Terms and Conditions

1. Reservation and Itinerary

1. The client confirms that all information provided is accurate and that they are at least 18 years of age and legally capable of entering this agreement under the Laws of Zimbabwe.
2. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure the booking. Chigutiro will not hold or guarantee any vehicle until this deposit is cleared. The remaining balance must be paid in full no less than 48 hours prior to travel. Excess mileage charges are due immediately upon the vehicle returning to base. Itinerary changes must be requested via WhatsApp at least 48 hours before departure and are subject to availability.
3. Chigutiro Bus Hire arranges and manages the booking of the vehicle(s) offered on this platform on behalf of the vehicle's registered owner, and is your single point of contact for booking, pricing, and communication. Chigutiro does not select the driver, does not own or operate the vehicle, and is not the registered operator. The vehicle remains registered to, and insured by, its owner — including valid passenger liability insurance — and the registered owner is responsible for the vehicle, its driver, and its roadworthiness.
4. Neither Chigutiro nor the vehicle's registered owner is liable for items left on the bus. All personal items are carried at the owner's risk.

2. Night Driving Policy

1. For the safety of passengers and driver, Chigutiro does not permit vehicle travel between sunset and sunrise (approximately 18:00–06:00). This is an absolute policy with no exceptions.
2. Clients are responsible for planning departure times, routes, and return times so that all travel is completed within daylight hours. Please plan your itinerary around this policy when requesting a quote.
3. Chigutiro is not liable for itinerary changes, earlier departures, or overnight stops required to keep a trip within daylight hours. Where an itinerary cannot be completed in daylight, an overnight stop is required — see Section 4(C) on accommodation for overnight trips.

3. Damages and Cleaning Fees

The client is liable for all damages to the vehicle during the hire period.

1. Route Discretion: The driver may decline routes they deem high-risk to the vehicle.
2. Forced Deviations: If damage results from a route the driver flagged as high-risk, the client bears 100% of restoration costs.
3. Physical Damage: All physical damage is professionally assessed after the trip. Full repair costs are passed to the client.
4. Loss of Use: Significant damage that removes the vehicle from service entitles Chigutiro to charge loss of revenue at the standard daily standing charge rate until repairs are complete.
5. Cleaning penalties:
   • Vomit or biohazard cleaning: $300
   • Smoking in the vehicle: $400 (immediate trip termination)
   • Upholstery tears or burns: $500 plus repair costs
   • Excessive mess, chewing gum, or litter: $150
   • Spilled drinks on flooring: $100

4. Overtime and Additional Charges

1. Overtime is charged at a flat hourly rate as specified in the quote.
2. The client is responsible for all ZINARA tollgate fees and parking fees, paid in cash or added to the final invoice by arrangement.
3. For overnight trips, the client provides the driver with secure accommodation and a meal allowance unless stated in the quote.

5. Liability and Service

1. Chigutiro and the vehicle's registered owner are not liable for delays caused by acts of God, road closures, border delays, or mechanical breakdowns. In the event of a breakdown, every effort will be made to provide a replacement vehicle. If none is available, liability is limited to a refund of the pro-rated unused portion of the hire.
2. Chigutiro reserves the right to fulfil any booking using an alternative vehicle if the assigned vehicle becomes unavailable.
3. The client waives all claims against Chigutiro and the vehicle's registered owner for injury or loss of property except in cases of proven gross negligence by the driver.

6. Payment Terms

1. A 50% non-refundable deposit is due upon booking confirmation. The balance must be cleared 48 hours prior to travel.
2. Accepted payment methods: USD Bank Transfer, EcoCash, or Cash.
3. Early return or short dropping does not entitle the client to a refund of the original contract price.

7. Code of Conduct

1. No eating of meals is permitted on board. Light dry snacks only.
2. Aggressive or non-compliant behaviour toward the driver results in immediate hire termination without refund.
3. Passenger capacity is strictly limited to the vehicle's stated seating capacity. Standing passengers are not permitted by law.

8. Alcohol and Illegal Substances

1. Zero tolerance. No alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or illegal substances are permitted on board at any time.
2. Any illegal activity results in immediate trip termination without refund and notification of law enforcement.

9. Cancellation and No-Show

1. Cancellations more than 7 days before the trip: loss of deposit only.
2. Cancellations within 7 days: 100% of total contract value charged.
3. No-shows at pickup time: charged at full price.

10. Roadworthiness and Fines

1. The vehicle's registered owner ensures the vehicle is roadworthy, properly insured, and that the driver is properly licensed. Fines arising from vehicle defects or driver conduct are the registered owner's responsibility.
2. Fines from client instructions or passenger behaviour are the client's full responsibility.

11. Jurisdiction and Claims

1. Claims must be submitted in writing within 48 hours of the trip's conclusion. This agreement is governed by the Laws of Zimbabwe. Legal proceedings shall be brought before the courts in Harare.