning, scuba diving, and white-water rafting are often organised by independent local operators. These activities are not included in our packages unless specified, and participation is at your own risk. Operators may require you to sign a waiver or complete a lesson beforehand. Safety equipment must always be used, and participants must comply with reasonable instructions given by the organiser of the activity. Participants must be over 18 and physically fit enough to take part.
Flight Delays
If your flight is delayed, The Safari Edit will do its best to make arrangements for your comfort where possible. However, arrangements depend on factors like the length of the delay and local accommodation availability. Unfortunately, hotels do not provide refunds for unused accommodation as rooms are held for delayed arrivals. In case of delays, refer to your travel insurance policy, which may offer compensation.
Accommodation in Tropical Destinations
In tropical regions, insects such as cockroaches are common, part of the ecosystem and should not be seen as a sign of poor hygiene. As with household spiders they can and do make their way into hotel rooms in these regions and should not cause alarm when insignificant in number. On occasions other insects and small creatures may find their way into rooms and common areas, if you have any concerns, advise your guide, reception, or a member of staff as soon as possible and where safe to do so. Additionally, views from rooms may sometimes be obstructed by rapidly growing vegetation like palm trees. These are natural aspects of such climates and destinations.
Complaints While Traveling
If you experience an issue during your holiday, it’s important to inform your local representative, agent, or hotel immediately. They’ll make every effort to resolve the problem. It is unreasonable to take no action whilst on holiday, but then to write a letter of complaint upon return. Waiting to report the issue may hinder investigations or remedial actions, so addressing concerns while on-site is essential.
Complaints After Returning
Should a problem remain unresolved during your trip, please submit a written complaint to The Safari Edit within 28 days of your return. Be sure to include your booking number and daytime contact details. Please also include details of whom you raised your initial complaint with while in resort and what was done to help resolve your complaint. We will investigate thoroughly and aim to respond within 28 days of receiving your correspondence.
Prices and Itinerary Accuracy
The prices and information featured in our marketing materials, website, and/or quotations are subject to change and may differ by the time you book your holiday. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of all published details, itineraries and quotes at the time of printing or when the information is provided to you, occasional errors may occur. As such, it is your responsibility to verify all aspects of your chosen holiday, including the price, with us at the time of booking to ensure complete accuracy.
Cancelling your holiday
Should you wish to amend any part of your holiday arrangements after the confirmation has been issued, we will make every effort to accommodate your request, though this may not always be feasible. All change requests must be submitted in writing by the person who made the original booking or their travel agent. Where changes can be made, an administration fee of £50 per booking will apply, along with any additional costs incurred as a result of the amendments. Please be aware that scheduled airlines typically treat name changes and date amendments as a cancellation and rebooking, which may result in a 100% cancellation charge for the airfare. Additionally, while extras can be added subject to availability, changes cannot be made within 28 days of your departure date.
If you or anyone else within your party chooses to cancel the holiday you must notify us as soon as possible in writing. Any notification by telephone must also be confirmed in writing within 24 hours for the cancellation to proceed. Cancellation will take effect on the first day that the written confirmation has been received by The Safari Edit. On notification of cancellation, the following scale of charges will be payable:
70 days or more before departure: deposit forfeited
69-50 days before departure: 50% of the itinerary cost
49 – 0 days before departure: 100% of the itinerary cost
After your booking has been confirmed, should you wish to make any changes to your itinerary, we will make every effort to accommodate your requests based on availability. However, an administration fee of £50 will be charged on top of any additional costs incurred due to the changes.
Your Conduct
You agree to conduct yourself responsibly and in a manner that does not cause, or is unlikely to cause, distress, harm, or disruption to other clients, third parties, or property. Should we, or our employees, agents, or suppliers, determine that your behaviour is inappropriate, we reserve the right to terminate your booking. In such circumstances, we and the service providers will have no further contractual obligations, including covering additional expenses, issuing refunds or compensation, or arranging your return travel. By booking with us, you accept full responsibility for any damage or loss you cause. Payment for such damages or losses (reasonably estimated where the exact amount is unknown) must be made directly to the accommodation provider, manager, or relevant supplier at the time. If the actual cost of the damage or loss differs from the estimated amount, you will be responsible for settling any additional charges or receiving a refund for any overpayment. Failure to resolve these matters may result in legal claims being made against you, for which you will be liable, including covering all associated legal costs for both parties.
Assistance During Your Holiday
If you encounter difficulties during your holiday, we will provide reasonable assistance, including offering relevant information on health services, local authorities, and consular support, as well as helping you arrange alternative travel or communicate over long distances, if applicable. Should the difficulty arise due to your own negligence, we reserve the right to charge a reasonable fee for this assistance, which will not exceed the actual costs incurred by us.
Force Majeure
The Safari Edit shall not be liable for any failure to perform its obligations under these terms if such failure is caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, civil or political unrest, natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics or strikes.
Insurance
Ensure you check with your medical insurance provider and take out specialised travel insurance. Many camps and regions offer emergency air evacuation services and basic medical care, but these may need to be cleared with your insurer beforehand.
All guests must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical expenses, evacuation, repatriation and personal loss or damage to belongings. The Safari Edit accepts no liability for any of the above.
Indemnity and Safety
You may be travelling to remote areas, so always take common sense precautions. You may be asked to sign an indemnity form upon arrival. Follow the advice of your guides, particularly regarding wildlife, and avoid wandering off or leaving your tent without permission, especially at night.
Additional Costs and Park Fees
Any additional costs, such as park fees, will either be communicated to you in advance or included in your itinerary.
ABTOT
Your Financial Protection.
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under its ATOL Franchise and The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Letaba Sales and Marketing Limited, ATOL number 12672, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following:
- non-flight packages;
- flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK, which are sold to customers outside of the UK; and
- flight inclusive packages, flight only and linked travel arrangements (LTAs) sold as a principal under the ABTOT ATOL Franchise.
ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if you are abroad. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Letaba Sales and Marketing Limited.
In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call ABTOT’s 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.
You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/634/contents/made
When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us, you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
The price of our ATOL-protected flight inclusive Packages includes the amount of £2.50 per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices.
We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate or holiday itinerary, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate or itinerary (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder or supplier may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder or supplier will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder or supplier. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder or supplier, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under ABTOT.
If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate or holiday itinerary, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder, alternative supplier or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, ABTOT Limited may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under its scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to ABTOT Limited any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ABTOT ATOL Franchise scheme.
Some of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This brochure shows you the protection that applies in the case of each holiday and travel service offered. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each holiday and travel service offered before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate, then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk”
For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk or the ABTOT website https://www.abtot.com/
Dealing with Complaints
If, despite our best efforts and having followed the above procedure for reporting and resolving your complaint, you feel that it has not been satisfactorily settled, we recommend that it is referred for arbitration under the ABTOT Travel Industry Arbitration Service. An Independent Arbitrator will review the documents relating to any complaint and deliver a binding decision to bring the matter to a close. A fee is payable by each party when an application for arbitration is submitted.
Details of this scheme are available from The Travel Industry Arbitration Service, administered by:
Dispute Settlement Services
9 Savill Road
Lindfield
West Sussex
RH16 2NY
E-mail: admin@disputesettlementservices.co.uk
This scheme cannot however decide in cases where the sums claimed exceed £5,000 per person or £10,000 per booking form, or not solely or mainly in respect of physical injury or illness or the consequences of such injury or illness, or solely or mainly in respect of a discrimination claim or any claim under the Equality Act.
For more helpful advice, including visa information, vaccinations, and what to pack for your safari, visit our FAQs page or check out our blog.