THE TRAVELER HUB
ALL THINGS TRAVEL WITH BUSHTRACKS
The Bushtracks Traveler Hub is your one-stop resource for everything you need to prepare for an unforgettable African adventure. Our journey experts are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that all your questions are answered and that your trip planning process is smooth and enjoyable. From detailed itineraries to practical advice on what to expect, we provide all the essential information to help you feel fully prepared.
Whether it’s outlining the step-by-step process of planning your safari, offering tips on how to safeguard your travel investment, or helping you choose the perfect travel wardrobe suited to your destination and style, we’ve got you covered. Our Traveler Hub ensures you can focus on the excitement of your journey while leaving the logistics to us.
Explore all things travel with Bushtracks below, and embark on your safari with confidence and ease.
seasons
Deciding which season to travel is pivotal in determining your safari experience. High season or low season? Is high season pricier because it’s more sought after? The answer lies in what’s most important to you.
In Southern Africa, “green season” is synonymous with low season. Increased rainfall brings about lush vegetation making wildlife a bit more challenging to spot as they disperse from watering holes and seek refuge in thicker foliage. But there is magic in the green season. The birth of newborn animals, an abundance of migratory birds, and vibrant, verdant landscapes bursting with color.
With six generations of African heritage at the helm of Bushtracks, we have the insight to curate an amazing safari experience any time of year.
accommodations
What’s your travel style? Four and five-star safari luxury accommodations offer an elevated level of comfort, service, and a wide variety of amenities. Are you looking for a luxurious lodge with spa treatments and private plunge pools? Or are you more interested in a classic safari tent experience immersed in the bush with secluded patios with wild open vistas?
Explore a range of accommodations with our expert planners who are committed to recommending a thoroughly exceptional experience with high standards of comfort and service.
transportation
It’s no secret that visiting five remote destinations by private air comes with a higher price tag compared to visiting three wildlife hotspots clustered together.
While some adventurers want to cover everything on their first safari opting for flights across Southern and Eastern Africa, others prefer a more immersive and focused adventure with less time spent traveling.
Whatever your preference, our travel planners can minimize your travel time with our expertise in efficient transfers.
pinpoint your interests
Africa is a huge continent with endless possibilities. What have you been dreaming of? Are you interested in tracking the iconic Big 5? Do you want to witness the heart-pounding spectacle of the Great Migration? Have you been in love with gorillas since you were young? We’ve lived and breathed it all. Let us be your safari guide as we tailor-make the safari adventure of a lifetime.
pick your travel dates
Selecting travel dates is critical: are your travel dates fixed, or can you travel any time? Seasons dictate almost all life in Africa, but we are prepared to suggest amazing experiences any time of year. We’ll make sure you’re in the right place at the right time.
choose your destinations
The Great Migration is in perpetual motion. As dry season grips the land, animals concentrate around watering holes. The power of Victoria Falls continuously ebbs and flows. The tapestry of birdlife is ever-changing. With your travel interests and dates in hand, our travel experts will craft safari options that promise the ultimate in adventure.
select your accommodations
Safari accommodations are far more than just a place to sleep, they are a part of the adventure. Are you up for the close-to-nature luxury of a traditional safari tent? Or would you prefer the comforts of a luxurious lodge? Everyone has their own travel style, and we’ll match your accommodations perfectly with your preferences.
Now… get ready to experience a luxury safari tailored just for you!
Protecting Your Investment
When you make payments to Bushtracks Expeditions for travel arrangements, your funds are maintained in a separate U.S. Traveler Trust Account managed by our bank, BMO and not co-mingled with operating monies.
member of california seller of travel
Bushtracks is also a California registered company, which means we are required under the California Seller of Travel Law (CST) to maintain a separate Traveler Trust Account. California Seller of Travel # 2022311-40.
emergency insurance included
On qualifying trips, Bushtracks Expeditions automatically covers you for International Medical Evacuation Insurance ($100,000) and Accident/Sickness Medical ($25,000 per incident) during travel with us. Should you experience medical problems during your luxury safari tour, from minor illness to major emergencies, this insurance may cover, subject to policy terms and limits, your foreign medical and hospital expenses as well as your emergency medical evacuation and transport expenses. Pre-existing medical conditions are not covered by the policy.
trip cancellation / interruption insurance
Optional Trip Cancellation insurance is available to U.S. residents at an additional cost through Travel Guard. If the insurance is purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment, a waiver of the pre-existing medical condition exclusion will be provided at no additional cost.
to enroll online click this LINK or phone travel guard at 800.378.1284, please mention bushtracks as your travel supplier.
