At North Node Journeys we create & design safaris across East Africa & beyond for people who value culture, connection, conservation, and intentional travel. The following Terms & Conditions outline the relationship between you (“the Guest”, “traveller”, “you”) and North Node Journeys (“the Company”, “we”, “us”, “our”).

By confirming a booking and submitting payment, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Booking & Payment

A booking is confirmed once we receive a 30% non-refundable deposit of the total journey cost. The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days prior to arrival, unless otherwise stated in writing. Failure to complete payment by the stated deadline without prior notice or agreement may result in automatic cancellation of your booking and forfeiture of payments made.

Kindly note that all bank charges, card fees, and transfer costs are the responsibility of the Guest.

Prices are quoted in writing and are locked once your deposit is received, except in the rare event of:

• Government tax changes
• Park fee increases
• Regulatory adjustments beyond our control

Should such changes occur, we will provide official notice and discuss available options transparently. We strive to remain transparent and making sure you stay informed.

2. Cancellations & Rescheduling

We recognise that life can shift unexpectedly. While we commit to compassion and flexibility, we must also honour contractual obligations with our lodges, conservation authorities, guides, and transport partners. Most, if not all, impose penalty fees. 

Standard Cancellation Schedule

• More than 60 days before arrival – Deposit retained (30%)

• 30–59 days before arrival – 70% of total journey cost retained

• 0–29 days before arrival – 100% of journey cost retained

If third-party penalties exceed the above percentages, the non-refundable portion will reflect actual unrecoverable costs. Refunds, where applicable, are processed within a reasonable timeframe, less banking or transaction fees.

Rescheduling (Preferred Option)

Where possible, we encourage rescheduling rather than cancellation. If requested more than 60 days prior to arrival, your deposit may be applied as a credit toward a future journey within 12 months, subject to:

• Partner approval
• Seasonal price differences
• Availability

While we will try our best to reschedule at no cost, rescheduling requests made within 60 days are subject to third-party policies and may incur additional costs.

Exceptional Circumstances

In cases involving serious medical emergencies, death in the immediate family, or major global disruptions, we review each case individually and advocate on your behalf with our partners. While certain elements (such as park fees) are strictly non-refundable by regulation, we will always seek the most favorable outcome possible.

Comprehensive travel insurance is therefore mandatory.

In the rare case that North Node Journeys decides to cancel your safari, we will make a 100% refund of all the payments made. 

3. Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

All Guests must obtain independent comprehensive travel insurance covering:

• Trip cancellation & interruption
• Emergency medical treatment
• Evacuation & repatriation
• Personal liability
• Loss of luggage

Proof of coverage may be requested prior to arrival. It is the responsibility of the Guest to ensure that the Insurance package covers all relevant risks.  In the event of an insurance claim, the Guest is responsible for following up with the Insurance provider.

North Node Journeys shall not be liable for losses recoverable through insurance.

4. Travel Docs & Entry Requirements

Guests are solely responsible for ensuring:

• A passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond entry into Kenya
• At least two blank passport pages
• ETA applied here etakenya.go.ke   or valid Kenyan visa (if required)
• Compliance with current vaccination or health requirements

While we may offer general guidance, entry requirements can change without notice. We strongly recommend verifying details with the Kenyan embassy or official immigration authorities in your country. All visa related and entry fees are the responsibility of the traveler. 

North Node Journeys is not responsible for denied boarding, entry refusal, or visa issues. In the event that this happens, no refunds shall be issued because most expenses are prepaid and non-refundable. 

5. Health, Medical & Fitness

Guests are responsible for ensuring they are physically and medically fit to participate in the booked itinerary. Any relevant medical conditions, dietary restrictions, or mobility considerations must be disclosed prior to travel. We reserve the right to decline or discontinue participation without refund if a Guest’s condition poses a risk to themselves or others. The Guest will be responsible for any costs related to such cancellations. 

Additionally, most safari locations are remote and may have limited medical facilities that you may be accustomed to in your home country. By booking, you acknowledge and accept these conditions.

6. Changes to Itinerary

Our journeys are curated with intention; however, circumstances such as weather, road conditions, wildlife movement, or government directives may require adjustments. We reserve the right to modify accommodations, routes, or activities where necessary to preserve safety and overall experience quality. Such changes do not constitute grounds for refund where substitutions of comparable value are provided.

