Land Tour
11 days
$AUD 1,473 per day
Departure: Rwanda
Arrival: Rwanda
Adventure
Private / Tailor made
This tour is one of our most inspiring and memorable tours, not just for its incredibly unique wildlife experiences but because of Rwanda's story from ruin to being one of the world’s safest countries and most progressive leaders in East Africa.
At the forefront of this incredible re-emergence are the women of Rwanda. Rich in colour, history, resilience, skill and community building, they are a true success story of rebuilding Remarkable Rwanda and have the largest representation in parliament in the world at 65%.
On this tour you will see the rare and magnificent Mountain Gorillas including a behind-the-scenes interaction with Dian Fossey's Gorilla Doctors. Encounter other primates, safari animals and stunning vistas, as we get you in touch with the daily lives of Rwandans with immersive authentic experiences taking you into their daily lives, micro-entrepreneurial businesses, skills and rich culture both ancient and recent to show you the heart of this inspiring country and their incredible story in the land of a thousand hills.]]>
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person plus the cost of your Gorilla Permit is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.]]>
Welcome to Kigali, Rwanda!
Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, (arrive before 10 am), you will be met by our representative and your driver guide. Transfer to Question Coffee Cafe by 8 am for the tour briefing with the rest of the group.
The briefing will go through introductions to your expert guide and driver, break the ice and learn about your companions for the tour, and provide a cultural orientation and basic language skills. Then we will go over the day’s schedule and activities all over a wonderful high-grade Arabica coffee grown by women’s coops in Rwanda, before beginning our first activity a Coffee MasterClass.
Rwanda has some of the world’s best coffee with perfect growing conditions and bourbon Arabica coffee beans are grown all around the country. The MasterClass will provide a crop-to-cup experience providing you with extra knowledge about your favourite cup of coffee. Areas covered are:
After this aromatic class, you will head to Hotel Des Mille Collines for lunch before heading to the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a moving and education tour.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
The 1993 genocide was a tragedy of unbelievable heartbreak. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is one of several key genocide memorials set up around the country to educate people and memorialise their deaths in order to never forget and never repeat this chapter of their history. The memorial is extremely educational and explains conditions and history that led to the event. It is transparent, challenging, moving and ultimately inspiring as you see the incredible reconciliation and rebuilding that has gone on since. It’s something you will never forget.
After the memorial, you will check in to The Retreat Boutique, an upscale hotel with a focus on luxury and relaxation.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
The Retreat Boutique or similar
Services
Airport transfer
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Coffee masterclass
Sightseeing – Kigali Genocide Memorial visit
Travel time and distance
Kigali Airport – Question Coffee Master Class 5 km | 15 minutes
Question Coffee – Hotel Des Mille Collines: 8 km) 14 minutes
Hotel Des Mille Collines – Kigali Genocide Memorial (approx. 3.4 km) 7 minutes
Kigali Genocide Memorial – The Retreat (approx. 4 km) 9 minutes
]]>
Kigali City Tour
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel reception at 7:00 am for a morning briefing before you leave Kigali for the far east of the country which is where Akagera National Park is
located. Akagera is Africa’s 2nd oldest national park and has been regenerated back to a big 5 safari park post the 1993 genocide. It takes around a 2.5 drive going through local towns and villages. The east part of Rwanda is less hilly and opens up to Savanna once you reach Akagera.
Morning Game Drive and Wildlife Experience
You will arrive at the park around mid-morning for registration and then proceed for the southern sector game drive. This circuit is particularly known for its Giraffes, Zebras, Baboons, Waterbuck, and Buffalo. After this morning session, you will return to the lodge for lunch and check-in.
Afternoon Game Drive and Lake Ihema Boat Safari
That afternoon, around 3.00 pm, you continue on a game drive of the southern sector before heading toward Lake Ihema for a special boat safari from 4.30 pm.
Sunset Safari and Wildlife by the Water
The evening boat safari is an opportunity to get up close from a whole new perspective and see hippos, crocodiles, and many of the 423-bird species of Akagera, all whilst watching the sunset over this magical first day.
