Agreement & Our Services

These Terms apply to all bookings made directly with Rawson Touring (Pty) Ltd, including bookings arranged through our website, email, WhatsApp, authorised booking platforms or other approved sales channels.

The person making the reservation is referred to as the Lead Traveller. By confirming a booking, accepting a quotation, making a required payment or instructing us to proceed with arrangements, the Lead Traveller confirms acceptance of the applicable booking conditions on behalf of the travellers included in that reservation.

Rawson Touring provides and arranges guided tours, safari experiences, transportation, accommodation and related travel services. Some services may be delivered directly by Rawson Touring, while others are provided by independent third-party suppliers.

These Terms should be read together with the applicable quotation, itinerary, invoice, booking confirmation and any additional written conditions supplied for the trip.

Quotations & Prices

• All quotations are subject to availability unless expressly confirmed otherwise.
• A quotation does not guarantee accommodation, vehicle, safari or activity availability.
• Prices are based on the travel dates, number of travellers, accommodation category, itinerary and supplier rates applicable at the time of quotation.
• Prices may change before confirmation if supplier rates, exchange rates, government fees, conservation fees or requested arrangements change.
• Once a booking is formally confirmed at an agreed price, Rawson Touring will not arbitrarily increase the price, subject to any adjustment expressly permitted by the booking terms and applicable law.

If a traveller requests changes to the number of guests, accommodation category, travel dates or itinerary, the quotation may need to be recalculated.

Inclusions & Exclusions

The exact inclusions and exclusions for each experience are listed in its tour description, quotation, itinerary or booking confirmation.

Depending on the booking, inclusions may include:

• Professional guide services.
• Tour transportation and fuel.
• Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
• Breakfast or selected meals where stated.
• National park entrance fees and conservation fees where stated.
• Safari drives and selected activities where stated.
• Transfers and sightseeing specified in the booking.

Unless specifically included, exclusions may include:

• International and domestic flights.
• Travel insurance and medical expenses.
• Visa and passport costs.
• Meals and beverages not listed as included.
• Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.
• Optional activities and excursions.
• Tips and gratuities.
• Personal shopping and independently arranged services.

Payments & Booking Confirmation

A. Standard Day Tours

For standard day tours, Rawson Touring generally does not require a deposit when the reservation is made, unless the specific tour, supplier or booking platform requires otherwise.

B. Standard Multi-Day Tours

Multi-day bookings generally require advance payments because accommodation, safari reserves, activities and transport may need to be secured before departure.

C. Peak Season & Special Bookings

Christmas and New Year travel, Easter, luxury accommodation, private safari lodges, large groups, special events and custom itineraries may require an earlier or larger deposit. Where a supplier requires a non-refundable payment, the relevant condition will be communicated before the traveller commits to the booking.

D. Late Bookings

• Bookings made within 30 days of departure may require an accelerated payment schedule.
• Bookings made within 14 days of departure may require full payment.
• Bookings made within 7 days of departure are subject to supplier availability and may require immediate payment.

E. Payment Methods & Currency

Payments may be made through approved payment links, electronic funds transfer, card payments or authorised booking platforms. Payment methods available will be communicated during the booking process.

Prices are generally quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) unless another currency is specified. International transfers, currency conversions and bank charges may attract additional fees imposed by the relevant payment provider or financial institution.

F. Booking Confirmation

A booking is confirmed when the required payment and traveller information have been received, the requested arrangements have been confirmed and written booking confirmation has been issued by Rawson Touring or the applicable booking platform.

An enquiry, quotation or provisional itinerary alone does not guarantee a reservation.

G. Outstanding Payments

If a required payment is not received by the agreed due date, Rawson Touring may contact the Lead Traveller and request settlement. If the account remains unpaid, we may cancel the booking or release supplier reservations where permitted by the applicable booking terms and law.

Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to Rawson Touring using the contact details provided below. The date and time the written cancellation is received will be used when assessing the request.

