DEFINITIONS

“Area Of Operation”– The Republic of South Africa and countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), as well as Central and East Africa.

“Us”/ “We”– Backroads Africa under the laws of the Republic of South Africa and derivative names (hereafter “Backroads Africa”) provides quality information and tailor-made tourist packages for those interested in visiting the Area Of Operation.

“Services”– Backroads Africa has established a website and other resources providing information regarding branded safaris and other facilities and activities in the Area Of Operation; has the expertise in, and facilities to tailor make detailed itinerary packages for clients responding to its website.

“You”/ “Your”/ “I” – you the potential client and your party.

STANDARD BOOKING PROCEDURE

Upon making a booking, You will receive a Booking Form to be completed and returned when You decide to proceed with Your booking. This form serves as a guarantee of payment, and is required in order for Us to proceed with Your reservation. The liability We incur for cancellation fees, on confirming reservations on behalf of You with our suppliers, makes this necessary.

DEPOSIT

We will make a provisional booking immediately, which will be confirmed on receipt of Your deposit (amount on invoice). This deposit must reach Us within the indicated time frame on the invoice in order to secure the booking.

CHANGE OF BOOKING

If, after confirming, You wish to amend Your booking in any way, You may do so, but all amendments must be received in writing via email.

FINAL PAYMENT & DOCUMENTS

Full and final payment is due 4-5 weeks prior to departure. If payment is not received 4-5 weeks prior to departure We will automatically release Your reservation. No travel documents will be handed over until such time as full payment has been received by Us from You.

STANDARD CANCELLATION

Cancellation of any booking must be received in writing via email. If a booking is cancelled, We will try everything in our power to receive refunds on your behalf. Cancellation policies differ per accommodation, and We will negotiate the best possible outcome on Your behalf. You can request the specific Terms & Conditions for every accommodation You book through Us upon confirmation. The general rule of thumb is that when an itinerary is cancelled 30+ days before travel (some) refunds are possible, but if cancelled within 30 days of travel cancellation fees almost always apply.

Please note that We do not charge any fees for Our booking services, and so any commission We have earned on deposits or full payments are non-refundable. 

Special COVID-19 Arrangements

To limit possible loss of monies paid in the case of last-minute disruptions or cancellations due to COVID-19, We propose that You arrange your own airfare and car rental, and We book as many accommodations as possible only requiring full payment 30 days before travel. Full payment by You will then be done 30 days before the first payment is due, and We will pay the accommodations “as you go”. This facilitates an easier refund in case of a last-minute cancellation before you leave your country of origin, or in the case of a disrupted itinerary.

PRICE

The price is valid at the time of quotation but is dependent on currency fluctuations and/or accommodation and car rental increases. In the unlikely event of there being an unscheduled extension of a booking caused by flight delays, bad weather, strikes or any other matter beyond our control, it is understood that expenses incurred will be for Your account. Until such time as final payment has been received, all prices are subject to change.

LIABILITY, WAIVER AND INDEMNITY

We, together with our employees and affiliates, do not accept any responsibility in the event of Your or Your dependents death, injury or sickness, or in respect of any loss, damage or theft of property which might unfortunately occur during the duration of the tour, or as a consequence thereof. Before you receive the Services contemplated, you will be required to complete an indemnity form in our standard wording, waiving any potential claims you might have against us relating to the above-mentioned occurrences.

INSURANCE

It is strongly recommended that You take out comprehensive travel insurance including full medical cover, as well as cancellation and curtailment cover.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

The onus is on You to ensure that Your passports are valid for travel and that You and Your guests are in possession of valid visas for all countries being visited, and that all necessary health certificates for these destinations are in order.

I/We have read, fully understand and accept the above terms and conditions and absolve Backroads Africa, their employees and affiliates of any liability as set out in the attached conditions.