Booking Terms and Conditions
Rivalah Travel (Pty) Ltd
The following booking conditions form the basis of your contract with Rivalah Travel (Pty) Ltd
(“we”, “us”, “the Travel Agent” and “our”). Please read them carefully as they set out our
respective rights and obligations. By asking us to confirm your booking, we are entitled to
assume that you have had the opportunity to read and have read these booking conditions and
agree to them.
These booking conditions apply to the trip arrangements which you book with us and which we
agree to make, provide, or perform (as applicable) as part of our contract with you. All
references in these booking conditions to “trip”, “booking”, “contract” or “arrangements” mean
such trip arrangements unless otherwise stated. References to “departure” mean the start date
of these arrangements.
1. To make a booking please submit the booking forms that are made available on our
website or contact our travel agents on email and whatsapp.
Where we have already confirmed the availability of your chosen arrangements and you book
within any applicable time limit for doing so, your booking will be treated as firm and a contract
between us will come into existence as soon as we receive your deposit. We will then send you
an invoice. Where we have not confirmed availability, your booking will be treated as firm and a
contract between us will come into existence when we despatch our invoice to you. Please
check your invoice carefully as soon as you receive it. Contact us immediately if any information
which appears on the invoice, or any other document appears to be incorrect or incomplete.
2. A minimum deposit of R3000 of the total cost of the trip per person must accompany
the booking to make a reservation, unless otherwise stated. The trip is only confirmed
once the trip has been paid in full. We also offer monthly instalment payment plans for
the balance of the trip, after the deposit amount has been paid. All trips need to be paid
in full (100%) within two months prior to departure. Bookings made within two months
prior to departure require immediate full payment.
If, for any reason, the balance (including any surcharge where applicable) is not received by the
due date, we reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled by you. If we do not cancel
straight away because you have promised to make payment, you must pay the cancellation
charges shown in paragraph 16 depending on the date we reasonably treat your booking as
cancelled.
3. The price quoted for any trip is valid for 30 days after the quotation has been sent to
the client and covers the cost of the planning, the organisation and carrying out of the
trip, including group equipment, supplies, accommodation, administration and staff,
except for the following, for which you must be responsible: vaccination fees, travel
insurance, cost of travel to and from the start / return point of your trip including your
international flights (unless this cost if covered with the trip package), cost of passport
and visas, personal equipment and personal expenses while on the trip and any other
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expenses specifically excluded on the trip description and/or invoice. Additional travel
arrangements can be facilitated Rivalah Travel on request, at a fee.
We reserve the right to make changes to and correct errors in quoted prices at any time before
your trip is confirmed. We will advise you of any error of which we are aware and of the then
applicable price at the time of booking.
Once the price of your chosen trip has been confirmed at the time of booking, then subject to
the correction of errors, we will only increase or decrease the price in the event of any change in
our transportation costs or in dues, taxes or fees or in the exchange rates which have been
used to calculate the cost of your trip.
4. Travel insurance: It is strongly advised that all clients take out adequate travel
insurance cover such as cancellation due to illness, accidents or injury, personal
accidents and personal liability, loss of or damage to baggage and sports equipment. We
will not be responsible or liable if the client fails to take adequate insurance at all. Once
the insurance has been confirmed and paid, the client will be issued with a policy
document from the insurer. Kindly go through the document, it is a complex document,
you need to read it before you start with your trip so that you can address any queries
you have with the insurer before your departure. Various banks (credit cards) offer
limited level of travel insurance which we do not consider sufficient for international
travel. Kindly enquire from the relevant bank to obtain specific details of the cover. You
agree not to hold us responsible for any decision made by the insurer. Clients from
South Africa that are joining our group trips are obligated to pay for travel insurance, with
our preferred insurer, on the day that the trip deposit it made.
5. Health: Unless otherwise stated, you are taken to confirm at the time of booking that you
are in good health, physically capable of undertaking all aspects of the trip, and unaware
of any reason why you may be unsuited to taking part or may be likely to suffer illness or
injury during the trip, taking into account its challenges and purposes. If you are unable
to give for this confirmation for any reason or have any medical condition or disability
which may affect your trip, you must contact us so that we can assist you in considering
the suitability of the trip for you.
