Terms & Conditions

  • All rates are based on a per person rate.
  • All rates exclude entrance fees unless otherwise stated.
  • All rates exclude meals unless otherwise stated.
  • All rates exclude beverages unless otherwise stated.
  • Bookings are confirmed upon receipt of proof of payment.
  • Mineral water is included in all tours & transfers.
  • Identity documents / passports are required for entry to National Parks.
  • Maximum of 4 Guests at a time.
  • Flight and transfer costs are not included.

Important information:

Remember to bring the following:

  • Warm clothing.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Hat and sunglasses.
  • Your medication if needed.
  • Identity books / passport as this is a requirement to enter National Parks.

PRIVACY POLICY:

We are committed to protecting your privacy. This privacy policy applies to all the web pages related to this website.

All the information gathered in the online forms on the website is used to personally identify users that subscribe to this service. The information will not be used for anything other than which is stated in the Terms & Conditions of use for this service. None of the information will be sold or made available to anyone.

We may need to change this policy from time to time in order to address new issues and reflect changes on our site. We will post those changes here so that you will always know what information we gather, how we might use that information and whether or not we will.

By using this website, you signify your acceptance of our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our site. Your continued use of the website following the posting of changes to these terms will mean that you accept such changes.

Law:

The Terms and Conditions will be exclusively governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of South Africa whose Courts will have exclusive jurisdiction in any dispute, save that we have the right, at our sole discretion, to commence and pursue proceedings in alternative jurisdictions.

Booking Terms & Conditions:

These Booking Terms and Conditions shall be considered which refer to the travel arrangements being booked with BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI

These booking terms and conditions are expressly made part of the following forms:

  • Reservations Booking Form.
  • Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Agreement (to be signed by each participant).

Wild Animals:

Please be aware that our safaris may take you into close contact with wild animals. Attacks by wild animals are rare, but no safari into the African wilderness can guarantee that this will not occur.

Passports and Visas:

The onus is upon the guest to ensure that passports and visas are valid for the countries they plan to visit.

1. RESERVATIONS & PAYMENTS:

A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total safari package which you have chosen, secures your safari booking.

Please Note:

  • Rates are subject to change without prior notice.
  • Rates are subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
  • Flights and transfer prices are NOT included.

2. CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY: 

Refund Policy

We reserve the right to cancel your reservation, should the full fare not be paid 30 days prior to the safari.

  • A cancellation more than 30 days prior to safari = loss of 100% of deposit (=50% of total fare).
  • A cancellation between 30 - 15 days prior to safari = loss of 60% of total fare.
  • A cancellation less than 15 days prior to safari = loss of 75% of fare.

Cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Please make sure you take out cancellation and curtailment travel insurance to cover you in the event that you have to cancel your safari.

Refunds will be made within 14 calendar days of receipt of the cancellation e-mail. Cancellation must be signed by the person who made the original booking.

3. INSURANCE:

The sole responsibility lies with the guest to ensure that they carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependants and travelling companions for the duration of their tour to Africa. This insurance should include coverage in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: Accidental death and disability, cancellation or curtailment of the safari, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage, theft or loss of personal baggage, money and goods. BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI will not take any responsibility for any costs for losses incurred or suffered by the guest, with regards to, but not limited to, any of the abovementioned eventualities. Guests will be charged directly by the relevant service providers for any emergency services they may require and may find themselves in a position unable to access such services should they not be carrying the relevant insurance coverage.

4. INDEMNITY:

BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI acknowledges awareness of the safari itinerary and confirms that each person on whose behalf they are booking is medically fit, in good physical and mental health and can embark on the safari.

Any client with a pre-existing medical condition or illness must declare the true nature of such conditions to BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI before the commencement of the safari. Any failure to do so may result in cancellation of the booking.

The client hereby acknowledges, confirms and records that the risks inherent in safari travel and associated safari activities are understood by each person on whose behalf a safari is booked and record that these booking conditions have been read and understood and agree to the Terms and Conditions.

BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI shall be under no liability to the client for any claim which may arise in respect of or in connection with the safari and the client hereby renounces for him/herself, members of his group and dependants all claims against BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI for compensation for injury, death, damage or loss whether sustained in travel, on a vehicle, embarking or disembarking from a vehicle or in a game reserve, hotel or lodge or elsewhere or as a result of delays or otherwise, caused directly or indirectly to him/her or his/her belongings, members of his group and his/her dependants or to persons who, except for these conditions, might have been entitled to make a claim.

The client acknowledges that the services arranged by BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI, whether in civilized or remote areas by plane, vehicle, boat, horseback, other conveyance or by foot, contains inherent risks of injury, illness, death, or loss and damage to property, which may be caused by forces of nature, accidents, wild or dangerous animals, negligence of others, and other causes known or unknown.

That there will not always be protection in the form of fences, buildings and vehicles in which to take cover and that exposure to dangerous animals such as elephant, lion, hyena, buffalo, rhinoceros, leopard, cheetah, hippo, buck, warthog, bush pig, wildebeest, crocodile, baboon and monkey as well as venomous snakes, spiders, insects and plants and other natural hazards that may occur whilst on safari and that rivers and dams may contain bilharzias and sickness may result upon entry or consumption of such waters. Swimming, bathing, drinking and washing must be taken in accordance with the clients’ medical practitioners’ advice. 

The client acknowledges that they are aware of the hazards and distribution of malaria and the potential dangers of exposure to sun - directly or indirectly - and that serious sunburn may result from unprotected exposure. 

The client acknowledges that they are that such risks may be present at any time before, during or after the safari arranged by BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI and that medical services and facilities may not be readily available during the safari.

The client indemnifies BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI (including all its agents, representatives, members, associates, organizers, employers and employees or person appointed by the BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI  to perform services in connection with the safari), against all responsibility or liability whatsoever for any accident or bodily injury or damage to client property whilst on safari. 

The client undertakes and agrees that he/she will, at all times, comply to a reasonable code of conduct during the safari and will not in any way constitute a nuisance to the other persons on safari.

The client agrees not to allege the unenforceability of this Agreement or part thereof. In the event of any competent authority finding that any portion of this Agreement is unenforceable, the remaining portion shall remain in full force and effect. The client agrees that the foregoing obligation shall be binding.

The carriage handling or keeping of any baggage and/or other goods of the client will be at the sole risk of the client or its owner and BIG 5 safari bushtaxi shall not be liable for any loss or damage of whatsoever nature and howsoever caused.

Whilst BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI will use its best endeavours to ensure that all anticipated accommodation, food, drinks and other such services are available as planned, there shall be no claim of any nature whatsoever against BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI for a refund either in whole or in part or of any other claim of any nature whatsoever including consequential damages as a consequence of any transport, accommodation or other facility attached to the safari not being available. For example, immigration regulations, industrial action, adverse weather, flooding, road access etc.

The client undertakes to hold harmless and free BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI from any and all claims and liability of whatsoever cause or nature which may arise as a result of a claim and/or action being made against it by any travel agent, booking agent or other agent relating in any way to a claim or action that the client or his/her spouse, common-law wife/husband, children (whether minor or adult) or any other dependant theirs may make. The decision of the tour leader employed by BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI will be final on all matters. BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI shall not be responsible for, or liable for, any client who commits an illegal or unlawful act in any countries visited. The client may in such circumstances be excluded from the tour without a refund. If BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI considers a client unsuitable for a tour, it may in its sole discretion decline to carry this client any further. If any client causes inconvenience or annoyance to other passengers, BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI may in its sole discretion decline to carry the client further without any refund whatsoever.

The client hereby agrees to adhere to all instructions given by BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI whether verbally, on notices in vehicles, published in leaflets or other documentation during the safari including:

  • To remain seated in vehicles whilst in motion
  • Not to leave designated campsites and picnic spots and to remain within the confines of other areas specified or pointed by the BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI.