Arrival at Ruzizi Tented Lodge
It’s only 10 minutes from the boat safari launch to your accommodation at Ruzizi Tented Lodge. This lodge is owned by the park so your contribution gs towards further conservation and regeneration of this wondrous region. The camp is right on Lake Ihema and the Hippos often visit in the morning. Don’t worry the tents are on raised platforms and Hippo’s can’t jump.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Ruzizi Tented Lodge or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Lake Ihema boat safari
Travel Time and Distance
The Retreat to Akagera NP reception: 116 km | 2.5 hrs
Lake Ihema Boat Safari: 1 hour
]]>
Nature Walk Experience
After breakfast, you will start your day with a nature walk around the park. The “Walk the Line
Experience” is an immersive journey into the heart of nature at Akagera National Park. This unique adventure involves 2-hour guided nature walk led by a community volunteer as you follow the park’s perimeter fence. On this walk, you will see many of the park’s remarkable wildlife up close.
After the nature walk, you will be driven to Karenge Bush Camp for lunch and check-in.
Afternoon Game Drive in the Northern Circuit
Later In the afternoon, we will proceed onto an afternoon game drive in the northern circuit to search for animals you may have missed out on in the previous game drive. This afternoon you will
visit the Savannah region of Akagera’s northern sector, where you’ll want to keep your eyes open for some of the park’s top predators, as well as Giraffes and Elephants.
You will finish the day with dinner at Karenge Bush Camp in the evening.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Karenge Bush Camp or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel Time and Distance
Ruzizi Tented Lodge to Walk the Line Experience: 5 km | 10 mins
Walking/Trekking Time: 2 hours (7 km), Moderate difficulty
]]>
Full-Day Game Drive Through Akagera
After breakfast, you will embark on a full-day game drive, traversing from the southern reaches of Akagera National Park to its northern sector.
Lunch at Hippo’s Beach Viewpoint
Along the way, we will make a stop at Hippo’s Beach viewpoint, where you can enjoy your packed
lunch while observing hippos sunbathing on the beach.
Northern Savannahs
In the afternoon we will continue our journey to the northern sector of the park. Here, the landscape opens up into expansive savannahs, keep an eye out for big game here like lions and rhinoceros. Lions were introduced to the park about seven years ago, and their population is thriving. Additionally, the park recently welcomed rhinos recently, making it an exciting opportunity to spot these magnificent creatures.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Near the Lakes
The vast savannah terrain is punctuated by numerous lakes, providing additional opportunities to observe a variety of bird species and the presence of hippos. As the day comes to a close, we make our way back to our camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Karenge Bush Camp or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel Time and Distance
Journey within Akagera NP: Varied
]]>
After an early breakfast, we will head to a new area in the northeastern area of Akagera National Park.
Rural Rwandan Landscapes and Sooko Stopover
During this 2-3 hour drive, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of rural Rwandan landscapes,
where you can immerse yourself in the authentic local life and picturesque farmlands of the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills.’ This route is relatively untouched by tourism, offering a unique and unspoiled experience. You will have a stopover for lunch at Sooko which is an initiative by local driver guides they pooled their money together to open this conveniently located stopover with meals, restrooms, and even showers.
Arrival in Musanze and Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus
After lunch at Sooko, transfer a further hour ascending the mountains before arriving in the township of Musanze at the foothills of the Volcans National Park. On arrival, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Fund.
Wildlife Conservation and Dian Fossey’s Legacy
This new campus serves as an initiative to foster a lasting connection between a passion for Wildlife Conservation and the revered legacy of Dian Fossey. This state-of-the-art centre has provided a permanent home for the Dian Fossey Fund, facilitating the expansion of education and research in Mountain Gorilla Conservation. Its impact promises to be enduring, benefiting both the communities of Volcans National Park and the future of Mountain Gorillas.
Special Presentation by the Gorilla Doctors
After your visit, head to your nearby lodge to check-in. At 5:30 pm, we have arranged at the lodge for a special presentation by the Gorilla Doctors. This offers valuable insight into the dedicated work of veterinarians and their assistants responsible for the health of Mountain Gorillas, especially in light of their small population. Their relentless efforts have been instrumental in the remarkable growth of gorilla numbers since 1986.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Ingagi Park View Lodge (Luxury Cottage) or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel Time and Distance
Karenge Bush Camp to Ingagi Park View Lodge: 191 km | 5 hrsIngagi Park View Lodge to Ellen
DeGeneres Campus: 600 m | 1 min
]]>
Mountain Gorilla Tracking Experience
Today you have a unique and privileged experience of tracking, and hopefully meeting, the rare Mountain Gorilla. There are only around 880 of these magnificent creatures left in the world with around a third of those in the Volcans National Park, Rwanda.
