General Information

Jump to Sections: COUNTRY SPECIFIC INFORMATION | GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS | ADDENDUM

INFORMATION AND NOTES REGARDING THE PROPOSAL

GENERAL

• Rates are valid for new bookings only.

• Rates are subject to change and we reserve the right to amend/increase the cost should there be an increase in fares, taxes, fuel surcharges, security taxes or any other unforeseen increases.

• General check-in time at overnight establishments is 14h00 whilst check-out time is 10h00.

• Hotel grading’s listed in this proposal are based on grading allocations by the local authorities.

• All outdoor excursions & tourist attractions are weather permitting.

• Should Private Safaris be required to settle on behalf of the client’s extras incurred once the group/traveller is in the country (such as drinks bills, etc.) we will add a 5% service charge on the total of such bills and invoice the tour operator.

• Please check with the respective embassies regarding visa and entrance requirements for your clients to avoid being turned away by the airlines or immigration officials.

SAFARi vehicles

• Please note that some lodges/game reserves/national parks may request clients to complete an indemnity form upon check-in.

• Most game lodges in Southern Africa do not allow children younger than 12 years on game drives. This is to the ranger’s and lodge manager’s discretion.

• Children 16 years or younger cannot participate in nature walks outside at a lodge.

TRAINS

• Timings provided for e.g. Blue Train/Rovos Rail are as per their suggested schedule and strictly subject to change due to train movements & delays on the day of operation. No refund is provided for any services missed due to delays caused by the rail services.

Flights

• The fare includes standard taxes, levies and surcharges.

• The fare does not include any country departure taxes, which passengers pay direct in person.

• We reserve the right to amend/increase the cost should there be an increase in fares, taxes, fuel surcharges, security taxes or any other unforeseen increases.

• The fare is based on current schedules in restricted economy class fare and applies exclusively to this tour.

• We reserve the right to book the quoted flights on low cost airlines such as, but not limited to Kulula, Mango & Safair.

• All tickets are issued as paperless e-tickets. For each flight booking we require the full name, surname, title and birth date (DD.MM.YYYY) of the passenger at the time of booking. Should these details not be available at time of issuing we reserve the right to charge a paper ticket fee of ZA 250 per ticket.

• In general, domestic airlines have 8kgs hand luggage allowance only and 20-22 kg checked-in luggage allowance. Please be sure to check with the airlines for further details.

• Light aircraft flights have in general a luggage allowance of maximum 20kg for both checked-in luggage and hand luggage. Only soft bags will be accepted (no hard suitcases), as they physically cannot fit into the light aircraft.

MALARIA

• We advise that clients contact their local physicians prior to traveling to Southern Africa. Some locations, primarily those where safaris are offered, risks of Malaria may be present and pre-cautionary medicines recommended.

• If you are unsure of the location and Malaria risk, please reach out to your Private Safaris consultant for more information.

COUNTRY SPECIFIC INFORMATION

SOUTH AFRICA

• Important information regarding family travelling with children: Please take note of the recent change in regulations when travelling with children under the age of 18: Child Policy Regulations

• When clients visit Eswatini they will re-enter South Africa, please ensure that guests have the necessary visas/documentation to do so.

• The National Parks within South Africa have a speed limit of approximately 60 km/h. Please take this into account when planning your day’s activities in the Park.

• The entry gates of the Rest Camps / National Parks have set opening and closing times. Each differs, but we would suggest that you ensure you arrive at your destination before 17h00.

• The majority of wine estates in the Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch region are open on Saturday mornings. Most wine estates remain open on Saturday afternoons and Sundays but please confirm with your consultant should you have a specific estate in mind.

• Gold Reef City is closed Monday - Wednesday.

• No children under 5 years are allowed underground at Gold Reef City.

• Sterkfontein Caves is open Monday to Sundays from 09:00 to 16:00.

• The Apartheid Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00.

• Robben Island excursions are permitting the ferry is in operation. Proof of identification is required, please ensure that passports are available when commencing the excursion.

• The Victoria Street Market in Durban is open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm, Saturday 8am - 4pm and Sunday 9am - 3pm.

• A minimum of 2 nights stay is required over weekends, i.e. Friday and Saturday night at any Sun International property in Eswatini & Sun City. Requests for Thursday and Friday or Saturday and Sunday night stays will be evaluated and is subject to availability.

