Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: January 2024

Agreement to Terms

Welcome to Royalty Travels. These Terms and Conditions constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Royalty Travels regarding your use of our website and travel services. By accessing our website or booking any of our services, you agree to be bound by these terms.

If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you must not use our website or services. We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time, and your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any changes.

Booking and Reservations

Booking Process

When you make a booking with Royalty Travels, you are making an offer to purchase travel services. Your booking is not confirmed until:

  • We receive full payment or the required deposit
  • We send you a written confirmation via email
  • All necessary documentation has been completed
  • Availability has been verified with our service providers

Booking Requirements

To make a booking, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age or have parental/guardian consent
  • Provide accurate and complete information
  • Have the authority to make the booking on behalf of all travelers
  • Accept financial responsibility for the booking
  • Ensure all travelers have valid travel documents

Booking Confirmation

Upon confirmation, you will receive a booking reference number and detailed itinerary. Please review all information carefully and notify us immediately of any errors or discrepancies.

Pricing and Payment

Pricing

All prices displayed on our website are in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise stated. Prices are subject to change without notice until your booking is confirmed. The price you pay is the price quoted at the time of booking confirmation.

Prices include the services specified in your booking confirmation. Unless explicitly stated, prices do not include travel insurance, visa fees, airport transfers, meals not specified, personal expenses, or optional activities.

Payment Terms

  • A deposit of 50% is required at the time of booking
  • Full payment must be received at least 30 days before departure
  • Bookings made within 30 days of departure require full payment immediately
  • We accept credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers
  • Payment processing fees may apply for certain payment methods

Currency Fluctuations

Prices are based on exchange rates at the time of booking. We reserve the right to adjust prices if there are significant currency fluctuations (more than 5%) before full payment is received.

Cancellations and Refunds

Cancellation by Customer

If you need to cancel your booking, the following cancellation fees apply:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 10% of total booking value
  • 30-60 days before departure: 30% of total booking value
  • 15-29 days before departure: 50% of total booking value
  • 7-14 days before departure: 75% of total booking value
  • Less than 7 days before departure: 100% of total booking value (no refund)

Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to info@royaltytravels.co.za. The cancellation date is the date we receive your written notice.

Cancellation by Royalty Travels

We reserve the right to cancel any booking due to:

  • Insufficient bookings to operate the tour
  • Force majeure events (natural disasters, political unrest, pandemics)
  • Safety concerns or travel advisories
  • Failure to receive full payment by the due date

If we cancel your booking, you will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to an alternative date or package of equal value.

Changes and Amendments

If you wish to make changes to your confirmed booking, we will do our best to accommodate your request. However, changes are subject to availability and may incur additional fees:

  • Name changes: R500 administration fee plus any supplier charges
  • Date changes: Subject to availability and price differences
  • Itinerary changes: Additional costs may apply based on new arrangements
  • Changes requested within 14 days of departure may not be possible

We reserve the right to make minor changes to itineraries due to operational reasons. If significant changes are necessary, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer alternatives or refunds.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering:

  • Trip cancellation and interruption
  • Medical expenses and emergency evacuation
  • Lost or delayed baggage
  • Personal liability
  • Adventure activities (if applicable)

Royalty Travels is not responsible for any losses, damages, or expenses incurred due to lack of adequate insurance coverage. It is your responsibility to ensure you have appropriate insurance for your trip.

Travel Documents and Requirements

It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all travelers in your party:

  • Hold valid passports with at least 6 months validity beyond your return date
  • Have obtained all necessary visas and entry permits
  • Meet all health requirements, including vaccinations
  • Comply with customs and immigration regulations
  • Have appropriate travel insurance documentation

We are not responsible if you are denied boarding or entry to any country due to inadequate documentation. No refunds will be provided for such circumstances.

Health and Safety

Your health and safety are paramount. You must:

  • Inform us of any medical conditions, disabilities, or dietary requirements at the time of booking
  • Ensure you are physically fit for the activities included in your itinerary
  • Follow all safety instructions provided by our guides and partners
  • Obtain necessary vaccinations and medical clearances
  • Carry adequate supplies of any prescription medications

We reserve the right to refuse participation in activities if we believe your health or safety, or that of others, may be at risk.

Behavior and Conduct

All travelers are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and appropriate manner. We reserve the right to terminate the travel arrangements of any person whose behavior:

  • Endangers the safety or wellbeing of others
  • Causes damage to property or the environment
  • Is abusive, threatening, or disruptive
  • Violates local laws or customs
  • Interferes with the enjoyment of other travelers

No refunds will be provided if your travel arrangements are terminated due to inappropriate behavior, and you will be responsible for any additional costs incurred.

Liability and Limitations

Royalty Travels acts as an intermediary between you and various service providers (hotels, transport companies, tour operators, etc.). While we carefully select our partners, we are not liable for:

  • Acts or omissions of third-party service providers
  • Delays, cancellations, or changes to services beyond our control
  • Loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings
  • Personal injury, illness, or death (except where caused by our negligence)
  • Force majeure events including natural disasters, war, terrorism, or pandemics

Our liability is limited to the total value of your booking. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover potential losses.

Complaints and Disputes

If you have any complaints during your trip, you must notify us or our local representative immediately so we can attempt to resolve the issue. Complaints raised after your return may be more difficult to investigate and resolve.

Written complaints must be submitted within 30 days of the completion of your trip to info@royaltytravels.co.za. Please include:

  • Your booking reference number
  • Detailed description of the issue
  • Supporting documentation (photos, receipts, etc.)
  • Any steps taken to resolve the issue during your trip

We will investigate your complaint and respond within 14 business days.

Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, images, logos, graphics, and software, is the property of Royalty Travels or our licensors and is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our content without our express written permission.

Photography and Marketing

During your trip, photographs or videos may be taken by our staff or guides for promotional purposes. By participating in our tours, you consent to the use of such images in our marketing materials, website, and social media.

If you do not wish to be photographed or have your images used, please inform us in writing at the time of booking.

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of South Africa. Any disputes arising from these terms or your use of our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms and Conditions or any aspect of your booking, please contact us:

Royalty Travels
8 Fish Eagle Lane, Montagu, South Africa
+27 75 391 4906
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 6PM

Thank you for choosing Royalty Travels. By booking with us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. We look forward to creating unforgettable travel experiences for you.