Useful Information
Travel Documents
The visa and entry requirements vary for Africa countries. Tanzania currently has the entry requirements outlined below, but this is subject to change.
Visas: Travellers with EU citizenship can purchase the Visa for 50 US dollars, in cash, upon arrival at the airport. It can be organised beforehand at the Tanzanian embassy in Berlin. However, we recommend that travellers apply for the visa at the airport in Dar Es Salaam.
Passports: Traveller’s passports must be valid for 6 months before the departure date of their journey. There must be at least 3 available for visa entry stamps.
Minors: For minors (under 18 years of age), travelling without a parent or legal guardian, it is recommended to provide a declaration of consent, from the legal guardians; in addition to their own passport. This authorisation should be accompanied by a copy of the minors birth certificate and a copy of the legal guardian's passport. If the minors surname is different to that of the legal guardian, the marriage certificates of their parents is also recommended. Samples of this consent form are available on the website of ÖAMTC.
Visas: Travellers with EU citizenship can purchase the Visa for 50 US dollars, in cash, upon arrival at the airport. It can be organised beforehand at the Tanzanian embassy in Berlin. However, we recommend that travellers apply for the visa at the airport in Dar Es Salaam.
Passports: Traveller’s passports must be valid for 6 months before the departure date of their journey. There must be at least 3 available for visa entry stamps.
Minors: For minors (under 18 years of age), travelling without a parent or legal guardian, it is recommended to provide a declaration of consent, from the legal guardians; in addition to their own passport. This authorisation should be accompanied by a copy of the minors birth certificate and a copy of the legal guardian's passport. If the minors surname is different to that of the legal guardian, the marriage certificates of their parents is also recommended. Samples of this consent form are available on the website of ÖAMTC.
Health & vaccinations
Hospitals in Africa are not up to the standard of European facilities; therefore, we strongly recommend travellers bring a first aid kit, containing not only regularly prescribed medication, but medication for general travel illnesses (ex. Paracetamol, Imodium), to ensure that a minor ailment won't derail the journey.
Water: Tap water is not safe to drink in many African countries, therefore, all hotels and lodges provide filtered or bottled drinking water free of charge.
Yellow Fever: Travellers coming from a Yellow Fever Zone must present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate or medical exemption. This includes travellers who have stopovers of more than 12 hours in a Yellow Fever country. Travellers who have combined destinations, that include a Yellow Fever country, must also present a vaccination document or medical exemption (ex. Kenya-Tanzania-Zanzibar). However, the regulations change regularly so we will keep our guests up to date with the current regulations at the time of their booking.
Malaria: There are a variety of Anti-Malarial medications available that have a range of side affects and intolerances to other forms of medication taken. Therefore, a consultation with a house doctor or Tropical Medical Institute (ex. Traveldoc.at in Vienna) is necessary to receive a prescription and accurate information.
Vaccinations: Generally, travellers are recommended to have typhoid and hepatitis inoculations for African travel. Consult your doctor regarding these vaccinations and others.
Personal Medication: Travellers must ensure that they have packed enough of any personal prescribed medication to last the duration of their trip. It is advisable to bring a prescription from your doctor for any prescription medication, in case there are any issues with customs. Its always best to carry medication in hand luggage, for the unlikely circumstance that luggage is lost or delayed.
Water: Tap water is not safe to drink in many African countries, therefore, all hotels and lodges provide filtered or bottled drinking water free of charge.
Yellow Fever: Travellers coming from a Yellow Fever Zone must present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate or medical exemption. This includes travellers who have stopovers of more than 12 hours in a Yellow Fever country. Travellers who have combined destinations, that include a Yellow Fever country, must also present a vaccination document or medical exemption (ex. Kenya-Tanzania-Zanzibar). However, the regulations change regularly so we will keep our guests up to date with the current regulations at the time of their booking.
Malaria: There are a variety of Anti-Malarial medications available that have a range of side affects and intolerances to other forms of medication taken. Therefore, a consultation with a house doctor or Tropical Medical Institute (ex. Traveldoc.at in Vienna) is necessary to receive a prescription and accurate information.
Vaccinations: Generally, travellers are recommended to have typhoid and hepatitis inoculations for African travel. Consult your doctor regarding these vaccinations and others.
Personal Medication: Travellers must ensure that they have packed enough of any personal prescribed medication to last the duration of their trip. It is advisable to bring a prescription from your doctor for any prescription medication, in case there are any issues with customs. Its always best to carry medication in hand luggage, for the unlikely circumstance that luggage is lost or delayed.
Booking procedure
Travellers will receive their itineraries via email in addition to the option of meeting us in person to discuss them.
We also take requests via telephone, but kindly request a short-written confirmation.