• Please take note of the following annual religious and bank holidays in South Africa (services may be limited on these days): 01 Jan: New Year’s Day | 21 Mar: Human Rights Day | Friday prior to and Monday following Easter Sunday | 27 Apr: Freedom Day | 01 May: Workers Day | 16 Jun: Youth Day | 09 Aug: Women’s Day | 24 Sep: Heritage Day | 16 Dec: Day of Reconciliation | 25 Dec: Christmas Day | 26 Dec: Day of Goodwill.
  Whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday

Sun City Resort, North West Province

• The Gary Player Golf Course is closed every Monday for Maintenance – this is ongoing.

• A minimum of 2 nights stay is required over weekends, i.e. Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday nights at any Sun City hotel.

• Residents from Cabanas, Sun City Main and Cascades Hotel are allowed to use the Food & Beverage outlets at Palace Hotel, but must make a reservation. The Palace pool is only available to Palace residents.

• The Crystal Court Restaurant at the Palace Hotel is open 7 days a week.

• The Villa Del Palazzo Restaurant at the Palace Hotel is closed for dinner on Sundays.

• The Peninsula Restaurant at the Cascades Hotel is closed for dinner from Sundays to Wednesdays.

Golf Courses in South Africa (Please note that the golf course closures are subject to change)

Major Events in South Africa - Over the below period accommodation availability may be limited

BOTSWANA

• Botswana only accepts visa payments in cash. No credit card facilities are available at border entry points, including airports.

• Please take note of the following religious and bank holidays in Botswana (services may be limited on these days): 01 Jan: New Year’s Day | 02 Jan: Public Holiday (January) | Friday prior to and Monday following Easter Sunday | 01 May: Labour Day | 09 May: Ascension Day | 1 Jul: Sir Seretse Khama Day | 15 Jul: President’s Day | 16 Jul: Public Holiday (July) | 30 Sep: Botswana Day | 1 Oct: Public Holiday (October) | 25 Dec: Christmas Day | 26 Dec: Boxing Day.
  Whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday

LESOTHO

• Please take note of the following religious and bank holidays in Lesotho (services may be limited on these days): 01 Jan: New Year’s Day | 11 Mar: Moshoeshoe's Birthday | Friday prior to and Monday following Easter Sunday | 01 May: May Day | 09 May: Ascension Day | 25 May: Africa/Heroes Day | 17 Jul: King’s Birthday | 4 Oct: Independence Day | 25 Dec: Christmas Day | 26 Dec: Boxing Day.
  Whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday

MADAGASCAR

• La Varangue Restaurant in Antananarivo is closed on Sundays and bank holidays.

• Venilla Restaurant in Diego Suarez, Madagascar is closed on Sundays and bank holidays.

• All museums and the zoo in Antananarivo are closed on Mondays.

• Visits to small factories in the villages in Madagascar are not possible on weekends and bank holidays.

• Hotels in Madagascar are simple but clean middle-class hotels that offer ensuite bathrooms and hot water in the shower. Some hotel rooms have fans or air-conditioners, however hotels in the Highlands may not offer either.

• The electricity supply is intermittent. Most of the hotels have generators.

• Due to the size of the hotels and Madagascar being in strong demand we explicitly reserve the right to use other hotels of similar standard than described in this quotation.

• Free seating applies on domestic flights.

• Please take note of the following religious and bank holidays in Madagascar (services may be limited on these days): 01 Jan: New Year’s Day | 8 Mar: International Women’s Day | 29 Mar: Martyrs’ Day | Friday prior to and Monday following Easter Sunday | Eid al-Fitr takes place at the end of Ramadan | 01 May: Labor Day | 09 May: Ascension Day | Whit Sunday seventh Sunday after Easter | Whit Monday | 17 Jun falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah | 26 Jun: Independence Day | 15 Aug: Assumption of Mary | 1 Nov: All Saints’ Day | 25 Dec: Christmas Day.
  Whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday

MOZAMBIQUE

• Please take note of the following religious and bank holidays in Mozambique (services may be limited on these days): 01 Jan: New Year’s Day | 3 Feb: Mozambican Heroes Day | 7 Apr: Mozambican Woman’s Day | 01 May: May Day | 25 Jun: Independence Day | 7 Sep: Victory Day | 25 Sep: Armed Forces Day | 4 Oct: Peace and Reconciliation Day | 25 Dec: Family Day.
  Whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday

Namibia

• All minors under the age of 18 travelling to and from Namibia will be required to adhere to the unabridged birth certificate requirements and carry with them, in addition to their passports, their original or certified full birth certificates.

