DRIFTERS TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A. About the Facility
This website can be accessed at www.drifters.co.za (“the Facility”) and is made available by Tourvest Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, registration number 2008/003719/07 (“Drifters”).
The Facility enables you to enter into transactions directly with Drifters for its different tours and travel services, each of whose content appears on the Facility (the “Tours”).
The Facility includes links to a banking/payment gateway products, which are not owned by Drifters or under Drifters’ control and for which products you acknowledge Drifters is not responsible in law. As such, you acknowledge that the part of the material accessible through these products on the Facility, is provided by such third parties, and Drifters is not responsible for this material.
B. Important Notice: Terms binding on you
By making use of the Facility or any part thereof, you agree to the terms and conditions contained in this document and on the Facility, in particular those terms and conditions specified in relation to the Tour/s and other services that you book (“the Agreement”).
The Agreement contains certain terms and conditions which appear in similar text style to this clause and which:
• may limit the risk or liability of Drifters or a third party;
• may create risk or liability for you or a third party;
• may compel you to indemnify Drifters or a third party; and/or
• serves as an acknowledgement, by you or a third party, of a fact.
Your attention is drawn to these terms and conditions because they are important and should be carefully noted.
Your use of the Facility including effecting on-line reservations on the Facility is subject to these terms and conditions.
Nothing in these terms and conditions is intended to or must be understood to unlawfully restrict, limit or avoid any rights or obligations, as the case may be, created for either you, a third party or Drifters in terms of the Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008 ("the CPA").
Clients are required to have their own comprehensive personal travel insurance.
C. Products and Services and Drifter’s Role
Drifters provides different services in the form of:
• providing access to and use of the Facility; and
• conducting the Tours (where Drifters acts as the tour operator); and
• acting as an intermediary for the third party suppliers (the “Suppliers”) whose products and/or services are marketed and/or sold through the Facility or during the Tour.
• Optional extras, which may also be provided by Drifters are: Airport transfers, pre or post tour accommodation.
Drifters is obliged to make certain disclosures in accordance with the CPA, which disclosures are set out in these terms and conditions.
Drifters tour operator role: Drifters selects and operates the Tours using its own vehicles, which will transport you and other guests to the various destinations on the scheduled Tour. Drifters also provides the driver and the tour guide and arranges all the accommodation, meals, drinks, refreshments, utensils, camping gear and other items specified on the Facility for the Tour in question.
Drifters intermediary’s role: In relation to your Tour itinerary: All excursions and adventure activities provided by the Suppliers (which are optional extras on the Tour), here Drifters’ role is intermediary and limited to facilitating your booking and arranging vouchers, payments and refunds as applicable, with the Suppliers. Drifters is not the supplier of these products and/or services notwithstanding that they are marketed and/or sold through the Facility and you acknowledge that a separate legal relationship exists between yourself and the relevant Supplier whose products and/or services you purchase through the Facility or on Tour or whose products and/or services are marketed to you through the Facility.
D. Drifters Terms & Pricing
You should carefully read all the terms and conditions specific to the tour product or service you are booking on the Facility, before finalising your transaction (the “Tour Terms”).
The products and services of each tour is sold subject to the Tour Terms. You acknowledge by your continued use of the Facility that you will be bound by the relevant Tour Terms made in respect of the specific tour you choose to contract for. Examples of these Tour Terms are:
• Prices displayed on the Facility do not include flight costs, visa costs, optional excursions and alcohol, bottled water, soft drinks, curios, tips, meals where stipulated whilst on tour and are subject to availability.
• Prices indicated, do not include any items or services not specified in the product or service description of the Tour and examples of excluded items are e.g.: transfers, telephone calls, laundry, extra meals and beverages, etc.
• Accommodation is subject to availability and class of accommodation can change at any time.
• It is a schedule tour and no election of breakaways or extensions are permitted outside the schedule.
• In the event of there being an unscheduled extension (including a curtailment or cancellation to the products or services) caused by a Force Majeure event, including volcanic ash, bad weather, war, terrorism, strike or any other cause that is beyond the control of Drifters any expenses relating to these unscheduled extensions (hotel accommodation, etc), will be for your sole account and there shall be no right to any refund in respect of the curtailed portion of the travel arrangements.