Departure for Volcans National Park Headquarters
After an early breakfast, you leave the lodge at 6:30 am and drive the 30 minutes to the Volcans National Park Headquarters.
Welcome Ceremony and Trek Preparation
At the park headquarters, there will be a cup of tea or coffee available and traditional dancers to welcome you. The park rangers will organise trekkers into groups of like fitness and assign you a trek leader. The leaders will brief you on the trek details and gorilla behaviour before we make a short drive to the trek starting point in the farmlands at the foothills of the Volcans.
The Gorilla Trek
The trek ventures up the mountain and through thick forest. It can last anywhere between 2-6 hours depending on which group you are with and how nomadic the gorilla group is. If you wish, there is the option to hire a porter to help you carry your backpack or bag and can give you a hand during hiking.
Encounter with the Mountain Gorillas
Once you happen upon your gorilla group all tiredness will go away and you get to spend an hour with a troop of these fabled creatures. You will marvel at their interactions, displays, playing, eating and sleeping. There is so much to recognise in our own human behaviour. The encounter is considered one of the great wild animal encounters on the planet.
Return to Accommodation
After that, it’s time to leave the mountain gorillas to live their life and head back down the mountain. There are plenty of stunning views to enjoy on the way down where your driver and guide will be waiting to hear all about your exciting adventure before driving back to your accommodation for lunch.
After lunch, the next activity will be to go on the Mukungwa River Can.
Mukungwa River Can Adventure
The Mukungwa River takes you around the farms, fields and communities at the base of the Volcans National Park. Your guides are well trained and the water is a gentle flow. You will see bird life, handmade bridges, views of the hills and mountains and children who are very happy to see you. The duration of the trip is around 2-3 hours.
After a big day of activities, it’s time to come back to the lodge for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Ingagi Park View Lodge or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Gorilla trekking, Mukungwa River caning
Travel Time and Distance
Amarembo Gorilla View Lodge to start of Gorilla Tracking: 13 km | 21 mins
Amarembo Gorilla View Lodge to Mukungwa River Can: 30 km | 45 mins
]]>
Rural Rwandan Experience
After breakfast, you will head to the Muhanga districts to experience the lives of a typical rural Rwandan farmer and then stay overnight in a mud hut to get a real sense of living as a local. Whilst Rwanda is a small country it is densely populated and most of its citizens earn a livelihood and living from owning and working small plots of land.
Authentic Rural Activities
On arrival, you will partake in your authentic rural activity of choice (chosen on day 1 during the briefing):
Azizi Life Musical Adventure
In the afternoon, your Azizi Life Musical Adventure kicks off with a captivating performance by a talented troupe of traditional artists and storytellers as the sun sets.
Mastering Traditional Drumming and Dance
Whether you’re naturally rhythmic or not, our experienced instructors ensure that everyone can relish the experience of mastering the art of traditional drumming and dancing.
Rwandan Dance Performance
Following that, it’s your moment to shine as you don a traditional costume and delve into the world of Rwandan dance. You’re in for a joyful time as the dancers guide you through the fundamental dance steps while sharing intriguing insights into the history of Rwandan dance.
Overnight at a Local Homestay
Accommodation will be a local homestay. Home Stay hostesses live in homes made of mud brick, which usually have one larger front room for receiving visitors and a few smaller bedrooms for the family. In the enclosed area behind the house, there is an outdoor kitchen, an enclosed pit latrine and bathing outhouse, animal stalls and a family workspace. Most host families have about four children at home. In Rwandan culture, guests are considered a blessing!
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Homestay or farm hut
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Rural activity experience, traditional music and dance
Travel Time and Distance
Amarembo Gorilla View Lodge to Muhanga District: 133 km | 2 hrs 49 mins
]]>
As the new day dawns, you will share a wonderful breakfast with your host family and say farewell before heading to our next destination for lunch and to spend a relaxing afternoon at Kivu Lodge.
Arrival and Relaxation at Kivu Lodge
This idyllic lakeside haven is a blend of modern comfort and rustic charm. Whether you’re savouring delicious Rwandan cuisine, taking a refreshing dip in the inviting pool, or simply relaxing on the terrace while gazing at the serene waters of Lake Kivu, every moment at Kivu Lodge is designed to provide a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. Surrounded by the region’s rolling hills and the majestic Virunga Mountains, this lodge offers a peaceful escape from everyday life.
