Liability Waiver:

Our safari involves traveling in some of the more remote and colorful areas of Botswana, Zambia and Victoria Falls, and we will be traveling, walking, and camping among people who still live in their traditional manner. Wild animals such as elephants, buffalo, hippos, lions, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, and other reptiles roam in these areas. Many services common in your home area (such as communications, telephones, medical assistance, evacuation in the face of danger, illness or injury, ground, water, or air transport, etc.) may be unavailable or provided at a lower standard than that which would be available to you in your home country. The standard of roads, for example, can be such that travel is impossible during or after heavy rain or floods. In many areas, it is not possible for an aircraft to land at an airstrip at night, even in a medical emergency.

 

All participants of a safari are hereby informed that anyone traveling in an open-sided vehicle, on foot, in a hot air balloon, by boat, canoe, or other water-borne carriage is at greater risk of injury than when traveling in an enclosed vehicle, in the face of an attack by a wild animal or other incident, no matter what precautions might have been taken to lessen any risks. There may be times when the opportunity to travel in the ways mentioned in this paragraph might arise. While precautionary measures will be taken (e.g., carrying communication devices, being accompanied by experienced personnel, or, where appropriate, by an armed and trained person), all participants are hereby notified that their participation in any of these activities signifies that they have understood that increased risks exist and that they bear full responsibility by signing this waiver and by participating in the activity.

 

Whilst very sincere efforts are made to minimize the risks without losing the essential flavor of adventure, it is clear that some risks remain, for which the organizers cannot be expected to assume responsibility. Accordingly, NEITHER METTA YOGA NOR ITS EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, SUBCONTRACTORS, SUPPLIERS, VENDORS OR AGENTS WILL ACCEPT LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSS, INJURY, DAMAGE OR DEATH, however arising, while you and/or your family and/or guests are on the trip, climb, safari and/or another journey, including your stay in camps. Nor will they be responsible for any loss, injury, damage, or death before or after the trip they booked you for ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT, SAFARIS, or other extras. These exclusions of liability do not apply if loss, injury, damage, or death was directly caused by willful misconduct or gross negligence by the management of METTA YOGA or of a supplier for which METTA YOGA is legally responsible. The entire liability shall, in any event, be limited to US $5,000 per person.

 

I have read the above information and statements and the separate Policies & Liabilities (Botswana, Zambia and Victoria Falls Policies & Liability Waiver) and have understood them. I THEREFORE RELEASE AND DISCHARGE Mila Burgess (METTA YOGA) FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY ARISING FROM MY PARTICIPATION IN THE TRIP. I agree this release shall be legally binding upon myself, all minors under the age of 18 traveling with me whose names are listed below, and our heirs, successors, assigns, and legal representatives. I fully assume all risk of travel and release Mila Burgess (METTA YOGA) and its suppliers from any and all liabilities, unless explicitly excluded in the statements above, to the maximum extent permitted by law. I also confirm that I/we am/are in good health and in proper physical condition to participate in this trip.

I am voluntarily participating in physical exercise that can be strenuous and subject to risk of serious injury during a Yoga Retreat. Mila Burgess (Metta Yoga) urges you to obtain a physical examination from a doctor before beginning any exercise or training program. You agree that by participating in these physical exercise sessions or personal training activities, is at your own risk. I recognize that exercise is not without some risk to the musculoskeletal system (e.g. sprain, strain) and cardiorespiratory system (e.g. dizziness, fainting, abnormal heartbeat, discomfort in breathing, abnormal blood pressure response, and in rare instances, heart attack or stroke).  I acknowledge that not all risks can be known in advance. I HEREBY, for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, or personal representatives (hereinafter collectively, “Releasor,” “I” or “me”, which terms shall also include Releasor’s parents or guardian if Releasor is under 18 years of age), knowingly and voluntarily enter into this WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY and hereby waive any and all rights, claims or causes of action of any kind arising out of my participation in the Activity. I HEREBY release and forever discharge Mila Burgess (Metta Yoga), their affiliates, managers, members, agents, attorneys, staff, volunteers, heirs, representatives, predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively “Releasees”), from any physical or psychological injury that I may suffer as a direct result of my participation in the aforementioned Activity. I FURTHER AGREE to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Releasees against any and all claims, suits or actions of any kind whatsoever for liability, damages, compensation or otherwise brought by me or anyone on my behalf, including attorney fees and any related costs. I FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE that Releasees are not responsible for errors, omissions, acts or failures to act of any party or entity conducting a specific event or activity on behalf of Releasees. In the event that I should require medical care or treatment, I authorize Mila Burgess (Metta Yoga) to provide all emergency medical care deemed necessary, including but not limited to, first aid, CPR, the use of AEDs, emergency medical transport, and sharing of medical information with medical personnel.  I further agree to assume all costs involved and agree to be financially responsible for any costs incurred as a result of such treatment. I am aware and understand that I should carry my own health insurance. In the event that any damage to equipment, field or facilities occurs as a result of my or my family’s or my agent’s willful actions, neglect or recklessness, I acknowledge and agree to be held liable for any and all costs associated with any such actions of neglect or recklessness. Both participant and Mila Burgess (Metta Yoga) agree that this agreement is clear and unambiguous as to its terms, and that no other evidence shall be used or admitted altering or explain the terms of this agreement, but that it will be interpreted based on the language in accordance with the purposes for which it is entered into.