• No refunds/credits for “no shows” or unused services.
• Bookings specifically exclude peripheral requirements, e.g. the cost of obtaining airfares, visas/passports, etc.
Should DRIFTERS have to curtail a tour/venture for any reason due to weather conditions or other factors after the time of departure, DRIFTERS will not be liable for any form of refund whatsoever, although everything will be done to complete a tour/venture or to utilise an alternative arrangement or venue. Drifters reserves the right to offer alternative accommodation / activity of a similar or higher standard at any stage during the tour should the advertised accommodation /activity not be available for any reason. Should a client decide to curtail a tour for any reason whatsoever, DRIFTERS will not be liable for any refund whatsoever. Before departing on a tour, clients will be required to agree to the above conditions and general information.
E. Bookings (Online & Offline)
In making a travel reservation through the Facility, it is your responsibility to:
• read the Tour Terms;
• to carefully check the details of your reservation and any confirmation thereof received via Drifters;
• convey all information set out in those terms and conditions to any other parties covered by any booking you make.
Drifters accepts no responsibility or liability for your misunderstanding or error whatsoever in this process.
Certain bookings will be processed and confirmed immediately on payment via the payment gateway (“Robotic Bookings”).
In all other instances, the website booking (“Offline Booking”) constitutes a request only. Drifters does not guarantee the booking request or the fare quoted until the Offline Booking is confirmed by Drifters. Drifters will then confirm your Offline Booking to you by email or telephone call (“the Booking Confirmation”).
The Facility will advise you whether your transaction is a Robotic Booking or an Offline Booking.
F. Fees
You acknowledge that Drifters may also receive commission, consideration fees, charges or brokerages from the Supplier or other third parties in respect of the intermediary services rendered by it from transactions entered into using the Facility from the Suppliers or other third parties. Details of such commission, consideration fees, charges or brokerages will be made available on your request.
G. Payment Options
By Credit Card
Only those credit cards which are indicated as accepted on the Facility as part of the Robotic Booking process may be used to effect payment for Robotic Bookings.
We accept MasterCard and Visa credit cards. If you do not have a credit card please utilise one of the other payment options, or simply log off and return to the site at a later time to complete your order. All of your order details will be saved online under in the Your Account section available for use whenever you’re ready.
Only those credit cards and other forms of payment (EFT, SWIFT, cash, etc.) which are indicated as accepted on the quote/Booking Confirmation may be used to effect payment for Offline Bookings.
It is your obligation to ensure that your credit card is valid and that you have sufficient credit on your credit card account, to meet all charges for all the products and services you book through the Facility.
A link is being created for you to make credit card payment transactions for Online Bookings on the payment gateway and when you are advised by us this is available, this will be a further alternative payment mechanism for Offline Bookings.
EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer)
One of the most widely used ways of sending money online. Once you have finished your booking select the option to pay via EFT. You will then have to load Drifters, a division of Tourvest Holdings (Pty) Ltd as a beneficiary on your internet banking and use the unique reference number in the reference line for your payment. This should ensure speedy processing and delivery of your selected products.
Banking Details:
Bank : First national Bank South Africa
Branch : Corporate Core
Account Name : Drifters Overland (Pty) Ltd
Account No. : 6219 6383 675
Swift Code : FIRN ZAJJ
For more information about other payment options, please contact our Booking Office on Tel +27 (0) 11 888 1160 or email drifters@drifters.co.za.
H. Booking Confirmation & Payment
Robotic Bookings will be confirmed immediately by email to your email address or by sms to your cellular phone once the transaction of your credit card payment has been processed successfully through the payment gateway.
For Offline Bookings:
• Acknowledgement of your booking request will be sent via e-mail or telephone call within 2 (two) business days of your request being received. Please ensure you check your e-mail regularly; and
• Payment must be received within 24 hours of the Booking Confirmation unless otherwise specified by Drifters in writing. Failure to pay for bookings within this time results in automatic cancellation of the booking without further notice to you.
• Drifters accepts no responsibility for loss incurred due to automatic cancellation or failure of e-mail delivery, save where such loss is caused by the gross negligence of Drifters, its employees or authorised representatives.