We only accept payment in the form of bank transfers and SEPA direct debit. Once travellers have confirmed their trip, we will inform them about the details and next steps. In order to conform the booking, a 20% deposit is required, which results in a binding contractual agreement and acceptance or our terms and conditions. The remaining amount of the total journey price, will be paid 21 days before the departure date.
Please note our cancellation policy below and outlined in detail in our: Terms and Conditions
We also take requests via telephone, but kindly request a short-written confirmation.
We only accept payment in the form of bank transfers and SEPA direct debit. Once travellers have confirmed their trip, we will inform them about the details and next steps. In order to conform the booking, a 20% deposit is required, which results in a binding contractual agreement and acceptance or our terms and conditions. The remaining amount of the total journey price, will be paid 21 days before the departure date.
Please note our cancellation policy below and outlined in detail in our: Terms and Conditions
cancellation policy
The amount charged for cancelled bookings (excluding flights), depends on the date of the cancellation prior to departure, and depending upon the type of journey is calculated as follows:
In individual cases, higher cancellation costs than the above "rates," up to 100% " of the tour price can be applied if these are specifically proven by the tour operator.
Please note our detailed terms & conditions!
- Between 90 - 60 days 25% of the travel price is forfeited
- Between 59 - 31 Days 50% of the travel price is forfeited
- Within 30 Days 100% of the travel price is forfeited
- No-Show 100% of the travel price is forfeited
In individual cases, higher cancellation costs than the above "rates," up to 100% " of the tour price can be applied if these are specifically proven by the tour operator.
Please note our detailed terms & conditions!
Pricing
Travelling to African countries, particularly safari destination, is logistically complex due to the remote nature of the properties involved, therefore can be expensive. The actually price of a safari is dependent upon a variety of factors such as: the location and category of the lodges, the activities selected, the duration and season, the preferred mode of transportation within the country (Fly-in vs. Drive-in).
Kidogo Travel Design differs from other Safari providers in one key way:
In order to meet the high expectations of our customers, we only work with personally selected, exclusive partners, many of whom we know from our time living in Tanzania. Due to our network on the ground, we are able to avoid middlemen, allowing us to provide competitive prices for our clients, thus our pricing in transparent, fair and comprehensive.
Please provide us with your ideas for your dream safari, and a rough estimate of your budget. Unlike large travel agencies, selling set package deals, we offer only tailor-made journeys for our client’s tailored to their individuals needs and preferences.
Travellers will receive a detailed itinerary that outlines the services included in the price of the journey, as well as, what is excluded and will need to be paid additionally. (Ex. Visa, tips, & souvenirs)
Kidogo Travel Design differs from other Safari providers in one key way:
In order to meet the high expectations of our customers, we only work with personally selected, exclusive partners, many of whom we know from our time living in Tanzania. Due to our network on the ground, we are able to avoid middlemen, allowing us to provide competitive prices for our clients, thus our pricing in transparent, fair and comprehensive.
Please provide us with your ideas for your dream safari, and a rough estimate of your budget. Unlike large travel agencies, selling set package deals, we offer only tailor-made journeys for our client’s tailored to their individuals needs and preferences.
Travellers will receive a detailed itinerary that outlines the services included in the price of the journey, as well as, what is excluded and will need to be paid additionally. (Ex. Visa, tips, & souvenirs)
Travel insurance
Austria does not have health insurance agreement with African countries. Therefore, we insist that our clients purchase travel insurance for emergency situations before and during their journey.
As safaris tend to be high price journeys, guests should insure them against unforeseen incidents (illness before departure, death in the family, accidents on site etc.) Play it safe, avoid unpleasant surprises, and look forward to your adventure ahead with the security provided by travel insurance.
For travellers who purchase a trip with Kidogo Travel Design and, for instance, cancel their travel insurance or do not purchase it, we cannot be held liable for any resulting costs incurred.
Optionally we can include: First Air Respondent - Medical Evacuation Insurance for your safari. Please note that this is not a travel/health insurance - insurance, but a service that covers the evacuation logistics in emergency situations in remote areas. Once the patient is transferred to the nearest professional healthcare centre (usually Nairobi or Johannesburg), the patient's personal health/travel insurance policy would take over.
If you have not yet purchased travel insurance, we can assist in arranging travel insurance that is tailored to your needs.
We recommended our trusted partner, Europäische Reiseversicherung, for travel Insurance for journeys to Africa.
With the link below you can calculate the insurance premium and take out a policy online.
Packing list
We recommend that our clients travel with light and soft luggage. A soft travel bag together with a day bag (ex. Backpack) would be sufficient. The inland flights use light aircrafts, that have strict weight restrictions (12kg-23kg), which must be adhered to.
This limitation might seem daunting at first glance, but actually far less is needed on safari than you may think. Rest assured, most of the lodges offer laundry services. Make sure to pack sturdy and natural coloured clothing. Avoid dark blue and black clothing, as it attracts the infamous Tsetse Fly’s. The stings can penetrate clothes and are relatively uncomfortable.
