Terms Of service

Terms of Service

Last updated: October 2025

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) set out the agreement between Avella Travels (Pty) Ltd (“Avella Travels”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) and the person(s) booking or participating in any of our safaris, tours, or related services (“client”, “guest”, “you”, or “your”). By confirming a booking with Avella Travels, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.


1. Itineraries, Detours, and Liability

Avella Travels strives to operate all safaris and tours as published or confirmed in your official itinerary. However, due to the nature of travel in wildlife areas, unforeseen circumstances such as weather, road conditions, animal movements, or lodge availability may require changes or detours.

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to:

  • Alter routes, schedules, or accommodation if necessary for safety, logistics, or comfort.

  • Substitute lodges, camps, or activities with similar or higher standard alternatives where required.

Such changes will not entitle clients to refunds or compensation. Avella Travels will not be held liable for any delay, deviation, or additional expense arising from circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to weather, road conditions, or government actions.

All participants are required to sign an indemnity form prior to the start of the safari, acknowledging that participation is at their own risk and that Avella Travels cannot be held liable for injury, loss, or damage of any kind.


2. Prices, Inclusions, and Exclusions

Your safari price includes:

  • Private vehicle and transportation for the duration of the safari

  • Accommodation as per itinerary

  • Professional, registered field guide

  • Park entry fees and conservation levies

  • Morning and afternoon game drives

  • Meals as specified in your itinerary

  • Bottled or filtered water, coffee, and tea during the safari

Not included unless stated otherwise:

  • Flights and transfers not specified

  • Alcoholic and soft beverages (unless listed as included)

  • Optional activities and excursions

  • Gratuities

  • Personal items, insurance, and medical expenses


3. Booking Procedure and Payments

  • A deposit of 50% of the total booking amount is required to confirm your reservation.

  • 20% of the total booking amount is non-refundable, regardless of when the cancellation is made.

The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to departure.

If full payment is not received by the due date, Avella Travels reserves the right to cancel the booking and retain the deposit.
Bookings made within 60 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

All prices are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise stated. Payments can be made via EFT or an approved international payment method.


4. Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made in writing and acknowledged by Avella Travels.

The following fees apply:

  • 60 days or more before departure: 20% of total cost

  • 59–45 days before departure: 25% of total tour cost

  • 44–30 days before departure: 50% of total tour cost

  • 29–15 days before departure: 75% of total tour cost

  • 14–0 days before departure: 100% of total tour cost

No refunds will be made for unused services, late arrivals, early departures, or “no-shows.”


5. Insurance and Medical

Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is compulsory for all guests. This must include:

  • Medical evacuation and emergency transport

  • Trip cancellation and curtailment

  • Personal accident and liability cover

Avella Travels will not be held liable for medical expenses, evacuation costs, or losses arising from illness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances.

Guests are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit for participation and must inform us of any relevant health conditions prior to travel. In the event of an emergency, Avella Travels and its representatives are authorized to arrange medical treatment or evacuation at the guest’s expense.


6. Leaving or Curtailing the Safari

Should a guest choose to leave the safari early for any reason, no refund will be issued. The guest will be responsible for all costs associated with their departure, including transport and accommodation.


7. Participation and Conduct

Guests are expected to behave respectfully toward their guide, fellow travelers, wildlife, and local communities.
Avella Travels reserves the right to remove any person from a tour if their behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or inappropriate, without refund or compensation.


8. Group Size and Private Safaris

Avella Travels specializes in private safaris, though on occasion, guests may share certain experiences or transport when agreed upon. Group sizes are intentionally small to ensure a personal and exclusive experience.


9. Luggage and Equipment

For comfort and safety, luggage is limited to 20 kg per person, excluding small camera or day bags.
Avella Travels provides all necessary safari equipment, including binoculars and reference books where applicable. Guests are encouraged to bring personal items such as hats, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cameras.


10. Accommodation

Accommodation is selected for comfort, location, and authenticity. Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted with similar or higher standard properties when necessary.

Accommodation is typically based on double/twin sharing unless a single supplement has been arranged in advance.


11. Visas and Travel Documents

Guests are solely responsible for ensuring they have valid passports, visas, and any required travel documents.
Avella Travels will offer guidance where possible but accepts no responsibility for issues arising from incomplete or incorrect documentation.


12. Optional Activities

Any optional excursions or activities not operated by Avella Travels (e.g., hot air ballooning, bush walks, etc.) are undertaken at the guest’s own risk. Avella Travels is not liable for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from participation in third-party activities.


13. Force Majeure

Avella Travels shall not be held liable for any failure to perform its obligations if such failure results from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, war, or government restrictions. In such cases, Avella Travels will make every reasonable effort to reschedule or offer alternative arrangements.


14. Smoking Policy

In accordance with South African law, smoking is not permitted inside vehicles or enclosed areas. Regular stops will be made for comfort breaks.


15. Intellectual Property

All content on our site, including text, images and logos, is our property and may not be copied or used without permission.


 

16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of South African courts.


17. General

  • We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. Continued use of our services after changes are posted means you accept the revised Terms.
  • No modification or amendment to these Terms shall be valid unless agreed to in writing by Avella Travels.

  • Information and prices are subject to change without prior notice.

  • If any part of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.