I. Booking Cancellation and Amendment Charges
Certain fees may be payable in respect of the cancellation or amendment of transactions entered into using the Facility, as notified at the time of the relevant transaction.
In the event of cancellation of a reservation or booking, Drifters may charge a reasonable cancellation fee, calculated in accordance with the provisions of the CPA.
In the event of the amendment to a reservation or booking Drifters may charge a reasonable administration fee in respect of administering the amendment to the reservation or booking.
J. Travel Documentation
Passport, Visa and Health requirements are the responsibility of all individual travellers.
Many countries require that foreign nationals entering hold a passport with at least six months validity from the date of departure of the country visited.
Drifters may, at its sole discretion, assist you offline in providing information in respect of the requisite travel documentation based on the information supplied by you in the booking engine.
This information as well as other related information supplied by Drifters and any links within the site are supplied in good faith; however should be treated as a guideline only. The final responsibility for ensuring documentation is correct is that of the individual traveller.
Drifters will not be held responsible for tickets and/or documentation you lose. Any charges associated with reissue and resending of tickets and/or documentation will be at your cost.
K. Your User Password
You must keep secure any means of identification that Drifters provides to you in order to access the Facility.
You must not permit any other person, other than staff with your express permission and under your personal supervision, to use your user identification to access the Facility.
You are strictly responsible for all use of the Facility, and all transactions entered into by means of the Facility, using your user identification.
You indemnify Drifters from and against all loss, damage, actions, claims, suits, demands, liabilities, costs or expenses arising out of or in any way connected to the use of your membership identification or password, save where the such loss, damage, actions, claims, suits, demands, liabilities, costs or expenses are due to the gross negligence of Drifters, its employees or its authorised representatives.
L. Privacy policy, use of your personal information and Cookie/ Tracking Technology
Cookie/Tracking Technology
The Site may use cookie and tracking technology depending on the features offered. Cookie and tracking technology are useful for gathering information such as browser type and operating system, tracking the number of visitors to the Site, and understanding how visitors use the Site. Cookies can also help customize the Site for visitors. Personal information cannot be collected via cookies and other tracking technology; however, if you previously provided personally identifiable information, cookies may be tied to such information. Aggregate cookie and tracking information may be shared with third parties.
Third Party Links
In an attempt to provide increased value to our Users, we may provide links to other websites or resources. You acknowledge and agree that we are not responsible for the availability of such external sites or resources, and do not endorse and are not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for the privacy practices or the content (including misrepresentative or defamatory content) of such websites, including (without limitation) any advertising, products or other materials or services on or available from such websites or resources, nor for any damage, loss or offence caused or alleged to be caused by, or in connection with, the use of or reliance on any such content, goods or services available on such external sites or resources.
In order to facilitate your use of the Facility, Drifters may collect and process your personal information (i.e. your name, e-mail and physical / postal address and / or other contact details and/or any other personal identifier). Drifters confirm that it is committed to the protection of your personal information and that it has reasonable safeguards in place to protect your personal information.
As a user of the Facility including the use of the booking engine, you agree and consent that Drifters may process your personal information and share such information with the Suppliers, their representatives or any other third party for the purposes of making the Facility available to you in accordance with all applicable laws.
You consent to Drifters sharing your personal information which may be subject to further processing by Suppliers, other agents or subcontractors performing services in relation to the Facility, including the cross border transfer of your personal information to third parties outside of the Republic of South Africa.
This website may utilise "Cookies", web beacons and other technologies for data analysis and potential personalisation of the website and Facilities offered so that Drifters can better serve you with more customised information when you return to our website. These technologies may vary, but in many cases may involve a small file stored locally on the device used to access the travel.co.za website, and may be used to store and collect information relating to your use of the travel.co.za website.
"Cookies" are used to enhance your interactive experience and generally improve the Facilities to you. You can set your browser to notify you when you are sent a "Cookie", giving you the chance to decide whether or not to accept it. If you do accept a "Cookie", you thereby consent to our use of any personal information collected by Drifters using that Cookie.