Custom and Scheduled trips have different deposit requirements and includes/excludes as stated in each trip’s reservation package. Our standard Terms & Conditions are below. These specific Terms & Conditions are applicable to our custom trips only. Each scheduled trip will have its own unique set of Terms & Conditions.
custom trip development
A trip development fee of $1,000 per trip may be assessed to proceed with making reservations on an agreed upon itinerary. This fee will be applied to the final invoice and deducted from the total price of the trip. Bushtracks will endeavor to confirm the arrangements as close as possible to the agreed upon itinerary but may offer suitable and comparable alternatives or a reorder of the itinerary should availability require. The trip development fee may be refundable should an acceptable itinerary not be agreed by both parties.
bushtracks african expeditions terms and conditions, release of liability, assumption of risk and binding arbitration agreement
1. Reservations and Payments:
A non-refundable prepayment deposit of a minimum 30% of the total Tour cost, along with a completed and signed Terms and Conditions, Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement (Agreement) are required in order to confirm your reservation. This deposit includes a non-refundable $500 per person booking administration fee. Upon receipt of these forms and your deposit, we will confirm your trip. This Agreement, [the signed Reservation form and the signed Agreement], are all part of your agreement with us.
The balance of your Tour cost is due 98 days prior to departure.
As part of the trip confirmation process all adult travelers will be required to execute a document indicating their assent in writing, agreeing to the terms and conditions as set forth below. Bushtracks African Expeditions Inc., d.b.a. Bushtracks Expeditions (“Bushtracks”, “we” or “us”) will provide as part of the reservation process, a document describing the trip and the terms and conditions that apply to the Tour, the itinerary for, and all issues related to the Tour.
2. Travel Insurance:
We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel Tour, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Trip cancellation insurance is available from multiple sources for comprehensive coverage of such expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident, and damaged or lost luggage. We will send you an application upon receipt of your reservation. In addition, medical evacuation coverage may be required as a condition of booking.
3. Cancellations:
Cancellations for all or any part of the Tour will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of Bushtracks. Should you cancel, the following terms will apply: reservation cancellation(s) are subject to loss of deposit, including booking administration fee, from the time of booking through 98 days prior to departure; from 97 through 75 days prior to departure, 50% of the published full regular tariffs; from 74 through 62 days prior to departure, 75% of the published full regular tariffs; cancellations 61 days or less prior to departure, a no-show, or early return from the Tour will result in loss of 100% of the tour price. In addition, applicable airline cancellation or optional excursion cancellation fees may apply.
Your decision not to participate on the Tour due to State Department or Centers for Disease Control advisories or warnings, fear of travel, or for any other reason will be deemed a cancellation. If a flight or other delay for any reason prevents you from joining the Tour on the Tour start date, you will be considered a no-show. No refunds will be available, but you may join the Tour late if you wish and if feasible to do so.
4. Not Included:
Taxes; passport, visas and associated fees; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and Internet access; accident/sickness, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance; gratuities to ship and hotel personnel; optional sightseeing excursions; baggage charges on aircraft; local departure air/airport tax(es); airfare and associated local taxes, airport facility and security taxes and federal inspection fees not listed as included in the Tour; transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel/ship on day(s) of arrival and/or departure; any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); meals, alcoholic or other beverages and all other services not specifically mentioned as included in the Tour.
5. Airfare:
Airfares are subject to change and availability and, depending on the fare basis, likely are nonrefundable. Air tickets as part of your tour (regional flights within Africa) are subject to change and are non-refundable. Your airline tickets constitute a contract solely between you and the airline, even if purchased through Bushtracks.
6. Baggage:
Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without notice. Baggage is at owner’s risk throughout the trip. Airlines, buses, vans and other modes of transportation may all have weight and size restrictions on luggage. It is your responsibility to comply with all baggage restrictions.
7. Price Increases:
Destination countries increase their VAT and other taxes from time to time. Some suppliers impose energy surcharges or other price increases. Prices are also subject to increase due to currency fluctuations. Any such increases will be applied to your total due at the time of final payment.
8. Passports, Visas, and Other Entry Requirements:
International travel requires a passport and generally valid 6 months beyond your intended return travel date. In most cases, you will also need to have multiple consecutive blank visa pages within your passport (the number varies depending on the destination(s)). Many destinations also require that visas be obtained prior to travel. If one parent or guardian plans to bring a minor child without the other parent or parents, some countries and airlines have strict documentation and permission requirements. Birth certificates may be required for children under 18. Some nations require proof of vaccinations and/or negative tests for certain diseases for all travelers. Please speak with us if you are unsure about the visa requirements for your travel destination. You are solely responsible for complying with passport, visa, and other foreign entry requirements and vaccinations.
