Terms & Conditions of Service
These Terms & Conditions govern the agreement between Visit Afrika Travel, trading as AST Travel (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”), and all clients, customers, or any individuals or groups (hereinafter referred to as the “Client(s)”) booking or purchasing travel, tour, or related services through the Company. The Company, registered in the Republic of South Africa with registration number 2021/447751/07, provides travel packages, tours, and related services subject to the terms outlined below.
By making a booking or purchase, the Client accepts and agrees to these Terms & Conditions.
1. Services Offered
1.1 The Company arranges and sells travel and tour packages, including but not limited to transportation, accommodations, guided tours, activities, and other travel-related services.
1.2 All services provided are subject to availability, and the Company reserves the right to modify itineraries, services, and accommodations if necessary.
1.3 The Company acts as an agent for airlines, hotels, and other suppliers in providing travel and tour packages. The Company’s responsibility is limited to arranging accommodations and other services as outlined in the itinerary, and it does not operate, control, or endorse the suppliers or their services.
2. Prices & Payment Terms
2.1 All prices listed by the Company are subject to change based on availability, currency exchange rates, and supplier charges. Prices are quoted in the applicable currency and may be subject to local taxes, fees, or charges unless otherwise specified.
2.2 Payment Schedule:
•A non-refundable deposit, as specified at the time of booking, is required to confirm a reservation.
•Full payment is required no later than 60 days before the departure date unless otherwise specified.
2.3 Late Payments: Late payments may incur additional fees, and failure to pay in full by the due date may result in the cancellation of the booking.
2.4 Payment Methods: The Company accepts payments through bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and other methods as specified at the time of booking.
3. Surcharge Fees
3.1 The Company reserves the right to apply a surcharge fee per person if there is an unexpected increase in fees from hotels, suppliers, fuel prices, or currency fluctuations that impact the cost of services provided.
3.2 The surcharge amount will be communicated to the Client as soon as possible, and the Client is responsible for covering any additional fees.
3.3 The Client has the option to either accept the surcharge or cancel the booking with applicable cancellation fees as stated in section 6 below.
4. Changes & Amendments
4.1 Changes by the Client: Any requested changes to a booking must be submitted in writing. The Company will make every effort to accommodate changes but cannot guarantee availability. Fees may apply based on supplier terms.
4.2 Changes by the Company: The Company reserves the right to make minor modifications to the itinerary and services provided. In cases of significant changes, the Client will be informed, and alternative arrangements will be provided if available. The Company will make efforts to maintain equivalent quality and standards.
4.3 Additional Costs: Any additional costs arising from amendments or changes requested by the Client will be the responsibility of the Client.
5. Cancellations
5.1 Cancellation by the Client: All cancellations must be made in writing and are subject to the following cancellation fees:
•60 days or more before departure: Forfeit deposit.
•30–59 days before departure: 50% of the total tour price.
•15–29 days before departure: 75% of the total tour price.
•14 days or fewer before departure: 100% of the total tour price.
5.2 Cancellation by the Company: In the event that the Company cancels a tour, Clients will be offered a full refund or the option to rebook with comparable services.
6. Refund Policy
6.1 Refunds are processed only under specific conditions outlined in this agreement, including but not limited to cancellations initiated by the Company or where a refund is explicitly agreed upon by the parties.
6.2 Refunds for partially completed tours or services not used by the Client are not provided.
6.3 Refunds will be issued through the original method of payment unless otherwise agreed and may take up to 30 days to process.
7. Travel Documentation & Insurance
7.1 The Client is responsible for obtaining and carrying all necessary travel documentation, including passports, visas, permits, and medical certificates.
7.2 Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended that all Clients obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, cancellations, lost baggage, and personal liability. The Company is not responsible for any losses resulting from a lack of insurance coverage.