Your email address will also be added to our travel newsletter database for purposes of sending you regular newsletters and specials on offer. You may, free of charge, unsubscribe from receiving such newsletter and specials on offer by following the procedure set out on the newsletter.
Monitoring. We have the right, but not the obligation, to monitor any activity and content associated with the Website. We may investigate any reported violation of these Conditions or complaints and take any action that we deem appropriate (which may include, but is not limited to, issuing warnings, suspending, terminating or attaching conditions to your access and/or removing any materials from the Website).
Drifters will use reasonable efforts to keep accurate records of the personal information provided by you to us. We will provide you with information in regard to the personal information which we hold about you and will also allow you access to your personal information in certain circumstances. Upon request, Drifters may correct your personal information that you state is incorrect or remove your personal information from our records, after you have verified your identity to Drifters. To request access or a correction or cancellation, send an e-mail to Drifters at drifters@drifters.co.za also available at www.drifters.co.za.
M. Disclaimers& Limitation of Liability
The use of this Facility is entirely at your own risk and you assume full responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from use of this website or reliance on any information on this website, save where such loss or damage was caused by the gross negligence of Drifters, its employees or its authorised representatives.
All travel information, listings and pricing on the Facility provided by the Suppliers, are subject to amendment at any time without notice. Drifters publish such information in good faith. You acknowledge and accept that Drifters, as an intermediary, cannot and has not checked the accuracy of all information provided by Suppliers. Suppliers are requested and encouraged to correct and update their information regularly and as needed.
Drifters will not be responsible for errors, omissions or misleading information in any travel information and listings. You should make your own evaluation of the accuracy or completeness of any information, opinion, advice or other content available through the Facility.
You are solely responsible for the suitability of any travel services which you purchase by means of the Facility.
In particular, Drifters is not liable for any inconvenience caused or any expense, loss or damage incurred as a result of any unsuitability of travel services for use in association with other travel services, save where such expense, loss or damage was caused by the gross negligence of Drifters, its employees or authorised representatives.
Drifters disclaim all liability where any failure in the services is due to circumstances beyond its control and in no way attributable to the gross negligence of Drifters, its employees or authorised representatives.
Drifters accepts no responsibility or liability for any failure or delay on the part of any Supplier or third party in providing travel services to you where your booking has been properly processed by it; nor is Drifters responsible for any acts or omissions of Suppliers or other third parties in the course of delivery of such travel products and services.
Where refunds are due to you from the Suppliers of the travel products or services in question, Drifters will provide reasonable assistance to you in claiming such refunds from the Suppliers. Please understand that this process is generally a slow and lengthy one.
Under no circumstances will Drifters be liable for direct, indirect, consequential or incidental damages including but not limited to lost profits or savings or damages in respect of dissatisfaction with the goods and/or services provided by Suppliers or third parties, save where such damages was caused by the gross negligence of Drifters, its employees or authorised representatives.
You acknowledge and accept that, due to the nature of the services and the Facility, the Facility may not meet your subjective requirements or be entirely uninterrupted, complete, timely, secure or error free.
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Drifters grants no warranties, express or implied, regarding the website and any service or facilities provided including the booking engines and payment gateways.
Where Drifters is liable to you, for a breach of warranty, under these terms and conditions its liability will be limited to providing the relevant booking services again or to refunding money paid in relation to services not provided because of Drifters`s default, in accordance with the CPA.
Drifters may at any time it sees fit, change or modify all or any part of these terms and conditions with notice to the users of such change.
N. Indemnity
As a condition for your use of the Facility you indemnify Drifters from and against any liability, damage or loss that Drifters incurs or suffers as a result of any action, inaction or omission on your part.
O. Law
The 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.
P. Intellectual property rights
The content of the Facility including the website, trippi and booking engine, are the property of Drifters who is the licensor and / or provider of this site. Unauthorised use is strictly prohibited. All title, ownership rights and intellectual property rights (including copyright), rest with Drifters.
You must not modify, copy, transmit, display, perform, publish, license or create derivative works from any information or software accessed by means of the Facility. Where copying or transmission is expressly permitted, you must not change or delete any author attribution or copyright notice.
Q. General Provisions
These terms and conditions are governed by the laws in force in the Republic of South Africa.
