FAQ
Tour Information
Group size
Our tours are for small groups. We believe that the best wildlife experiences happen in small groups. Additionally, small groups allow me to provide individualized attention to everyone. The maximum number of participants 10, and some tours are smaller. Our guide to photographer ratio is one to five. So if a small group and a great guide ratio is what you want, then you will like what we have to offer.
Reservations
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is the only way to guarantee your place on a tour. The only way to secure your place on the tour is to send your deposit ASAP. Deposit and payment can be made by using the PayPal payment link on the tour page, which accepts various credit and debit cards or other forms of payment. When making a reservation, you agree to sign our Release of Liability Form. Your reservation is guaranteed the moment we receive your deposit but not considered complete until we receive a signed Release of Liability Form from you (can be completed at departure).
Final payment: Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If final payment is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to treat your reservation as canceled. Tours are sold as a package with no partial refunds made for any reason whatsoever. This policy also applies to tour extensions and independent travel arrangements.
Included and not included in the cost of your tour
Included is ground transportation during the tour, lodging (based on double occupancy), meals (except alcohol), and entrance fees/permits are included in the price of all tours unless otherwise stated. Types of items that are not included in the tour cost are airport departure taxes, insurance, tips/gratuities, and items of a personal nature. A single occupancy rate is available.
Gratuities
Gratuities to our tour leaders are always optional. If you feel that your leader has gone out of his or her way to make your adventure special, a gratuity is always appreciated.
Travel/cancellation insurance
We understand the disappointment when individuals are forced to cancel a trip entirely or leave before its conclusion when unexpected circumstances occur. However, we are required to send non-refundable deposits to our outfitters and local suppliers. Therefore, we must strictly enforce our cancellation policy for all participants. In addition, the events surrounding the 911 tragedy make it impossible to know what factors may result in future travel cancellations. We cannot over emphasize the importance of purchasing travel insurance in case of cancellation.
Cancellation and refund policy
Tour deposit is non-refundable.
Tour payment refunds: All payments, with the exception of the deposit, will be refunded when your cancellation is postmarked more than 90 days prior to the departure date. Cancellations postmarked after that time will be subject to a 100% forfeiture of tour cost, including deposit. All cancellations made by participants must be made in writing and delivered via the U.S. Postal Service. Refunds will also be given if the tour is cancelled.
Spouse
Spouses that are not photographers are welcome. However, due to transportation, lodging and meal requirements, we must charge them the same price as if they were a photographer.
Safety and enjoyment
On any tour there is the potential for unpredictable conditions. Avoiding dangerous situations for both participants and wildlife requires that everyone obey certain rules as set forth by our guides and tour leaders. If, in our opinion, a participant’s actions pose a threat to their safety, the safety of others, or to the wildlife, or their actions jeopardize other participant’s enjoyment of the trip, we reserve the right to prohibit that individual from continuing with the group and at our option we will provide transportation for them to the tours final destination.