Our provided itinerary includes a detailed packing list with plenty of valuable tips. Below we’ve provided a short overview of the most important items to bring on safari.
Clothes:
Shoes:
Equipment:
Please do not pack anything edible in your luggage! Monkeys can pick up the smell of food through sealed packaging and are known for rummaging through luggage in search of a snack!
This limitation might seem daunting at first glance, but actually far less is needed on safari than you may think. Rest assured, most of the lodges offer laundry services. Make sure to pack sturdy and natural coloured clothing. Avoid dark blue and black clothing, as it attracts the infamous Tsetse Fly’s. The stings can penetrate clothes and are relatively uncomfortable.
Our provided itinerary includes a detailed packing list with plenty of valuable tips. Below we’ve provided a short overview of the most important items to bring on safari.
Clothes:
- Light Wind-Breaker and a Rain Coat
- Warm Fleece (for the cool evenings and mornings and high altitude locations)
- Short and Long Trousers
- Warm Underwear and socks
- Hats, caps or beanies
- Swim suit or Bikini (for the beach days or safari lodges with pools)
- Over the Shoulder light tops (for cultural reason if visiting Zanzibar)
Shoes:
- Strong Hiking Boots or Sneakers
- Flip Flops, Sandals or Airy Summer Shoes
Equipment:
- Camera (SLR or Digital) with a high quality lense + at least 2 SD cards & 2 Batteries
- Flash Lights or Headlamps, with spare batteries
- One pair of Binoculars/person (our recommendations: Swarovski or a cheaper alternative from Eschenbach)
- Sunglasses with good UV protection and perhaps a spare pair
- Extra Contact Lenses and fluid for the duration of the journey
- First Aid Kit (with Imodium, painkillers, insect repellent, medical tape, disinfectant etc.)
- Prescribed Medication
- Sunscreen (SPF 50 strongly advised)
- Notebook/Diary and something to write with
- Games & Books (see our next point for recommendations)
Please do not pack anything edible in your luggage! Monkeys can pick up the smell of food through sealed packaging and are known for rummaging through luggage in search of a snack!
Reading material
We recommend, for those who have the time and interest, to invest in learning about your destination country before departure to prepare yourself for the unique experience. All of our clients will receive a travel guide and personalised travel program with a variety of valuable information.
In preparation for your adventure, we have put together a small selection of German and English literature pertaining to African travel and wilderness.
English Books
German Books
In preparation for your adventure, we have put together a small selection of German and English literature pertaining to African travel and wilderness.
English Books
- The Last Rhinos - Anthony Lawrence
- Out of Africa - Karen Blixen
German Books
- Der Elefantenflüsterer: Mein Leben mit den sanften Riesen und was sie mir beibrachten von Anthony Lawrence
- Jenseits von Afrika von Tania Blixen
- Die weiße Masaai von Corinne Hofmann
- Der Himmel über Afrika von Deanne Raybourn
- Game Ranger in My Backpack - Megan Emmett and Sean Pattrick (the perfect Safari companion)
- Birds of East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi - Terry Stevenson, John Fanshawe (a must for keen birders)
- The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals - Jonathan Kingdon
Emergency contacts
Please provide us with emergency contacts, of a trusted person, before your departure, that we could contact in case of emergency.
We will always be available, throughout our client’s journeys, and will be in constant contact with our partners on the ground.
All of our itineraries include emergency contact numbers that guests can use should they need to.
Internet Connections:
Travellers venturing to Africa should not rely upon consistent internet connections. Many accommodations provide Wifi, however, connections can be unstable. For the lodges that do not offer internet to their guests, in case of emergency guests can speak to Lodge Managers who will assist and provide a means of communication.
We will always be available, throughout our client’s journeys, and will be in constant contact with our partners on the ground.
All of our itineraries include emergency contact numbers that guests can use should they need to.
Internet Connections:
Travellers venturing to Africa should not rely upon consistent internet connections. Many accommodations provide Wifi, however, connections can be unstable. For the lodges that do not offer internet to their guests, in case of emergency guests can speak to Lodge Managers who will assist and provide a means of communication.
Luggage
Generally, on route travellers will be in comfortable safari vehicles, or small Cessna aircrafts. The maximum weight for luggage is generally 15kg-23kg per person (depending upon individual itineraries, regulations will be provided). Therefore, please pack lightly in suitcases, or preferably light bags. The national airports have strict regulations and it is not uncommon for overweight luggage to be left behind. Valuables (ex. cameras, binocular, jewellery etc.) and medicine should always be stored in hand luggage.
tipping
We recommend that we travellers refrain from giving tips to individual lodge employees, for the sake of fairness, as the standard method for tipping at safari lodges involves a shared staff tip box, that ensures employees behind the scenes also benefit from guest’s generosity.
Generally, between $5-$10 per person/day is the recommended amount for staff.