Exploring the Beauty of Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu shares a border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It stretches 89 kilometres in length, 48 kilometres in width, and reaches a depth of 240 meters. Along its shores, you’ll find charming small towns and bustling cities, all set against the backdrop of the region’s iconic rolling hills and towering volcans.
The Singing Fishermen Experience
The real magic begins at the end of the day. Each evening, a mesmerizing Rwandan tradition unfolds along the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu. As the sun gracefully dips below the horizon, local fishermen fill the air with songs and whistles, embarking on their journey to the heart of the lake.
Traditional Fishing Techniques
This captivating experience provides a unique opportunity to witness the age-old fishing techniques of Lake Kivu, as skilled fishermen navigate the waters in their traditional boats equipped with hooks and nets. Adventurous participants can even try their hand at this authentic fishing method, immersing themselves in the local way of life.
After the Singing Fishermen Experience, you will return to the lodge for dinner
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Kivu Lodge or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Singing Fishermen Experience
Travel Time
and Distance
Muhanga to Kivu Lodge: 108 km | 3 hrsSinging Fishermen Experience: 2 hours
]]>
After a relaxing breakfast, you will have a lazy start to the day with a 10 am checkout. We will then depart along the bumpy but scenic road from Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Africa’s largest temperate Rainforest.
Scenic Journey to Nyungwe Forest
Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of terraced farmlands, vibrant green tea plantations, and dense forests that carpet the hillsides. Keep your eyes open as there are often cheeky monkeys sitting on the side of the road along the way.
Packed Lunch and Canopy Walkway Adventure
Upon reaching Nyungwe National Park, you’ll have a packed lunch before exploring the renowned Canopy Walkway, a suspended bridge that takes you on an exhilarating journey high above the forest floor. The 160-meter-long walkway offers an up-close encounter with the forest’s treetop canopy, providing stunning vistas and potential wildlife sightings.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Canopy Walkway
Travel Time and Distance
Kivu Lodge to Nyungwe NP: 93 km | 2 hrs 12 mins
Canopy Walkway to Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel: 54 km | 1 hr
]]>
Early Start for Chimpanzee Trek
This morning will be an early start, waking up at 5.00 am and eating our packed breakfast on the way to the starting point of your Chimpanzee Trek.
Chimpanzee Trek Briefing and Journey
On arrival, the park rangers will give you a briefing on the trek rules and Chimpanzee behaviours, then you head off with walking sticks in hand into the jungle. With approximately 500 chimpanzees in this Rwandan region, it plays a crucial role in conserving this rapidly declining species. Depending on the trackers’ information, you may encounter larger troops of around 60 or more intimate groups of 20-30. Regardless, chimpanzees are typically more active than mountain gorillas, showcasing their remarkable intelligence, confidence, and characteristics, thanks to their 98.7% genetic similarity to humans.
After the experience, return to your accommodation for lunch and a freshen-up.
Nkombo Island Boat Tour Excursion
In the afternoon, we proceed to the nearby lake shores for the Nkombo Island Boat tour excursion. Nkombo Island is nestled on Lake Kivu, between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. It stands as one of Rwanda’s well-kept secrets, with an expansive area of 22 square kilometres, it is the largest island in Rwanda and home to nearly 20,000 inhabitants and serves as a natural bird sanctuary, enveloped by Ishwa and Bweramata Islands on the Rwandan side of Lake Kivu.
Cultural Experience on Nkombo Island
Once we arrive at the island, you’ll do a steep climb to a community that speaks a mix of Rwandan and Congolese languages. You’re sure to receive a warm welcome with traditional dances and an opportunity to admire their traditional crafted baskets.
Afterwards, you’ll return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Chimpanzee trekking
Nkombo Island boat tour
Travel Time and Distance
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel to Chimpanzee Trek trailhead: 22 km | 1 hr
Lake Kivu Boat Excursion to Nkombo Island: 3 hours
]]>
It’s the final day of the tour and after check out we will make our way to Gitarama, the Kings Palace Museum. Located in Nyanza, south of Kigali City, King’s Palace Museum Rwanda was the original residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa.
