Terms and Conditions | Dawo Trails

DAWO TRAILS SERVICES TERMS & CONDITIONS

The use of the web site (here referred to as "the Web Site") is subject to the terms and conditions stated below. The use of the Web Site constitutes an agreement by you, the user (here referred to as “the Client”), that your use is governed by these terms and conditions.

In addition, when using DAWO TRAILS, LLC, services, you will be subject to any guidelines or rules applicable to such services that may be posted here. Please ensure that you review the terms and conditions regularly for any updates.

DAWO TRAILS SERVICES TERMS & CONDITIONS

CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CLIENT AND DAWO TRAILS

To finalize a booking with DAWO TRAILS, the Client must pay a deposit of equal to the 1st payment or the total amount billed. All flight costs (international only) must either be paid in full at the time of booking or paid in full by the group purchase deadline in order to secure spaces on the requested flights. Other special services bookings such as in country lodging and excursions are subject to special deposit requirements in order to reserve these services. All deposits are non-refundable. Booking by fax or email will not be allowed.
A booking is considered accepted and becomes definite on the date that DAWO TRAILS receives the required deposit from the Client.
The contract between DAWO TRAILS, LLC and the Client, also includes all persons who are named on the booking form and who will participate in the booked trip. When completing the booking form, the Client confirms that he/she has full authority to sign the form on behalf of all travelers included on the booking form and confirms that all persons are aware of and accept the stated conditions.

PAYMENT

Following payment of the initial deposit, the remaining balance of all trip costs must be paid to DAWO TRAILS, LLC in monthly installments at least 45 days prior to departure (different payment policies and requirements may apply to some treks, or other special services). If full payment is not received at least 45 days prior to the trip start, Dawo Trails, LLC will treat the booking as a cancellation and proceed to cancel any pending services.
DAWO TRAILS wants to make vacationing to West Africa affordable. All travelers are required to make a deposit and will be given several consecutive months (9 - 12 payments) to pay for their vacation. Balances can be paid in full at any time. If the balance is not paid 45 days prior to departure, then the trip is treated as a cancellation. Payment cut-off times and limitations are described in the advertisement, invoice, and contract.
If booking is made 6 months or less prior to departure, all airline ticket cost and fees, and initial deposit are due at the time of booking. Airline tickets for each group are purchased six months prior to departure. We cannot guarantee the same rate to those that miss the initial purchase deadline. Airline tickets and deposits are non-refundable.
If the booking is made 45 days or less from the trip start date, the full cost of the trip is required at the time of booking to secure the requested services and may be subject to increased fees for last minute booking for flights and in country accommodations.
All bookings are subject to the cancellation penalties outlined in this document.
Payments to Dawo Trails can be made through PayPal/Stripe services available on Dawotrails.com. Any additional fees for bank transfers must be assumed by the Client.
All trip costs are United States of America Dollar based.
Dawo Trails advertised prices do include sales taxes, and Clients will be required to assume any additional fees.

CHANGES BY THE CLIENT

If any changes to the original booking are required (such adding or removing scheduled services), these changes must be confirmed by the person signing the booking form. If changes to the trip itinerary are required after the Client has received a confirmation from Dawo Trails, a US $65 change fee will be applied to the booking, as well as additional costs for last minute booking for flights and in country accommodations. Dawo Trails will try to accommodate any changes or special requests, however, any change to the final itinerary will be subject to availability.

SUBSTITUTION OF CLIENT

If any member of the traveling group is unable to participate in the trip, it may be possible to transfer the scheduled services to another traveler. To transfer services to another traveler, Dawo Trails must receive a written request from the Client, at least 45 days prior to the scheduled departure date. Substituted Client must have all the necessary traveling documentation in in place (i.e. Passport, Visa, and required vaccinations) prior to travel. Costs for the transfer of services to another traveler will vary by provider, however, in addition to covering any change fees, an administrative fee of US $65 will be applied to the booking costs.

CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENT

The Client may cancel the booking at any time, and the cancellation will be confirmed once the cancellation request has been sent to DAWO TRAILS in writing. The deposit amount paid to reserve the trip, payments for flights, and any in country deposits are all non-refundable. For other services that are cancelled prior to the scheduled start date for the trip, the following cancellation penalties apply:
Cancellation penalty from the total amount of refundable services
- Between initial booking and greater than 6 months prior to departure
  - 10% is subtracted from the remaining balance and charged as a booking fee.
  - Any initial deposit is not refundable
  - Any international deposits outlined on invoice are not refundable
- 6 months to 45 days prior to departure
  - 50% is subtracted from the remaining balance and charged as a booking fee.
  - Flight and in country deposits are non-refundable
  - Any initial deposit or international deposits are non-refundable.
- 45 days or less prior to departure
  - NO REFUND
- If only part of the booking is cancelled, the remaining traveler(s) are required to pay additional charges because of changes in service costs (i.e. under-occupancy, or single room supplements) following the cancellation penalty policy (above). If a trip postponement is requested, a 10% surcharge of the entire trip cost may be charged as an administrative/booking fee if between initial booking and greater than 6 months prior to departure. If change is requested between 6 months and 45 days prior to departure 50% is subtracted from the remaining balance and charged as a booking fee. If a change needs to occur 45 days or less prior to departure, no refund is provided. The remaining Client(s) is responsible for any additional costs related to services that are non-refundable and/or not able to be rescheduled (i.e. airfare). The remaining balance after deducting the non-refundable services and booking fees can be applied toward future travel with DAWO TRAILS.

CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS BY DAWO TRAILS

DAWO TRAILS will do its best to avoid any unnecessary changes or cancellations to the confirmed itinerary, however, by agreeing to this contract the Client accepts that it may be necessary or strongly advisable to change or modify a tour itinerary or portions of the itinerary because of local conditions. DAWO TRAILS reserves the right to cancel or modify the facilities, services or prices (including flights, hotels or other travel arrangements) if needed at any time and provide alternate arrangements of comparable monetary value without compensation to the Client.

DAWO TRAILS will do its best to inform of the Client of any necessary changes as soon as possible, whether the change becomes necessary at the time of booking, following the preparation of the final itinerary, or at any point during the Client’s trip.

If a major change is required, depending on the exact circumstances, the Client will be given the option of accepting the change of arrangements, purchasing an alternative tour option, or cancelling the tour and obtaining a full refund for the service that will be cancelled. Deposits, airfare, and in country deposits are still not refundable in this circumstance.

The options for major changes to the confirmed itinerary will apply if the major changes are not required because of a force majeure. A force majeure can be war, the threat of war, riots, civil unrest, terrorist activities, a natural or nuclear disaster, fire or other extreme weather conditions, technical or other maintenance issues with transport, an airline canceling or rescheduling flights, or any other similar events beyond the control of DAWO TRAILS.

SURCHARGES AND REFUNDS

In the case of an increase in the price of any confirmed services, the Client will be required to cover the cost difference between the original service cost and the revised service cost. If the booking is made less than 6 months in advance, all cost increases are passed on to the Client.
In the event a refund is owed to the Client, DAWO TRAILS will use the following options:
- Apply any funds to any owed balance
- Transfer funds to another trip
- Provide the refund as a store credit, or
- Allow up to eight weeks for a refund to be deposited back on to an account.

PASSPORT, VISA AND VACCINATIONS

The Client is responsible for possessing a valid passport and all required visa permits at the time of travel, as well as planning/purchasing all required vaccinations or any other travel requirements for each of the countries visited during the trip. DAWO TRAILS will provide information about these requirements, but any recommendations about these matters and related subjects will be given in good faith and without any responsibility on the part of DAWO TRAILS.

