Cancellation Policy

Understand our tour cancellation policy, refund terms, and modification procedures.

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Cancellation Policy

Last updated: November 6, 2025

Overview

We understand that plans can change. This Cancellation Policy outlines the terms and conditions for canceling or modifying your tour booking with Sahara Stars Tours.

Cancellation Timeframes and Fees

Standard Tours

More than 30 days before departure:

  • Full refund minus 10% administrative fee

15-30 days before departure:

  • 50% refund of total tour cost

7-14 days before departure:

  • 25% refund of total tour cost

Less than 7 days before departure:

  • No refund

Private Tours

More than 60 days before departure:

  • Full refund minus 15% administrative fee

30-60 days before departure:

  • 50% refund of total tour cost

15-29 days before departure:

  • 25% refund of total tour cost

Less than 15 days before departure:

  • No refund

Peak Season Tours (December, July, August)

More than 90 days before departure:

  • Full refund minus 20% administrative fee

60-90 days before departure:

  • 50% refund of total tour cost

30-59 days before departure:

  • 25% refund of total tour cost

Less than 30 days before departure:

  • No refund

How to Cancel

To cancel your booking:

  1. Email: Send a cancellation request to [email protected]
  2. Include: Your booking reference number and reason for cancellation
  3. Confirmation: You will receive a cancellation confirmation within 24-48 hours
  4. Refund: Refunds will be processed within 14 business days

Modifications

Changing Tour Dates

More than 30 days before departure:

  • One free date change (subject to availability)
  • Additional changes: $50 fee per change

15-30 days before departure:

  • $100 fee per change (subject to availability)

Less than 15 days before departure:

  • Date changes treated as cancellation + new booking

Changing Tour Type or Itinerary

  • Subject to availability and price differences
  • $75 modification fee applies
  • Must be requested at least 30 days before departure

Non-Refundable Items

The following are non-refundable regardless of cancellation timing:

  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance premiums
  • Special permits or entrance fees already purchased
  • Non-refundable hotel deposits for peak season bookings

Force Majeure

In case of events beyond our control (natural disasters, political unrest, pandemics, etc.):

  • We will work with you to reschedule your tour
  • If rescheduling is not possible, we will provide a credit voucher valid for 24 months
  • Refunds for force majeure events are at our discretion

No-Shows

If you fail to show up for your tour without prior cancellation:

  • No refund will be provided
  • The full tour cost will be forfeited

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers:

  • Trip cancellation for any reason
  • Medical emergencies
  • Travel delays
  • Lost luggage

Travel insurance can protect you from financial loss due to unforeseen circumstances.

Group Bookings

For groups of 10 or more people:

  • Custom cancellation terms may apply
  • Please refer to your group booking agreement
  • Contact us for specific group cancellation policies

Partial Cancellations

If some members of your party cancel:

  • Per-person cancellation fees apply
  • Remaining travelers may face price adjustments if minimum group size is not met
  • We will notify you of any price changes

Weather-Related Cancellations

Cancellations by Sahara Stars Tours

If we cancel a tour due to weather:

  • Full refund or reschedule at no additional cost
  • We are not responsible for additional expenses (flights, hotels, etc.)

Cancellations by Travelers

If you cancel due to weather concerns:

  • Standard cancellation policy applies
  • Travel insurance may cover weather-related cancellations

Refund Processing

  • Refunds are processed to the original payment method
  • Processing time: 14 business days
  • Bank processing may take additional 5-10 business days
  • Currency exchange rates at time of refund apply

Exceptions

We may make exceptions to this policy in extraordinary circumstances at our sole discretion.

Questions

For questions about cancellations or to request special consideration, contact us at:

Note: This policy is subject to change. The policy in effect at the time of booking applies to your reservation.