Arriving around lunch, you will eat at the café before exploring the museum, which has been restored to its 19th-century state and offers insight into Rwandan traditions. After a recent reintroduction, the property is now home to long-horned traditional cows, which are an integral part of the Rwandan culture. On the neighbouring hill of Mwima, you can visit the burial grounds of King Mutara III and his wife, Queen Rosalie Gicanda.
After the Palace, we will head back to Kigali to have dinner at Kigali’s Repub Lounge and from there we transfer you to Kigali Airport (or your overnight accommodation) and wish you a safe onward journey with memories that move you long after you return home.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel Time and Distance
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel to Kings Palace Museum: 146 km | 3.5 hrs
Kings Palace Museum to Kigali: 100 km | 2.5 hrs
]]>
These Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions are designed to protect your rights under Australian Consumer law by ensuring that you are fully aware of all Travel Providers' terms and conditions, including payment schedules, before you commit to purchasing travel. These Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions (below) are owned by our "Travel Affiliate" Darebin Travel. If there is any doubt as to your rights or obligations, our Travel Affiliate will answer your questions.
When you accept these terms and conditions, you agree that DeluxeLife Pty Ltd (ACN: 647 484 115) and its associates and suppliers (except our Travel Affiliate, as prescribed in the Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions, below) shall not be liable for any loss and/or damage (including without limitation incidental or consequential damages and/or lost profits) resulting from your access to and/or inability to use the travel services provided by our Travel Affiliate Darebin Travel.
Summary
1. References to "us", "we" and/or "our" in these Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions means Darebin Travel Pty Ltd (ABN: 70 005 763 208) trading as Darebin Travel.
2. We are a travel agent. We arrange travel services and sell a Travel Product on behalf of Third Party Travel Providers (Providers) including airlines, tour and cruise operators, car hirers and accommodation providers. We may charge a service fee for providing this service (outlined in the Schedule of Professional Service Fees).
3. Once we have booked a Travel Product on your behalf, your contract is then with the Provider of those services.
4. Your rights to amend or cancel your Travel Booking and the cost of doing so will be governed by the Provider's terms and conditions. The Provider’s terms and conditions may be non-refundable or may have amendment and cancellation fees. It is important that you understand this when entering into a contract with us. These fees are in addition to amendment and cancellation fees charged by us, outlined in the Schedule of Professional Service Fees.
Agency
5. We provide you with Booking & Advisory Services that allow you to acquire Travel Products from a Provider. We act as an agent for the Provider.
6. By acquiring Booking & Advisory Services from us, you agree that you have read and understood our terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of the Providers.
Fees and Commissions
7. We charge a fee for providing the Booking & Advisory Services to you. The fee is non-refundable, even if the Travel Product is not used.
8. All fees are outlined in the Schedule of Professional Service Fees.
9. We may receive a commission, fee, rebate, gift or financial incentives from Providers, in respect of your booking. Any commission, gift, fee, rebate and/or financial incentive received by us from Providers in relation to your booking is non-refundable in the event of cancellation.
Liability of Agency and Limitations of Liability
10. We are liable to you for providing Booking & Advisory Services in accordance with these terms and conditions.
11. Our travel Booking & Advisory Services come with guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law which cannot be excluded. These guarantees include that the services:
a. will be provided with due care and skill;
b. will be reasonably fit for the specified purpose;
c. can reasonably be expected to achieve the desired result; and
d. will be provided within a reasonable time.
12. If we do not meet any of the expectations set out in paragraph 11, you have rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
13. Subject to the Australian Consumer Law, we are not liable for any technical errors, corruption of any data, unauthorised access to your personal data, inaccuracies in information supplied by you or third parties, or failure to complete bookings when that failure is due to circumstances beyond our control.
14. Subject to the application of consumer guarantees which may be implied into the supply of Booking & Advisory Services to you, we are not otherwise liable to you or anyone else for any loss or damage which is suffered directly or indirectly in connection with the:
a. the delivery or non-delivery of the Travel Product; or
b. any act or omission of Providers or other third parties.
15. Apart from the rights you have under the Trade Practices Act that cannot be lawfully excluded, we shall not be liable for any inconvenience, delay, loss, death, injury or damage to you or your belongings or otherwise caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party suppliers, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control.
16. Nothing in these terms and conditions is intended to exclude or restrict the application of consumer guarantees under consumer protection law.