In the event of any dispute arising between you and Drifters, you consent to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the South Gauteng High Court notwithstanding that the quantum in the action or proceedings may otherwise fall below the monetary jurisdiction of that court. Nothing in these terms and conditions should be understood to prevent you or Drifters from taking any dispute to any court, tribunal, commission, ombud or other body of competent jurisdiction.
Drifters may legally assign any of its rights and obligations under this agreement at any time by giving you notice.
Drifters may, in its sole discretion, at any time and for any reason and without prior written notice, suspend or terminate the operation of this Facility or any of its contents or your right to use this Facility or any of its contents.
You must not resell any products or services accessed by means of the Facility.
You agree that you shall only use this Facility for lawful purposes and shall not modify, distribute or exploit the contents of this website without Drifters’ prior written consent. You also agree that you shall not abuse or misuse this website or its contents in any manner whatsoever.
R. Security Policy
Virtual Card Services process all credit card transactions. All credit card transactions are 128 bit Secure Socket Layers (SSL) encrypted. The company registration documents and the site's registered domain name are checked and verified by Thawte, ensuring the cardholder and merchant that nobody can impersonate VCS to obtain confidential information.
Virtual Card Services is committed to providing secure online services. All encryption complies with international standards. Encryption is used to protect the transmission of personal information when completing online transactions. Virtual Card Services Internet servers are protected by firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
The Merchant does not have access to credit details.
Virtual Card Services continually reviews and enhances its security in line with technological changes.
S. Industry Association Details
Drifters is a member of:
• SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association), Agent’s registration number 161
and adheres to their Codes of Conduct and Regulations.
The contact details of:
• SATSA
Tel: +27 (0)11-886-9996
Fax: +27 (0)11-886-7557
Email: general@asata.co.za
Physical Address: Ground Floor, Block C, Rosebank Office Park, 181 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg, South Africa
Postal Address: P O Box 900, Ferndale, 2160, South Africa
T. Consent
I understand that all the designs and trademarks are registered to Drifters is a division of Tourvest Holdings (Pty) Ltd and hereby accept the terms and conditions. I undertake not to copy/duplicate the trademarks and designs directly or indirectly in anyway and understand the legal implications thereof. Should I be found to be in violation of this agreement I understand that I will be held liable for all legal costs incurred by Drifters, a division of Tourvest Holdings (Pty) Ltd for any civil action or any legal action deemed necessary against me.
U. About Drifters
Drifters is a division of Tourvest Holdings (Pty) Ltd, registration number 2008/003719/07, acting through its Accommodation and Activities division. Drifters’ details are as follows:
• Tel: +27 (0) 11 888 1160
• Fax: +27 (0) 11 888 1020
• Email: drifters@drifters.co.za
• Physical Business Address: 25 Alida Street, Northcliff, 2195, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Postal Address: PO Box 4712, Cresta 2118, Johannesburg, South Africa
Formal notices and legal processes should be delivered to Drifters’ chosen domicilium citandi executandi being: 33 West Street, Houghton, Johannesburg.
The Public Officer of Tourvest Holdings (Pty) Ltd is Marlize van der Schyff and she can be contacted on +27 (0) 11 728 0540 and at the address as indicated above.
Drifters disclose that it has never been placed under liquidation, judicial management or business rescue.
Drifters will keep the prescribed records of all transactions, in respect of intermediary services rendered by it, for a period of three years.
©Tourvest 2012. All rights reserved.
V. Booking Conditions
Price Includes
We attempt to make every effort to ensure that our clients are fully aware of what costs are involved in each trip, and to avoid any surprise hidden costs. Our prices include transport for the duration of the tour, accommodation, group equipment (tents, pots, etc.) hire costs (boats, polers, etc.), permits and entry fees, competent professional guides and all food for the duration of the trip (restaurants excluded). The food is healthy and every endeavour is made to suit all tastes, and we make as much use of local produce as possible. We include coffee and tea, as well as fruit juice at breakfast, but all alcohol, soft drinks and bottled water are for your own expense. DRIFTERS do not operate the food kitty system, because this causes delays during the journey while the passengers shop, and is open to misuse. All braais and breakfasts are provided by us but not meals en route to and from the area of the tour. As our programme must be projected so far ahead and our prices are therefore subject to exchange rate fluctuations, we reserve the right to surcharge without notice, although this is against our intentions. Any special extra excursions are for the client’s expense.