AGE, FITNESS AND PARTICIPATION

All Clients should assess their physical fitness prior to booking a trip to ensure that they meet the requirements for the activities that they will complete during their trip. If additional information about fitness requirements for specific activities is required for an accurate evaluation, it is the responsibility of the Client to request this information from DAWO TRAILS. Clients with existing medical conditions or other health problems should consult with their doctor about their ability to complete the scheduled activities prior to booking a trip. DAWO TRAILS does not permit unaccompanied minors (travelers under 18 years of age) to participate in a trip. Any travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent, or a relative or another adult who will act as a guardian during the trip and who will be fully responsible for the minor. DAWO TRAILS reserves the right to decline a booking at their discretion.
The Client agrees to accept the authority and decisions of all DAWO TRAILS staff, guides, and tour leaders during the trip. If it is determined that the behavior or health of the Client either before or during the trip may be an endangerment to themselves or to others or result in severe discomfort for other travelers, the Client may be excluded from all or part of the tour.

LOCAL LAWS

All Clients participating in tours offered by DAWO TRAILS are required to obey all applicable local laws and regulations in the countries that they visit during their trip. Failure to do so will immediately relieve DAWO TRAILS from any obligations that would otherwise apply under these booking conditions.

ILLNESS OR DISABILITY

Any Client experiencing an illness, disability or undergoing treatment for a physical or medical condition that may affect their ability to participate in the scheduled activities or require special accommodation must provide information to DAWO TRAILS about such conditions at the time of booking. The Client should also ensure that all arrangements are in place to have enough medication, access to treatment and cover any additional requirements during their trip. Failure on the part of the Client to disclose such information will result in a breach of the booking conditions and may result in the exclusion of such persons from some or all tours, in which case all payment for the cancelled tours would be forfeited.
If the selected trip includes a cruise, water excursion or any type of transfer by boat, the Client must inform DAWO TRAILS at the time of booking if he/she is unable to swim. This disclosure will not result in the cancellation of any service or prevent the Client from participating in the activity but, will permit DAWO TRAILS to take additional precautions and inform the appropriate guides and providers.

CLIENT COMPLAINTS

If the Client has a complaint about any of the trip activities or other arrangements, the Client must bring it to the attention of a DAWO TRAILS staff member as soon as reasonably possible. It is important that any complaints or concerns about the trip itself be communicated to DAWO TRAILS at the Client’s earliest convenience for the situation to be addressed, and if possible, remedied, as soon as possible. If the complaint is unresolved following the completion of the trip, the Client must submit the complaint in writing to DAWO TRAILS within 28 days or less following the completion of the trip, in order for the feedback to be addressed. Complaints can be submitted through the website Dawotrails.com or by email info@dawotrails.com.

FLIGHT BOOKINGS

DAWO TRAILS will do its best to ensure that all flight costs are accurate at the time that the flight quote is sent to the Client. However, as airlines have the right to modify fares or remove flight options at any time and without prior notice, DAWO TRAILS cannot guarantee an exact flight cost until the flight has been purchased. Payment for the cost of quoted airfare guarantees that a booking on that flight will be held for the Client, and the final cost of the flight cannot be ensured until the full payment has been processed and the flight ticket has been issued. Additional fees may apply to transfer flight bookings to another traveler and some fares may include non-transferable restrictions.
Flight times provided by DAWO TRAILS prior to booking the trip are for general reference and are subject to change. The confirmed Travel Program will include confirmed flight times, as of the date of purchase of the flights, however, the exact flight times may change prior to the Client’s trip. DAWO TRAILS and its providers will work to ensure that the Client is informed as soon as possible in the event of any changes to the flight details.
DAWO TRAILS will not be held responsible for any flight delay or cancellation caused by extreme weather conditions, decisions by air traffic controllers, airport authorities or local governments, mechanical problems, strikes, or any other reason.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY

DAWO TRAILS cannot ensure the accuracy of any published material on the part of a hotel, resort, travel agency, or other provider that the client is provided with as an additional resource during their trip.
DAWO TRAILS assumes full responsibility for ensuring that the trip that that Client books is provided as described in the final version of the itinerary that the Client will receive at the start of their trip and for ensuring that all services meet a reasonable standard of quality.
DAWO TRAILS acts in the capacity of an agent with regards to legal conditions and when every reasonable precaution is applied, cannot be held responsible for any injury, illness, damage, loss, additional expenses, delays, or any other irregularity that may be caused by companies or individuals who provide transportation, accommodation, or any other services related to the completion of the trip.