Refund and Cancellation Policy
We understand that travel plans sometimes change. This policy explains how cancellation requests, supplier charges and eligible refunds are handled. It should be read with your confirmed booking terms and our Terms and Conditions.
Effective date: This policy applies to new bookings confirmed on or after the date it is published on alipsaventures.com. Previously confirmed bookings retain their accepted cancellation terms unless lawfully amended.
1. When this policy applies
This policy covers confirmed travel arrangements booked through Alipsa Ventures, including safaris, holidays, accommodation, transfers, flights and other services where applicable. Some third-party services have separate booking conditions that we disclose when confirmed.
Requests for a quotation or availability check are not confirmed bookings. Cancellation conditions begin to apply when a reservation is confirmed in writing in accordance with the agreed booking terms.
2. Deposits and booking confirmation
The standard deposit is 30% of the total confirmed booking price. It is paid to secure accommodation, transport, permits or other travel services. The remaining 70% is due 60 calendar days before departure. Bookings confirmed within 60 days of departure require full payment on confirmation.
A different deposit, payment deadline or separately non-refundable supplier charge applies only when it is clearly identified and accepted in the written quotation or booking confirmation before the booking is made. The standard deposit is not automatically 100% forfeited if a guest cancels; the applicable cancellation charge is determined under Section 3.
3. Cancellation by a guest
Cancellation requests must be made in writing by the lead traveller or the person who made the booking. The date the request reaches reservations@alipsaventures.com is the cancellation date; we will acknowledge it and explain the calculation. Notice periods are measured in full calendar days before the scheduled departure date, with departure day counted as day zero.
| Notice before departure | Cancellation charge |
|---|---|
| 61 or more calendar days | 10% of total confirmed booking price |
| 31 to 60 calendar days | 30% of total confirmed booking price |
| 15 to 30 calendar days | 50% of total confirmed booking price |
| 7 to 14 calendar days | 75% of total confirmed booking price |
| 0 to 6 calendar days, or no-show | 100% of total confirmed booking price |
Refund calculation: Refund due = payments received minus the applicable cancellation charge, subject to any separately disclosed and accepted non-refundable supplier conditions described in Section 4 and applicable law. The refund cannot be less than zero. If the charge exceeds what has been paid, the difference is not automatically owed unless the accepted booking contract expressly provides for it.
Example: For a USD 2,000 confirmed booking cancelled 20 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 50%, or USD 1,000. If the guest has already paid USD 2,000, the refund is USD 1,000, assuming no separately disclosed supplier restrictions.
Any calculation must also respect mandatory consumer rights and the specific written terms agreed for the booking.
4. Supplier charges and non-refundable services
Some airline tickets, special accommodation rates, entry permits, park fees and activities may carry stricter supplier cancellation conditions. If so, they must be specifically identified, priced or itemised, and disclosed before the guest accepts the booking.
For a separately itemised service with an accepted, stricter supplier condition, that condition replaces the standard percentage for that service component. The standard percentage applies to the remaining package amount. We will not apply both the standard percentage and a separate supplier charge to the same cost, and any cancellation charge remains subject to the total confirmed booking price and applicable law.
Unused services, late arrivals and no-shows may have limited or no refund eligibility under their confirmed terms, subject to applicable law.
5. When Alipsa Ventures cancels a service
If Alipsa Ventures cancels a confirmed booking for a reason within our control, we will explain the circumstances and offer a suitable alternative arrangement or the refund to which the customer is entitled under the booking contract and applicable law.
Any alternative with a different itinerary, travel date, standard of accommodation or price will be explained and agreed before confirmation. A lower-priced alternative should include an appropriate price adjustment.
6. Events beyond reasonable control
Travel can be disrupted by severe weather, natural disasters, government restrictions, civil unrest, transport failures or other exceptional events. Where such an event affects a confirmed booking, we will communicate available options such as alternative dates, substitute services or a credit arrangement where appropriate.
The treatment of prepaid supplier charges and any amount recoverable will depend on the contract, the supplier's response and applicable law. We will not present a credit note as an agreed solution without explaining its conditions to the guest.
7. Rebooking, amendments and credit notes
Changing travel dates, passenger details or accommodation can result in additional supplier fees or a difference in price. We will communicate any material adjustment before proceeding where possible.
A credit note or voucher may be offered by agreement. Its value, permitted use, expiry date and any transfer restrictions should be stated clearly in writing. A credit note does not automatically replace a cash refund where a cash refund is required by law or the confirmed booking terms.
8. Refund calculations and processing
Once the refundable amount has been confirmed, Alipsa Ventures will provide the guest with an explanation of the calculation and any applicable charges. Refunds will ordinarily be returned through the original payment method where practical and secure, unless another lawful arrangement is agreed.
We aim to process an approved refund within 30 calendar days after confirming the refundable amount and receiving the information reasonably needed to pay it. Bank and payment-provider processing may take additional time. If a supplier reimbursement is outstanding, we will explain the status, provide updates and avoid unreasonably delaying any undisputed refundable portion.
9. How to cancel or request a refund
Please send a written request and include:
- The booking reference and lead passenger name
- Travel dates and the services affected
- The change or cancellation you are requesting
- Any relevant supporting documents
Do not include card numbers, account passwords or identity-document scans in an ordinary contact form. Our team will advise on a secure method if additional verification is needed.
Email: reservations@alipsaventures.com
Telephone: +254 751 521054
Office: Ole-Sangale Link Road, Nairobi, Kenya
We will review your request according to your confirmed booking terms and applicable law. This policy applies to new bookings confirmed after publication and does not automatically change terms agreed for earlier bookings.