Terms & Condition

Definitions
‍1.1 "Guest(s)" or "you" refers to any individual(s) who book any type of travel trip through Africovery LLC and/or who participate in an Africovery-run retreat.
1.2 "Facilitator(s)" refers to any individual(s) who are leading wellness activities on Africovery Safari trips or retreats.
1.3 "Africovery Staff" refers to any Africovery employee, shareholder or contractor.
1.4 "Africovery Trip" refers to any safari booked through Africovery, including couple's safaris, family safaris, group safaris, Africovery-led retreats, and retreats organised by Africovery.
1.5 "Lodge(s)" refers to the accommodation partner that Africovery safaris take place at.
1.6 "Vendor(s)" refers to any partners that Africovery contracts for trip services such as activities, transportation and/or beverage suppliers.
1.7 "Booking(s)" refers to the purchasing of any travel through Africovery regardless of trip type.
1.8 “Africovery LLC” (DBA Africovery) which may also be referred to as "Africovery" or “we” or "us", includes all directors, contractors, and representatives.

‍2. Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
‍2.1 By using our website (www.africovery.co), and/or engaging with us through any other communication channels for the purposes of booking an Africovery trip, all guests accept to have read, understood and agree to the following terms and conditions.
2.2 If a guest is booking on behalf of a family or a group of other guests, that guest accepts to agree to these terms and conditions on behalf of all the other guests who partake in the Africovery trip.

‍3. Bookings
‍3.1 All bookings through Africovery utilise third-party accommodation and suppliers, you acknowledge that Africovery acts as an agent for such suppliers. (Africovery receives commissions for all bookings made).
3.2 It is the guest's sole responsibility to provide the correct information during the booking process, and it is the guest's responsibility to evaluate the suitability of any potential booking, and to make the final assessment of booking suitability and to verify all information before making a booking.
3.3 Africovery will not be held responsible for errors of information provided by guests.
3.4 Africovery does its utmost to ensure that we provide our lodges responsible and respectful guests, and thus reserves the right to decline any booking or any guest from booking at its discretion.
3.5 If the lodge can no longer honour a booking and you have already made payment, Africovery will do their best to obtain a suitable lodge alternative, or will work with the lodge to find new dates for you.
3.6 The booking process is formally initiated when Africovery sends a guest a quotation with agreed upon dates of travel.

‍4. Quotations
‍4.1 All quotes are subject to the availability of lodges, activities, and flights, and do not confirm your booking.
4.2 A booking is only declared valid upon receipt of the deposit funds reflecting in our bank account.
4.3 All quotes are estimates and subject to change until full payment is received, due to any unforeseen price changes from lodges, vendors, facilitators, private nature reserve fees, government levies, and/or VAT.
4.4 All quotes are prepared in either USD or your local currency, and according to a set exchange rate in order to account for daily currency fluctuations.
4.5 In the event of a major currency change between ZAR and USD, Africovery reserves the right to modify the final booking price up until full payment has been received.

‍5.0 Single Room
‍5.1 Single use rooms are charged a single-room supplement, the amount differs from each lodge.
5.2 Couples may not book a single room and share.5.3 For Africovery retreats and/or group trips, we do not match solo travellers with roommates, it is the guests responsibility to either bring a friend/partner, or pay the single-room supplement for a single room.

‍6. Payments
6.1 Africovery makes use of WISE business banking through STRIPE payment gateway.
6.2 Guests can make a booking through the following methods:Credit CardDebit CardBank Transfers
6.3 A payment is not considered completed until the funds reflect in our bank account.

