1. Definitions

"Company" refers to Southern Cross Experiences (PTY) Ltd., a company registered in the Republic of South Africa.

"Client" means the person who has signed the Booking Form as the lead traveller, as well as any individual included in the booking.

"Agent" means an individual or company who has signed a valid agency agreement with the Company and books travel on behalf of a client.

2. Contractual Agreement

A binding agreement between the Client and the Company is only formed once:

• The Company has issued written confirmation of the booking by email
• A deposit of 50% of the total booking value has been received
• The Client has accepted the Company's Terms and Conditions in writing or via email confirmation

3. Payment Terms

3.1. A 50% deposit is required to confirm a booking.

3.2. The balance must be settled no later than 42 days prior to the start date of the tour or services unless otherwise specified in an agent agreement.

3.3. Late payments may result in cancellation without refund and loss of the deposit at the Company's discretion.

3.4. Invoices issued in foreign currency must be paid by the due date on the invoice. Currency exchange fluctuations may lead to adjustments if payment is delayed.

3.5. A 4% surcharge applies to all credit card payments made via Visa or Mastercard.

4. Cancellations & Refunds

4.1. Cancellations must be submitted in writing and are effective upon receipt and acknowledgment by the Company.

4.2. The following cancellation fees apply:

Timeframe	Cancellation Fee
42+ days before travel	50% of total booking value
8–30 days before travel	80%
0–7 days before travel	100%

4.3. Third-party supplier bookings may have different or additional cancellation fees.

4.4. No refunds are provided for unused services once travel has commenced.

5. Changes and Force Majeure

5.1. "Force Majeure" includes, but is not limited to: natural disasters, war, strikes, pandemics, political instability, or other events beyond the Company's control.

5.2. The Company shall not be held liable for delays, changes, or cancellations due to force majeure and reserves the right to alter itineraries or services accordingly.

5.3. No refunds are issued for force majeure disruptions. Clients are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance.

5.4. In the case of mechanical breakdowns or unforeseen incidents, the Company will endeavour to rectify the situation promptly, including itinerary adjustments if necessary.

5.5. The Company reserves the right to cancel a tour prior to departure, in which case a full refund will be provided. No further compensation is applicable.

6. Travel Insurance

7. Liability Disclaimer

7.1. The Client acknowledges that participation in safaris, overland travel, or any adventurous activities involves inherent risks.

7.2. The Company, its staff, and affiliates accept no liability for loss, damage, injury, illness, or death resulting from any cause.

7.3. The Client participates entirely at their own risk and agrees to release the Company from all liability.

8. Claims and Complaints

8.1. Complaints should be reported immediately to the tour leader or Company representative.

8.2. If not resolved on tour, complaints must be submitted in writing to the Company within 30 days of the end of travel.

9. Company Responsibilities

9.1. All tour descriptions and itineraries are published in good faith. However, the Company reserves the right to amend facilities, transport, accommodation, or other arrangements without prior notice due to operational or safety considerations.

9.2. The decision of the Company's guide or representative is final on all matters concerning the tour.

9.3. The Company is not responsible for any illegal acts committed by the Client, and the Client may be excluded from the tour without refund if such behaviour is deemed to endanger others.

10. Client Responsibilities

10.1. It is the Client's sole responsibility to ensure all required travel documents (e.g., passport, visa, vaccinations) are in order well before departure.

10.2. The Company is not liable for any costs or losses due to denied entry or travel disruptions related to incomplete or incorrect documentation.

10.3. Clients must familiarise themselves with these Terms & Conditions and comply with local laws, customs, and FCO travel advisories.

11. Luggage Allowance

11.1. Clients are advised to travel with soft bags not exceeding 20 kg, plus one small daypack.

11.2. Overloaded or hard-shelled luggage may not be accommodated due to space and safety regulations.

12. Scheduled Departures

12.1. Group Size: Small groups, typically between 2–14 travellers.

12.2. Transport: Tours are operated in 4×4 vehicles, overland trucks, or safari-equipped vans, depending on the itinerary and group size.

12.3. Accommodation: May include guesthouses, lodges, tented camps, hotels, or luxury safari camps as specified in the itinerary.

12.4. Tour Price & Local Payment: Some tours include a separate local payment, payable before departure to cover on-the-ground costs. This is in addition to the tour price.

13. Discount Policy

13.1. Only one discount may be applied per booking.

13.2. Discounts do not apply to flights, taxes, permits, or single supplements.

13.3. Discounts are subject to availability and confirmation of full payment.

13.4. Previous travel with Southern Cross Experiences must be verified for repeat traveller benefits.

14. Jurisdiction

All contracts with the Company shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa, with Pretoria as the designated place of jurisdiction.

Our team is happy to answer any questions about bookings, payments, or travel arrangements.

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