If any information given is shown to be materially incorrect or incomplete, we reserve the right to
cancel your booking or terminate your participation in the trip, depending on when we become
aware of the true position. In this situation, cancellation charges as set out in paragraph 16 will
apply and we will not be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred as a result.
6. Mobility Requirements: Many sites to be visited on group trips/tours require a
reasonable amount of walking, sometimes extensive. Advise us at the time of booking of
any physical condition that could affect your mobility. We will make reasonable attempts
to address and accommodate special needs. A qualified and physically abled companion
should accompany passengers who need assistance and must be responsible for their
well-being.
7. Special Requests: Please advise us of any special requests prior to making your
booking. Where possible, we will endeavour to meet or arrange for our suppliers to meet
any such request. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed on to
the supplier or the inclusion of the special request on your invoice or any other
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documentation is not confirmation that the request will be met. Unless and until
specifically confirmed, all special requests are subject to availability. For your own
protection, you should obtain confirmation in writing that a special request will be
complied (where it is possible to give this) where it is important to you. Dietary
requirements and airline seating preference provided at the time of the booking cannot
be guaranteed. However, we will try to accommodate requests.
8. Room Types: Prices are based on a double or triple room with either two single beds,
three single beds or one large bed, the client must advice on the preference at the time
of booking. Room types and bed types are subject to hotel availability, and we cannot
always guarantee your preferred room type. Single surcharge supplement will apply for
single room request. Adjustments to room configuration at any time may incur additional
costs.
9. Air Travel: Flights booked will be in economy class on an airline of our choice unless the
client has advised otherwise. Flights booked will be via the most appropriate route in line
with the price quoted for the trip, although it might not be on a direct flight. The
scheduled flights used for all departures are subject to the usual conditions of the
carrying airline and international laws. Rivalah Travel accepts no responsibility for
alterations to airline schedules. Flight cancelation may attract 100% of the booking fee.
10. Passport, Visa and Immigration requirements: It is exclusively and entirely your
responsibility to fulfil the passport, visa and other immigration requirements for your
entire itinerary including all transit and stopover destinations applicable to your itinerary.
The Travel Agent will endeavour to assist the Client, but such assistance will be at the
Travel Agent’s discretion and the Client acknowledges that in doing so, the Travel Agent
is not assuming any obligation or liability and the Client indemnifies the Travel Agent
against any consequences of non-compliance. It is the Client’s duty to familiarise
him/herself with the inherent dangers of and mental and/or physical condition required
for the Proposed Travel Arrangements.
You should confirm these with the relevant High Commissions, embassies and/or
consulates. We do not accept any responsibility in the case of you being unable to travel
due to not complying with any such requirements.
Please note that All visitors to South Africa and all clients who are travelling from South Africa to
another country , your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your return date into South
Africa and all South African passport holders are required to have a minimum of three blank
pages in their passport excluding the front and back cover to enable entry visas to be issued. If
there is insufficient space in the passport, entry will be denied and the person is likely to be
detained pending return to their country of origin. Please ensure that all passports are renewed.
The client must ensure that the details supplied to the Travel Agent mirror those details shown
on their passport for international travel and ID documents for local travel. As a guideline,
passports should be valid for 6 months after your scheduled return to South Africa. Non-South
African passport holders may also be required to have re-entry documentation and it is entirely
the client’s duty to ensure that such documentation is in order before departure.
Please note that a visa does not guarantee entry to any given country at point of entry and
boarding of an aircraft may be denied at any point even if you have a valid visa. It is important
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that you check with the Company prior to departure from South Africa what the current airport
departure tax is of all the countries you will be passing though as these taxes are usually
payable in the local currency and must be provided for.
11. Travelling with a minor: All minors (travellers under the age of 18 years) are required
to produce, in addition to their passport, an Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the
particulars of both parents) when exiting and entering South African ports of entry. An
affidavit confirming parental consent to travel is also required in the event that one
parent is not travelling with the party. It is your responsibility to confirm and fulfil with the
Department of Home Affairs all documentation required prior to travelling with a minor or
unaccompanied minor.
12. Break Away: Refunds are not made for any missed tour services. Whilst it is possible to
break away from the planned holiday itineraries, it is understood that break-away will be
for the passengers’ account and there will be no refunds under any circumstances for
unused services unless prior arrangements have been made with us. Rivalah Travel
prior to the issue of documentation. Refunds will not be made for unused sightseeing
trips or meals.