• An affidavit giving consent from a child’s biological parents or legal guardians must be provided if a minor is travelling internationally with an adult that is not their parent.

• In the case that a child is travelling with only one parent, that parent must provide a letter of consent from the absent parent. If one parent is deceased, the death certificate is required as proof.

• An unaccompanied minor must carry proof of consent in the form of a letter or affidavit from either one or both parents or legal guardian. Further requirements are a letter proving the residential address and contact details of the person in Namibia with whom the child will be residing, a copy of the ID or valid passport and visa or permit of permanent residence of this person; and lastly, the contact details of the child’s parent or legal guardian.

• Please take note of the following religious and bank holidays in Namibia (services may be limited on these days): 01 Jan: New Year’s Day | 21 Mar: Independence Day | Friday prior to and Monday following Easter Sunday | 01 May: Workers’ Day | 04 May: Cassinga Day | 09 May: Ascension Day | 25 May: Africa Day | 26 Aug: Heroes’ Day | 10 Dec: Day of the Namibian Women and International Human Rights Day | 25 Dec: Christmas Day | 26 Dec: Family Day.
  Whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday

Eswatini

• Please take note of the following religious and bank holidays in Eswatini (services may be limited on these days): 01 Jan: New Year’s Day | Friday prior to and Monday following Easter Sunday | 19 Apr: Birthday of King Mswati III | 25 Apr: National Flag Day | 01 May: May Day | 09 May: Ascension Day | 22 Jul: Birthday of the late King Sobhuza | Umhlanga Reed Dance end of August or at the beginning of September | 6 Sep: Somhlolo Day (Independence Day) | 25 Dec: Christmas Day | 26 Dec: Boxing Day | 28 Dec: Incwala Day.
  Whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday

ZAMBIA

• Zambia only accepts visa payments in cash. No credit card facilities are available at border entry points, including airports. Travellers can pay for Visas in US Dollars on entry to Zambia.

• Once past Immigration travellers will need Zambian Kwacha to pay for airport departure taxes and any other cash incidentals.

• It is best to bring US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

• It is not possible to purchase Kwacha outside of Zambia so travellers will need to be prepared to change cash at the airport OR carry a bank card and withdraw cash at the airport ATM.

• Banking hours vary but are usually 8:30am to 2:30pm on weekdays and mornings of the first and last Saturday of the month.

• All clients travelling to Zambia should avoid carrying any medication unless essential. Should clients need to carry medication, they should ensure that they have a doctor's prescription that the drugs are medically necessary and for the personal use of the client.

• Estimated departure tax of USD 25.- for international flights and USD 8.- for domestic flights. This is usually included in airline ticket prices; if not, it is payable at the airport in US dollars. Transit passengers and children under two years of age are currently exempt from departure tax.

• The Zambian Department of Aviation has introduced a Security Tax in 2011. This additional tax of approx. USD 7.00 per person for international flights and approximately USD 4.00 per person for domestic flights must be paid on departure at the relevant Zambia airports, over and above the Departure Taxes.

• Most hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and major shops and banks accept credit cards, however, not all credit cards are accepted as payment in Zambia (e.g. Diners will not be accepted in Zambia).

• Please take note of the following religious and bank holidays in Zambia (services may be limited on these days): 01 Jan: New Year’s Day | 08 Mar: International Women’s Day | 12 Mar: Youth Day | Friday prior to and Monday following Easter Sunday | 28 Apr: Kenneth Kaunda Day | 01 May: Labour Day | 25 May: Africa Freedom Day | 1 Jul: Heroes’ Day | 2 Jul: Unity Day | 5 Aug: Farmers’ Day | 18 Oct: Prayer Day | 24 Oct: Independence Day | 25 Dec: Christmas Day.
  Whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday

ZIMBABWE

• Zimbabwe only accepts visa payments in cash. No credit card facilities are available at border entry points, including airports.

• Not all credit cards are accepted as payment.

• The preferred currency in Zimbabwe is USD.

• It is advisable to exchange money before arriving in Zimbabwe to avoid getting the official bank rate of exchange.

• If clients choose to settle extras with traveller’s cheques, they must produce the original bank letter at time of purchasing the travellers cheques in their home country.

