Terms of service

1. Contractual Relationship

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern the relationship between Youssef tours guide, a licensed tourism provider in the Kingdom of Morocco, and the person(s) booking a tour (“Client,” “you,” or “traveler”). By paying a deposit or confirming a booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms.

2. Booking and Payment Terms

2.1 Confirmation: A booking is only considered “confirmed” once the required deposit of 50% has been received and we have issued a formal booking confirmation via email.
2.2 Final Payment: The full balance must be settled no later than 50% days before the tour start date. For bookings made within 30 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
2.3 Payment Methods: We accept [Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Cash in MAD/EUR/USD]. Any bank transfer fees or currency conversion charges are the sole responsibility of the Client.

3. Client Responsibilities & Requirements

3.1 Travel Insurance (Mandatory): It is a strict condition of booking that every traveler possesses comprehensive travel insurance. This policy must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation, and emergency evacuation. Proof of insurance must be provided to the guide upon request.
3.2 Physical Fitness: You must honestly disclose your physical health status. We reserve the right to disqualify any traveler from certain activities (e.g., trekking the Toubkal or long camel treks) if their health poses a risk to themselves or the group.
3.3 Travel Documents: The Client is responsible for obtaining and carrying a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the stay) and any necessary visas for entry into Morocco.
3.4 Punctuality: Our tours operate on a schedule to ensure the safety of mountain or desert crossings before dark. We are not responsible for any missed portions of the tour due to Client tardiness.

4. Itinerary Changes and Flexibility

4.1 The Nature of Moroccan Travel: Morocco is a developing country where infrastructure can be affected by weather or local events. You acknowledge that itineraries are a statement of intent rather than a rigid contract.
4.2 Guide’s Authority: The guide’s decision is final on all matters of safety. We reserve the right to alter routes, accommodation, or transport if the Tizi n’Tichka pass is closed due to snow, if rivers flash-flood, or if other safety concerns arise.
4.3 Substitute Accommodation: If a specific Riad or Hotel listed in the itinerary becomes unavailable, we will provide an alternative of equal or higher standard.

5. Standard of Service and Liability

5.1 Third-Party Providers: We act as an agent for hotels, transport companies, and local mountain/desert guides. While we vet our partners carefully, we are not liable for the acts, omissions, or negligence of these independent contractors.
5.2 Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by Moroccan law, Youssef tours guide shall not be liable for any injury, loss, death, or damage to person or property, unless caused by our own gross negligence.
5.3 Luggage: All baggage and personal effects are at all times the Client’s risk. We recommend not bringing high-value jewelry or electronics on desert excursions.

6. Conduct and Cultural Respect

6.1 Local Laws: Clients must strictly comply with the laws of the Kingdom of Morocco. Possession of illegal drugs or engagement in prohibited activities will result in immediate termination of the tour with no refund.
6.2 Cultural Sensitivity: Travelers are expected to respect local customs, particularly regarding dress codes in rural villages and religious etiquette.
6.3 Termination of Service: We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any Client who displays abusive, threatening, or hazardous behavior toward the guide, drivers, or local citizens.

7. Force Majeure

We are not liable for any failure to perform our obligations due to “Force Majeure” events. This includes, but is not limited to:

Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, sandstorms).
Civil unrest, strikes, or war.
Government-mandated lockdowns or border closures.
Sudden changes in flight schedules or airline cancellations.

8. Photography and Marketing

During the tour, our staff may take photographs or videos of the scenery and the group. By agreeing to these terms, you grant us a perpetual, royalty-free license to use these images for promotional purposes. If you wish to be excluded from photography, you must notify your guide in writing before the tour begins.

9. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

9.1 Immediate Notice: If you have a complaint during the tour, you must inform the guide immediately to allow us the opportunity to rectify the situation.
9.2 Formal Claims: Any formal claims must be submitted in writing within 15 days of the tour completion.
9.3 Governing Law: This contract is governed by the laws of the Kingdom of Morocco. Any disputes that cannot be settled through mediation shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Marrakech.