13. Unscheduled extensions/changes: In the unlikely event of unscheduled extension to
the holiday caused by flight delays, bad weather, strikes or any other causes which is
beyond our control, it is understood that the related expenses will be for the passenger’s
account.
14. Travel Documents: It is the client’s responsibility to check that all travel documents are
correct. Names, correctly spelled and correct travel dates reflected. Notify us
immediately if you notice any discrepancies. Travel documents would be made available
14 to 30 days before your scheduled departure. Documents (vouchers, itineraries etc)
are only prepared and released on receipt of payment of the Price in full. Upon receipt of
your travel documents, PLEASE CHECK that ALL the details therein are correct.
15. Currency: Prices quoted in ZAR (South African Rand).
16. Cancellation: In the event of client cancelling their reservations, we will claim the total
amount of the deposit paid by the client and also claim any damages suffered by the
company. If you wish to cancel your booking, you must notify us immediately by letter or
email. Your notice of cancellation will only be effective when it is received in writing by
us. You will be liable to pay the following cancellation charges:
Where your booking includes airfare, the relevant charges are levied by the airline. In
some instances, this may be 100% of the fare, regardless of when cancellation is made.
Where your booking is for a package, you will be responsible for all cancellation charges
of whatsoever nature imposed by the suppliers providing the components or parts of
such travel arrangements.
6 months (or more) prior to departure, non-refundable deposit is charged.
4 months prior to departure, non-refundable deposit and 50% of cost is charged.
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3 months to 2 months prior to departure, non-refundable deposit 70% of cost is charged.
59 days up to departure day, 100% of the cost is charged.
Please note that all deposits paid for a trip are non-refundable. However, clients may transfer
their booking to another trip up to three months prior to the original trip’s departure date. In such
cases, the deposit will still be non-fundable, and the difference paid will be applied to the new
booking.
17. Depending on the reason for cancellation, you may be able to reclaim these
cancellation charges (less any applicable excess) under the terms of your insurance
policy. Claims must be made directly to the insurance company concerned. Where a part
cancellation of a booking affects the basis on which the price was calculated, we will
recalculate and re-invoice you accordingly.
18. Changes to your confirmed trip can be considered depending on practicalities and
availabilities, but there might be a cost associated with these changes. We do not
charge an amendment fee for doing so and will only pass on any extra costs involved in
providing additional or alternative services which are incurred or imposed by any of our
suppliers. A change of holiday dates will normally be treated as a cancellation of the
original booking and rebooking in which case cancellation charges will apply. Changes
may result in the recalculation of the holiday price where, for example, the basis on
which the price of the original holiday was calculated has changed.
19. The itinerary is a guide to which we will attempt to adhere, but it may be necessary to
alter this at short notice as a result of circumstances or events outside our control such
as adverse weather or road conditions or any of those amounting to force majeure (see
paragraph 13), or due to the operating conditions imposed by owners and operators of
accommodation, facilities and transport. Your itinerary will, however, be the same in
content as far as is reasonably possible, unless circumstances beyond our control make
this impossible. Should weather conditions involve you in extra costs such as
accommodation, transportation, and meals, these will be borne by mutual agreement
between us.
20. Changes and cancellation by us: As referred to above, we may have to make changes
to and correct errors in advertised and confirmed details and cancel confirmed bookings
which we must reserve the right to do. Please note, our group trips may require a
minimum number of participants to enable us to operate them. If the minimum number of
bookings required for a trip has not been received, we are entitled to cancel it. We will
notify you of cancellation for this reason no less than 28 days prior to departure.
Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we must make a “significant change”. A significant
change is a change made before departure which we can reasonably be expected to have a
major effect on your trip. If we must make a significant change or cancel, we will tell you as soon
as possible. If there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of the
following options:
1. (For significant changes) accepting the changed arrangements; or
2. Purchasing an alternative trip from us, of a similar standard to that originally booked if
available. We will offer you at least one alternative trip of equivalent or higher standard
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for which you will not be asked to pay any more than the price of the original trip. If this
trip is in fact cheaper than the original one, we will refund the price difference. If you do
not wish to accept the trip, we specifically offer you, you may choose any of our other
than available trips but you must pay the applicable price of any such trip. This will mean
you paying more if it is more expensive or receiving a refund if it is cheaper.