On the client’s side, we understand that preferences may evolve. If you wish to make changes to your confirmed itinerary, the following terms apply:

Before Final Payment (More Than 30 Days Before Arrival)

Minor adjustments (such as room category upgrades or activity swaps of equal value) will be accommodated where possible and may not incur additional fees. Substantial changes — including changes to travel dates, destinations, lodges, length of stay, or group size — may:

• Require repricing of the entire journey
• Incur supplier amendment fees
• Be subject to availability

Any increase in cost resulting from such changes will be the responsibility of the Guest.

After Final Payment (Within 30 Days of Arrival)

Once final payment has been made, most services are fully prepaid and non-refundable with our partners. Changes requested within 30 days of arrival will:

• Be treated as a cancellation of the original booking
• Be subject to the applicable cancellation policy
• Require a new booking to be created

We will always advocate for flexibility with our partners; however, North Node Journeys cannot guarantee amendment approval.

During your safari

If you choose to alter or discontinue your itinerary after travel has commenced:

• Unused services are non-refundable
• Additional services requested will be charged accordingly
• Any costs incurred due to deviation from the confirmed itinerary are the responsibility of the Guest

While our journeys are designed with intention and flow, we remain attentive to your comfort and experience. Where feasible, we will always explore thoughtful alternatives.

7. Liability

Certain aspects of our tours are provided by independent third parties including lodges and transport providers. Their terms and conditions will apply. While we carefully select our partners, we cannot be held liable for:

• Injury, loss, damage, delay, or inconvenience caused by third parties
• Acts of wildlife
• Force majeure events
• Airline delays or cancellations
• Government actions or political unrest

We will not assume responsibility for any claims arising from the performance of parties other than North Node Journeys and our employees.

Guests participate in safari travel understanding the inherent risks of remote environments and wildlife encounters. To the fullest extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the amount paid directly to North Node Journeys for the safari.

8. Luggage & Valuables

Guests are responsible for the safekeeping of their personal belongings at all times. We are not liable for loss, theft, or damage to luggage, electronics, jewellery, or other valuables during travel. We strongly recommend minimising high-value items and ensuring adequate insurance coverage.

We shall not assume responsibility for any that is delayed, lost or destroyed by either airlines or other transportation providers other than our company. 

9. Damage to Property

Guests are financially responsible for any wilful or negligent damage caused to vehicles, accommodations, equipment, or property during the safari.

Costs must be settled prior to departure.

10. Code of Conduct

North Node Journeys is a curated safari experience rooted in respect and cultural sensitivity. The Company reserves the right to remove any participant whose behaviour compromises safety, group harmony, or local community dignity.

No refund will be issued in such cases.

11. Photography & Media

During the journey, photographs and video content may be captured for promotional purposes. By participating, Guests grant North Node Journeys the right to use such media for marketing and brand communication without any compensation or royalty payment. If you do not wish your photos or videos to be captures, please inform us before your safari.  

12. Force Majeure

The Company shall not be liable for failure to perform obligations due to events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters

• Epidemics or pandemics

• Political unrest

• Government restrictions

• Airline disruptions

• Civil disturbances

In such cases, refunds will depend on recoverable funds from third-party providers. Any additional expenses (such as extra hotel nights or transport) must be covered by the Guest or your travel insurance provider.

Conclusion

North Node Journeys was created with intention to offer our clients a way of traveling that feels expansive, safe, culturally immersive, and deeply considered. These Terms & Conditions are not written as barriers, but as a framework of clarity and shared responsibility. They ensure that every journey is protected; for you, for our team, and for the communities and conservation spaces that welcome us. 

By confirming your booking, you acknowledge the realities of travel in remote and wild landscapes - including the inherent unpredictability of nature, wildlife, weather, and infrastructure. You accept responsibility for maintaining valid documentation, appropriate insurance coverage, and personal preparedness. In return, we commit to thoughtful planning, ethical partnerships, transparent communication, and attentive stewardship of your experience from arrival to departure. Our safaris are supported by trusted drivers, carefully selected lodges, cultural custodians, and conservation partners across East Africa. We hold ourselves to high standards of professionalism, discretion, and care and we welcome open dialogue should any concern arise during your experience.

Thank you for choosing to travel with intention. We look forward to welcoming you to East Africa.