Retreat Cancellation, Payment and Refund Policies

Cancellation due to external circumstances:

If we are forced to postpone or cancel your retreat due to a significant event that makes it infeasible to operate the retreat as planned (including, but not limited to, natural disasters, manmade disasters, COVID-19, other diseases/pandemics, travel restrictions, etc.) Metta Yoga  will make every effort to refund any balance of payments made.

In some circumstances, we will have incurred non-refundable costs from our venues, tour and travel providers. In those cases, we will offer credit towards a future retreat that is the equivalent value of the credit that we receive from these providers. Credit must be used within 12 months of the trip cancellation.

Metta Yoga is not responsible for airline tickets, insurance coverage, non-refundable hotel reservations or any other travel related goods and services purchased directly by passengers.

 

Participant Cancellation:

If you cancel your participation in a retreat for any reason, the cancellation policy below will apply, with no exceptions.

There will be no refunds or discounts for:

• Arriving late
• Leaving early
• Flight cancellations
• Travel Delays
• Illness

We know life happens and we wish we could compensate our travelers for unforeseen circumstances, but please understand that we have costs incurred when reserving retreat centers and booking private tours. We have designed our cancellation policy to be as compassionate as possible in case your plans change, but to protect yourself, we require you to purchase travel insurance (see below for suggestions).

 

Cancellation Schedule:

 To officially cancel, you must send an email stating that you wish to do so to mila@mettayoga.studio. Deposits are non-refundable

Cancellation from confirmation date until 91 days from tour date – forfeit the deposit.
Cancellation 90 days or less from tour date - forfeit 100% of tour cost.

At 90 days or less prior to the retreat start date, there are no refunds or credits. However, if you wish to gift your reservation to another traveler, you may do so by providing us with their information (name, email address and phone number) at the time of your cancellation. 

 

Changes to Travel:

We will make every effort to operate all retreats as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or cancel the retreat or make reasonable substitutions as deemed necessary. In the event of cancellation, our liability, if any, shall be limited to and liquidated by refund or credit to each prospective participant.

 

Travel Insurance

We REQUIRE travel insurance so that you are covered if an emergency prevents you from arriving at the retreat on the start date. We do not offer any refunds for any reason, as we are liable to our vendors for full payment, whether or not you attend the retreat. For travel insurance, you can check with your credit card company, your insurance company, or use a website such as https://www.squaremouth.com to find the insurance that is right for you.

 

Vaccinations & Visas

By signing this agreement, the participant acknowledges and accepts the responsibility to secure all necessary vaccinations and visas/electronic travel authorizations required for travel to and participation in the Wellness in the Wild Botswana, Zambia and Victoria Falls experiences. Further, the participant acknowledges that they are aware of the passport requirements for entry into each country on the itinerary. The participant must consult with a healthcare provider and/or appropriate government agencies to understand and obtain the necessary vaccinations, visas/electronic travel authorizations, and passport requirements. Failure to do so may result in the participant being denied entry to Botswana, Zambia and Victoria Falls. The safari organizers will not be held responsible for any consequences, losses, or expenses incurred due to the participant’s failure to obtain the necessary vaccinations, visas/electronic travel authorizations, or failure to comply with passport requirements. 

Photo/Video Release:

I hereby grant the Mila Burgess (Metta Yoga) permission to use my likeness in a photograph, video, or other digital media (“photo”) in any and all of its publications, including web- based publications, without payment or other consideration. I understand and agree that all photos will become the property of the Mila Burgess (Metta Yoga) and will not be returned. I hereby irrevocably authorize the Mila Burgess (Metta Yoga) to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute these photos for any lawful purpose. In addition, I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein my likeness appears. Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of the photo. I hereby hold harmless, release, and forever discharge the Mila Burgess (Metta Yoga) from all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf or on behalf of my estate have or may have by reason of this authorization. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE PHOTO RELEASE. I AFFIRM THAT I AM AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE, OR, IF I AM UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE, I HAVE OBTAINED THE REQUIRED CONSENT OF MY PARENTS/GUARDIANS AS EVIDENCED BY THEIR SIGNATURES BELOW. I ACCEPT:

No Smoking and No Drug Policy:

Our wellness retreats are intended to help optimize our participants’ health. As such, we foster a smoke and drug free environment throughout the retreat experience. This policy covers all rooms, common areas and grounds of the resort property and includes any off site group activities, side trips, excursions and tours. Smoking (inhaling, exhaling, burning, vaping, or carrying any lighted cigarette, cigar, cartridge, pipe or any other device containing tobacco, oil/liquid, leaf, weed, plant or other products) is strictly prohibited. Our drug free policy bans the recreational use of illegal drugs at all times. 

 

Right To Amend

You can review the most current version of these terms at any time. Metta Yoga reserves the right, at our sole discretion, to update any part of these terms by posting revisions to our website. Please check the website periodically for changes. Your continued use of the site or service following the posting of any updates to these terms constitutes acceptance of those changes.

Revised Feburary 2025