• Please take note of the following religious and bank holidays in Zimbabwe (services may be limited on these days): 01 Jan: New Year’s Day | 21 Feb: Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day | Friday prior to and Monday following Easter Sunday | 18 Apr: Independence Day | 01 May: Workers’ Day | 25 May: Africa Day | 12 Aug: Heroes’ Day | 13 Aug: Defence Forces Day | 22 Dec: Unity Day | 25 Dec: Christmas Day | 26 Dec: Boxing Day.
  Whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Private Safaris (Pty) Ltd. (The Company), Registration Number 2002/030353/07 is a registered member of the Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) and possesses all licenses and permits necessary to conduct business as a tour operator in Southern Africa.

• The Company acts as an agent / broker in packaging tours and travel arrangements utilizing the products of various travel suppliers. While the company makes every effort – to engage quality suppliers among the airlines, hotels, tour operators and other service providers – to ensure that the various services making up the different tours will be carried out efficiently and as specified it does not have direct control over the provision of services of suppliers and shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, additional cost, delay, irregularity that may be occasioned by any error or default, act or omission of any supplier in carrying out the arrangement of any tour or otherwise in connection therewith.

• The Company shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or expense of any nature whatever suffered by the client or any traveller arising from the loss of or any damage to any property; the cancellation or curtailment of any tour; sickness, quarantine, weather conditions, war, strikes, riots and/or any other cause of any nature whatever, however caused and whether as a result of the company’s negligence or otherwise.

• Should sickness or accident interrupt a tour, the company shall not be liable for any loss, damage or expense arising there from, whether as a result of the company’s negligence or otherwise; and refund, either total or partial, of money paid. The company recommends that the client takes out the necessary insurance to protect against any such eventuality.

• Travelers shall be solely responsible for complying with the formalities required by police, customs, health and all other authorities at the point of departure, at the destination and whilst in transit.

• The company reserves the right to decline, to accept or retain any traveller as a member of any group or on any tour at any time as a result of the non-payment of any amount due by the client or if such client interferes with any other member of any group and/or causes any disturbance or nuisance.

• Should the company appoint a tour leader or guide in respect of any tour, then the client must accept all reasonable instructions of such tour leader or guide.

• The company reserves the right to alter or substitute routes, refreshments, meals, accommodation, itineraries, tours, services, vehicles and/or arrangements should conditions necessitate and will offer substitutes of equal value and will inform the client of any known changes before departure.

• Any claim or dispute which may arise between client and the company including any claim for loss or damage due to injury to person or property shall be resolved by arbitration in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

ADDENDUM

ETHICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Private Safaris expects the hotel/cruise ship and other suppliers (herein defined as “supplier”) to comply with any mandatory law, regulation or compulsory minimum industry standard. Furthermore, the supplier will strive to increase awareness of ethical issues in business conduct and will strive for continuous and sustainable improvement. When required, the supplier will report on a self-assessment modus about its progress and agree its compliance to be verified. If mandatory national or international law has been violated (e.g. evidence of child labour, or an employee at the hotel is acting as an intermediary for child prostitution, or disregard of ecological legislation) Private Safaris will cancel any contract and cooperation immediately and reserves any further legal action at its discretion.

CHILD PROTECTION

• No child prostitution will be allowed or tolerated at the supplier’s facilities.

• Any suspicious behaviour from guests will be reported to the relevant local authorities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining is recognized in line with the relevant local laws.

• Discrimination based on gender, age, religion, race, tribe, caste, social background, disability, and nationality, membership in workers’ organizations, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristics is not tolerated.

• Regarding wages paid legal minimums and/or industry standards must be met or exceeded. No illegal or unauthorized deductions from wages are allowed.

• Working hours of the employees are kept in line with the legal requirements and/or industry standards.

• Workplace practice and conditions which violate basic rights are not allowed: Physical abuse or threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment and other forms of intimidation are prohibited.

• A safe and hygienic working environment will be provided according to best local standards. Adequate steps are taken to prevent accidents and injuries to health arising out of work.

• Child labour is forbidden as defined by national law. Any form of exploitation of children is prohibited. Working conditions resembling slavery or harmful to children's health are forbidden.

• All forms of forced labour are forbidden as is prisoner labour that violates basic human rights.

• In situations in which staff housing must be provided, this is in line with local laws and national standards.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

• The supplier complies with mandatory national and international law, particularly in regard to the procedures and standards for waste management, handling and disposure of chemicals and other dangerous materials, emissions and effluent treatment.

• The supplier treats the waste water in an ecological way or is connected to an external sewage treatment system.

• The supplier collects data regarding waste production, energy and water consumption.