Liability of the Provider
17. Once you have acquired Booking & Advisory Services from us, the Provider will provide you with the Travel Product on the terms and conditions agreed between you and the Provider. You should obtain and read the Provider's terms and conditions before acquiring Booking & Advisory Services from us.
18. The Provider is liable to you for a breach of obligations in providing you with the Travel Product.
19. As an agent of the Provider, we have no control over or liability for, the services provided by Providers. We cannot guarantee the performance of the Provider and we have no liability in respect of the supply of any Travel Products including any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by any provider of travel services or products by Providers. All bookings with us are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by the Provider.
Booking Terms
20. The Travel Products offered are subject to availability and can be withdrawn without notice by the Provider. Travel Products may also change at any time in accordance with any Provider's terms and conditions.
21. When making a booking, you must provide details of each traveller correctly. We have no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the incorrect entry of a traveller's details.
22. Travel Products obtained through the Booking & Advisory Services are not guaranteed until payment has been made in full and documents have been processed.
23. It is your responsibility to contact the Provider prior to departure to ensure there is no change to the scheduled departure time.
24. Most airlines offer only electronic confirmation of your reservation, or 'e-ticketing'. We cannot be held responsible if your e-ticket does not arrive due to an incorrect email address or your junk email settings. You must notify us immediately if you change your email address or contact telephone number after making a booking. It is your responsibility to advise us if you have not received your e-ticket confirmation.
25. When making a booking you must advise your consultant of any medical, dietary or mobility conditions you may have.
26. When making a booking you must advise us if you are pregnant.
Payment Terms
27. All pricing is reflected in Australian Dollars unless otherwise specified.
28. All pricing is inclusive of goods and services tax (GST), or other such value added taxes where applicable.
29. Payments processed in foreign currency (currency other than the original card holders country of issue), may incur a currency conversion fee. Please refer to your financial institution for applicable fees.
30. We sell Travel Products in two different ways:
a. as merchant, where we take payment directly from you at the time of booking confirmation; or
b. as retail, where your Travel Product will either be paid to the Provider directly at the time of booking or payable to the Provider on the date of travel.
31. Travel Products purchased in accordance with the 'retail' method, will not be bound by these terms and conditions and you are responsible for pursuing any claims of cancellation, re-scheduling, refunds or chargebacks directly with the merchant.
32. As the merchant we are governed by the terms and conditions of the Provider of the merchant facility.
33. A credit card or debit card fee may also be charged by certain Providers and low cost carriers. You will be notified of such charges prior to your purchase.
34. All charges, including the credit card fees, may be in another currency (e.g. EUR), which we will provide an estimate for in Australian dollars.
Refunds and Credits
35. If you cancel your Travel Product, your right to a refund or credit is subject to the terms and conditions of the Provider.
36. If the Provider is required to provide you with a refund or credit for the Travel Product, we will liaise with the Provider to arrange that refund. Where you are entitled to a refund, we are unable to provide you with this refund until we receive it from the Provider. Please note that most Providers take 60 – 90 days to process any refund.
37. Any refund or credit will be subject to these terms and conditions and will not include the Booking & Service Advisory fee, credit card fees or any commissions received. You may also be charged a cancellation fee by the Provider.
38. Where refunds for unused services are allowed, a service fee may be charged by the Provider against the value of the refund.
No Show
39. If you have a booking for a Travel Product (including flights and accommodation) but you do not show up to check-in or otherwise do not avail yourself of such Travel Product, you will not be entitled to any refund from us.
Cancellation and Amendments
40. If you amend or cancel your Travel Product, we reserve the right to charge the cancellation and amendment fees as per the Schedule of Professional Service Fees.
41. The Provider may charge cancellation and amendment fees in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed between you and the Provider. These will be in addition to the fees charged by us. We are not liable for any cancellation fees or refusals to refund made by the Provider.
42. Many Providers treat name changes and route and/or itinerary alterations as a full cancellation and these can incur full cancellation charges.
43. We will not charge a cancellation or amendment fee if you cancel or amend your booking due to a breach by us of our obligations to you or due to our fault.
Cancellations and Amendments for Online Low Cost Carrier Bookings Only
44. If your flight booking is with a low cost carrier, you can only cancel or change your booking by contacting the Provider directly.
Cancellations and amendments for hotel bookings only
Cancellations and Amendments for Hotel Bookings Only
45. Please review the cancellation policy for your hotel booking for any penalties that may apply.
Force Majeure
46. We will not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations in booking the Travel Product that is due to events beyond our control.