8. Liability & Responsibility
8.1 The Company makes every effort to ensure the Client’s safety and satisfaction but is not liable for any personal injury, illness, damage, or loss sustained during travel unless directly attributable to negligence by the Company or its staff.
8.2 The Company is not responsible for any delays, changes, or cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather, strikes, political events, or natural disasters.
8.3 The Company acts as an intermediary and is not liable for the actions or omissions of third-party suppliers.
9. Force Majeure
The Company shall not be held liable for any failure to fulfill its obligations due to events beyond its reasonable control, such as war, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, epidemics, strikes, or any other situation considered force majeure.
10. Complaints & Dispute Resolution
10.1 Complaints: Any complaints regarding the services provided must be reported to the Company in writing within 30 days of the tour completion. The Company will investigate and make reasonable efforts to address any concerns.
10.2 Dispute Resolution: In the event of a dispute, the Client and the Company agree to seek an amicable resolution. If no resolution is achieved, the dispute will be settled according to the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
11. Use of Personal Information
The Company respects Client privacy and will only collect, store, and process personal information necessary for providing travel services. The Client agrees that the Company may share personal information with third parties solely for the purpose of fulfilling the Client’s booking.
12. Intellectual Property & Website Use
12.1 All content, including text, images, logos, and other materials on the Company’s website, is the property of Visit Afrika Travel. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of website content is strictly prohibited.
12.2 The website is for personal use only, and the Company reserves the right to modify or remove content at any time.
13. Governing Law
Certainly! Here are additional clauses to further strengthen and clarify the terms for Visit Afrika Travel (trading as AST Travel):
14.Local Tour Operations
14.1 Visit Afrika Travel, as a local tour operator, is directly responsible for conducting tours and ensuring quality standards. Our team on the ground physically oversees operations to ensure that our tours deliver an authentic experience, exceptional value, and adherence to the highest safety protocols.
15.Value & Price Protection
15.1 The Company aims to offer competitive prices without compromising on service quality. We endeavor to provide value for money and reserve the right to revise prices to account for any sudden increases in costs from suppliers or third parties. In such cases, the surcharge provisions outlined in section 3 will apply.
16.Covid-19 & Pandemic Policy
16.1 In the event of a pandemic (e.g., Covid-19) impacting travel plans, the Company will provide a 100% refund minus a 5% administrative fee to cover processing costs. This policy is applicable only when travel restrictions are imposed by government authorities, making it impossible for the Client to travel as originally scheduled.
16.2 Clients are encouraged to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for Covid-19 or any other pandemic-related disruptions.
17.Health & Safety Requirements
17.1 The Client agrees to adhere to any health and safety regulations or guidelines as directed by local authorities or the Company’s staff during the tour. This may include, but is not limited to, wearing protective gear, social distancing, or taking necessary medical precautions based on the destination’s requirements.
17.2 The Company reserves the right to refuse service or remove a Client from a tour if they do not comply with health and safety standards, without liability for refunds or compensation.
18.Client Code of Conduct
18.1 Clients are expected to conduct themselves respectfully towards other tour participants, Company staff, and local communities. Any behavior deemed disrespectful or disruptive may result in the Client being removed from the tour at the Company’s discretion, without any refund or compensation.
18.2 The Client shall be responsible for any damages or costs incurred due to their behavior.
19.Medical & Accessibility Requirements
19.1 Clients with medical conditions, dietary restrictions, or special accessibility needs must notify the Company at the time of booking. The Company will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such needs, but cannot guarantee that all requirements can be met at every destination.
19.2 The Client is responsible for ensuring they have all necessary medications, and that their health and fitness levels are suitable for the tour activities planned.
By including these additional clauses, Visit Afrika Travel can provide clients with clearer guidance on company practices and policies, ensuring a more transparent, safe, and client-friendly experience.
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any legal actions arising from this agreement shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the South African courts.
By confirming a booking with Visit Afrika Travel, the Client acknowledges and agrees to these Terms & Conditions.