5. LIABILITY:

5.1  BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI shall be under no liability to the client for any claim which may arise in respect of or in connection with the safari and the client hereby renounces for himself, members of his group and dependants of all claims against BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI for compensation for injury, damage or loss, whether sustained on a vehicle, embarking or disembarking from a vehicle or in a game reserve, hotel or lodge or elsewhere or as a result of delays or otherwise caused, directly or indirectly to him/her or his/her belongings, members of his group and his/her dependants or to persons who, except for these conditions, might have been entitled to make a claim howsoever arising and whether caused or occasioned by any grossly negligent act or omission or default by BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI.

5.2  Whilst BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI will endeavour to ensure that all anticipated transport, accommodation, food, drinks and other such services are available as planned, there shall be no claim of any nature whatsoever against  BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI for a refund, either in whole or in part or of any other claim of any nature whatsoever including consequential damages as a consequence of any transport, accommodation or other facility attached to the SAFARI not being available, for example, immigration regulations, industrial action, adverse weather, flooding, road access etc.

5.3 Liability Release:

BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI will not assume responsibility for the accuracy of any medical information. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements and personal recommendations

Persons with any medical problems and/or related dietary restrictions must make them known to BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI well before departure. Anti-malaria precautions should be taken, and these are the sole responsibility of the tourist. Any required inoculations must be recorded by the tourist's health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate which the client must carry in his/her possession throughout the tour.

By forwarding the tour deposit and the signed Reservations Booking Form which includes the booking Terms and Conditions (A Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Agreement will be signed by each participant prior to commencement of a safari. Participation by any participant will be declined in the absence of the signed Liability Release Form, with no fee refund). The guest certifies that he/she does not knowingly have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a risk for him/her or other safari participants

5.4 Indemnity Form:

Download Indemnity Form - Please complete and return this indemnity form to us.

6. AIRFARES & DELAYS:

BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI is not responsible for any airline schedule or airfare changes, cancellations, overbooking or damage or loss of baggage and property to the extent that such items are beyond its control. Any and all claims for any loss or injury suffered on any airline must be made directly with the airline involved and not BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI.

7. TOUR CANCELLATION:

BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI shall not be held responsible for occurrences that are beyond its control, such as strikes, wars, acts of God, acts of government or any other cause whatsoever, beyond its control, that may make operation of the tour impossible. All tour payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI's liability.

8. TRAVEL LIMITATIONS:

A maximum of four persons may participate per safari. A reasonable level of fitness is required, although safaris are covered at a leisurely pace.

9. GUEST REPRESENTATION AND CONSENT:

The person making any booking with BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI, warrants that he/she has authority to enter into a contract on behalf of all other persons included in such a booking and in the event of the failure of any or all of the other persons so included to make payment, the person making the booking shall by his/her signature thereof assume personal liability for the total price of all bookings made by him/her.

10 FORCE MAJEURE

10.1 "Force Majeure" means, in relation to BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI, any circumstances beyond the reasonable control of BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI  (including, but without limitation, acts of God, explosion, flood, tempest, fire or accident, war or threat of war, sabotage, insurrection, civil disturbance, or requisition, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions or other unexpected occurrences).

10.2 If BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI is affected by Force Majeure it shall forthwith notify you of the nature and extent thereof.

10.3 BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI shall not be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to you, by reason of delay in performance, or by non-performance, of any of its obligations hereunder to the extent that any such delay or non-performance is due to any Force Majeure.

10.4 If BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI is affected by Force Majeure it shall be entitled to, and may in its sole and absolute discretion, vary or cancel any itinerary or arrangement in relation to the trip. Payment of any refund by BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI to you as a result of the non-performance of any of BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI obligations hereunder shall remain in its sole and absolute discretion although BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI shall use its reasonable endeavours to reimburse you where possible. However, BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI shall be entitled to deduct from any refund recoverable the reasonable actual and potential costs to BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI for the Force Majeure.

10.5 Regarding civil unrest, once BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI has investigated the prevailing situation as it deems fit, it shall remain in BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI sole and absolute discretion whether to proceed with the trip. You may in such circumstances cancel the trip. However, if, after having made all reasonable and proper inquiries, BIG 5 SAFARI BUSHTAXI is of the opinion that the trip may proceed, no refund will be payable to you and the provisions of Paragraph 2 shall apply.