Booking Procedure
If you wish to make a reservation it is advisable first to contact your agent or DRIFTERS to ensure that there is still space available on the particular venture or tour. If so then complete the booking form and send it along with a 10% NON-REFUNDABLE deposit to confirm your reservation. IF THE FULL AMOUNT IS NOT PAID AS STIPULATED BY YOUR AGENT OR PRIOR TO DEPARTURE DATE OF SUCH TOUR/VENTURE, DRIFTERS may, at our own discretion and without notice, be entitled to regard the booking as cancelled and to re-book the vacancy. Late applicants may join tours/ventures on an space available basis.
Insurance
Comprehensive adequate travel insurance is a compulsory condition of participation in the tour and is the responsibility of the client. The travel insurance must include but not be limited to the following benefits:
•Personal accident cover including accidental death;
•Emergency medical assistance including rescue expenses;
•Emergency transportation or repatriation expenses;
•Legal assistance;
•Assistance with recovery or replacement of lost documents;
•Emergency travel and accommodation arrangements;
•Loss of baggage, money or personal items, and
•Curtailment or cancellation of the tour.
The suggested minimum cover for the above is USD$60 0000. Drifters will not be liable for any expense incurred in respect of any of the above eventualities.
The client warrants (promises) that he/she/they is in a sufficiently good physical and mental condition to take part in the tour and activities associated with the tour, having regard to the client’s general state of health, fitness and medical requirements.
The client warrants, agrees and accepts that in the event of any accident, illness, harm or injury arising from participating in the tour and any activity associated therewith:
• the client consents to receiving any medical treatment which may be deemed advisable by Drifters. In particular, but without imposing any obligation upon Drifters, the client hereby authorises Drifters or any authorised representative of Drifters to give permission, on the client’s behalf, should a situation arise whereby any emergency operation or medical treatment is required by him/her/them and to incur, on his/her/their behalf, all expenses arising therefrom, which the client undertakes to repay on demand;
• Drifters shall endeavour to procure the provision of the immediate treatment of the client and the evacuation/transfer of the client to the nearest available medical care centre/doctor, which medical care centre/doctor may be remote, and the client acknowledges that whilst awaiting and during evacuation, medical assistance may be limited or non-existent.
Cancellation Procedure
Cancellation of any booking must be received in writing and acknowledged by DRIFTERS. If a booking is cancelled with the consent of DRIFTERS, the latter shall retain the full deposit. Should a person cancel a tour/venture and cannot find an immediate replacement:
a) If DRIFTERS has 4 weeks or more notice, only the deposit is forfeited.
b) If DRIFTERS has less than 4 weeks notice, the deposit and in addition a cancellation fee will be payable by the client as follows:
27-21 days 40% of total fare
20-14 days 60% of total fare
13-0 days 100% of total fare
c) If you fail to join a tour/venture or join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no reimbursement whatsoever will be made.
Please Note: Due to the high demand in Gorilla permits for the Uganda tour, the Drifters office will only confirm your tour departure once the permit is secured. Once the Uganda tour booking is confirmed, the Gorilla Permit will be automatically pre-booked and paid for. The guest/s will then be liable for full payment of the permit even if the tour is cancelled.
Transport
DRIFTERS operate with various brands of trucks and Land cruisers all chosen for their practicality and reliability. They seat up to 18 clients depending on the application.
Group Size & Age
Our group size usually numbers between 6 and 17 clients. By travelling in small groups it means that we don’t invade wilderness areas and can avoid wasting time in constantly having to wait for people. It also enables us to maintain a far more personal service to our clients. From our experience our groups are normally made up of individuals, couples and sometimes groups of friends aged between 14 and 60 years. The sheer physical and youthful mentality which prevails on these tours makes them generally unsuited to anybody over the age of 68 years.
Change of Booking
If, after confirming your booking, you wish to change to an alternative departure date, you may do so subject to availability and by agreement with our booking office. An amendment fee will be charged. Should we not be able to accommodate your request and you therefore must cancel, our usual cancellation procedure will apply.
