Travel Agents: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I book?
A. Easy! There are three ways you can book a Kumuka Tour:
Choose the tour you want to book and either:

• Follow the safe and secure online booking process
• Complete a booking form in the back of a Kumuka Brochure and fax or post it to us
• Call one of our experienced consultants who will be happy to book your Kumuka tour.

Q. What happens once I’ve booked?
A. We receive confirmation of your booking. We will then send you an email containing all the travel documents and information your client will need, along with links to our website for further relevant information. You can then pass this along to your client. Along with this will be your invoice, which will also include your commission.

Q. What’s included in the tour price?
A. That depends on the area visited and type of tour but generally, most if not all meals, entrance fees for major sights, transport, accommodation, experienced and knowledgeable Kumuka tour leaders and drivers, local and specialist guides where required are all included. For precise details, check out the detailed itinerary for each tour.

Q. Where can I find out more specific information on a particular tour?
A. If you know the tour code, simply enter it into the search box. If not, then from the main Kumuka webpage, find it through continent or tour style. Open up the specific tour and here you will have all the necessary information. Click on ‘detailed itinerary’ for a day to day record of the trip. If in doubt, just give us a call.

Q. What is a Local Payment?
A. Some of our tours have a local payment, which is managed by the tour leader. If applicable it will be shown next to the tour price, and is given is USD. For tours of Europe it is payable to Kumuka or you as the travel agent either at the time of booking or when the client’s final balance is due. In all other areas it is payable directly to the tour leader, at the beginning of the tour. It is used to cover the cost of all meals whilst camping, camp sites, hotels when not camping, some national park entrance fees and excursions. It is used purely for the group and if there is left over at the end of the tour it is generally spent on a fantastic group night out at a lovely restaurant on the final day, for example.

Q. How many people travel on a Kumuka tour?
A. All of our overland truck tours take a maximum of 20 passengers. This gives everyone that extra comfort, space and less herd like feeling. We also offer a wide range of small group tours. Our local transport tours take no more than 16 passengers, whilst our European Coach Tours can take up to 48.

Q. How is Kumuka group travel different?
A. We have 25 years experience in offering quality, well run tours. We also integrate plenty of free time for our passengers into our group style of tour, so they have a degree of independence also.

Q. Is there an age limit on Kumuka Tours?
A. All ages ranges listed for tours are guidelines only. As long as a client is fit, healthy and adventurous then we are more than happy to take them on. Sometimes, for older clients, we will request a letter of confirmation of health from their GP.

Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. If your client wishes to cancel a tour; it must be made in writing and takes effect only once we receive it. If cancellation is received:

• 60 days or more before departure date = loss of deposit
• 59-31 days before departure date = 50% of tour cost
• 30 days or less before departure date = 100% of tour cost

Q. Is the itinerary of a tour likely to change?
A. All itineraries are suggested only. However, it is unlikely that the company will have to make any changes to the client’s tour, but the arrangements are planned many months in advance. Occasionally changes may be made, which the company reserves the right to do at any time. Most of these changes are minor and the company will endeavour to advise the client of them at the earliest possible date. Whilst Kumuka endeavours to follow all itineraries, there may be times where die to unforeseen circumstances we will have to alter our route or timing. This can be something as simple as road works or public holidays however we will do everything to ensure that all sites as per the itinerary are visited.

Q. Where can a client find out more?
A. On the Kumuka.com website! We’ve provided heaps of information, including info about Visas, climate, immunisation, wildlife guides and all the latest travel news.

Q. What is the process for payment?
A. Clients are entitled to a one week period in which to pay deposit, which is a total of R2400. The remainder of the tour price does not have to be paid until 2 weeks prior to departure, when the full tour cost will be due.

Q. What is involved with a Gorilla Permit?
A. Permits for the Gorilla trek need booking well in advance and are subject to availability as only a certain number are issued. Viewing is restricted to 6-8 people per day per family. This is to safeguard the families from too much human contact. The payment is also due immediately so that we are able to book them right away. Confirmations may take a while to reach you, but this is normal.

Q. And what about the Mount Kilimanjaro climb
A. This is also on a request basis, though does not have to be paid at time of booking. We can request it for you, or you may also do it directly yourself. The link for this can be found once the specific tour is open, click on departure dates, then on the request tab. Simply fill in the form, which will then be sent directly to Rose, who handles our requests.

Q. What about accommodation either side of the tour, or transfers?
A. Pre and post tour accommodation, as well as transfers can be organised by us, just let us know the dates.

Q. If my client wants to do an optional excursion, when is this paid for?
A. Optional excursions are paid for whilst on tour. This way the client is under no pressure to restrict their options.

Questions not answered here? Just give us a call FREE, and one of our friendly staff will be on hand to answer anything we couldn’t here.

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