*Safari Guides, who generally accompany guests throughout the day, are not included in the staff tip box system.
We recommend a tip of about $15 per person/day for safari guides, which is the standard in East Africa.
The quoted amounts are merely a guide and should be based upon guest’s satisfaction with the services provided.
Generally, between $5-$10 per person/day is the recommended amount for staff.
*Safari Guides, who generally accompany guests throughout the day, are not included in the staff tip box system.
We recommend a tip of about $15 per person/day for safari guides, which is the standard in East Africa.
The quoted amounts are merely a guide and should be based upon guest’s satisfaction with the services provided.
Payment methods & currencies
Most lodges have credit facilities (Visa, Master Card etc.), however many charge around 3-5% for credit card transactions. We recommend bringing cash in US dollars, as they are accepted throughout Tanzania, in case there are issues with credit card facilities, and for tipping purposes.
Travellers should also consider the visa costs, that will need to be paid in cash.
Avoid airport and local money exchange offices, as the rates can be high in comparison to in banks in Europe.
IMPORTANT: Dollar bills that were printed before 2006, will not be accepted in Tanzania!
Travellers should also consider the visa costs, that will need to be paid in cash.
Avoid airport and local money exchange offices, as the rates can be high in comparison to in banks in Europe.
IMPORTANT: Dollar bills that were printed before 2006, will not be accepted in Tanzania!
international flights
We recommend that clients book their own flights, as it is generally cheaper to do so. Should our clients struggle, we can assist in recommending the best options or alternatively can book on their behalf.
The most popular airlines offering good connections from Vienna to Dar Es Salaam/Arusha/ Zanzibar include: Swiss Air, Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Air
The most popular airlines offering good connections from Vienna to Dar Es Salaam/Arusha/ Zanzibar include: Swiss Air, Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Air
Financial Protection
Kidogo Travel Design Africa GmbH is registered with the Federal Ministry of Labor and Economics under GISA No. 31290555 : https://www.gisa.gv.at/abfrage
and is insured against insolvency with regards to the Package Travel Regulations via the managing agent Arcus Solutions with the insurer Accelerant Insurance Europe SA under policy number A52329.
In the event of insolvency, all claims are to be filed within 8 weeks, or in the event of any other loss or claims, directly to the responsible liquidator, the Cover-Direct Versicherungsmakler und Werbeagentur Ges.m.b.H.,Hietzinger Hauptstrasse 35 DG, A-1130 Vienna, www.cover-direct.com
T +43 (0) 1 / 969 08 40 emergency ext. 5, to register.
and is insured against insolvency with regards to the Package Travel Regulations via the managing agent Arcus Solutions with the insurer Accelerant Insurance Europe SA under policy number A52329.
In the event of insolvency, all claims are to be filed within 8 weeks, or in the event of any other loss or claims, directly to the responsible liquidator, the Cover-Direct Versicherungsmakler und Werbeagentur Ges.m.b.H.,Hietzinger Hauptstrasse 35 DG, A-1130 Vienna, www.cover-direct.com
T +43 (0) 1 / 969 08 40 emergency ext. 5, to register.
Terms & Conditions
General travel terms and conditions (ARB 1992)
Adaptation to the amendment to the Consumer Protection Act, Federal Law
Gazette 247/93 and to the Warranty Right Amending Law, Federal Law Gazette I No. 48/2001
Kidogo Travel Design GmbH – Tour Operator for Safaris to East Africa
GISA number: 31290555
Rechtsform: Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, Firmenbuchnummer: 504817d
Jointly discussed in the consumer-political advisory body of the Federal Minister for Health, Sports and Consumer Protection in accordance with § 73 subsection 1 of the Trade, Commerce, and Industry Regulation Act 1994 [Gewerbeordnung] and § 8 of the regulation of the Federal Minister for economic affairs in the version dated 1994 on the provisions regarding the exercise of the travel agency industry [Ausübungsvorschriften für das Reisebürogewerbe] (now § 9, according to Federal Law Gazette II No. 469/2009).
The travel agency may act as agent (section A) and/or as tour operator (section B).
The agent accepts the obligation to make an afford to provide an entitlement for services of other parties (operators, carriers, hoteliers, etc.).
Kidogo Travel Design GmbH is the company either offering several touristic services at a package price (package holiday/travel organisation) or promising to render individual touristic services as services on own account and for this purpose usually providing own brochures, advertisements, etc.
If third party services are arranged (e.g. optional trips at the holiday resort), a company acting as tour operator may also act as agent if it refers to this function as agent.
The following conditions constitute the contractual text usually used by travel agencies as agents (section A) or as tour operators (section B) to conclude contracts with their customers/travellers (annotation: in the sense of the Consumer Protection Act).
