Terms & Conditions
Last Updated: April 2026
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern all travel services designed and arranged by Twende Travel LLC ("Twende Travel," "we," "us," or "our"). By submitting a booking inquiry, submitting any payment, or signing a Client Booking Agreement, you ("Client") agree to be bound by these Terms in full on behalf of yourself and all travelers in your party. No signed document is required for these Terms to become binding once payment is received.
If you do not agree to these Terms, do not submit payment or proceed with a booking.
1. ABOUT TWENDE TRAVEL
Twende Travel LLC is a Florida-registered travel design company specializing in custom private journeys across East and Southern Africa, including Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.
Twende Travel operates exclusively as a travel design intermediary. We design, curate, and coordinate bespoke itineraries by contracting with independent, locally licensed safari operators, lodges, camps, guides, airlines, and other third-party service providers (collectively, "Suppliers"). Twende Travel does not own, operate, supervise, or control any vehicle, vessel, aircraft, lodge, camp, guide service, or other ground operation. Twende Travel acts as agent for the Client in arranging third-party services and does not act as agent for any Supplier.
Client payments are made directly to Twende Travel LLC. Our professional fee is incorporated into the total trip cost and is not itemized separately. Twende Travel collects client funds and remits payment to Suppliers on the Client's behalf.
2. TRIP TYPES AND SERVICES
Twende Travel designs private, custom trips only. We do not operate scheduled group departures. Trip size typically ranges from one to ten travelers, though larger private groups can be accommodated.
Destinations currently offered include Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.
Activities arranged by Twende Travel may include, but are not limited to: safari game drives, walking safaris, boat safaris, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, cultural visits, domestic bush flights, hot air balloon safaris, snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking or trekking including Kilimanjaro climbs. All activities are operated by independent Suppliers.
3. BOOKINGS AND PAYMENTS
3.1 Confirmation
A booking is not confirmed until Twende Travel has received a signed Client Booking Agreement and the required deposit. Availability of all Suppliers is confirmed in writing by Twende Travel at that time.
3.2 Payment as Acceptance
Submission of any payment to Twende Travel LLC — including a deposit or any subsequent payment — constitutes full and unconditional acceptance of these Terms and Conditions and the Client Booking Agreement. This acceptance is binding regardless of whether a separate signed document has been executed.
3.3 Standard Payment Schedule
— 20% deposit: due at time of booking confirmation (non-refundable)
— 30% interim payment: due 120 days before departure (non-refundable)
— 50% final payment: due 60 days before departure (non-refundable)
3.4 Late Bookings
Bookings confirmed between 61 and 120 days before departure require a 50% deposit at confirmation, with the remaining 50% due 60 days before departure. Bookings confirmed within 60 days of departure require payment in full at time of confirmation.
3.5 Currency and Method
All amounts are quoted and charged in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise agreed in writing. Accepted payment methods will be communicated at time of booking.
3.6 International Airfare
Trip pricing does not include international airfare unless explicitly stated in the written itinerary. Clients are responsible for booking their own long-haul international flights. Twende Travel may assist with domestic and regional flights within Africa as part of the itinerary.
4. CANCELLATION POLICY
All payments are non-refundable as a general rule, as Twende Travel commits funds to Suppliers upon booking. The following cancellation fees apply to the total trip cost:
— More than 120 days before departure: 20% cancellation fee (initial deposit forfeited)
— 119 to 60 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee
— 59 to 30 days before departure: 75% cancellation fee
— Less than 30 days before departure: 100% cancellation fee — no refund issued
The only exception: cancellations received in writing between 30 and 59 days before departure are eligible for a 25% cash refund of the total trip cost, issued within 30 days of written notice.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to Twende Travel. The cancellation date is the date written notice is received by Twende Travel.
No Refund for Unused Services. No refunds will be provided for any unused portion of a trip, including but not limited to missed accommodations, activities, meals, transportation, or other services, regardless of the reason — including voluntary changes by the Client, missed flights, illness, injury, early departure, or travel disruptions of any kind.
5. FORCE MAJEURE AND NON-REFUNDABLE DISRUPTIONS
Twende Travel does not provide refunds or credits for trip disruptions caused by weather, natural disasters, political instability, government travel advisories, airline strikes, border closures, pandemic declarations, acts of war, civil unrest, or any other event beyond our reasonable control (collectively, "Force Majeure Events").
Twende Travel's obligations under these Terms are suspended to the extent they are prevented or delayed by a Force Majeure Event. In such circumstances, Twende Travel will make reasonable efforts to assist clients but shall have no financial liability for losses arising from Force Majeure Events.
