Refund & Cancellation Policy

1. Overview

At Nimal Safari, we understand that travel plans can change. This Refund & Cancellation Policy outlines the conditions under which refunds are provided for bookings made through our website or directly with our team. By completing a booking and making payment, you agree to this policy. This policy should be read together with our Terms & Conditions.

2. Booking Confirmation & Advance Payment

All bookings require a 50% advance payment at the time of reservation. The remaining 50% balance is due prior to the commencement of the safari. Your booking is only confirmed once the advance payment has been received and acknowledged by Nimal Safari.

3. Customer Cancellations

3.1 Standard Cancellation Terms

The following cancellation terms apply to all standard bookings:

Cancellation 24 hours or more before safari:

• Full refund of the advance payment.
• Refund will be processed within 7–14 business days.
• Refund credited to the original payment method.

Cancellation less than 24 hours before safari:

• No refund will be issued.
• This applies to both the advance payment and any balance paid.
• The full booking amount will be forfeited.

No-show (failure to appear at agreed time/location):

• No refund will be issued.
• The booking will be treated as cancelled without notice.

3.2 How to Cancel

To cancel a booking, you must notify Nimal Safari in writing via email or WhatsApp, clearly stating your booking reference, name, and safari date. Verbal cancellations are not accepted as sufficient notice.

The date and time of your written cancellation notice will be used to determine the applicable refund tier.

4. Cancellations by Nimal Safari

In certain circumstances, we may need to cancel a confirmed booking. Where Nimal Safari initiates a cancellation, the following applies:

• Full refund of all amounts paid.
• We will notify you as early as possible via phone or email.
• Where feasible, we will offer a rescheduled date as an alternative.
• We reserve the right to cancel bookings at our discretion (e.g., for safety concerns, overbooking errors, or operational reasons) with a full refund guaranteed.

5. Force Majeure & Circumstances Beyond Our Control

Nimal Safari shall not be liable for cancellations, delays, or disruptions caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including:

• Adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, flooding, storm).
• Natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires).
• Government restrictions or orders.
• Park closures declared by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
• Civil unrest, strikes, or public emergencies.

In such cases, we will offer one of the following at our discretion:

• Rescheduling to a mutually agreed alternative date (preferred option).
• A partial refund based on costs already incurred.
• A full refund if no alternative arrangement can be made.

We will communicate our decision promptly and fairly.

6. Safari Duration & Service Disruption

If a safari is cut short due to circumstances within our control (e.g., vehicle breakdown, driver negligence), a proportional refund or complimentary rebook may be offered at our discretion.

No refund or compensation will be offered for reduced wildlife sightings, as animal encounters cannot be guaranteed by their nature.

7. Rescheduling Policy

• Customers who wish to reschedule (rather than cancel) should contact us at least 24 hours before the safari.
• Rescheduling is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.
• Rescheduled bookings are subject to the same cancellation policy from the new booking date.
• Only one complimentary reschedule is permitted per booking. Further changes may incur an administrative fee.

8. Online Payment Refund Process

Refunds for payments made through our website payment gateway will be processed as follows:

• Refunds are returned to the original payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank transfer).
• Processing time: 7–14 business days, depending on your bank or card issuer.
• Nimal Safari is not responsible for delays caused by third-party banks or payment processors.
• Any currency conversion or transaction fees charged by your bank are non-refundable.
• If you have not received your refund within 14 business days, please contact your bank first, then reach out to us with your booking reference.

9. Non-Refundable Items

The following are strictly non-refundable under all circumstances:

• Yala National Park entrance fees (paid directly to the Department of Wildlife Conservation).
• Government taxes and levies.
• Any third-party services arranged and paid on your behalf.
• Booking processing or administrative fees (if applicable).

10. Disputes

If you are dissatisfied with a refund decision, please contact us in writing. We will review your case fairly and respond within 7 business days. Disputes that cannot be resolved amicably are subject to the laws of Sri Lanka and the jurisdiction of Sri Lankan courts.

11. Contact for Cancellations & Refunds

Nimal Safari

Website: www.nimalsafari.lk