The special conditions
- of the arranged tour operators,
- of the arranged carriers (e.g. train, bus, airplane and ship) and
- the other arranged service providers
- THE TRAVEL AGENCY ACTING AS AGENT
The following conditions are the bases of the contract (agent’s contract) concluded between customers and an agent.
1. Booking/contract conclusion
The booking can be carried out in writing, per telephone or verbally. The travel agency should immediately confirm verbal bookings or bookings per telephone in writing.
Travel agencies should use booking notes containing all necessary details regarding the customer's order and referring to the travel advertisement (catalogue, brochure, etc.) forming the basis of the booking.
With regard to its own services or arranged services, the agent must – according to § 6 of the provisions regarding the exercise of the travel agency industry – refer to these applicable GENERAL TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS. In case of differing travel terms and conditions, he must demonstrably advise the customer of these differences and hand them out before contract conclusion.
If services of foreign contractors (service providers, tour operators) are arranged, foreign law may apply as well.
Whoever completes a booking for himself or for a third party, is regarded as principal contractor and in default of differing declarations, accepts the obligations under the contract award towards the travel agency (payments, contract cancellation, etc.).
In the booking, the travel agency may request a service charge and a (minimum) deposit. Both the balance and the compensation of cash expenses (telephone expenses, fax costs, etc.) become due upon the hand-over of the travel documents (these do not include personnel documents) of the respective tour operator or service provider at the travel agency.
Upon or immediately after the contract conclusion, travel organisations accepting bookings are obliged to communicate a confirmation regarding the travel contract to the traveller (travel confirmation).
2. Information and other incidental services
2.1 Information on passport, visa, foreign currency, customs and health Regulations
It is commonly known, that a valid passport is needed for travels abroad.
Additionally, the travel agency must inform the customer about the corresponding foreign passport, visa and health entry provisions and – upon request – about foreign currency and customs regulations if they can be obtained in Austria. The customer himself is responsible for compliance with these regulations. If possible, the travel agency will – against compensation – take charge of the provision of a visa that might be necessary. Upon request, the travel agency will - if possible - give information about special regulations for foreigners, stateless persons as well as persons holding a double citizenship.
2.2 Information regarding the travel service
The travel agency is obliged to present the service of the tour operator or the service provider to the best of its knowledge in consideration of the characteristics of the arranged contract and the circumstances in the respective country or destination.
3. Legal status and liability
The travel agency’s liability covers
- the thorough selection of the respective tour operator and/or service provider as well as the thorough analysis of gained experience;
- the unobjectionable provision of services including the corresponding information of the customer and the delivery of the travel documents;
- the demonstrable forwarding of notices, declarations of intent and payments between the customer and the procured company and vice versa (like e.g. of changes in the agreed service and the agreed price, notices of cancellation, complaints).
The travel agency will not be liable for the provision of the service procured and/or obtained by it.
Together with the travel confirmation, the travel agency must notify the customer about the company name (product name), the address of the tour operator and – if applicable – of an insurer if this information is not already contained in the brochure, catalogue or other detailed means of advertising. If it does not do so, it is liable towards the customer as operator and/or service provider.
4. Impairments of performance
If the travel agency violates the duties incumbent on it under the contractual relationship, it is obliged to compensate the customer the resulting damage unless it proves that it has neither acted intentionally nor in a grossly negligent way.
For breaches of contract due to slight negligence, the travel agency is obliged to compensate the customer the resulting damage up to the amount of the commission of the procured business.
B. THE TRAVEL AGENCY AS TOUR OPERATOR
The following conditions are the bases of the contract – hereinafter referred to as travel contract – concluded between the booking party and a tour operator either directly or through an agent. In case of a direct conclusion, the agent’s obligations analogously apply to the tour operator.
The tour operator generally accepts the applicable GENERAL TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS, deviations are highlighted in all its detailed advertising documents according to § 6 of the provisions regarding the exercise on of the travel agency industry.
1. Booking/contract conclusion
The travel contract is concluded between the booking party and the tour operator if there is an agreement regarding the material parts of the contract (price, service and date). This results in rights and duties for the customer.
2. Change in the person of the traveller
A change in the person of the traveller is possible if the replacing person meets all conditions regarding the participation and can be completed in two ways.
2.1 Assignment of the claim to the travel service
The booking party’s obligations under the travel contract remain effective if it assigns all or single claims under this contract to a third party. In this case, the booking party will bear the resulting additional costs.
2.2 Transfer of the travel event
Where the customer is prevented from proceeding with the package, he may transfer his booking to another person. The tour operator must be informed about the transfer either directly or via the agent within a reasonable period before the departure date. The tour operator may notify a specific period in advance. The transferring party and the replacing person will be jointly liable for both the unbalanced remuneration and the additional costs arising from the transfer.