‍7. Deposits and Cancellations
‍Please note that our deposit policy differs for group bookings and for Africovery retreats (see 7.4 for retreat deposit policy)
7.1 Safari lodges are in high demand and travellers book months or even years in advance to secure their booking. In order for Africovery to secure a booking for guests with a lodge, a deposit is required.
7.2 Each lodge has a different deposit policy and thus the lodge you select will determine the deposit amount owed.
7.3 Below are some policies of our published lodges, for lodges not listed we will provide you with the policy during the booking process:
‍
‍Safari Lodge and Safari Home:
‍Provisional reservations will be held for a maximum of seven days, after which a nonrefundable deposit of 50% will be required for confirmation.Payment of the balance will be due 30 days prior to travel; bookings with 30 days or less to travel require full payment upon confirmation.Cancellations made within 20-30 days to travel forfeit 50% of the deposit. Cancellations made within 20 days or less to travel forfeit 100% of the deposit
‍
‍Deluxe Villa and Homestead:
‍Under 6 people; 30% deposit to secure booking, remaining 70% of balance due one month prior to arrival. Over 6 people; 30% deposit to secure booking, additional 20% deposit due two months prior to arrival, and remaining 70% of balance due one month prior to arrival.
‍
‍Cancellations
‍Under 6 people; 30% cancellation fee applies if cancelled 30+ days prior to travel.Over 6 people; 30% cancellation fee applies if cancelled 60+ days prior to travel.50% cancellation fee applies 30-60 days prior to travel.No shows or cancellations less than 30 days prior to travel incur a 100% cancellation fee.Eco-Luxury
‍30% deposit upon confirmation of booking. Balance due 60 days priorto arrival.Cancelled more than 60 days prior to arrival: loss of deposit.Cancelled between 59 and 31 days prior to arrival: loss of 60%.Cancelled 30 days or less prior to arrival: loss of full fare.7.3.1 When booking the eco-luxury lodge, guests acknowledge that this lodge does not have an air conditioner or a gym facility. However all rooms are equipped with fans and exercise materials will be arranged if guests select physical movement activities as part of their trip design.
‍
‍7.4   Africovery Retreats Deposits & Cancellations
‍The below deposit policy applies to Africovery-led group trips and/or retreats, as well as facilitator-led retreats and/or Africovery-organised retreats.
7.4.1 30% deposit to secure your place on the trip (refundable until the trip is full).
7.4.2 Once the trip is confirmed, the remaining balance is due.7.4.3 The remaining balance is required 90 days before the trip start date.
7.4.4 If cancelled 90 or more days before the trip start date; 50% of your deposit is refundable (or credited to a future Africovery trip).
7.4.5 If cancelled between 60-90 days before the trip start date; 25% of your deposit is refundable (or credited to a future Africovery trip).
7.4.6 If cancelled between 31-60 days before the trip start date; 10% of your deposit is refundable (or credited to a future Africovery trip).
7.4.7 If cancelled less than 31 days before your trip there is no refund.
7.4.8 If you are unable to travel to an Africovery retreat and want to transfer your place to someone else we will consider that so long as the individual you refer passes the criteria and Africovery application process.
7.4.9 Africovery reserves the right to cancel an Africovery-led retreat or Africovery-organized retreat due to insufficient bookings. If this occurs, all deposits and payment will be fully refunded.
7.4.10 Retreats may also be cancelled due to events that are out of our control, including but not limited to, international or national health crises, political upheaval, travel restrictions, facilitator illness or other emergencies. In this case Africovery will postpone the trip to take place within 14 months of the trip start date. If we are still not able to run the retreat due to whatever reason may occur - we will undertake to issue refund payments to the degree with which we are able to recover deposits and payments made to lodges and vendors.
7.4.11Africovery will not retain any funds that are paid by guests for travel in case of our cancellation due to above mentioned reasons and we will endeavour to recover as many costs as possible to ensure a fair guest experience.
7.4.12 If for whatever reason a minor date change is required, Africovery will first inform all booked guests and receive confirmation of the date change before issuing refunds or cancelling the trip.
7.4.13 Africovery will take every effort possible to ensure the dates and itinerary advertised remains consistent.
‍
‍7.5   Additional Refunds
‍7.5.1 Africovery does not issue refunds for trip delays, interruptions, or circumstances that are not under our control.
7.5.2 If a guest misses their transportation to Safari, we will help to get them there however all costs are incurred to the guest.
7.5.3 We do not issue refunds for activities or game drives missed, whether due to lateness or illness, or any other reason that is not under our control. Africovery pays lodges and vendors in advance and is not responsible for travel disturbances that guests may experience.