Clients are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance at the time of deposit to protect against these risks.
6. ITINERARY CHANGES
Twende Travel confirms all Supplier bookings in advance and designs each itinerary with care. However, itineraries are subject to change due to weather, wildlife movement, road or air access limitations, Supplier operational changes, or government regulations.
In the event of a necessary change, Twende Travel will make every reasonable effort to substitute comparable accommodations or activities of equal or greater value. Lodge and camp bookings are confirmed; in rare circumstances beyond our control, a substitution of comparable standard may be required.
Twende Travel makes no warranties or guarantees regarding travel conditions, Supplier performance, weather, wildlife sightings, safety conditions, or the overall travel experience. All itineraries are subject to the realities of operating in remote wilderness environments. Twende Travel is not liable for costs, losses, or inconveniences arising from itinerary changes necessitated by circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
The Client acknowledges that they are not relying on any oral or written representations, promises, or guarantees outside of those expressly stated in these Terms and the written itinerary confirmed by Twende Travel. Any statements made during the inquiry or planning process that are not reflected in the written itinerary are not binding on Twende Travel.
7. THIRD-PARTY SUPPLIERS AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Twende Travel acts solely as a travel design intermediary. All Suppliers — including safari operators, lodges, camps, guides, domestic airlines, and boat operators — are independent contractors over whom Twende Travel exercises no operational control.
TWENDE TRAVEL LLC SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INJURY, ILLNESS, DEATH, LOSS, DAMAGE, ACCIDENT, DELAY, OR EXPENSE ARISING FROM: (A) THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF ANY SUPPLIER; (B) MECHANICAL FAILURE OF ANY VEHICLE, VESSEL, OR AIRCRAFT; (C) FORCE MAJEURE EVENTS; OR (D) THE CLIENT'S OWN ACTIONS OR NEGLIGENCE.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Twende Travel LLC's total liability for any claim arising out of or related to these Terms or any trip arranged by Twende Travel shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Client to Twende Travel LLC for the specific trip in question. Under no circumstances shall Twende Travel be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages of any kind, even if Twende Travel has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Indemnification. The Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Twende Travel LLC and its members, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from the Client's own actions, negligence, breach of these Terms, or violation of any applicable law.
8. FLIGHTS
International flights are booked independently by the Client unless otherwise specified in the written itinerary. Where Twende Travel assists with domestic or regional flight bookings, we are not responsible for flight cancellations, delays, missed connections, denied boarding, or any resulting disruption to the itinerary.
Twende Travel is not liable for any costs arising from flight disruption, including missed trip components. Clients should seek reimbursement through their travel insurance. Twende Travel will assist with documentation (such as cost breakdowns for missed trip segments) to support an insurance claim where possible.
9. TRAVEL INSURANCE (REQUIRED)
Travel insurance is required for all Twende Travel bookings. By proceeding with a booking, the Client agrees to obtain and maintain a valid comprehensive travel insurance policy prior to departure.
Your policy must include, at minimum:
— Emergency medical evacuation coverage (recommended minimum: $250,000 USD)
— Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
— Emergency medical coverage
— Coverage for all planned activities, including safari game drives, trekking, gorilla trekking, and any adventure activities included in your itinerary
Failure to obtain adequate travel insurance prior to departure does not waive this requirement and does not create any liability for Twende Travel. Clients who fail to secure appropriate coverage assume full and sole financial responsibility for any losses, medical costs, evacuation expenses, or other damages incurred.
Twende Travel reserves the right to request proof of adequate travel insurance at any time prior to departure. If adequate coverage is not obtained and confirmed, Twende Travel reserves the right to cancel the booking without refund.
Twende Travel does not sell travel insurance and is not affiliated with any insurance provider. We recommend purchasing insurance at the time of deposit to maximize trip cancellation coverage from day one.
10. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
10.1 Travel Documents
Each traveler is solely responsible for holding a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the return travel date, and all required visas for the countries visited. Entry requirements vary by nationality and are subject to change without notice. Twende Travel may offer general guidance but is not responsible for denied entry, deportation, or any costs arising from improper, expired, or insufficient documentation.
10.2 Health and Vaccinations
Each traveler is responsible for consulting a travel medicine physician prior to departure. Required and recommended vaccinations vary by destination and personal health history. Twende Travel strongly recommends reviewing current health advisories from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Twende Travel is not responsible for illness, health complications, or related costs arising from failure to obtain appropriate vaccinations, medications, or medical advice.
10.3 Physical Fitness
Many Twende Travel itineraries include physically demanding activities, including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, hiking at altitude, walking safaris, and long vehicle transits on unpaved roads. Each traveler confirms they are in adequate physical condition to participate in the activities included in their itinerary. Clients with pre-existing medical conditions are advised to consult their physician before booking. Twende Travel and its Suppliers reserve the right to exclude a traveler from a specific activity if participation poses a safety risk in the reasonable judgment of an on-site guide or operator, with no refund issued for the excluded activity.
10.4 Missed Flights and Late Arrivals
Twende Travel is not responsible for costs or missed trip components resulting from a Client missing a flight, arriving late, or being denied boarding or entry into a country. No refunds will be issued for trip components missed as a result of Client actions or omissions.
11. ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Travel to sub-Saharan Africa involves inherent risks that differ significantly from travel in the United States or other developed nations. By booking a trip with Twende Travel, the Client voluntarily assumes all such risks on behalf of themselves and all travelers in their party, including but not limited to:
— Wildlife encounters and the risk of animal-related injury or death
— Remote locations with limited or delayed access to emergency medical care
— Road conditions and vehicle safety standards that differ from the Client's home country
— Exposure to tropical diseases, parasites, and unfamiliar pathogens
— Political instability, civil unrest, crime, or government-imposed travel restrictions
— Altitude sickness during trekking or mountaineering activities
— Risks associated with water-based activities, including boat safaris, snorkeling, and scuba diving
— Physical risks specific to gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, or other direct wildlife interactions
— General risks inherent to wilderness travel, including unpredictable terrain and weather
Participation in all activities is voluntary. The Client confirms they have been made aware of these risks and choose to proceed with full understanding of them. This assumption of risk is a material term of this agreement.
12. CHARGEBACKS AND PAYMENT DISPUTES
The Client agrees not to initiate a chargeback or payment dispute with their credit card provider or financial institution without first attempting to resolve the matter directly with Twende Travel in writing. Twende Travel will make reasonable efforts to respond to written disputes within 14 business days.
By proceeding with payment, the Client acknowledges that all payments are subject to the cancellation policy stated in Section 4, and that the existence of a dispute does not override or supersede these agreed Terms.
In the event of a chargeback initiated in violation of this Agreement — including chargebacks for services rendered, deposits applied to confirmed bookings, or amounts consistent with the cancellation policy — Twende Travel reserves the right to pursue recovery of all funds withheld, plus associated chargeback fees, administrative costs, and reasonable legal fees, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
13. PHOTO AND MEDIA CONSENT
Twende Travel may request client photos, videos, and testimonials following a completed trip for use in marketing materials, the Twende Travel website, and social media channels. Any such use requires the Client's express written consent, obtained separately in the Client Booking Agreement. Consent may be revoked at any time by written notice to Twende Travel.
14. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflicts of law principles.
Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or related to these Terms, any trip arranged by Twende Travel, or any services provided hereunder shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration administered under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA), held in Pinellas County, Florida. Each party waives any right to a jury trial and any right to participate in a class action. Either party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction solely to prevent irreparable harm pending arbitration.
15. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Entire Agreement. These Terms, together with the signed Client Booking Agreement and written itinerary, constitute the entire agreement between the Client and Twende Travel for the services described, and supersede all prior communications, representations, or agreements, written or oral.
Severability. If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Amendments. Twende Travel reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. The version in effect at the time of booking confirmation governs that booking. Continued use of Twende Travel's services following any update constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
No Guarantee of Availability. Supplier availability is not guaranteed until confirmed in writing by Twende Travel following receipt of a signed Client Booking Agreement and deposit.
Waiver. Failure by Twende Travel to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not be construed as a waiver of that provision or any other right.
Headings. Section headings are for convenience only and have no legal effect.
Questions? We want every client to feel completely informed and comfortable before booking. Reach out before you sign — I'm happy to walk through any of this personally.
Twende Travel LLC | Florida, USA | twendetravel.com
10+ Years in the Region
Living and working across Tanzania, Zanzibar, and East Africa.
Local Relationships
Trusted guides, lodges, and partners I know personally.
100+ Trips Organized
From private safaris to larger group journeys across the region.
Designed One-on-One
Every trip is shaped around your pace, style, budget, and priorities.
Built on Real Experience
Every journey we plan is rooted in real experience, deep local connections, and a passion for creating meaningful travel.