3.Contents of the contract, information and other incidental services
Exceeding the duty to inform also applicable to the agent (namely information on passport, visa, foreign currency, customs and health entry regulations), the tour operator must provide sufficient information about the service offered. The service descriptions in the catalogue and/or brochure valid at the time of the booking as well as the other information contained therein are the subject matter of the travel contract, unless differing agreements have been made at the booking. It is, however, recommended to record such agreements in writing.
4. Travels including special risks
If travels include special risks (e.g. expeditions), the tour operator will not be liable for the consequences of risks outside of his scope of duty.
The tour operator’s obligation to thoroughly prepare the journey and to thoroughly select the persons and companies commissioned with the provision of the single travel services remains unaffected. Our travel itineraries may involve certain risks; therefore, we highly recommend an adequate travel insurance which can be booked with us!
5. Legal bases in case of impairments of performance
5.1 Warranty
If the service has not been rendered or only been rendered imperfectly, the customer has a right to claim.
The customer agrees that instead of his claim to conversion or price reduction, the tour operator will – within a reasonable period – provide an unobjectionable service or improve the imperfect service.
Remedy can take place by removing the failure or by providing an equal or better replacement service that is subject to the customer’s explicit consent.
5.2 Compensation
If the tour operator or his assistants violate the duties of the contractual relationship either intentional or by negligence, the tour operator is obliged to compensate the damage.
To the extent, the tour operator is responsible for other persons than his employees, he will only be liable – except in cases of personal injury – if he does not prove that they have acted in an intentional or grossly negligent way.
Except in case of intention or gross negligence, the tour operator will not be liable for objects that are usually not brought along unless he has taken these objects in custody knowing the circumstances.
The customer is therefore advised not to carry along objects of special value. Moreover, it is recommended to orderly keep the objects that have been brought along.
5.3 Notification of failures
The customer must immediately inform the tour operators representatives of every failure in the performance of the contract that he locates during the journey. This implies that the customer has been notified about a representative and that the latter is available on site without considerable efforts. If this notification is omitted, this will not affect the customer’s right to claim described under 5.1. This omission can, however, be imputed to him as contributory negligence and thus decrease his possible claims for damages. In this respect it is, however, necessary that the operator has informed the customer about this duty of notification in writing, either directly or via the agent. Equally, the customer must have been notified at the same time that any omission regarding this notification will not affect his right to claim, that it can, however, be imputed as contributory negligence.
If applicable and for lack of a local representative, it is recommended to either inform the respective service provider (e.g. hotel, airline) or the tour operator himself about failures and to request remedy.
5.4 Special liability laws
Regarding flights, the tour operator will – inter alia – be liable under the Warsaw Convention and its additional conventions, in journeys by train and bus under the Railway and Motor Vehicle Liability Law.
6. Assertion of possible claims
In order to simplify the assertion of claims, the customer is advised to obtain a written confirmation regarding the non provision of services or improper performance respectively to secure receipts, evidences and witnesses.
Consumer warranty claims can be asserted within 2 years.
Claims for damages will become time-barred after 3 years.
In the interest of the traveller, it is recommended to immediately assert claims after having returned from the journey directly at the tour operator or via the procuring travel agency as upon an increasing delay, difficulties regarding the evidence have to be anticipated.
7. Cancellation of the contract
7.1 Cancellation on the part of the customer before the beginning of the Journey
a) Cancellation without cancellation fees
Apart from the legally granted cancellation rights, the customer may – without the operator having claims against him - cancel the contract if the following cases occur before the beginning of the service:
If material components of the contract including the travel price are changed to a considerable extent.
The frustration of the conditioned purpose and/or character of the travel event as well as an increase in the agreed travel price by more than 10% effected according to section 8.1 will in each case constitute such contract modification.
The tour operator is obliged to immediately notify the customer the contract modification either directly or via the procuring travel agency and to simultaneously instruct him regarding the existing option to either accept the contract modification or the cancel the contract; the customer must immediately exercise his option.
If the operator is responsible for the occurrence of the event entitling the customer to the cancellation, the operator is obliged to compensate the customer’s damages.
b) Claim to replacement services
If he does not make use of the cancellation possibilities according to letter a) and in case of cancellation by the tour operator without the customer’s fault, the customer may – instead of the contract rescission – request the contract performance by means of the participation in any other equal journey if the operator is able to provide this service.
Apart from the right to the option, the customer is also entitled to a claim for damages due to non-performance of the contract, unless the cases of 7.2 take effect.
c) Cancellation with cancellation fees
The cancellation fee is a percentage of the travel price and with regard to its amount, depends on the time of the notice of cancellation and the respective type of journey. The travel price or the package price is the overall price of the contractually agreed service.
In all cases not mentioned under letter a), the customer is – against payment of a cancellation fee – entitled to cancel the contract. In case the cancellation fees are not reasonable, they can be abated by court.
