Terms and Conditions – Addo Wildlife Explorers

Effective Date: September 19, 2026

Welcome to Addo Wildlife Explorers (“we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms and Conditions govern all bookings, tour reservations, guided safaris, day trips, transport services, and website use provided by Addo Wildlife Explorers.

By making a reservation, submitting a deposit, or participating in any tour or service with us, you (“Guest,” “Client,” or “you”) agree to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions.

1. Booking and Reservation Process

1.1. Booking Requests: Bookings can be requested via our website (addo-wildlifeexplorers.com), email, or authorized travel agents.

1.2. Deposit Requirement: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation, unless specified otherwise for private or custom package itineraries.

1.3. Booking Confirmation: A reservation is only deemed confirmed once we have received the required deposit and issued a written confirmation voucher or invoice.

1.4. Final Payment: The remaining balance of the tour price must be paid at least 30 days prior to the departure date. For bookings made within 30 days of departure, full payment is required immediately upon booking.

2. Pricing and Payment Terms

2.1. Currency: All rates are quoted and charged in South African Rand (ZAR) unless expressly stated otherwise.

2.2. Inclusions & Exclusions: Rates include only the specific services, transport, guided drives, meals, and entry permits detailed in your booking voucher. Rates exclude personal expenses, international/domestic flights, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, and staff gratuities unless stated.

2.3. Price Adjustments: We reserve the right to amend advertised prices prior to booking confirmation due to unexpected cost increases outside our control, including fuel surcharges, government tax updates, or statutory SANParks (South African National Parks) conservation fee adjustments. Confirmed bookings with full payment will not be subject to price increases.

3. Cancellations and Refund Policy

3.1. Guest Cancellations

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email. The cancellation date is the business day on which written notification is received by Addo Wildlife Explorers.

Cancellation fees are calculated as follows:

  • More than 60 days before departure: Loss of the 30% non-refundable deposit.

  • 30 to 59 days before departure: 50% of the total tour cost is forfeited.

  • 15 to 29 days before departure: 75% of the total tour cost is forfeited.

  • Less than 14 days before departure or No-Show: 100% of the total tour cost is forfeited.

3.2. Cancellations by Addo Wildlife Explorers

We reserve the right to cancel or modify a tour due to severe weather, safety hazards, park closures, or circumstances beyond our control (Force Majeure). In the event of a total tour cancellation by us before departure, guests will be offered:

  • A full refund of amounts paid to Addo Wildlife Explorers, OR

  • Rebooking for an alternative date or an equivalent tour package.

4. Tour Alterations and Itinerary Changes

4.1. Flexibility: Guided wildlife excursions depend on weather conditions, seasonal park conditions, and animal movements. We reserve the right to modify tour routes, schedules, or stopovers to ensure guest safety or improve wildlife viewing opportunities.

4.2. Wildlife Viewing Disclaimer: While our guides make every effort to locate wild animals, sightings of specific species (including the Big Five or specific birdlife) are natural and cannot be guaranteed.

5. Guest Responsibilities, Health, and Safety

5.1. Fitness and Health: Guests must ensure they are physically and mentally fit to participate in open-vehicle safaris, walking tours, or outdoor excursions. Any pre-existing medical conditions, disabilities, or mobility issues must be disclosed at the time of booking.

5.2. Dietary Disclosures: Dietary preferences or severe allergies must be communicated at least 7 days prior to tour departure.

5.3. Guide Authority & Safety Rules: Guests must strictly follow all instructions given by our professional guides and SANParks rangers. Guests must remain seated inside safari vehicles unless explicitly authorized by the guide.

5.4. Right to Refuse Service: We reserve the right to exclude any guest from a tour without a refund if their behavior is deemed dangerous, disrespectful to wildlife, disruptive to other guests, or in breach of park regulations.

6. Assumption of Risk and Limitation of Liability

6.1. Inherent Risks: Participation in wild animal safaris, bush walks, and outdoor travel involves inherent risks, including exposure to wild animals, uneven terrain, variable weather, and travel on public/private roads. Guests voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation.

6.2. Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted under South African law (including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008), Addo Wildlife Explorers, its owners, employees, guides, and agents shall not be liable for any injury, illness, loss of life, damage, or loss of personal property arising during or in connection with the tour.

7. Travel and Medical Insurance

7.1. Mandatory Insurance Recommendation: All guests are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive international travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance prior to departure.

7.2. Coverage Scope: Insurance should cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, emergency repatriation, personal accident, lost baggage, and safari activity cover.

8. Third-Party Vendors and National Park Rules

8.1. Park Regulations: Guests must adhere to all rules established by South African National Parks (SANParks) and private game reserves, including rules against littering, feeding animals, or making excessive noise.

8.2. Third-Party Suppliers: Accommodations, external activities, or additional transfers may be supplied by independent vendors. While we select reputable partners, Addo Wildlife Explorers is not directly responsible for default or negligence by third-party suppliers.

9. Photography and Media Release

9.1. Marketing Use: During tours, our staff may take promotional photos or videos. By joining a tour, you grant us permission to use such visual media for promotional purposes (website, social media, brochures) without compensation, unless you notify us in writing prior to departure that you wish to opt out.

10. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising from or related to these terms or our services shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.

11. Contact Information

If you have questions regarding these Terms and Conditions or your booking, please contact us: