TERMS AND CONDITIONS

These Terms and Conditions apply to all transportation, camping, accommodation, tourism support, logistics services, geological field-trip support and other services provided by Golden Highlands Ltd. (Registration No. 1816462), unless otherwise stated in writing.

 

Golden Highlands primarily provides transportation, camping, accommodation, equipment and logistical support services. Where a tour or field trip includes activities organized or supervised by an independent tour guide, specialist guide or third-party activity provider, those activities are subject to the responsibility of the relevant guide or provider.

 

By making a booking with Golden Highlands, the person making the booking confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Terms and Conditions on behalf of themselves and, where applicable, all persons included in the booking.

 

1. BOOKING AND PAYMENT

Prices published on the Golden Highlands website, brochures or other promotional materials are subject to change without prior notice. The final price will be confirmed by Golden Highlands before the booking is accepted.

The booking confirmation or service agreement will specify the services included and excluded from the agreed price.

Unless otherwise stated, flights are not included in the price.

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Deposit

A deposit of 20% of the total agreed cost, unless otherwise stated, together with a completed Booking Form, is required to confirm a booking.

Certain services may have different deposit requirements. Where applicable, the booking confirmation will state whether the deposit is refundable or non-refundable.

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Final Payment

The remaining balance must be paid at least 90 days before the scheduled departure date, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

For bookings made less than 90 days before the scheduled start date, full payment is required at the time of booking, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

A booking is considered confirmed once the required payment has been received and confirmation has been issued by Golden Highlands.

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2. SERVICES PROVIDED BY GOLDEN HIGHLANDS

Depending on the booking, Golden Highlands may provide services including:

• 4×4 transportation and drivers

• Camping equipment and camp setup

• Tents and bedding

• Tables, chairs and other camping equipment

• Meals, snacks and drinking water

• Accommodation arrangements

• Transportation and logistical support

• Support for geological field trips

• Other services specifically agreed with the client

Only services expressly included in the booking confirmation or agreed in writing are included in the price.

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3. ACTIVITIES PROVIDED OR SUPERVISED BY THIRD PARTIES

Golden Highlands may provide logistical support for trips that include hiking, swimming, trekking, climbing, geological field activities or other outdoor activities.

Unless Golden Highlands has expressly agreed in writing to organise or supervise such an activity, the activity is not organised, supervised or controlled by Golden Highlands.

Where an independent tour guide, specialist guide, client-appointed guide or third-party activity provider is responsible for an activity, that person or provider is responsible for:

• Planning and supervising the activity

• Assessing the suitability and safety of the activity

• Providing appropriate safety instructions

• Providing any specialist equipment required for the activity

• Ensuring that any required licences, qualifications, permits and insurance are in place

• Deciding whether an activity should proceed, be modified or be cancelled because of weather, terrain, water conditions or other safety concerns

Participants must follow all reasonable safety instructions and directions given by the guide or activity provider responsible for the activity.

Golden Highlands is not responsible for the acts, omissions, decisions, negligence or conduct of an independent guide or third-party activity provider, except to the extent that Golden Highlands is directly responsible under applicable law.

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4. ACCOMMODATION

Where accommodation is based on shared rooms or tents, participants travelling alone should be prepared to share accommodation with another participant.

Golden Highlands will make reasonable efforts to arrange shared accommodation with a person of the same sex where appropriate, but this cannot always be guaranteed.

Accommodation arrangements may occasionally need to be changed because of operational, logistical or local circumstances.

If shared accommodation cannot be arranged, or if a participant requests private accommodation, an additional single-room or private accommodation supplement may apply.

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5. CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENT

All cancellations must be made in writing by email or sent to the registered office of Golden Highlands:

PO Box 2272, PC 111, Seeb, Sultanate of Oman

A cancellation becomes effective when it has been received by Golden Highlands.

Unless otherwise stated in the booking confirmation:

• Cancellations made more than 90 days before the scheduled start date will result in the loss of any non-refundable deposit.

• Cancellations made within 90 days of the scheduled start date are subject to a cancellation charge of 100% of the total agreed cost.

• Any non-refundable costs already paid by Golden Highlands to third-party suppliers on behalf of the client may also be deducted from any amount otherwise refundable.

Clients are strongly advised to obtain travel insurance that includes cancellation and trip-curtailment cover.

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6. CHANGES TO SERVICES AND ITINERARIES

Golden Highlands reserves the right to modify or change the services, transportation arrangements, accommodation, camping location or logistical arrangements where reasonably necessary because of weather conditions, road or access conditions, government requirements, safety considerations, operational circumstances or other circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

For remote-area and geological field trips, access and logistical arrangements may need to change at short notice because of terrain, weather, road conditions or other local circumstances.

Golden Highlands will make reasonable efforts to provide suitable alternatives where practical.

Where an activity is organised and supervised by an independent guide or third-party provider, decisions regarding the timing, route, suitability or cancellation of that activity remain the responsibility of the relevant guide or provider.

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7. HEALTH AND FITNESS

Participants should be aware that Golden Highlands services may involve travel by 4×4 vehicle, camping, walking to or around campsites, remote-area travel and exposure to outdoor conditions.

Participants are responsible for ensuring that they are physically capable of participating in the activities included in their trip.