Depending on the type of journey, the following cancellation rates differ from the ARB 1992 and result per person:
Cancellations made within 90 to 60 days prior to departure................ 25% of the travel price is forfeited
Cancellations made within 59 to 31 days prior to departure................ 50% of the travel price is forfeited
Cancellations made within 30 days prior to departure…………………100% of the travel price is forfeited
No-Show ....................................................... 100% of the travel price is forfeited.
In individual cases, higher cancellation costs than the above "rates," up to 100% " of the tour price can be applied if these are specifically proven by the tour operator.
After receiving a written booking confirmation, clients must provide a 20% non-refundable deposit of the total cost of the journey. On receipt of the confirmation and deposit the booking is confirmed and contractually binding. Herewith the terms and conditions (AGB’s) of Kidogo Travel Design GmbH are agreed to.
The balance of the full payment must be paid 20 days prior to the departure of the journey.
In addition to our cancellation policies outlined above clients will be charged 50 EUR per booking for booking adjustments or cancellations.
Special conditions apply for hotel accommodation, holiday flats, ship travels, one-day bus travels, special trains and scheduled flights at special tariffs. The latter are to be listed in the detailed program.
Notice of cancellation
When cancelling the contract, you have to note the following:
The customer (principal) may inform the travel agency at which the travel has been booked at any time that he will cancel the contract. In case of cancellation, it is recommended to do this
- by registered letter or
- personally, with a simultaneous written declaration.
d) No show
No show means if the customer does not appear for the departure, whether he does not want to travel or if he misses the departure for any negligence for which he is responsible or for any coincidence that happens to him. If it has been clarified that the customer cannot or does not want to make use of the remaining travel service, he must pay according to the type of journey 85% of the package price (e.g. special flights) and respectably 45% of the package price (e.g. individual IT). If the rates mentioned above are not reasonable, they can be abated by court in the special case.
7.2 Cancellation by the tour operator prior to departure
a) The tour operator will be released from the contract if a minimum number of participants specified in the advertisement is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods or those mentioned in the travel description:
- until 20 days prior to departure in journeys of more than 6 days,
- until 7 days prior to departure in journeys of 2 to 6 days,
- until 48 hours prior to departure in day trips.
If the operator is responsible for the non-achievement of the minimum number of participants to an extent exceeding slight negligence, the customer is entitled to request compensation. This compensation is limited by the amount of the cancelation fee. The assertion of any damage exceeding this amount is, however, not excluded.
b) The cancellation is based on force majeure, i.e. due to exceptional and unforeseeable events that cannot be influenced by the party referring to force majeure and the consequences of which couldn’t have been avoided despite applying the necessary care. This does, however, not include overbooking, but it includes governmental orders, strikes, war or situations similar to war, epidemics, natural disasters, etc.
c) In cases of letters a) and b), the customer will be compensated the deposited amount. He is entitled to the option according to 7.1.b, 1st paragraph.
7.3 Cancellation on the part of the tour operator after the beginning of the journey
The tour operator is released from the contract performance if within the scope of a group travel, the customer lastingly and despite a warning disturbs the travel performance by grossly improper behaviour.
If it was the customers fault, the customer is obliged to compensate the tour operator for the damage he has incurred.
8. Changes in the contract
8.1 Price revisions
The tour operator reserves the right to increase the travel price confirmed in the booking for reasons not depending on his will if the period between the conclusion of the contract and the departure is longer than two months. Such reasons only include changes in the transportation costs, e.g. the fuel costs, the dues, taxes or fees chargeable for certain services, like landing taxes, embarkation and disembarkation fees in harbours and corresponding fees on airports or the exchange rates to be applied to the particular package.
In case of a price reduction for these reasons, it must be passed on to the traveller.
Within the two-month period, price increases may only be effected if the reasons for this have been separately negotiated in the booking and stated on the booking note.
During the 20 days prior to the departure date stipulated, the price stated in the contract shall not be increased.
A price revision is only admissible if upon compliance with the agreed requirements, an exact description for the calculation of the new price has been provided, as well. The customer must be immediately notified of the price revision and its reasons. If the price increase is more than 10 percent, the customer is entitled to withdraw from the contract without cancelation fees. (see section 7.1.a.).
8.2 Service modifications after beginning of the travel
- In changes for which the operator is responsible, the regulations as specified in section 5 (legal bases in case of impairments of performance) will apply.
- If it turns out after the departure that a significant proportion of the contractually agreed services will or cannot be provided, the operator must – without additional remuneration – make suitable alternative arrangements so that the journey can be continued. If it is impossible to make such arrangements or these are not accepted by the consumer for good reasons, the tour operator shall, where appropriate, provide the consumer, at no extra cost, with equivalent transport back to the place of departure, or to another return-point to which the consumer has agreed. Furthermore, in the case of non-performance or improper performance of the contract the tour operator is obliged, to assist the customer to the best of his abilities in the solution of problems.
