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 acts as a booking agent and arranges vehicles operated by vetted partner schools and transport operators. Chigutiro is not the registered operator of the vehicle.
4. Neither Chigutiro nor the vehicle operator is liable for items left on the bus. All personal items are carried at the owner's risk.

2. 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 the operator 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

3. 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.

4. Liability and Service

1. Chigutiro and the vehicle operator 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 vetted operator if the assigned vehicle becomes unavailable.
3. The client waives all claims against Chigutiro and the vehicle operator for injury or loss of property except in cases of proven gross negligence by the driver.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Roadworthiness and Fines

1. The vehicle operator ensures roadworthiness and proper driver licensing. Fines from vehicle defects are the operator's responsibility.
2. Fines from client instructions or passenger behaviour are the client's full responsibility.

10. 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.