Terms of Service

1. Who these terms apply to

These terms govern every booking made with Desert Life Safari ("we", "us"), a tour and travel operator based in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India, whether that booking is made through this website, over the phone, on WhatsApp, by email or in person.

By confirming a booking with us you accept these terms on behalf of everyone travelling in your party. If you are booking for others, it is your responsibility to pass this information on to them.

2. Bookings and confirmation

An enquiry is not a booking. A booking is confirmed only once we have acknowledged it in writing — a WhatsApp or email confirmation from us — and any advance payment we have asked for has been received.

Prices quoted on this website are indicative starting rates. Final pricing depends on your dates, group size, vehicle type, room category and the season, and is confirmed at the time of booking.

3. Payment

We usually take a part-payment to hold a booking, with the balance payable before or at the start of your trip. The exact split is confirmed in writing when you book.

Any bank charges, payment-gateway fees or currency-conversion costs are payable by you. We do not store your card or banking details.

4. Cancellations and changes

Cancellation terms vary by service, because camps, hotels and vehicles are held for you on different notice periods. The terms that apply to your booking are confirmed to you in writing at the time of booking, and those are the terms that govern it.

Hotel rooms booked directly with us carry free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, as stated on our hotel page.

We will always try to move a booking rather than cancel it. Date changes are subject to availability and to any difference in seasonal pricing.

5. If we have to change or cancel

Very occasionally we may need to change an itinerary — weather in the Thar, a vehicle breakdown, a restricted-area permit being refused, or a camp becoming unavailable. Where that happens we will offer the nearest equivalent arrangement, or a refund of the portion not delivered.

We are not able to refund costs you have incurred separately, such as flights or train tickets booked on your own.

6. Your responsibilities on the trip

• Carry valid photo identification. Foreign nationals must carry a passport and valid visa, which are required for hotel check-in and for permits in border areas.
• Follow the instructions of our guides, cameleers and drivers, particularly on camel safaris, dune bashing and any other activity involving vehicles or animals.
• Tell us in advance about medical conditions, allergies, dietary requirements, pregnancy, or reduced mobility, so we can advise honestly on what is suitable.
• Respect local custom at religious sites, in villages, and when photographing people.
• You are responsible for your own belongings throughout the trip.

7. Activity risk

Camel safaris, dune bashing, quad biking and similar desert activities carry inherent risk. Camels are animals and can behave unpredictably. You take part in these activities at your own risk, and you should not take part against medical advice.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, evacuation, cancellation and adventure activities. We do not provide insurance.

8. Border-area and permit travel

Trips towards Tanot, Longewala and other areas near the international border are subject to permits and to clearance by the authorities. Access can be restricted or withdrawn at short notice for reasons entirely outside our control, and we cannot be held liable where that happens.

9. Liability

We accept liability for failures in the services we directly provide, to the extent required by applicable Indian law. We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses, or for the acts of independent third parties such as airlines, railways, or hotels not booked through us.

Nothing in these terms limits liability where it cannot lawfully be limited.

10. Photography

We sometimes photograph trips for our own website and social media. If you would prefer not to appear, tell your guide and we will respect that — during the trip and afterwards.

11. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of India, and the courts at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan have jurisdiction over any dispute arising from them.

12. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms from time to time. The terms that apply to your booking are the ones in force on the date your booking was confirmed.