9. Responsibility and Assumption of Risk:
Except for certain river cruise vessels, two trains, certain other vehicles, local ground and safari operators and guides services, all in Southern Africa, which are owned and operated by affiliated corporations, Bushtracks, its employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, and assigns (collectively “Bushtracks”), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your Tour including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, safari or guide services, local ground or safari operators, whether or not they utilize the Bushtracks name, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Bushtracks is not liable for any negligent or willful act, failure to act, financial failure or other defaults of any such person, entity, supplier or any other third party.
In addition and without limitation, Bushtracks is not responsible for any injury, financial or other loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts or orders of government, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, bites from or attacks by wild or domestic animals, insects or pests, supplier defaults or insolvency, dissatisfaction with the quality of the service(s) rendered, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes, vessels or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely. Further, I release Bushtracks from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof.
I am aware that adventure travel, whether in civilized or remote areas, by plane, train, auto, boat, horseback or by other animals, or by other conveyance or on foot, contains inherent risks of danger and illness, death or loss and damage of property, which may be caused by negligence of third parties, negligence of Bushtracks, intentionally by third parties, by forces of nature and by other causes, known or unknown. I recognize that such risks may be present at any time before, during and after my trip. I am also aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available, the evacuation to same may be time consuming and difficult and/or the competence and quality of same may not be up to the standards of services in the U.S.A. I accept all such risks.
We have no special or unique knowledge regarding the financial condition of the suppliers of services, unsafe conditions, health or safety hazards, weather hazards, or climate issues at locations to which you may travel. For useful information regarding your destination, we strongly recommend reviewing the destination-specific information at www.travel.state.gov, and the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/travel.
If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a Tour participant, or remove from a Tour, without refund, any person Bushtracks judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other Tour participants, leaders or third parties, or who Bushtracks determines to detract from the enjoyment of the Tour by others. Specific room assignments are within the sole discretion of the lodge or hotel.
10. Cancellations, Postponements and Changes by Bushtracks:
Bushtracks reserves the right to change the itinerary, the lodges, hotels or vessels utilized or any Tour features at any time and for any reason, such as for safety, comfort, convenience or logistical reasons, with or without notice, and Bushtracks shall not be liable for any loss of any kind as a result of any such changes. Bushtracks may cancel or postpone a Tour (or an option) for any reason whatsoever. Seasonal changes (for example, from low to high season) may result in higher prices. In any event, for cancellations (or postponements) based upon acts of God or force majeure, acts or orders of government, epidemics or the threat thereof, terrorism or the threat thereof, strikes or labor disturbances, demonstrations, riots or civil unrest, criminal activity, supplier default or insolvency, or other similar circumstances, its sole obligation is to issue credits in the full amount of moneys paid to Bushtracks, but only to the extent its suppliers are crediting Bushtracks with those monies paid by Bushtracks to them.
Under no circumstances is Bushtracks obligated to refund the cost of any purchased travel insurance. Bushtracks is not required to cancel any Tour for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. Bushtracks is not responsible for fees assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Bushtracks makes the flight arrangements or cancels the Tour. Bushtracks reserves the right to substitute lodges, hotels, vessels or attractions for those listed in the tour description if same is required by circumstances beyond its control or for the convenience or well-being of clients.
11. Changes by Participant:
If a client wishes to alter any tour prior to its confirmation by Bushtracks, Bushtracks will, upon written request, use reasonable endeavors to bring about such alterations. If the itinerary has already been confirmed and the client then wishes to change it, Bushtracks may, at its discretion, levy a charge per alteration as well as for communications or other costs, expenses or charges that may be incurred.
12. Other Taxes and Fees:
Some governments charge departure taxes and/or fees. These fees are the responsibility of each passenger traveling to the designated country and are not included unless stated.
13. Force Majeure:
Bushtracks assumes no responsibility for any personal injury, property damage, financial or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any matter beyond our control including but not limited to a delay or cancellation of a flight that causes you to miss all or any portion of the Tour, acts of God, acts or orders of government, epidemics, war, terrorist acts, riots, disaster, weather events, or strikes.
14. Photo Release:
You consent to our use of pictures or video of you in our marketing materials without compensation.
15. Physical Accessibility:
All Tours require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Participants must be able to embark or disembark vans or motor coaches alone or with minimal assistance from your traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Participants requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for handling equipment and rendering necessary assistance. Please understand that the Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside the United States.
16. Health Issues:
Bushtracks is not qualified to convey medical advice. We encourage you to consult your doctor for specific medical advice about any activities or destinations. He or she is most familiar with your personal medical history and is best qualified to determine your particular needs.
