Definitions
Detour Africa Tours and Safaris CC, hereinafter referred to as the “Detour Africa ” includes any of it’s affiliated, tour operators. The person or persons who have accepted our terms is hereinafter referred to as the “Client”. Upon acceptance, the Client agrees to be bound by these booking conditions and any contract between the client and Detour Africa is subject to and shall be governed and construed according to South African law.
The Booking
A completed booking form must be sent to Detour Africa together with a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the tour price. The balance of the tour fare is to be paid 30 days prior to the date of departure if the tour is only in South Africa and 60 days prior to departure if it is a multiple cross country overland tour.
Detour Africa will not accept any booking where the Terms and Conditions have not been accepted. Once Detour Africa is in receipt of a Booking Form, plus 25% deposit, a confirmation will be issued. Once written confirmation has been issued the booking will be deemed confirmed. Detour Africa reserves the right to decline any booking.
All tour prices and services are correct at the time of printing and Detour Africa reserves the right to change all prices, services and departures without prior notice. Detour Africa reserves the right to alter published price of any tour due to increasing tariffs, costs and entry fees or fluctuation of exchange rates, such amounts shall be determined at the sole discretion of Detour Africa.
Language
All tours are conducted in English unless otherwise specified.
Travel Insurance
The Client accepts that it is his/her responsibility to arrange insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, curtailment, medical, emergency travel and a personal accident is compulsory on all tours. Insurance for the loss of baggage, money or personal items is recommended.
Click here if you require Travel Insurance.
Full payment of tour cost
Full payment of the tour cost is due 30 days prior to departure. If full payment is not received by this time Detour Africa may treat the booking as cancelled. Any bookings made within four weeks of departure must be accompanied by full payment of the tour cost.
Local Payment
The local payment if applicable is to be paid to the guide on the day of departure in cash only. No traveller’s cheques or other currencies will be accepted.
Cancellation or changes to Bookings
In the event of cancellation the following cancellation fees will be payable by the client:
For Tours only in South Africa
- Notification is received 30 days or more before departure, loss of 25% deposit
- 30 days or less prior to departure, loss of 100% of tour cost
For Multiple Cross country Overland tours
- Notification received 56 days or more prior to departure, loss of deposit
- 31 to 45 days prior to departure, loss of 50% of tour cost
- 30 days or less prior to departure, loss of 100% of tour cost
Cancellation of any booking must be received in writing and acknowledged by Detour Africa.
If the Client fails to join a tour, join it after it’s a departure, or leave it prior to its completion for any reason, no reimbursement whatsoever will be made.
Detour Africa reserves the right to change or cancel any tour although every effort will be made to operate itineraries as advertised.
In the event of a tour being cancelled by Detour Africa, the Client may choose a full refund or alternatively any other tour that Detour Africa is in a position to offer. If the price of the alternative tour is less than the original tour booked, the difference will be refunded to the Client. If the alternative tour is more expensive, then the Client will be liable for the additional cost.
Changes made by the Client: If the Client wishes to change his/her reservation Detour Africa will make every effort to assist the Client. The reservation date may be changed, subject to availability and agreement with Detour Africa. Any changes will incur a minimum fee of US$ 50 and any subsequent cancellation fee will be based on the date of the original travelling date. Should Detour Africa not be able to help the Client with alternative dates, the normal cancellation fees will apply.
Passport, Visas and Other Travel Documents
The Client is responsible for ensuring that all documents, passport, visas and health certificates are valid.
The Client accepts full responsibility for obtaining all the relevant travel documents required.
Should a Client be refused entry to any country due to incorrect documentation, Detour Africa will not be liable for any costs of such delays or repatriation cost for the client.
Baggage
All personal effects and baggage are at all times the Clients’ responsibility and Detour Africa will not accept liability for any loss or damage to baggage or personal effect.
Clients are entitled to one bag of not more than 20 kg and a small daypack. Detour Africa reserves the right to refuse excess luggage and large suitcases.
Health
It is the responsibility of the Client to consult a health professional with respect to recommended and compulsory vaccinations and health precautions. Any pre-existing medical condition must be declared at the time of booking and the Client must make arrangements for the provision of drugs or other treatment that may be required during the tour.
The Client is aware of the proposed itinerary and that the tour requires a measure of physical fitness and health and that they are medically fit to embark on the tour. Detour Africa reserves the right to request a medical certificate and/or client indemnity form on selected overland tours for clients over the age of 55.
Anti-malaria precautions are recommended for all tours entering a Malaria zone and the Client is advised to bring insect repellent.
Onward Travel Arrangements
Onward travel arrangements should commence on the day after the tour ends. Onward arrangements made on the day the tour ends could result in failure to meet those arrangements and Detour Africa will not be held responsible for any resulting delays.
Force Majeure
Unforeseen circumstances including weather, road conditions, war, mechanical breakdowns, riots and other reasons beyond the control of Detour Africa may cause delays or alterations to the tour. In the event of any of the aforementioned occurring, Detour Africa shall not be held liable in any way for any resulting costs of these delays or alterations.
Exclusion of Liability
The Client booking is accepted on the understanding by the Client that all tours are of an adventurous nature and involve an element of personal risk that is an inherent part of travel in Africa. The Client undertakes all tours entirely at his/her own risk and while Detour Africa take every precaution to ensure the safety of the Client, no responsibility can be accepted for any death, injury or loss that might occur to such Client, sustained from any cause what so ever.
The Client and his/her dependants, heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, hereby indemnify and hold blameless Detour Africa, it’s members employees, representatives and agents from any claims of whatsoever nature and from any liability for delay, loss, damage, injury, illness or death arising from any cause whatsoever out of events related to or occurring during a tour. The client agrees to strictly abide by the laws and regulations of each country we visit.
The Client is responsible for checking in on time and is responsible for reconfirming flight times. Detour Africa is not responsible for delays caused by airline flight alterations, cancellations or delays.
If the Client books excursions not operated by Detour Africa (whether recommended by Detour Africa or not), Detour Africa will have no legal liability for problems arising from the excursion and any claim will be against the relevant local operator (e.g. white water rafting, bungee jumping, Delta etc)
Complaints
If the Client has a complaint whilst being on tour, the Client must bring this to the guide’s attention so that it can be dealt with. If the matter isn’t resolved whilst on tour, the Client must write to Detour Africa within 30 days of completion of the tour. Detour Africa will not entertain complaints of loss of enjoyment where full land arrangements have been provided.