‍8. Travel Insurance
‍8.1 For the above reasons and due to the nature of travel, particularly into developing countries - we require that all guests take out travel insurance when booking a safari experience with us.
8.2 We strongly recommend taking out a comprehensive travel insurance plan which includes trip cancellation, delays, medical expenses, accident, loss, damage or theft or personal property. In addition, we suggest a plan that will cover activities you may participate in on your trip, such as adventure sports, and exposure to wild animals.
8.3 We require guests to send us proof of purchase of insurance before departing on any Africovery Trip.
8.4 Africovery will not be held liable if a guest does not take the appropriate cover.

‍9. Liability
‍9.1 As a guest you understand there are certain risks associated with travel, especially to remote locations. Africovery accepts no responsibility for any illness, accidents, damage, loss, theft, establishment closure, weather disturbances, delays or death that occurs on the way to, from, or during the course of an Africovery Trip. We trust in our partner's abilities and experience to provide you with the smoothest, safest experience possible, however embarking on a safari you will be exposed to wild animals and although unlikely, there is always the potential of unpredictable situations that may occur given their nature.

‍10. Traveller Responsibilities
‍10.1 Guests understand and accept the responsibilities of international travel, these responsibilities include but are not limited to:Ensuring guests' documentation is correct and valid for travel:-Valid passport (with sufficient blank pages).-Valid identification.-Valid VISAS, if applicable.-Valid birth certificates, if applicable.-When travelling to South Africa with children under 18 years of age, parents are required to provide airlines and immigration officials with birth certificates for all children under 18. This will apply even when both parents are travelling together with their children.-And any other documents that may be required for your travel itinerary.-All permissions have been obtained prior to making the booking.-Ensuring that accurate details have been supplied and captured in the booking.-Ensuring that the type of booking and dates selected are correct.-Being aware that certain destinations may require vaccinations or medications.-Ensuring that all travellers are eligible to travel. Eligibility factors may include age; financial status; health or any other relevant factor.

‍11. Guest Health
‍11.1 During the summer months Malaria is present in certain regions of Southern Africa, including the safari region of our partner lodges. We recommend consulting with your Doctor about taking Malaria pills for the duration of your trip.
11.2 It is the guest's responsibility to ensure they are fit for their chosen activities. For safari walks, most of the lodges require a medical certificate for persons over the age of 65 - approving their participation.
11.3 Guests are required to inform Africovery about any pre-existing health conditions or dietary requirements that may impact their trip, or require special arrangements with our partners. We are not liable for allergic reactions but we will do our best to work with the lodges in ensuring your dietary requirements are met.

‍12. Families and Children
‍12.1 Many safari lodges do not allow children at all for a number of reasons, however Africovery have partnered with lodges that do allow children of various ages. Some of our lodges only allow children of at least 6 years of age or 10 years of age, while others do allow children of all ages.
12.2 Africovery follows the child policy of each lodge for group bookings.
12.3 Some lodges also have child-minding services available and child-friendly activities if requested in advance.
12.4 Guests may enquire about a private safari vehicle for children that are underage at certain lodges, for an additional cost.
12.5 Please ensure before completing a booking that all guest ages (at time of travel) are correct.
12.6 Africovery will not be responsible for any lodge or vendor that does not accept a child guest due to age restrictions.
12.7 Africovery retreats do not allow children or persons under the age of 25.Please see (10.1) regarding birth certificate requirements for travelling with children to South Africa.

