HelloEastAfrica.com
Welcome to HelloEastAfrica.com (“we,” “our,” or “us”). By using our website and services, you agree to these Terms of Service. Please read them carefully.
1. About Our Services
HelloEastAfrica.com operates as a travel platform connecting you with verified tour operators across East Africa. We provide:
- Safari and travel package comparison tools
- East Africa visa information and cost estimates
- Job and career opportunity listings
- Travel guides, stories, and community content
- Connections to local tour operators and service providers
Important: We are a booking platform, not a tour operator. We connect you with third-party providers who deliver the actual travel services.
2. Who Can Use Our Services
- You must be at least 18 years old to make bookings
- You must provide accurate information when registering
- You must use our services for lawful purposes only
- You cannot create multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions
3. How Bookings Work
Our Role: We display packages from verified tour operators. When you book, you enter a contract directly with that operator, not with us.
Pricing:
- All prices are set by tour operators
- Prices may change without notice until booking confirmation
- Displayed prices include all mandatory fees and taxes
- Optional extras are clearly marked
Payment Process:
- Payments go directly to the tour operator or through secure payment processors
- We may charge a small platform fee (clearly displayed before payment)
- Your payment is subject to the operator’s terms and conditions
Booking Confirmation: You’ll receive confirmation from both us and the tour operator within 24 hours. If you don’t receive confirmation, contact us immediately.
4. Cancellations and Refunds
Operator Policies Apply: Each tour operator sets their own cancellation policy. We display these clearly before you book.
Our Dispute Resolution Process:
- Contact us within 14 days at info@helloeastafrica.com
- We’ll review and respond within 7 business days
- If unresolved, we offer independent mediation
- Legal disputes are subject to Ugandan courts
Platform Fee Refunds: Our platform fees are refundable within 48 hours if the booking wasn’t confirmed by the operator.
5. Visa Information Service
Information Only: Our Visa Hub provides guidance based on official sources. Requirements, fees, and processing times may change.
Your Responsibility:
- Verify all visa information with official embassies or consulates
- Apply for visas with adequate time before travel
- Ensure your passport meets validity requirements
No Guarantees: We cannot guarantee visa approvals or processing times.
6. Job Listings
Third-Party Postings: Job opportunities are posted by employers, not us.
Your Due Diligence:
- Research employers before applying
- Never pay money upfront for job opportunities
- Report suspicious listings to info@helloeastafrica.com
Our Responsibility: We remove reported fraudulent listings within 24 hours.
7. User-Generated Content
Community Guidelines: You may not post content that is:
- Unlawful or promotes illegal activity
- Defamatory, racist, or discriminatory
- Misleading or fraudulent
- Spam or commercial advertising
- Violation of others’ intellectual property
Content Moderation: We review reported content within 48 hours and remove violations.
Your Content Rights: By submitting content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to display, distribute, and promote it with proper attribution.
Copyright Issues: Report copyright infringement to info@helloeastafrica.com with proof of ownership.
8. Account Management
Account Suspension: We may suspend accounts for:
- Violation of these terms
- Fraudulent activity or payment disputes
- Abusive behaviour towards staff or community members
- Repeated booking cancellations without valid reason
Termination Process:
- First violation: Warning email
- Second violation: 30-day suspension
- Third violation: Permanent account closure
You can appeal decisions within 14 days.
9. Travel Risks and Safety
Inherent Travel Risks: Travel to East Africa involves risks including:
- Wildlife encounters and outdoor activities
- Tropical diseases and health challenges
- High altitude effects
- Political instability or civil unrest
- Natural disasters and weather events
- Infrastructure limitations
Your Responsibility:
- Secure comprehensive travel insurance
- Consult medical professionals before travel
- Follow operator safety guidelines
- Stay informed about destination conditions
Our Limitation: We are not liable for injuries, illness, or losses during your travels.
10. Intellectual Property
- Our Content: All website content, logos, and designs are protected by copyright and trademark laws.
- Permitted Use: You may view and print content for personal use only.
- Prohibited Use: You cannot copy, reproduce, or distribute our content without written permission.
11. Force Majeure
Neither party is liable for delays or failures due to events beyond reasonable control, including:
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions)
- Pandemics or health emergencies
- Government restrictions or travel bans
- Civil unrest or political instability
- Infrastructure failures or cyber attacks
12. Limitation of Liability
Service Disclaimer: Our services are provided “as is” without warranties of any kind.
Liability Limits: Our total liability is limited to the platform fees paid to us, not the full cost of travel arrangements.
Exclusions: We are not liable for:
- Actions or omissions of tour operators
- Travel delays, cancellations, or service quality
- Personal injury or property damage during travel
- Financial losses due to currency fluctuations
13. Anti-Discrimination Policy
We don’t discriminate based on race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. We expect the same standards from our community and partners.
14. Compliance and Legal Requirements
Sanctions Compliance: We comply with international sanctions and may restrict services to certain countries or individuals as required by law.
- Age Verification: We may request age verification for certain services.
- Legal Cooperation: We cooperate with law enforcement when legally required.
15. Changes to Terms
Notification Process:
- Major changes: 30 days’ notice via email
- Minor updates: Website notification
- Continued use means acceptance of changes
Version Control: Previous versions are available upon request.
16. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Uganda. Disputes are subject to Ugandan courts.
- Severability: If any provision is found invalid, the remaining terms continue to apply.
- Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the complete agreement between us.
Contact Information
- All Enquiries: info@helloeastafrica.com
- Phone: +256 777 159 540
- Registered Address: HelloEastAfrica.com Ltd
TOS Updates
Change Notification:
- Major changes: 30 days’ notice via email
- Minor updates: Website notification
- Continued use indicates acceptance
Version History: Previous versions available upon request.
Regular Reviews: We review this TOS every 6 months to ensure compliance and accuracy.
