Terms & Conditions

African Greenthorn Safaris

Company Information

African Greenthorn Safaris is an authorised safari operator and travel service provider offering guided safari experiences, wildlife adventures, conservation-focused travel, and bespoke itineraries throughout Southern Africa.

For all purposes under this agreement, African Greenthorn Safaris chooses its domicile citandi et executandi at its registered business address in South Africa.

Services

African Greenthorn Safaris operates as a safari and travel specialist, assisting guests in planning, booking, and experiencing authentic wildlife and cultural journeys throughout Southern Africa.

African Greenthorn Safaris assists guests and suppliers in coordinating bookings, receiving payments, providing confirmations, and facilitating communication between all parties. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and reliability, African Greenthorn Safaris does not underwrite or guarantee the services provided by third-party suppliers.

In the event of any dispute, African Greenthorn Safaris will endeavour to assist in resolving the matter but shall not be liable for any losses, damages, claims, refunds, delays, cancellations, injuries, or expenses arising from the actions or omissions of any third-party supplier.

Currency and Payment Terms

All quotations issued by African Greenthorn Safaris will be presented in one of the following currencies:

• Australian Dollars (AUD)
• United States Dollars (USD)
• Euros (EUR)

• ZAR

The applicable currency will be clearly stated on the quotation and invoice.

All payments must be made in the currency specified on the quotation. Any bank charges, foreign exchange fees, transfer fees, or intermediary banking costs are the sole responsibility of the client.

African Greenthorn Safaris is not responsible for losses arising from exchange-rate fluctuations between the date of quotation and the date of payment.

Payment Methods

Credit and Debit Card Payments

African Greenthorn Safaris accepts major international credit and debit cards, including:

• Visa
• Mastercard

All online transactions are processed through secure PCI DSS-compliant payment gateways using industry-standard encryption technology.

Card details are transmitted directly to the payment processor through secure, encrypted connections. African Greenthorn Safaris does not store full card numbers or CVV security codes.

Your financial institution may require additional authentication through 3-D Secure verification, including one-time passwords, banking application approval, or biometric authentication.

International Bank Transfers

Clients may settle invoices via international electronic funds transfer (wire transfer).

Banking details will be supplied on the official quotation and invoice issued by African Greenthorn Safaris.

Clients are responsible for ensuring that the full invoiced amount is received by African Greenthorn Safaris after deduction of all banking and transfer fees.

Deposits and Booking Confirmation

To secure a reservation, a minimum deposit of 50% of the total land arrangement cost is required unless a higher deposit  (60 days before departure) is required by a lodge, reserve, airline, or other supplier.

Certain suppliers may require full payment at the time of booking.

A booking is considered confirmed only once cleared funds have been received and a written confirmation has been issued by African Greenthorn Safaris.

Final payment is generally required no later than 30 days before departure unless otherwise stated on the quotation.

Cancellation Policy

African Greenthorn Safaris understands that unforeseen circumstances may arise; however, cancellations often result in significant costs being incurred by lodges, reserves, airlines, transfer operators, and activity providers.

Unless otherwise stated in your quotation, the following cancellation terms shall apply:

• Cancellation more than 61 days before departure: 25% of the total booking value forfeited.
• Cancellation between 60 and 31 days before departure: 50% of the total booking value forfeited.
• Cancellation within 30 days of departure: 100% of the total booking value forfeited.

Flights, charter services, and certain special activities may be non-refundable from the time of booking.

Certain lodges, private reserves, and third-party suppliers may impose stricter cancellation policies. In such cases, the stricter policy shall apply, and guests will be advised accordingly at the time of booking.

Any refunds approved by African Greenthorn Safaris may be subject to reasonable administration and banking fees.

Changes to Confirmed Itineraries

Once a deposit has been received, African Greenthorn Safaris will make every reasonable effort to accommodate itinerary amendments, within reason.

Minor amendments, such as restaurant reservations, special requests, or activity preferences, may be accommodated where possible.

Major amendments, including changes to travel dates, destinations, accommodation establishments, number of travellers, or safari regions, may incur administrative fees in addition to any charges imposed by third-party suppliers.

All itinerary amendments remain subject to availability and supplier approval. These changes need to be completed at least 30 days before departure.

Travel and Medical Insurance

Comprehensive travel and medical insurance are mandatory for all guests travelling with African Greenthorn Safaris.

