Safari, mountain and coastal travel carry real risks that cannot be removed entirely. This policy sets out how we manage those risks, and what we ask of you so that we can keep you safe.
1. Our commitment
The safety of our travellers, our staff and the communities and wildlife we visit takes precedence over itinerary, schedule and cost. Any member of our team may pause or alter an activity on safety grounds, and no traveller will be penalised for a decision taken to protect them.
2. Vehicles
- Our safari vehicles are serviced on a scheduled basis, and service history is recorded in our management system.
- Insurance and inspection expiry dates are tracked and flagged in advance; a vehicle with lapsed insurance or inspection is not dispatched.
- Vehicles carry a first aid kit, spare wheel and recovery equipment appropriate to the terrain.
- Seat belts are fitted and must be worn while the vehicle is moving.
- Drivers observe park speed limits and off-road restrictions without exception.
3. Drivers and guides
- Drivers hold valid licences appropriate to the vehicle class, and licence expiry is monitored.
- Guides are briefed on the specific itinerary, including medical considerations disclosed by travellers.
- Driving hours are planned to avoid fatigue, with rest built into long transfers.
- Alcohol and any substance impairing judgement are prohibited for staff on duty, without exception.
4. Wildlife safety
You are visiting the habitat of large wild animals. They are not tame, and their behaviour is not fully predictable.
- Remain inside the vehicle at all times in game viewing areas unless your guide expressly confirms it is safe to exit.
- Do not stand, lean out, or sit on the roof except where a vehicle has a designated viewing hatch and your guide permits it.
- Keep your voice low near animals. Do not whistle, call, or attempt to attract attention.
- Never feed any animal, including monkeys and birds at lodges.
- Your guide decides viewing distance. If asked to move away or sit down, do so immediately and without discussion.
- At unfenced camps, do not walk between your tent and other areas after dark without an escort.
5. Health
- Consult a travel health professional well before departure regarding malaria prophylaxis, yellow fever and other vaccinations.
- Tell us before travel about any medical condition, allergy, medication or mobility limitation that may affect your participation. This is used to plan safely and shared only with suppliers who need it.
- Carry your own supply of any prescription medication in its original packaging, with a copy of the prescription.
- Drink bottled or treated water. We provide drinking water in our vehicles.
- Medical facilities in remote areas are limited. Serious cases require evacuation, which is why insurance covering emergency evacuation is essential.
6. Altitude — Kilimanjaro and highland trekking
Altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of age or fitness, and can become life-threatening if ignored.
- Itineraries are planned with acclimatisation days. Do not ask to compress a route to save time.
- Report headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness at rest or loss of coordination to your guide immediately. Do not conceal symptoms in order to continue.
- Your guide's decision to descend is final. Descent is the only reliable treatment for serious altitude illness.
- Your insurance must cover trekking to the maximum altitude on your itinerary, and cover emergency evacuation.
7. Water and coastal activities
- Swim only in areas identified as safe by your guide or hotel. Currents around the islands can be strong and are not always visible.
- Life jackets must be worn on boat transfers and are provided.
- Snorkelling and diving operators are selected on the basis of their safety record and equipment standards.
- Tell your guide if you are a weak swimmer or cannot swim. There is no embarrassment in this and it changes how we plan the day.
8. Personal security
- Use hotel safes for passports, spare cash and valuables.
- Avoid displaying expensive jewellery, cameras or phones in busy public areas.
- Ask your guide before walking alone, particularly at night, in unfamiliar towns.
- Use transport we have arranged rather than unlicensed taxis.
9. Emergencies
Every trip has a named point of contact at our Dar es Salaam office reachable throughout your travel. Your guide carries a means of communication appropriate to the area, and knows the route to the nearest medical facility.
In an emergency, contact your guide first if you are able to. Our office can be reached on +255 (0) 723 603 604.
We hold the emergency contact details you give us at booking and will use them if we need to reach your family on your behalf.
10. Children
Children are welcome on most of our itineraries. Some lodges set minimum ages, and some activities — including walking safaris and high-altitude trekking — have age restrictions for safety reasons. A responsible adult must supervise children at all times, particularly at unfenced camps and around water.
11. Responsible travel
- Do not remove shells, coral, plants or artefacts.
- Carry out what you carry in. Litter harms wildlife.
- Ask permission before photographing people.
- Buy from local artisans, but never buy products made from protected species.
12. If we judge something unsafe
Where conditions become unsafe — flooding, an impassable road, severe weather, a security concern, or a medical situation — we will change the plan. We will explain what has changed and why, and we will look for the best available alternative. We will not proceed with an activity we believe places you at unreasonable risk, whatever has been paid for it.
13. Reporting a concern
If you see something unsafe — a vehicle fault, a practice that worries you, or conduct by any member of staff or supplier — tell your guide or contact our office directly at booking@kwaipmkwaitravelandtours.com. Concerns raised in good faith are always welcome and never held against the person raising them.