Quick answer
We require a 25% non refundable deposit to confirm a private tour; the balance is normally due 45 days before departure. If you cancel we refund the 75% balance payment according to how far in advance you cancel and after subtracting any non‑refundable third‑party costs (for example domestic flights, park permits or hotel penalties). Typical charges are: full refund less supplier fees if you cancel more than 30 days out; 50% refund for cancellations 30–15 days before departure; no refund within 15 days. Specific terms are shown on your booking confirmation.
Key points
- Deposit secures your private tour; balance usually due 45 days before departure.
- Refund amount depends on notice: >30 days, 30–15 days, <15 days (see details below).
- Third‑party costs (domestic flights, park fees, some hotels) are often non‑refundable.
- We will seek alternatives or rebook where possible; travel insurance is strongly recommended.
- All cancellations must be confirmed in writing to the booking contact listed on your confirmation.
Booking and payment practicalities
When you confirm a MadagascarPrivateTours.com trip we ask for a deposit (amount stated on your invoice) to hold dates and services. The final balance is normally due 45 days before the tour start date. Bookings made inside 45 days of travel require full payment at the time of confirmation.
Exact payment deadlines and the deposit amount appear on your booking confirmation and invoice. Payments are handled locally by Finaritra Randrianasolomanana, who manage bookings and local logistics.
Cancellation charges and timeframes
Our standard cancellation scale used in booking confirmations is:
- More than 30 days before departure — full refund of the 75% balance payment received, minus any non‑refundable supplier costs and bank/transaction fees.
- 15 to 30 days before departure — 50% of the 75% balance payment tour price retained (you receive 50% refund), plus deduction of any non‑refundable third‑party costs.
- Less than 15 days before departure — 100% of the tour price retained (no refund), unless specific supplier rules allow otherwise.
These timeframes are typical for our private tours and will be confirmed on your invoice. We do not publish fixed deposit amounts or set fees on this page because they vary by itinerary, season and supplier availability.
Special cases: third‑party suppliers and domestic flights
Some costs are controlled by third parties and may be non‑refundable even when our cancellation window would allow a refund. Common examples are:
- Domestic airline tickets (airlines often apply strict penalties or no refunds).
- Park permits, special park guide fees and some lodge reservations which require advance payment.
- Private charter services or specialist guide bookings with separate cancellation rules.
We will list any known non‑refundable items on your confirmation. If suppliers can issue a partial refund or change the date, we will pass that option to you and assist with rebooking where possible.
Modifications, transfers and company‑initiated changes
If you wish to change dates or itinerary after booking we will try to accommodate requests subject to availability. Date changes may attract supplier change fees and a small administration fee; exact costs depend on the change and timing.
If MadagascarPrivateTours.com needs to cancel your tour (insufficient numbers for a group, safety or operational reasons), we will offer an alternative date or a full refund of payments received. If we propose an alternative and you prefer a refund, we will refund the amount paid for services we cannot deliver.
Force majeure and travel insurance
In exceptional circumstances beyond reasonable control (for example severe political unrest, sudden national closures, or official travel restrictions), refunds and options will depend on what suppliers and insurers allow. We will act promptly to advise you and to recover funds where possible, but we cannot guarantee full refunds in every force majeure case.
For these reasons we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations, medical costs and domestic flight disruption. For guidance see our travel insurance for Madagascar page.
How to cancel and refunds
To cancel, send written notice by email to the booking contact shown on your invoice. Provide your booking reference and lead traveller name. We will acknowledge receipt and confirm any refund or cancellation charge within 5 business days.
Refunds (where applicable) are processed to the original payer. We aim to complete refunds within 30 days of confirming the cancellation, subject to receipt of funds from third‑party suppliers and normal banking times.
Summary
Bookings require a 25% non refundable deposit and usually a final payment of the 75% balance 45 days before travel. Cancellation refunds depend on notice: generally full refund of the 75% less supplier fees if you cancel more than 30 days out, partial refund for 15–30 days, and no refund inside 15 days. Third‑party charges (domestic flights, park fees, some lodges) can be non‑refundable. All cancellations must be sent in writing; we recommend travel insurance. Specific terms are shown on your booking confirmation.