Wild, Wondrous Africa: Botswana Safari And Victoria Falls 2027

THANK YOU for your interest in Wild, Wondrous Africa: Botswana Safari and Victoria Falls 2027 and much more, with the Elephant Conservation Center Experience as an option. The dates are: June 11 - 22, 2027, for a total of 12 days and 11 nights. Please set aside 10 minutes to complete this form, and have an electronic copy (digital photo) of your passport available.  

Need help? Call Leslie Baer Dinkel 951-733-2588; leslie@localhope.org

Your Host - Local Hope, also known as Xela AID Partnerships for Self-Reliance, is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization federally registered in the United States, EIN #45-3658025. The organization operates in Guatemala under the auspices of Ciudades Sostenibles, a nationally registered non-profit organization, NIT 91837022. 100% of the proceeds from your contribution will fuel empowerment programs! As such, your contribution may be tax deductible. Please consult a tax professional.

A few important notes:

1) PASSPORTS - Have a copy of your valid passport available to upload. Be sure that your expiration date is at least six months after your return date.

2) WHAT IS INCLUDED, NOT INCLUDED

> Included: Expert guides, "glamping" accommodations will include floored, stand-up tents with comfortable cots, en-suite bathroom facilities and showers, and will be set up by our expert crew prior to our arrival at each camp. Gourmet multi-course meals will be expertly prepared for us by our chef and kitchen crew. Additionally included are luxury lodge accommodations, all transportation, transfers and 24 delicious meals. Tips are included for the safari and all included meals.

> Not Included: Airfare, visas, some meals, tips on meals that aren't included.

> Optional Elephant Conservation Center Experience (four-five hours) - $200 per person (inter-country transportation; entrance, activities, light snack, donation to the conservation organization which cares for the elephants)

3) DEPOSITS - You will be required to make a $1000 deposit upon registering, and pay the Elephant Conservation Center Experience if you select it.

4) FULL PAYMENT - You will be invoiced for your balance, including single room supplement (if selected), prior to our formal group Orientation Saturday, February 6, 2027. Your full payment is required prior to Orientation.

5) YOUR PARTICIPATION MAY BE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE - Please check with your tax preparer. For all payments you make, you will receive a receipt for tax purposes. 

6) PAYMENT, CONFIRMATION - Please have a valid credit card ready, or you may use PayPal to complete your transaction. You will receive a confirmation copy of your application after submitting. If your credit card is "not accepted," it could be that your bank has limited your card for online transactions. You may need call your bank to OK the payment.

A - Participant Pledge

1) OUTLOOK - I will bring my best to each day, including my enthusiasm, patience, a listening ear and an open heart.

2) SEEK HELP - Should I take ill; become injured, overly anxious, frustrated or experience any other issue that interferes with my experience, I will seek the help of my a trip leader to quickly resolve the issue.

4) SAFETY - I will follow safety guidelines shared with me by trip leaders and local staff.

5) SUBSTANCE USE - No vaping or use of recreational drugs is allowed on Local Hope sponsored trips, and no use of alcohol by persons under 21 years of age despite local laws. It will further be expected that all participants refrain from over-drinking that could result in injury to themselves or others.

B - Health

HEALTH - If I have a cold or flu symptoms during my experience, including a runny nose, fever, headache, cough, or other symptoms, I agree to mask, wash my hands frequently, and take related precautions to protect myself and others. If asked, I will comply.

C - Orientation - I understand that for my enjoyment and safety during the trip, the Zoom Orientation is MANDATORY, and that to participate in this trip, I must attend it in full. 

Refund Policy

Local Hope is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. Your registration fees of $1000 holds space for you for this high-demand experience, and is non-refundable. Should your plans change, this deposit would be applied to our empowerment programs to fuel health, education and self-reliance in villages in the Guatemalan highlands. If you believe your plans could change for any reason, we strongly advise that you purchase trip cancellation insurance.

The balance of fees paid here (activity options) are refundable as follows: 100% 61 days prior to the calendar date of your arrival, with no further refunds possible after that date. Exceptions: In the case of a natural disaster or travel ban imposed by the U.S. or other governments, and/or flight cancellations due to such restrictions, our trip will be rescheduled and we will offer you full credit toward your future Explore Trip within two years. Thank you for your support and understanding!

TAX DEDUCTIBILITY - Please note that as a Participant with our non-profit organization, 100% of your contribution and expenses may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax professional. A tax receipt for the full amount contributed to Local Hope via this form and when you pay your balance will be provided. We suggest you keep a copy of meal receipts, airfare, and additional hotel stays which may also be fully tax deductible.

Vaccinations and Any Medical Condition(s) You May Have - The Center for Disease Control offers guidelines for vaccinations based on international destination. Please consult the CDC here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

Our organization does not provide medical advice. Please consult your physician about recommended vaccinations and additional protections based on destination.

(1) PARTICIPATION - I acknowledge that my participation in this Explore Trip is strictly voluntary, and further recognize the inherent risks associated with international travel. Accordingly, I agree to assume any and all risks relating to my participation. I understand and acknowledge that my participation is voluntary and that nothing contained herein or in any additional document executed in connection herewith shall be construed to create an employer-employee partnership or joint venture relationship with Local Hope or any related Third Party, either now or at any time in the future.

(2) APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR - I will not during this trip: (a) Become involved in any political movement; (b) Proselytize; (c) Harass or demean or make unwanted sexual advances on any other participant.

(3) HOLD HARMLESS - I agree to hold harmless and indemnify Local Hope, Xela AID, and, if any, Third Party providers, directors, agents, employees and staff from and against any and all costs, liability, demands, claims, damage and expenses of any nature or any kind incurred in connection with my participation. I understand that this Release of Liability is in consideration for allowing me to travel in connection with Local Hope/Xela AID and but for said Release, I would not be allowed to participate.