Please note, the above options are not available where any change made is a minor one.
If we have to make a significant change or cancel we will, where appropriate, pay you the
reasonable compensation depending on the circumstances and when the significant change or
cancellation is notified to you subject to the following exceptions. Compensation will not be
payable and no liability beyond offering the above-mentioned choices can be accepted where:
1. We are forced to make a change or cancel because of unusual and unforeseeable
circumstances beyond our control such as force majeure, the consequences of which we
could not have avoided even with all due care; or
2. Where applicable, we must cancel because the minimum number of bookings necessary
for us to operate your trip has not been reached (see above).
No compensation will be payable and the above options will not be available if we cancel as a
result of your failure to comply with any requirement of these booking conditions entitling us to
cancel (such as paying on time) or where a change is a minor one.
Very rarely, we may be forced by “force majeure” (see clause 21) to change or terminate your
trip after departure but before the scheduled end of your time away. If this situation does occur,
we regret we will be unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain any refunds from our
suppliers), pay you any compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a result.
21. In these booking conditions, “force majeure” means any event which we or the supplier
of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such
events may include, whether actual or threatened, war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity,
industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, significant risks to human health such as
the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination, adverse weather conditions, fire
and all similar events outside our control. Except where otherwise expressly stated in
these booking conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation
where the performance or prompt performance of our obligations under our contract with
you is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage, loss or expense of
any nature as a result of “force majeure”.
22. Third Party Service Providers: The Travel Agent provides Clients with travel and/or
other services either acting as itself or acting as agents for principals engaged in or
associated with the travel industry, such as airlines (‘collectively referred to as ‘the
Principal’). The Travel Agent represents the Principal as agents only and accordingly
accepts no liability for any loss, damage, injury, illness, harm or death which any Client
may suffer as a result of any act or omission on the part of or the failure of the Principal
to fulfil their obligations, whether in relation to travel arrangements, accommodation or
otherwise unless, in the case of injury or death, it is due to the negligent act or omission
of the Company. The contract in use by the Principal (which is often constituted by the
ticket issued by the Principal), shall constitute the sole contract between the Principal
and the Client and any right of recourse the Client may have, will be solely against the
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Principal. The Travel Agent will provide the identity and terms and conditions (or access
thereto) of all the Principals relevant to the service being provided for the Client’s
booking. It’s the Client’s responsibility to familiarize themselves with such terms and
conditions (‘the Principal’s Conditions’).
23. Car Hire: These contracts (‘Car Hire T&C’) are onerous & include absolutely no fault
and strict liability provisions. These Car Hire T&C must be read very carefully and
anything you don’t understand or any misapprehensions you may have must be
discussed with the car hire consultant BEFORE you sign the Car Hire T&C. Please note
that you will be liable for all traffic fines and toll fees. We strongly recommend you check
the vehicle thoroughly with a representative of the car hire business upon collection and
return and ensure that any damage, scratches, faults, or shortcomings are noted &
signed for. Note that the Car Hire T&C shall constitute the sole contract between the car
hire company and the Client and any right of recourse the Client may have, will be solely
against the car hire company in terms of the Car Hire T&C.
24. Complaints.In the unlikely event that you have any reason to complain or experience
any problems with your trip whilst away, you must immediately inform your trip guide or
our local agent (if we have one) and the supplier of the service(s) in question. Any verbal
notification must be put in writing and given to our trip guide / local agent and the
supplier as soon as possible. If any complaint or problem is not resolved to your
satisfaction by the trip guide, local agent or supplier, you must contact us using the
contact details we have provided you with during your trip, giving us full details and a
contact number. Until we know about a complaint or problem, we cannot begin to resolve
it. Most problems can be dealt with quickly. If you remain dissatisfied, however, you must
write to us within 14 days of the end of your trip giving your booking reference and full
details of your complaint. For all complaints and claims which do not involve death,
personal injury, or illness, we regret we cannot accept liability if you fail to notify the
complaint or claim entirely in accordance with this clause.
25. Your contract: We both agree that South African law (and no other) will apply to your
contract and to any dispute, claim or other matter of any description which arises
between us (“claim”) except as set out below. We both also agree that any claim (and
whether involving any personal injury) which arises between us must be dealt with by the
courts of South Africa only.