Privacy Policy

1. Introduction & Overview

Beacon Safaris & Trekking (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is a licensed tour operator registered under the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania, based in Arusha, Tanzania. We are committed to respecting and protecting the personal data of our travelers, website visitors, and corporate clients.

This Privacy Policy outlines how we gather, utilize, transmit, and safeguard personal and confidential details collected via our website, direct concierge consultations, booking forms, and expedition records.

2. Information We Collect

To deliver bespoke expeditions throughout Tanzania, we collect:

• Identity & Passport Details: Full legal name, date of birth, nationality, passport numbers, and visa copies required by national parks and domestic airlines.
• Contact Information: Email addresses, telephone and WhatsApp numbers, residential billing addresses, and emergency contacts.
• Expedition & Medical Health Disclosures: Trekking experience, current altitude medications, chronic cardiovascular/respiratory conditions, and dietary preferences necessary for high-altitude Kilimanjaro safety and wilderness camp catering.
• Payment Metadata: Transaction reference IDs, currency preference, and encrypted payment tokens (credit card numbers are processed directly by certified payment gateways like DPO Group and are never stored on our servers).

3. How We Use Your Data

We process traveler information strictly for legitimate operational purposes:

• Arranging tailor-made itineraries, private safari 4x4 vehicles, and certified guides.
• Processing required permits with TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks) and KINAPA (Kilimanjaro National Park).
• Coordinating domestic bush flights with licensed Tanzanian air charters (e.g. Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Flightlink).
• Ensuring safety protocols, pulse oximeter records, and AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation coverage during mountain ascents.
• Responding to inquiry quotes, itinerary customizations, and customer service requests.

4. Park Permits & Wildlife Authorities

Under statutory Tanzanian wildlife laws, all travelers entering national parks and conservation areas (including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park) must be registered with their verified passport details. By initiating a booking with us, you authorize Beacon Safaris & Trekking to submit required identification to the designated regulatory authorities.

5. Payment Security & Processing

All digital transactions are encrypted using Transport Layer Security (TLS 1.3) protocols. Online card settlements are securely processed via PCI-DSS Level 1 compliant financial processors (such as DPO Group). Beacon Safaris & Trekking does not retain, store, or view unencrypted debit or credit card security codes.

6. Third-Party Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Information is shared strictly on a need-to-know basis with:

• Partnered safari luxury lodges, tented camps, and boutique hotels in Zanzibar.
• Charter aviation operators for scheduled domestic bush transfers.
• AMREF Flying Doctors or emergency medical evacuation providers when urgent medical stabilization is required.

7. Retention & International Transfers

Traveler records are retained for the duration required to satisfy statutory accounting, tax, and licensing obligations in Tanzania. Given the international nature of global tourism, personal data may be securely transferred between your home jurisdiction and Tanzania.

8. Your Rights (GDPR & International)

Depending on your jurisdiction of residence, you maintain the right to access, rectify, or request the erasure of your personal data held by us, as well as the right to restrict processing or withdraw marketing consent at any time.