Terms & Conditions

Namibia Safari & Desert Adventure for Travelers 50 and Over
Retreat Dates: May 4–16, 2026

These Terms & Conditions outline the agreement between you (“Participant”) and Mel Vandersluis (“Host”) for participation in the Namibia Safari & Desert Adventure for Travelers 50 and Over. Please read carefully before booking.

1. Trip Overview

This is a 13-day, 12-night all-inclusive safari and desert experience through Namibia. Designed for travelers aged 50 and over, this retreat is hosted by Mel Vandersluis and Michael Homsy. Destinations include Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha, and the greater Windhoek region. This small group experience is limited to 8 participants for maximum comfort and connection.

2. Pricing & Payment

  • Trip Price: $8,450 USD per person

  • A non-refundable deposit of $750 USD is required to secure your spot.

  • Payment plans are available upon request.

  • Final payment is due by April 5, 2026.

  • All credit card and processing fees are the responsibility of the guest and are clearly indicated on WeTravel.

Note: These service fees are passed on to the participant because we are required to pay our suppliers and partners in full. This ensures 100% of the trip value reaches those delivering your accommodations, meals, and experiences.

3. Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • The $750 USD deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances.

  • Cancellations made:

    • More than 75 days before departure: Full refund of payments made, minus the deposit

    • 45–75 days before departure: 50% refund of total paid, minus the deposit

    • Less than 45 days before departure: No refund

  • All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.

  • Travel insurance is required to cover unexpected cancellations or emergencies.

  • If the Host cancels the trip, guests will receive a 100% refund, including the deposit.

4. What’s Included

  • 12 nights’ accommodations (shared rooms)

  • All breakfasts

  • All dinners

  • 10 lunches

  • Guided activities, including:

    • Visit to Dune 45 & Deadvlei

    • Game drive at GocheGanas

    • Sandwich Harbour Tour

    • Desert elephant game drive in Damaraland

    • Two game drives in Etosha

    • Game drive and lion feeding at Mount Etjo

  • Private ground transportation throughout the trip

  • Airport transfers

Note: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations or modify the itinerary if needed due to unforeseen circumstances or to enhance the experience. All substitutions will be of equal or greater quality.

5. What’s Not Included

  • International flights

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Optional excursions or personal purchases

6. Accommodations & Rooming

  • All rooms are shared (double occupancy)

  • You may request a specific roommate. If you don’t have one, we’ll pair you with another guest.

  • Private rooms are not available on this trip

7. Travel Documentation

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond the trip dates is required.

  • A tourist visa must be purchased upon arrival in Namibia.

  • It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure they have the correct travel documents and meet all entry and visa requirements based on their nationality.

8. Health, Fitness & Mobility

  • This retreat includes long stretches of road travel—sometimes up to 4 hours at a time.

  • Participants must be comfortable with extended time in a vehicle and light activity such as walking on uneven ground or standing for extended periods.

  • If you have mobility limitations or health concerns, please contact us before booking. We’ll assess suitability on a case-by-case basis.

  • While we make every effort to accommodate needs, Namibia’s infrastructure and terrain may present physical challenges.

9. Emergency Contact & Medical Info

Participants will be required to submit emergency contact information and disclose any relevant medical conditions, dietary needs, or allergies at least 30 days prior to the trip.

10. Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk

  • Guests must sign a liability waiver before participating in the retreat.

  • You acknowledge that certain activities involve inherent risk, including but not limited to wildlife encounters, vehicle excursions, hiking, and walking on uneven terrain.

  • By joining this trip, you agree to assume full responsibility for your participation and release the Host, organizers, and local partners from liability for any illness, injury, property loss, accident, or incident that may occur.

11. Personal Responsibility

  • Participants agree to take full responsibility for their personal safety and well-being during the trip.

  • Decisions made during free time or participation in optional activities are undertaken at the participant’s own discretion and risk.

12. Packing & Preparation

A detailed packing list and weather overview will be provided. Participants are responsible for bringing appropriate clothing, footwear, medications, and sun protection for this environment.

13. Gratuity Guidelines

Tips are not included in the trip price. A gratuity guide will be provided before departure to help you prepare for tipping local guides, drivers, and service staff.

14. Optional Activities

Any activity not included in the official itinerary is entirely optional and done at the participant’s own expense and risk.

15. Guest Conduct & Expectations

To maintain a supportive, respectful environment:

  • Treat fellow guests, guides, and hosts with kindness

  • Flexibility and patience are essential in this travel environment

  • Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but excessive drinking is not permitted

  • The Host reserves the right to remove a participant without refund for behavior that is unsafe, disrespectful, or disruptive to the group experience

16. Photography & Media Release

Photos and videos will be taken throughout the trip for promotional use. By attending, you agree to be photographed or filmed unless you opt out in writing prior to the trip start date.

17. Force Majeure

The Host is not liable for cancellations, delays, or changes due to events beyond their control, including but not limited to natural disasters, weather, political instability, pandemics, or airline disruptions.

18. Agreement

By submitting your deposit or full payment, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions in full.