‍13. Activities
‍13.1 Africovery partners with a number of vendors to provide guest activities in or nearby the safari lodge.
13.2 Our packages typically include one activity per day according to a five night package.
13.3 Our packages typically include three ‘out of lodge’ activities per five night package.
13.4 An ‘out of lodge’ activity includes the cost of transportation to and from the activity.
13.5 Africovery packages are not priced to include the following activities; hot air balloon, golf, fishing, and any activity not listed in the booking form options. Guests can purchase these, and/or extra activities that are not listed at an additional cost.
13.6 Africovery is not liable for any illness, accidents, damage, loss, theft, weather disturbances, delays or death that occurs on the way to, from, or during the course of an activity.

‍14. Guest Conduct
‍14.1 By booking with Africovery, guests agree to follow the instructions of the following parties throughout the course of their trip:
Africovery staff
Facilitators
Lodge staff
Safari Guides
Vendors and their staff
14.2 Failure to comply with instructions of above mentioned individuals or behaviour which is deemed inappropriate or of threat (emotionally or physically) to other guests, may result in guests being excluded from further trip activities.
14.3 Africovery reserves the right to remove a guest from an Africovery retreat without refund due to behaviour deemed unsafe to themselves or others at any point during a trip.
14.4 In the unfortunate event that a guest damages property, vehicles or causes financial loss to one of Africovery's partner lodges, vendors, or facilitators as a result of their behaviour, whether intended or not - the guest will be required to pay for all incurred damages before departing back home.

‍15. Language
‍All trips and activity facilitation are conducted in English, guests understand and acknowledge that by booking with Africovery, they have a proficient understanding of the English language so as to get the most out of the experience.

16. Application Process
‍16.1 Africovery is committed to providing luxury and holistic group sober travel experiences and thus requires all participants who attend our retreats or book a safari with us to go through an application process determining their suitability.16.2 Individuals may be asked to provide a reference contact as part of their application for an Africovery group trip and/or retreat.16.3 Africovery does not discriminate against nationality, race, sex, gender, or religion. We reserve the right to deny a booking if we believe the guest will be a health-risk to themselves or others, may be a disturbance to the group experience, or cause any potential problems for our lodge and vendor partners.16.4 Africovery will not share any highly-confidential information with lodge or vendor partners that is shared digitally or in-person, before, during, or after an Africovery trip, that is not deemed essential for the purpose of their booking and participation.

‍17. Cellphones, Electronics and Photography
‍17.1 While we have absolutely no issue with capturing your incredible safari memories, Africovery trips are designed to provide travellers with holistic and rejuvenating nature experiences and thus we ask that guests be mindful about their electronic usage in the presence of other guests.
17.2 When using cameras or phones as cameras, we ask that guests silence their phones and respect the personal space and experience of other guests.
17.3 Guests may not capture photographic or video content that includes other guests without permission.
17.4 Guests may be asked to delete photographs or videos that threaten the privacy of any other guest.
17.5 If a guest publishes photographs or videos after a retreat that is flagged by another guest as invasive or non-consensual, Africovery reserves the right to report that photo or person if the content is not immediately taken down.
17.6 Guests must at all times follow the safari guides' electronics-usage instructions whilst on a game drive or safari walk.
17.7 Selfie sticks are prohibited on game drives as it creates visual confusions for animals when perceiving the tracking vehicle.
17.8 Drones are strictly prohibited within the private nature reserves that we operate in due to anti rhino-poaching activities.
17.9 Outside of the reserves, drones may only be used only with permission of the vendor that is leading an activity.
17.10 Africovery will never post imagery that clearly depicts the faces of our guests without permission.
17.11 Africovery reserves the right to request that guests take down social media posts which mention Africovery and that conflict with our brand image and potential misrepresentation of an Africovery trip, regardless of when the post was uploaded.

‍18. Company and Law
‍Africovery is incorporated in New Mexico, USA, however due to operations being primarily executed in South Africa; all legal matters concerning these conditions will be governed by the laws of South Africa, and all legal matters will fall under the jurisdiction of South Africa.

‍19. Contact
‍If you have any questions regarding this agreement, please email info@africovery.co