17. Medical Proxy:
If you are unable to authorize your own medical attention and treatment, you authorize Bushtracks or its suppliers of services such as a lodge or local ground handler to authorize medical attention and treatment on your behalf. You agree to hold harmless and release Bushtracks from any liability for medical attention arranged or not arranged on your behalf. Bushtracks assumes no liability regarding provision of medical care or evacuation services.
18. Registration:
CST#: 2022311-40
CALIFORNIA SELLER OF TRAVEL ACT DISCLAIMER: California has established a Travel Consumer Restitution Fund under the California Seller of Travel law. This Fund is designed to protect consumers from unscrupulous practices by sellers of travel. This law does not cover non-California residents, and even in the case of California residents, it does not cover any foreign travel where the foreign “providers of transportation or travel services” are not in compliance with the Seller of Travel law (compliance being defined as a Seller of Travel in California and a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund). Thus, none of Bushtracks’ trips qualify. The law requires all tour operators to advise each of their clients that they would not be eligible to make any claim from the Fund in the unlikely event of default by Bushtracks or any of our foreign suppliers.
19. Changes:
Changes in this Agreement may be made only in writing, signed by an officer of Bushtracks.
20. Binding Arbitration:
Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning the Tour, or the Tour itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, according to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) California law and will take place in or as close to Healdsburg, California as feasible. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant and Bushtracks are waiving the right to a trial by jury. Any arbitration commenced against Bushtracks must be on behalf of only the signatory to this Agreement and his or her immediate family members who traveled with signatory, such as a spouse or child. Under no circumstances can participant be part of a class or other join action.
These Terms and Conditions, Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement governs the relationship between Bushtracks and you, to the total exclusion of any other document. When you book travel-related services with Bushtracks, you are acknowledging that you understand the entire document.
Download a PDF of Bushtracks Expeditions Terms and Conditions, Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement, here.
Bushtracks is pleased to partner with Medjet, the premier global air-medical transport, and travel security membership program for travelers. Accidents, illness, and safety concerns can happen anywhere. Medjet can get you home.
If a member is hospitalized more than 150 miles from home, Medjet will arrange medical transportation to the hospital of the member’s choice within his or her home country — regardless of medical necessity. Most travel insurances and platinum card benefits programs will get you to the “nearest acceptable facility,” Medjet gets you back to the doctors you trust. A MedjetHorizon membership includes security and crisis response services in addition to the air medical transport benefits of the MedjetAssist Membership.
Medjet memberships provide you with unrivaled control over your health and safety.
MedjetAssist provides and pays for hospital-to-hospital medical transfer of a member if injury or illness occur during domestic or international travel, more than 150 miles from home. Unlike health or travel insurance, which typically transports to the “nearest acceptable facility” if “medically necessary,” a Medjet Member is transferred to their home hospital of choice, regardless of medical necessity, for the cost of the membership and nothing more. COVID-19 is covered with some restrictions. Benefit details are available at Medjet.com/COVID.
MedjetHorizon includes all MedjetAssist’s renowned medical transport benefits, plus worldwide travel security, crisis response and evacuation services. Members have access to a 24/7 travel security network for in-country response to a wide range of safety threats while traveling. MedjetHorizon can respond as soon as a member feels uneasy; there is no need to wait for government issued hard triggers or evacuation order.
Medjet offers annual and short-term membership packages for individuals and families. Bushtracks includes a complimentary 30-day Medjet membership for guests on selected private jet expeditions.
Learn more and purchase your MedjetAssist or MedjetHorizon membership. To download their brochure and enrollment form (for travelers under 75), click here. For travelers 75 and older, please select this enrollment form.
The Bushtracks Expedition Gear Store makes it as easy as possible for you to get ready for your expedition of a lifetime to Africa! You’ll find all the items on your packing list – safari shirts and pants, insect repellent, appropriate layers for cool morning game drives (and southern Africa “winters”), and more.
You can select your complimentary Bushtracks Duffel and “let us pack it for you” by purchasing the Bushtracks Safari Essentials Kit at the same time. Click here to get started.
THE LIVINGSTONE CLUB
Community with a Shared Passion
Once you’ve traveled with Bushtracks, you automatically become a member of The Livingstone Club. This is our way of saying Thank You for trusting us with your safari dreams. Unlock travel benefits, including priority access to new trip announcements, waived development fees, and special offers curated just for you.
BUSHTRACKS BLOG
Insights, Tips, and Fun Stuff
We love putting content together for our travelers in our blog. From seasonal updates, to tips on safari travel, to insights on special excursions in some of our favorite places in Africa. Be sure and sign up so you get the good stuff straight to your inbox.
