groups

Please note that before we can accept your booking it is a mandatory requirement that you accept our Terms & Conditions Paka (groups).

Pakachere Backpackers may cancel a trip due to logistical or operational issues, insufficient sign-ups or any other cause that makes the trip unfeasible for us to operate. At that time we will endeavour to find an alternative date for you. If we do not find an alternative for you that is acceptable, you are entitled to a full refund and that will constitute full settlement.

Circumstances beyond our control may also necessitate changes to our itineraries. In the case of Force Majeure (meaning a circumstance beyond Pakachere’s reasonable control including, but not limited to, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, industrial or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and strikes), Pakachere will not be liable for any delay, change or cancellation of trips. Luckily Malawi is a very safe country; it never had war or terrorist threats!

 LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

The people of Malawi are incredibly friendly but please do bear in mind that you may need to be a little more conservative than at home and there are some strong religious communities. For example, during the day, women should take care to dress modestly and try not to wear short skirts or short shorts, or wear tops that are low cut. Men should not remove their shirts whilst in the city areas, and both parties should not use offensive language when in public. The use of abusive language and swearing is also very offensive within Malawi. Even in jest, or general conversation many people can be very offended. Outside Zomba in rural areas, girls should cover legs and shoulders so as not to offend local sensitivities. So we ask that you are sensitive to the local culture in this respect. There is very little violence, and any crime is petty, such as pick pocketing and small-scale theft. This is the Warm Heart of Africa!

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CLIENT

Pakachere cannot foresee all potentially dangerous incidents. Therefore Pakachere shall not be held liable for any illness, injury, damage or loss that may occur as a result of any negligence, disobedience and/or incompetence of any

You are responsible for:

1. Choosing a programme appropriate to the physical abilities and interests of the group. Schools/organisations are responsible for their students being in sufficiently good health to participate on their trip.
2. Providing Pakachere with correct information regarding dietary requirements, health and medical conditions of students.
3. Studying the information on this webpage
4. Respecting the laws and customs of Malawi.
5. Following the leader’s directions in accordance with environmental guidelines and regulations. This includes abiding by Leave No Trace Environmental Ethics as instructed by the trip leader (do not give money or sweets to children; do not litter).
6. Appreciating that in Malawi, level of service, local customs, etiquette, food, living standards and accommodation may differ from those in the your home country. In the villages especially the pace of life and service can differ significantly from other Westernised nations.
7. Respecting the rights and privacy of other visitors of Pakachere. Any cause of danger, distress or annoyance to others will be acted upon. You may be asked to leave if Pakachere’s management feels that your continuing participation may prove detrimental to yourself or to the safety or well-being of other guests. Any expenses incurred from removal from a tour will be your responsibility.
8. Malawi is generally a very safe country, but please do take care. Students should only be traveling outside of Pakachere (whether by foot or public transport) after permission of the teacher/trip leader and they should be careful.
9. Students are not advised to travel out of Pakachere at night alone. NEVER walk alone on the golf course after dusk, always take a taxi, especially in town. There are reliable taxis that will pick you up from Pakachere, and this is the safest way of getting around independently in the evening.
10. It is advised to always carry a head torch when traveling at night. Don’t forget to bring spare batteries and take your empty batteries back home please.
11. All trip leaders must bring a personal first aid kit, which includes enough supplies of personal prescription medications (including malarial prophylaxis), and items for day-to-day minor cuts, bruises and illnesses etc. Of course Pakachere has a first aid kit as well.
12. You must report any health issue, no matter how minor, to one of the managers as soon as it occurs
13. Be very vigilant regarding malaria: use nets, spray and report any illness urgently to one of the managers

Please make sure you notify us in advance about

• Special dietary requirements
• Allergies (wasps, peanuts, hay fever, lactose intolerance, gluten-allergy, etc. – we have a cat!)
• Medication that any students require to take (except oral contraception or malaria prophylaxis)
• Any other medical issues
• Contact details in case of emergencies.
• We have a cat called Carlos, and a dog called Billy

An ever-increasing growing human population puts great demands on Malawi’s natural resources. It is generally agreed that these resources need to be conserved.

• Save precious natural resources. Try not to waste water, switch off lights and fans when you go out;
• Avoid buying souvenirs made from local wildlife or hardwood;
• Don’t give money, sweets, balls, pens etc. to children. It encourages begging and demeans the child. A donation to a recognised project is more constructive. We are happy to help you distributing any items you want to leave behind in a sustainable and honest way;
• Respect local etiquette; try to be patient, friendly and sensitive. In Malawi tight fitting wear, shorts or skirts above the knee for women are insensitive to local feelings. Public displays of affection are seen as culturally inappropriate.

You are of course free to give, wear and do what you want; the guidelines above are especially for travelers who wish to minimise negative impact.