47. If a force majeure event occurs that affects your booking, your entitlement to a refund, a credit or re-scheduled travel booking will depend on the Provider's terms and conditions.
48. If your booking is impacted by a force majeure event and you are entitled to a refund or credit from the Provider, we will facilitate this refund or credit.
49. The Booking & Service Advisory fee, credit card fees or any commissions received are non-refundable in the circumstance that a force majeure event occurs.
Low Cost Flights
50. If you book a low cost flight with us, we will make the booking on your behalf and your contract for your low cost flight will also be subject to the airline's booking terms and conditions.
51. It is your responsibility to ensure that all details of the booking are correct before proceeding. For any changes or cancellations, please contact the airline directly, quoting your reference.
Additional Airline Charges
52. Some Providers may also charge additional fees. Please check with the Provider for their full terms and conditions.
Hotel/Accommodation Bookings
53. Some Providers will require an additional charge to be paid locally (e.g. a resort fee) at the time of check in or check out. This amount is in addition to the amount shown during the booking process under the 'total booking cost' amount.
54. There may be taxes levied abroad but not paid at the point of purchase that are payable in relation to your hotel booking (e.g. local taxes, sales tax etc.). Any local taxes will be payable by you directly to the Provider at the time of check in/check out.
Changes in Price and Itineraries
55. We reserve the right to cancel your booking in the event we have reasonable grounds to believe it is fraudulent.
56. If a Provider changes any part of your booking for reasons beyond its control, we will use our reasonable endeavours to notify you. If any such changes result in your Travel Product costing more or otherwise being materially different, then you may cancel the Travel Product. Any refund would be subject to the Travel Provider terms and conditions.
57. These terms and conditions are subject to variation at any time. Any variation will be displayed here, and you will be deemed to have accepted a variation if you have made a booking after it has been displayed.
Your Obligations and Warranties
58. You warrant to us that:
a. you are at least 18 years old and have the power, capacity and authority to enter into a binding contract with us and with the Providers of the Travel Products that you acquire;
b. you have read and understood these terms and conditions and if booking on behalf of third parties, you have conveyed these terms and conditions to them;
c. the information you provide us about yourself is true, accurate, current and complete (apart from any optional items) as required by any registration process;
d. you have considered acquiring comprehensive travel insurance and we are not responsible for any failure by you to acquire adequate insurance cover; and
e. you will use the Booking & Advisory Services in accordance with these terms and conditions and you will not use the Booking & Advisory Services in any way to breach any laws or defame anyone.
Jurisdiction and Law
59. All matters arising out of or in connection with the Booking & Advisory Services and these terms and conditions are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. By acquiring the Booking & Advisory Services, you consent and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the laws of Victoria, Australia.
Definitions
" We" and "us" means Darebin Travel.
" You" or "your" means any user of our Website or any person who acquires the Booking & Advisory Services, including any person who acquires a Travel Product (whether or not the Booking & Advisory Services were acquired by another person).
" Booking & Advisory Services" means services provided by us to you in assisting you to acquire a Travel Product from a Provider and includes advisory and consulting services.
"Force Majeure” means, but not limited to: acts of God, accident, riot, war, terrorist act, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, outbreaks of infectious disease or any other public health crisis, civil commotion, breakdown of communication facilities, natural catastrophes, adverse weather conditions, governmental acts or omissions, changes in laws or regulations, national strikes, fire, explosion and generalised lack of availability of raw materials or energy.
“ Travel Provider” or "Provider" or "Providers" means the company or person who provides you with the Travel Product on terms and conditions agreed with you.
" Travel Product" means the service or product provided by a Provider, for example, an airline or a hotel.