9. Provision of information to third parties
Even in urgent cases, information regarding the names of the travellers and their whereabouts will not be provided to third parties unless the traveller has explicitly requested an information provision. The costs caused by the transmission of urgent messages are for the customer’s account. Thus, the travellers are advised to notify their relatives the exact holiday address.
10. General
Sections 7.1. letter c, formerly letter b (cancellation), 7.1. letter d, formerly letter c (no-show) as well as 8.1. (price revision) listed under section B are non-binding association recommendations under 1 Kt 718/91-3 and as such are now registered under 25 Kt 793/96-3 in the Register of Cartels.
Imprint: Owner, publisher: Fachverband der Reisebüros in der Wirtschaftskammer Österreich, Wiedner Hauptstraße 63, 1045 Vienna
This is a translation from the German original. Only the German original is of binding validity.
**ADDITIONS**
Jurisdiction is Austria
According to the Travel Agency Insurance Regulation (RSV), customers funds are covered by package tours of the organizer Kidogo Travel Design GmbH under the following conditions. Organizer: Kidogo Travel Design GmbH Registration, GISA number: 31290555 in the organizer directory of the Wissenschaft Forschung und Wirtschaft (Ministry of Economy). The down payment will be made at the earliest eleven months before the agreed end of the trip and is 20% of the travel price. The final payment is made at the earliest, 20 days before departure. Clients will receive the travel documents after the full payment. Advance payments or final payments made in excess of the confirmed amount, or earlier than the mentioned dates cannot be requested or claimed. Down payments or final payments are only insured to the extent that the tour operator is entitled to receive them. The insured sum is used primarily to satisfy payments received in accordance with the regulations.
The guarantor or insurer is Europäische Reiseversicherungs AG (Insolvency Insurance according to the Package Travel Regulation).
The registration of all claims is to be made within 8 weeks from the occurrence of bankruptcy at the liquidator European Reiseversicherung AG, Kratochwjlesstrasse 4, 1220 Vienna, T +43 1 3172500 0.
Disclaimer
Due to logistical challenges, changes in an itinerary cannot be completely ruled out. Kidogo Travel Design GmbH, will however, make every effort to provide an adequate alternative, or make up for the changes, whenever possible. The short-term exchange of service providers, of an equal quality, is permitted and not a breach of contract.
All travelers must have valid passports valid for the entire duration of the journey, the expiration date of which must be at least 6 months from the date of return. Travelers must have at least three full free pages for visa entries. Kidogo Travel Design GmbH is not responsible for applying for visas for travelers. Customers are responsible for complying with all applicable passport, visa, entry, foreign exchange, customs, airport and health regulations, as well as any other applicable legal provisions and for the completeness of their travel documents, as well as their equipment. All costs and disadvantages resulting from non-compliance with these regulations are borne by the bookers. It is recommended to inform yourself in good time about all entry requirements for the respective destination country.
Health: Travellers must inform themselves, in good time, about any necessary vaccinations, prophylactic measures, and prevention measures for infections. Please consult with your doctor and tropical medicine specialist (ex. http://www.traveldoc.at) to ensure you have taken all the necessary precautions before travelling.
Travel insurance: The travel prices do not include travel insurance. Travellers should purchase comprehensive travel insurance (travel cancellation, health and accident insurance) which we strongly recommend and also offer when traveling with Kidogo Travel Design GmbH.
Animal Observations: In order to meet your high expectations, we always strive to select the best located accommodation in the respective destination. However, nature has its own laws, which is why animal sightings of certain species can never be guaranteed.
Traveling with special risks:
We are liable in the context of the due diligence of a responsible businessman for the meticulous travel preparation, the careful selection of the service providers, the correctness of the service description and the proper contribution of the contractually agreed travel services according to the local custom of the respective destination country and place. The tour operator's safari trips are not package holidays in the traditional sense. These circumstances involve certain risks. Insofar as these risks lead to disruptions in performance, any liability of the organizer shall be excluded.
For example, no liability is assumed for accidents, such as the use of off-road vehicles, trucks, minibuses, buses, boats of all kinds, rafts, ships, cycling, walking, on suspension or other bridges, in the bush, forests, wetlands, on horse excursions rides, when handling horses, dogs and other animals can occur. The traveler participates in all excursions at his own risk. Kidogo Travel Desgin GmbH is not liable for damages resulting from the fact that the instructions of the tour guide were not followed or due to non-compliance with regulations.
Traffic Regulations: Damage caused by loading and transporting baggage will not be accepted. The participant is liable for damages caused by his fault (including negligence), as far as these are not covered by insurance.
Correctness of the information on our website & advertising material
All information on our website and advertising material is up-to-date and to the best of our knowledge. Nevertheless, we reserve the right to change the information if necessary and do not claim that it is completely accurate.
For all bookings, the provisions of the Package Travel Law (PRG), which came into force on 1 July 2018, apply to the provisions of sections 31b to 31f of the Consumer Protection Act (KSchG).