Exchange Control Regulations
Clients must realise that most African countries have certain currency restrictions with which they must familiarise themselves before travelling.
Rescue and Medical Assistance
In the unlikely event of rescue and medical assistance being needed, other than that provided by DRIFTERS, the participant or his/her insurance company shall be liable for the entire cost thereof.
Participation
The degree of satisfaction and enjoyment you feel at the end of each day and the end of the trip will depend on you and your capacity to enjoy yourself. This capacity, combined with an active and enquiring mind and a willingness to participate, is essential for all our tours. If you wish to be pampered and amused with minimal effort on your part, then our tours are not for you. Participation is essential on all trips and everyone is expected to help with chores to ensure the smooth running of the tour. A degree of flexibility is also essential because of the nature of the parameters in which we have to operate.
Guides
Our guides are mature adults who are young at heart and enjoy their work. They are chosen for their personalities, their interest in the environment, their experience and ability to handle people. We have a hard core of full-time guides as well as a pool of good reliable part-timers, all registered with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa and South African Tourism.
Sleeping
Usually in tents accommodating two adults. Alternatively we utilise lodges, log cabins, bungalows and Rondavels, and under the stars, if desired. Camping beds are provided, but clients may bring inflatable mattresses for further comfort. Single clients may share accommodation with other clients.
Luggage Allowance
Baggage on all our tours will be strictly limited to one large bag (barrel bag type), weighing a maximum of 15kgs. We will also allow a smaller hand luggage bag or camera bag per person. In order to prevent complications on vehicles, aeroplanes and boats, this allowance must be adhered to. SUITCASES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.
Equipment Hire
We sell sleeping bags if required at our Lodges in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Spending Money
Each trip will require differing amounts of pocket money depending on the length of the journey, the individual’s needs and the specific conditions of each tour. Money is needed for meals en route on the first and last day of travelling, curios, alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, specified restaurant meals, visas, airport taxes, transfers and additional excursions, not included in the tour price. Tipping is a customary practice in Southern Africa.
Kit List and Final Instructions
On receipt of your deposit we will send you a suggested kit list, which will supply you with a guide as to what to bring along as well as further useful information. You will also receive a receipt confirmation which must be read carefully as it will display both the time and point of departure and return.
Acceptance & Booking Contract
A contract between DRIFTERS and the client (the parties) will only be deemed to be concluded once the client or the client’s agent has received receipted notification from DRIFTERS. Clients will be required to sign an acceptance of contract before starting their tour. The place of conclusion of contract will always be taken as South Africa and any claim or actions brought against DRIFTERS can only be made under South African jurisdiction and the parties agree to submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the South African Courts.
Air Transport
DRIFTERS will assist with any flight bookings and arrangements if requested. We will always endeavour to obtain the best prices possible, but we accept no liability regarding delays, cancellations or any other problems in this regard whatsoever. Passenger tickets in use by the specific airline when used shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the passenger.
Conditions
Due to the nature of hiking, camping, touring, driving and the general third-world conditions encountered on our tour / ventures, DRIFTERS, their employees, guides and affiliates, do not accept responsibility for any client or dependant thereof in respect of any loss, injury, illness, damage, accident, fatality, delay or inconvenience experienced from time of departure to time of return, or subsequent to date of return, such loss, injury, etc. arising out of any such tour/ venture organised by DRIFTERS. Should a tour/venture be cancelled by DRIFTERS due to weather conditions or other reasons, it shall either refund full payment or offer a substitute tour/venture. Should DRIFTERS have to curtail a tour/venture for any reason due to weather conditions or other factors after the time of departure, DRIFTERS will not be liable for any form of refund whatsoever, although everything will be done to complete a tour/venture or to utilise an alternative arrangement or venue. Drifters reserves the right to offer alternative accommodation / activity of a similar or higher standard at any stage during the tour should the advertised accommodation /activity not be available for any reason. Should a client decide to curtail a tour for any reason whatsoever, DRIFTERS will not be liable for any refund whatsoever. Before departing on a tour, clients will be required to agree to the above conditions and general information.