FAQs

Travel pricing around the globe is based on seasonality – the time of year you travel will impact the cost of your trip. Safari lodges are better priced in the “shoulder season” when the weather and game are great but it is not school holidays and perhaps the migration river crossings in the Serengeti are not happening. Hotels in Europe in the winter and early spring are much less expensive than in the summer or over holiday weekends like Easter. In South America in the month of April hotel and lodge prices tumble but it is a wonderful time to be there (we know as we were there in April). We also know when properties are running specials; when festivals are on; and perhaps most important when not to do something. We go through all this with you during our conversations.

We do not provide an itemized breakdown for the individual line items that make up your trip. We work with many ground operators in different countries and the final trip cost is comprised of multiple components including accounting for exchange rates, fuel surcharges, taxes, park fees, guide costs, lodge and hotel costs, transfers, etc. All of these go toward a final packaged price which we present to you. We always fully disclose everything that is included and excluded from the package price along with that single trip cost. That said, we are happy to explain specific costs of the trip and can easily suggest where and how we can edit the trip to meet certain budgets.

We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance. You are more than welcome to purchase through your own travel insurance company or we will recommend some options after you have paid deposits. We clearly outline the Cancellation Penalties on the invoice which we send you for deposit payment. Should you choose not to take cancellation insurance, we will require confirmation in writing.

For safety purposes Askari Travel retains the right to make changes to your trip and/or may cancel your trip in particular circumstances. If your safety or the quality of the trip is deemed to be compromised in any way we shall act accordingly and inform you of our intentions. Should this happen, we will refund what you have paid us, but we cannot be held responsible for losses you may incur with third parties, such as airlines or hotels you may have booked yourselves.

Travellers are allowed to make minor changes to the itinerary within reason and with sufficient advance notice. We will try our best to accommodate your requests. However, major changes (such as destination, country or region, or the choice of destination and hotels) will incur additional planning fees and/or non-refundable deposit payments in addition to the amount initially quoted.

We will quote you in the local currency of the country that you are visiting or in USD$ which is common currency for travel in Africa, South America and parts of Asia. If we invoice you in USD we expect payment in USD$ – by credit card, wire or cheque. If we invoice you in a local currency i.e. Moroccan Dhirhams or Swedish Krona, then on the date payment is due we will do a currency conversion valid that day to either USD$ or CDN$ – which you can pay by credit card, wire or personal cheque.  We do not hedge currencies.

We are expert travel and itinerary planners and we also have solid knowledge of commercial flight routes.  We can help you book your commercial international flights and advise you on routing options should you be trying to use your points.  We have a wonderful relationship with flight consolidators and we are more than happy to share their contact information with you to book international air through them. Note: Any “small” flights required to hold together your itinerary will be included in the overall cost of the itinerary we present to you.

Askari Travel is committed to making your trip as rewarding and fun as possible but we require your help as well. We ask that you respond to our questions in a timely manner so as not to delay the planning process and to give us your most honest and constructive feedback and ideas. This will help us immensely.

Askari Travel recognizes the faith and trust you put in us to plan your travel. We do our utmost to create and deliver the perfect trip for you. Our aim is to provide you with outstanding personalized service. We will respond to messages promptly and will keep you informed as your itinerary evolves. If at any time you have questions or concerns we ask that you let us know immediately so we can address them.