A. Standard Day Tours

B. Multi-Day Tours

Multi-day tours often involve advance commitments to hotels, safari lodges, reserves, transport providers and activity operators. Cancellation charges will therefore be assessed according to the actual financial exposure of the booking.

C. Death or Hospitalisation

Where a traveller is unable to honour an advance booking because of death or hospitalisation, the relevant statutory protections will apply. Supporting documentation may reasonably be requested.

D. Refund Processing

Approved refunds will normally be returned through the original payment method where practicable. Where a refund depends on a third-party supplier, processing may take longer while that supplier completes its refund process. Banks and payment providers may have their own processing timelines.

A travel credit may be offered where appropriate and legally permissible. Its value, expiry date and conditions will be communicated clearly.

Changes & Amendments

Changes requested by the traveller

Requests to change dates, accommodation, activities, passenger numbers or itinerary arrangements are subject to availability. Additional supplier fees, transport costs, fare differences or other expenses may apply.

Date changes

Changing a confirmed travel date may be treated as an amendment or cancellation and rebooking where suppliers do not permit free date changes.

Changes made by Rawson Touring

We may need to make reasonable itinerary adjustments because of weather, road conditions, supplier availability, safety requirements, park restrictions, accommodation changes or other operational circumstances.

Where a material change is necessary, we will seek to provide a reasonable alternative of comparable value where practicable and communicate important changes to the Lead Traveller.

Accommodation & Third-Party Suppliers

Certain accommodation, activities, safari experiences, restaurants, attractions and transport services may be supplied by independent third parties.

Accommodation is subject to availability. The category or standard stated in an itinerary represents the intended level of accommodation and does not guarantee a particular property unless that property has been specifically confirmed in writing.

If a confirmed property becomes unavailable, Rawson Touring may propose a reasonably comparable alternative. Where a replacement is materially lower in standard or value, we will seek to address the difference through an appropriate adjustment or alternative arrangement.

Some suppliers have separate cancellation rules, age restrictions, safety requirements or payment conditions. Where these materially affect a booking, they will be communicated as part of the booking arrangements where reasonably practicable.

Safaris, Wildlife & Outdoor Activities

Safari experiences take place in natural environments. Wildlife movements are unpredictable and sightings depend on weather, season, habitat, animal behaviour and other natural conditions.

Outdoor activities may be affected by weather, operational restrictions, park regulations, safety conditions or supplier decisions. Certain experiences may have age, health, fitness, weight or mobility requirements.

Travellers must follow the instructions of their guide, driver, ranger and activity operator, especially when near wildlife or participating in outdoor activities.

Passports, Visas & Travel Insurance

Travel documents

Travellers are responsible for ensuring that they hold valid passports, visas, permits and any other documents required for their journey, including cross-border travel.

Entry requirements depend on nationality, passport type, destination and travel circumstances. General information provided by Rawson Touring is not a guarantee of entry. Travellers should confirm current requirements with the relevant official authorities before departure.

Travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, particularly for multi-day tours and international journeys. Cover should be considered for cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, travel interruption, baggage and personal liability.

Rawson Touring is not an insurance provider. Travellers remain responsible for arranging appropriate insurance for their individual circumstances.

Medical and mobility requirements

Travellers should advise Rawson Touring of any medical, dietary or mobility requirements that may reasonably affect the safe delivery of the tour. Some activities may not be suitable for all participants.

Children

Parents and legal guardians are responsible for children travelling with them. Accommodation providers, safari reserves and activity operators may impose age restrictions. These should be checked before confirmation.

Traveller Responsibilities

Every traveller is responsible for:

• Providing accurate booking and contact information.
• Providing passport details where required for travel arrangements.
• Advising us of relevant dietary, medical and mobility requirements.
• Arriving at the agreed pickup location at the confirmed time.
• Following reasonable instructions from guides, drivers and activity operators.
• Respecting wildlife, park regulations, local communities and the environment.
• Ensuring that required travel documents and insurance are in place.
• Making payments by the agreed due dates.