Where hiking, swimming, trekking or other physically demanding activities are organised by an independent guide or activity provider, participants should disclose any relevant medical condition, physical limitation or other health-related matter to that guide or provider before participating.

Participants should consult a doctor or qualified medical professional before travelling where appropriate.

Participants are responsible for bringing any required medication, medical documents or certificates with them.

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8. INSURANCE

Travel insurance is a booking requirement for all Golden Highlands trips unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Participants should obtain comprehensive travel insurance as soon as their booking is confirmed.

Insurance should provide appropriate cover for the nature of the trip, including, where applicable:

• Medical treatment and emergency medical expenses

• Emergency evacuation and repatriation

• Accidents and injuries

• Trip cancellation and curtailment

• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal belongings

• Travel delays and disruptions

• Outdoor, camping and other activities included in the trip

Where hiking, swimming, trekking, climbing or another specialist activity is organised by an independent guide or third-party provider, participants are responsible for ensuring that their insurance provides appropriate coverage for that activity.

Golden Highlands is not responsible for losses that are covered, or reasonably expected to be covered, by the participant's travel insurance.

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9. SAFETY, RISK AND LIABILITY

Golden Highlands provides transportation, camping and logistical services and will take reasonable measures to provide those services safely and professionally.

Participants acknowledge that travel in remote and outdoor environments may involve inherent risks, including road conditions, uneven terrain, weather conditions, heat, cold, wildlife, remote locations and limited access to medical facilities.

Participants must follow reasonable safety instructions provided by Golden Highlands, its drivers and representatives in relation to the services provided by Golden Highlands.

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Where an activity such as hiking, swimming, trekking, climbing or another adventure activity is organised and supervised by an independent guide or third-party provider, participants acknowledge that the activity involves its own inherent risks and is under the responsibility of the relevant guide or provider.

Golden Highlands cannot be held responsible for loss, injury, illness, damage or delay resulting from the acts, omissions, decisions or negligence of an independent guide or third-party activity provider, except to the extent that Golden Highlands is directly responsible under applicable law.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits any liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited under the applicable laws of the Sultanate of Oman.

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10. PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Participants are responsible for their personal belongings, valuables, equipment and luggage during the trip.

Golden Highlands is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to personal belongings except where such loss or damage results from the proven negligence or wrongful act of Golden Highlands or its representatives.

Participants should ensure that valuable items and specialist equipment are adequately insured.

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11. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PERSON MAKING THE BOOKING

The person making a booking confirms that they have the authority to make the booking on behalf of all persons included in that booking.

The person making the booking is responsible for ensuring that all members of their group are aware of and agree to these Terms and Conditions.

Where payment for several participants is made by one person, that person is responsible for ensuring that all required payments are made in full and on time.

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12. LATE BOOKINGS

Golden Highlands will make reasonable efforts to accommodate bookings made close to the scheduled start date, subject to availability and operational requirements.

Late bookings may be subject to an additional non-refundable administrative or operational fee. Any such fee will be communicated to the client before the booking is confirmed.

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13. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

It is the sole responsibility of each participant to ensure that they have a valid passport, visa, permit and any other travel documents required for their journey.

Participants should check the entry and visa requirements applicable to their nationality and destination well in advance of departure.

Participants are responsible for ensuring that their passport has sufficient validity and blank pages as required by the relevant immigration authorities.

Golden Highlands is not responsible for costs, losses, delays or missed travel arrangements resulting from a participant's failure to obtain the required passport, visa, permit or other travel documentation.

For travel to or within Oman, participants should check the latest requirements with the relevant Omani authorities.

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14. PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO

Golden Highlands may take photographs or video footage during its tours and services for promotional, educational, documentary or marketing purposes.

Participants who do not wish to appear in promotional photographs or videos should notify Golden Highlands in writing before the trip begins.

Photographs and video footage created by Golden Highlands or its authorised representatives remain the property of Golden Highlands, subject to applicable copyright and other laws.

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15. THIRD-PARTY SUPPLIERS

Golden Highlands may use independent third-party companies, guides, drivers, accommodation providers, transport operators, camping suppliers and other service providers in delivering its services.

Certain third-party suppliers may have their own terms and conditions, safety requirements or cancellation policies.

Where a particular service is subject to a third-party supplier's terms and conditions, those terms may apply to that service. Clients will be informed of any significant additional terms where reasonably practicable.

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16. FORCE MAJEURE

Golden Highlands shall not be responsible for failure, delay, alteration or cancellation of its services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, extreme weather, natural disasters, floods, landslides, road closures, government restrictions, changes in laws or regulations, civil unrest, strikes, epidemics or pandemics, war, security concerns, transport disruptions, mechanical failures or other unforeseen events.

Where such circumstances occur, Golden Highlands will make reasonable efforts to minimise disruption and, where practical, provide alternative arrangements.

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17. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By submitting a Booking Form, making a payment or using Golden Highlands' services, the client confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Terms and Conditions.

These Terms and Conditions should be read together with the booking confirmation, itinerary, service agreement and any specific conditions communicated for the particular service.

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18. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Sultanate of Oman.

Any dispute arising in connection with a booking or these Terms and Conditions shall be subject to the applicable courts and legal procedures of the Sultanate of Oman.

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GOLDEN HIGHLANDS LTD.
Registration No. 1816462
PO Box 2272, PC 111
Seeb, Sultanate of Oman