Guests must obtain adequate travel insurance before departure, covering, at a minimum:

• Emergency medical treatment.
• Medical evacuation and repatriation.
• Personal accident cover.
• Trip cancellation and interruption.
• Loss or theft of luggage and personal belongings.
• Travel delays and missed connections.

Proof of valid travel insurance may be requested before the commencement of travel.

African Greenthorn Safaris reserves the right to refuse participation in a safari or travel programme if adequate insurance cover cannot be demonstrated.

African Greenthorn Safaris shall not be liable for any medical expenses, evacuation costs, travel interruptions, losses, damages, or expenses that would ordinarily be covered by a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

Health Requirements and Vaccinations

Guests acknowledge that travel within Southern Africa may involve exposure to remote wilderness areas, wildlife, insects, varying weather conditions, and diseases, including, but not limited to, malaria and other region-specific illnesses.

Guests are responsible for obtaining current medical advice from a qualified healthcare practitioner before travel.

African Greenthorn Safaris strongly recommends that guests consult their physician regarding:

• Required vaccinations.
• Malaria prevention.
• Prescription medication requirements.
• General fitness for safari activities.

Guests participate in all activities at their own risk and are responsible for ensuring they are physically capable of undertaking the activities included in their itinerary.

Any medical condition, disability, allergy, dietary requirement, or special need that may affect travel arrangements must be disclosed in writing before booking confirmation.

Passports, Visas, and Travel Documentation

It is the sole responsibility of each guest to ensure that they possess:

• A valid passport with sufficient validity and blank pages.
• All required visas and permits.
• Vaccination certificates, where applicable.
• Any other documentation required by the destination country or transit country.

African Greenthorn Safaris accepts no responsibility for costs, losses, denied boarding, deportation, missed departures, or travel disruptions resulting from incomplete or incorrect travel documentation.

Limitation of Liability

African Greenthorn Safaris acts as an intermediary between guests and independent service providers, including, but not limited to:

• Lodges and hotels.
• Private game reserves.
• National parks.
• Airlines and charter operators.
• Transfer companies.
• Activity providers.
• Restaurants and hospitality venues.

While every effort is made to select reputable suppliers, African Greenthorn Safaris cannot control the actions, omissions, financial stability, operational decisions, or service standards of third-party suppliers.

African Greenthorn Safaris shall not be liable for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, delay, inconvenience, cancellation, force majeure event, theft, or expense arising from the acts or omissions of third-party suppliers.

Guests acknowledge that safari travel involves inherent risks associated with wildlife, remote environments, road travel, weather conditions, and outdoor activities and voluntarily accept such risks.

Force Majeure

African Greenthorn Safaris shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance resulting from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters.
• Floods, droughts, fires, or storms.
• Pandemics or epidemics.
• Government restrictions.
• Political unrest.
• Strikes or labour disputes.
• Border closures.
• Airline disruptions.
• Acts of terrorism.
• Civil disturbances.

In such circumstances, African Greenthorn Safaris will endeavour to assist guests in obtaining alternative arrangements or supplier credits where possible, but cannot guarantee refunds.

Child Policy

Children are welcome on selected safaris and accommodation establishments, subject to supplier-specific policies.

Children aged 12 years and older may be charged adult rates depending on the supplier.

Certain safari activities may have minimum age restrictions for safety reasons.

Parents and guardians remain fully responsible for the supervision, conduct, and safety of children at all times throughout the safari experience.

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

Any dispute arising from these Terms and Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.

Variation of Terms

No variation, amendment, or waiver of these Terms and Conditions shall be valid unless agreed to in writing and signed by an authorised representative of African Greenthorn Safaris.

Contact Information

For any questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, booking conditions, cancellations, or travel requirements, please contact African Greenthorn Safaris directly using the contact details provided on our official website.

Wildlife Risk Acknowledgement and Indemnity

African Greenthorn Safaris operates within wilderness environments throughout Southern Africa, where guests may encounter wild animals, remote locations, uneven terrain, changing weather conditions, and other natural hazards.

Guests acknowledge and understand that participation in safari activities may involve inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Game drives.
• Walking safaris.
• Bush walks.
• Boat safaris.
• Wilderness trails.
• Cultural excursions.
• Transfers on public and private roads.
• Activities conducted in unfenced wildlife areas.