" Website" means our website https://deluxelife.com.au/
Schedule of Professional Service Fees
|
Planning Fee |
$125 per itinerary. Creating unique travel itineraries is our specialty. For detailed quotations providing tailored recommendations for custom designed tours, a non-refundable planning fee applies. Should you proceed with booking, this fee is credited towards your trip.
|
|
Service Fees |
$40 Domestic/Trans-Tasman airfare per person or as discounted
|
|
$150.00 International airfare per person or as discounted
|
|
|
$50.00 Domestic/Trans-Tasman business class airfare per person or as discounted
|
|
|
$200.00 International business class airfare per person or as discounted |
|
|
NIL Domestic/Trans-Tasman package, tour, or cruise per booking
|
|
|
NIL International package, tour, or cruise per booking |
|
|
$ Other Services dependent on service explained to you |
|
|
$200 to $500 Itinerary planning per booking (credited towards reservation once booked) |
|
|
Deposit & Balance |
For all bookings, the initial deposit is 20% and the balance of payment is due 60 days before departure. If Travel Provider terms and conditions vary, we may request an additional deposit from you, after the initial deposit is paid, plus the balance payment date may also vary. After you have paid your initial deposit, you will have five days cooling off period to accept these Booking & Advisory Terms and Conditions, during which time your deposit is refundable. After 5 days has passed, or you have accepted the Terms and Conditions, the deposit will automatically become non-refundable. Note, some Travel Products must be paid in full at time of booking. Service Fees must also be paid at time of booking and are non-refundable. After you pay the balance of payment this will become fully non-refundable 60 days before travel, or earlier, if specified by the supplier. |
|
Amendment Fees |
Changes to Domestic/Trans-Tasman bookings will incur a fee of $50 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
|
|
Changes to International bookings (excluding Trans-Tasman bookings) will incur a fee of $50 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
|
|
|
Cancellation Fees |
Cancellations to Domestic/Trans-Tasman bookings will incur a fee of $75 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
|
|
Cancellations to International bookings (excluding Trans-Tasman bookings) will incur a fee of $150 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
|
|
|
Credit Card Fees |
Visa - an additional 2.0% applies
|
|
Mastercard - an additional 2.0% applies
|
|
|
American Express - an additional 2.0% applies
|
(All fees exclude GST, where applicable).
Privacy Notice
Darebin Travel collects your personal information to enable us to respond to your queries and provide you with the Booking & Advisory Services, including assisting in arrangements with Providers (such as hotels and flights).
We will also use your personal information to personalise the service we provide you, including your experience on our, and other, websites, and to provide you with information about our, and our partners’, business, products and services. Your personal information may be shared between entities within Darebin Travel and with DeluxeLife Pty Ltd (ACN: 647 484 115), disclosed to suppliers, Providers, our cloud infrastructure, our contractors and to others where authorised or required by law. Some of these entities may be located overseas.
ANNEXURE – TRAVEL TIPS FOR TRAVEL PRODUCTS
These tips set out below are NOT legally binding terms and conditions.
Passports, Visas and Health Requirements
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the required documents, including visas and passports, before travelling to a destination. For more information please log on to www.dfat.gov.au and www.smarttraveller.gov.au. Please check with the respective Embassy or Consulate of each country that you are travelling to, as many destinations require visas for both Australians and non-Australian passport holders. For more information, log on to www.visalink.com.au. You need to ensure that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport from the date of your departure return.
For International travellers booked on flights to the USA, including Hawaii, it is now mandatory, under the Visa Waiver Program to receive an electronic authorisation known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) no less than 72 hours before travel to the USA. This can be obtained from the following website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ .
For international travellers booked on flights to Canada, you either need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. An eTA can be obtained from the following website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of any health requirements for your travel destinations. Vaccinations are strongly recommended for certain destinations. You need to contact your local doctor who will advise you of these requirements. Please note that vaccinations may be recommended before your travel departure date.
Travel Advice
We recommend that you contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or visit their website at www.dfat.gov.au for general travel advice, as well as specific advice (including safety alert levels) relating to the destination you wish to visit.
Ticketing
For international and domestic departure, e-tickets will be issued upon payment and completion of the booking process. All other travel documentation, such as hotel booking confirmations, will be emailed to the email address you provided as an e-document. Should the Provider issue paper vouchers, these will be posted to the address you provided.
Baggage Allowance
Baggage allowance varies from airline to airline and in many cases the airfare you have paid may not include the cost to cover checked baggage. Please check with your Travel Advisor and/or the airline providing your flights for the allowances.
Frequent Flyers & Special Requests
For more information on whether your airfare is eligible for Frequent Flyer rewards, please contact the airline directly. When booking online, please ensure that you have entered your correct number. For bookings made by telephone via our Customer Service Team, please advise of your Frequent Flyer details and these will be added to your reservation. We do not take any responsibility should an airline not register your trip. You should retain copies of your air ticket and boarding pass.
Special requests will be passed on to the Providers but cannot be guaranteed.