Terms and conditions for car rentals in Tanzania

Confirming a booking with Roadtrip Africa signifies that you have read, fully understood, and accepted the terms and conditions outlined below.

Definitions 

o    “RTA” refers to Roadtrip Africa, the travel company registered in the Netherlands.
o    "HTTS" or "Owner" refers to Hidden Treasures Tanzania Safaris, the travel company registered in Tanzania.
o    "You" or "Hirer" refers to the individual who has signed the Rental Agreement, along with their authorized travel companions included in the agreement.
o    The “Driver” means the person appointed and authorised by the Owner to drive the vehicle. 
o    "Rental Agreement" refers to this contract between the Hirer and RTA. 
o    "Vehicle" refers to the rented car. 

General use of the vehicle & camping equipment 

1.    The Vehicle may only be driven by the Driver appointed by the Owner. Other terms and conditions apply for self-drive rentals. The Hirer may not provide their own driver-guide. Any losses or damages caused by an unauthorized driver are the Hirer's responsibility.
2.    The Hirer shall return the Vehicle on the agreed date and time, as specified in your reservation overview. Returns must be made by 7 PM at the latest unless the Owner has specifically agreed otherwise. No refunds shall be given for early returns. 
3.     The Vehicle is provided with an empty fuel tank and can be returned to the Owner with an empty tank. 
4.    Only fuel from major stations such as Shell, Total and Puma should be used. Never purchase bottled fuel from roadside vendors. Poor-quality fuel can damage the engine. 
5.    Any losses or severe damages to the camping gear shall be charged to the Hirer at replacement value.

Speed limits

•    80 km/h on highways. Safari vehicles are classified as trucks due to longer braking distances.
•    40 km/h when driving through towns. Note that the main highways pass through towns, so be wary of speed limit signs and speed bumps. 
•    25 - 40 km/h in national parks; depending on road conditions and the rules per park. Even 25 km/h can be too fast on narrow or eroded dirt roads.

Restricted areas & recommendations

6.    The Driver is not allowed to drive in the dark (before 6:30 AM and after 7:00 PM). If you would like to go on a night game drive, you can join a guided safari in a vehicle provided by the lodge where you are staying.
7.    The following areas are only allowed with a Toyota Land Cruiser. If a Suzuki is detected in a restricted area, the Hirer is in breach of contract and fully liable for any costs and loss of the security bond.
a.    The road from Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Seronera, Serengeti and roads inside the Serengeti. The main access road to Seronera is challenging due to the rocky surface with washboard ribbons. We cannot stress enough to drive slowly (25km/h) and carefully on this road!
b.    Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Suzuki is only allowed for safaris in the Ngorongoro Crater. The rest of the NCA is off-limits
c.    Road towards Lake Natron
d.    Nyerere National Park
8.    Travel to Lake Tanganyika and Gombe Stream National Park is only allowed with a Land Cruiser and upon prior written confirmation by RTA. 
9.    Crossing international borders is not allowed without prior written approval from the Owner and additional insurance coverage (COMESA Yellow Card).
10.    Hirers are strongly advised to purchase a local SIM card with airtime and internet for easier communication. 

Vehicle maintenance

11.    The Driver is responsible for basic maintenance, including checking engine oil, coolant, and tyre pressure. If fluids are depleted, the Hirer covers the costs to replenish them. 
12.    We don’t do field repairs or send a replacement vehicle when a problem occurs with the A/C or fridge. Wiring and piping are sensitive and suffer from bumpy roads and dust. Sadly, the knowledge and equipment (Frigo gas) to repair A/C or fridges are unavailable in the field. We understand it's unfortunate when your fridge stops working. In the rare case this happens, do let us know, and the Roadtrip Africa office in the Netherlands will issue a refund for the fridge rental.

Accidents & mechanical breakdowns 

13.     In case of an accident or mechanical breakdown of the Vehicle that cannot be repaired within 24 hours, the Owner will provide and pay for a replacement vehicle. Delays within the first 24 hours are at the Hirer's expense. RTA or the Owner cannot be liable for refunding car rental, park fees, activities, or hotels.

Liability

14.    RTA and the Owner are not liable for loss of personal belongings or injuries. The Hirer is advised to take out travel and medical insurance.
15.    RTA and the Owner are not liable for events beyond their control, including flight delays, civil disturbances, road closures, extreme weather, epidemics, and similar force majeure events. 
16.    RTA aims to provide accurate and up-to-date information on its website and through email communication, but no claims or rights can be derived from this.

Payment & cancellation policy

17.    After RTA receives the signed terms and conditions, you will be sent two invoices: (1) a non-refundable deposit of 10% to confirm the booking and (2) the final invoice with the remaining amount due 14 days before departure. 
18.    There are no refunds in case of a last-minute cancellation or rescheduling, which is 14 days before your departure date or less. If you want to be covered, take out travel or cancellation insurance.