Guests further acknowledge that wild animals are unpredictable and may pose risks of injury, illness, property damage, psychological trauma, or death, despite all reasonable precautions being taken by guides, lodge operators, and African Greenthorn Safaris.

By confirming a booking and participating in any safari activity, guests voluntarily accept these inherent risks and agree to follow all instructions provided by guides, rangers, trackers, lodge staff, and other authorised personnel.

African Greenthorn Safaris, its directors, employees, guides, representatives, contractors, and service providers shall not be held liable for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, delay, inconvenience, or expense arising directly or indirectly from participation in safari activities, except where such liability cannot legally be excluded under applicable law.

Guests agree to indemnify and hold harmless African Greenthorn Safaris against any claims, demands, actions, damages, costs, or expenses arising from their participation in safari activities or failure to comply with safety instructions.

Guest Conduct and Safety

The safety and enjoyment of all guests are of paramount importance.

Guests agree to conduct themselves responsibly and respectfully throughout their safari experience.

African Greenthorn Safaris reserves the right to remove or refuse participation to any guest whose behaviour is considered:

• Dangerous.
• Abusive.
• Aggressive.
• Intoxicated to a degree that compromises safety.
• Disruptive to other guests.
• Damaging to property or the natural environment.

Any costs incurred as a result of such removal shall be for the account of the guest, and no refund shall be payable.

Conservation and Environmental Responsibility

African Greenthorn Safaris is committed to responsible tourism and wildlife conservation throughout Southern Africa.

Guests agree to:

• Respect wildlife and maintain appropriate distances from animals.
• Refrain from feeding, harassing, or provoking wildlife.
• Follow all reserve, park, and conservation regulations.
• Dispose of waste responsibly.
• Respect local communities, customs, and cultural heritage.
• Minimise environmental impact wherever possible.

Failure to comply with conservation regulations may result in removal from activities, fines imposed by authorities, or cancellation of services without refund.

Photography, Media, and Marketing Consent

African Greenthorn Safaris may occasionally capture photographs and video footage during safari experiences for promotional and marketing purposes.

No guest images will be used for marketing purposes without prior consent from the guest concerned.

Where written or electronic consent has been provided, guests grant African Greenthorn Safaris a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use approved images, testimonials, reviews, or video content for marketing, advertising, website content, social media platforms, and promotional materials.

Guests may withdraw future consent at any time by submitting a written request to African Greenthorn Safaris.

Emergency Medical Assistance

In the event of illness, injury, accident, or emergency, African Greenthorn Safaris may facilitate medical assistance, evacuation, transportation, or communication with emergency service providers where reasonably possible.

All costs associated with medical treatment, evacuation, hospitalisation, transportation, accommodation changes, repatriation, or related services shall be the sole responsibility of the guest and/or their travel insurance provider.

African Greenthorn Safaris accepts no responsibility for delays, availability, quality of care, or outcomes associated with third-party medical providers or emergency services.

Accommodation, Activities, and Supplier Substitutions

African Greenthorn Safaris reserves the right to substitute accommodation, activities, guides, vehicles, or suppliers with alternatives of a similar standard where circumstances beyond our reasonable control make the original arrangements unavailable.

Such circumstances may include:

• Lodge closures.
• Weather events.
• Road conditions.
• Mechanical breakdowns.
• Safety concerns.
• Supplier operational changes.
• Conservation management requirements.

African Greenthorn Safaris will make every reasonable effort to provide suitable alternatives and minimise disruption to the guest experience.

Complaints Procedure

Should a guest experience any dissatisfaction during their safari, they must notify African Greenthorn Safaris and the relevant supplier immediately to allow an opportunity for the issue to be addressed and resolved.

Any complaint not reported during travel may affect the ability of African Greenthorn Safaris to investigate and resolve the matter effectively.

Formal complaints must be submitted in writing within fourteen (14) days of completion of travel.

African Greenthorn Safaris will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and investigate the matter in consultation with the relevant suppliers.

Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with the accepted quotation, itinerary, supplier conditions, privacy policy, indemnity forms, and booking documentation, constitute the entire agreement between African Greenthorn Safaris and the guest.

No verbal representation, statement, promise, or undertaking shall be binding unless confirmed in writing by an authorised representative of African Greenthorn Safaris.