Behaviour that places the traveller, other guests, staff, wildlife or suppliers at risk may result in participation being restricted or an activity being stopped, where reasonably necessary for safety and in accordance with applicable law.

Transport, Pickups & Departures

Pickup locations and departure times will be communicated in the booking confirmation or travel instructions. Travellers must be ready at the agreed location and time.

Late arrival may result in reduced tour time, missed activities, additional waiting costs or departure without the traveller where the schedule reasonably requires it.

Vehicles are selected according to passenger numbers, luggage requirements and tour arrangements. A vehicle shown in promotional material may be replaced by another suitable vehicle where necessary.

Travellers are responsible for their personal belongings. Please avoid leaving valuables unattended during the tour.

Cruise Ship Passengers & Shore Excursions

Travellers booking a shore excursion must provide accurate cruise ship details, port information, arrival and departure times and passenger information.

Rawson Touring will plan the excursion around the information provided. Cruise schedules, docking arrangements, immigration procedures and disembarkation times are controlled by the relevant cruise line and port authorities.

If a vessel is delayed, changes its schedule or prevents passengers from disembarking, we will make reasonable efforts to assist. Any cancellation or refund will be assessed according to the circumstances, applicable booking terms, supplier costs and applicable law.

Unforeseen Circumstances & Force Majeure

Circumstances outside reasonable control may affect the delivery of a tour. These may include:

• Severe weather, flooding, fires or natural disasters.
• Government restrictions or border closures.
• Political unrest, civil disturbances or war.
• Public health emergencies.
• Road closures, strikes or infrastructure failures.
• Supplier closures, cancellations or operational failures.
• Park restrictions or safety-related activity suspensions.

Where such circumstances arise, Rawson Touring will make reasonable efforts to protect traveller safety, communicate important changes, arrange suitable alternatives where possible and recover supplier refunds or credits where available.

Cancellation by Rawson Touring

If we must cancel a tour, we will communicate the circumstances and seek to provide a suitable alternative where practicable. If no suitable alternative is available, amounts paid for services not provided will be addressed fairly, subject to applicable law and the circumstances of the cancellation.

Liability & Consumer Rights

Rawson Touring will provide its services with reasonable care and skill. Where independent suppliers deliver parts of an itinerary, we will take reasonable steps to coordinate the arrangements and address supplier issues that are brought to our attention.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude or restrict liability, remedies or consumer rights that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.

Subject to applicable law, Rawson Touring is not responsible for loss caused solely by a traveller’s own acts or omissions, failure to follow reasonable safety instructions, inaccurate information supplied by the traveller, or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

These Terms are intended to operate consistently with the South African Consumer Protection Act and other applicable laws.

Privacy & Personal Information

Rawson Touring may collect and use personal information necessary to manage enquiries, process bookings, arrange accommodation and transportation, coordinate activities, communicate with travellers and meet applicable legal requirements.

Information may need to be shared with relevant accommodation providers, activity operators, transport providers and authorised booking or payment platforms to deliver the services booked.

Personal information will be handled in accordance with applicable data-protection requirements. Please contact us if you have a question about information associated with your booking.

Complaints & Dispute Resolution

We encourage travellers to raise any operational concern with their guide or Rawson Touring as soon as reasonably possible. This gives us an opportunity to investigate and, where possible, resolve the issue while the tour is taking place.

If an issue remains unresolved, please submit a written complaint with the following information:

• Your name and booking reference.
• The tour and travel date.
• A clear description of the issue.
• Supporting information where available.
• The resolution you are requesting.

We encourage customers to attempt to resolve disputes directly with Rawson Touring. This does not prevent either party from exercising any rights available under South African law or approaching a competent consumer body, regulator, tribunal or court.

General Conditions

Third-party booking platforms

Bookings made through WeTravel, GetYourGuide or another authorised platform may also be subject to that platform’s terms, payment arrangements and cancellation procedures. The applicable platform conditions and confirmed booking documents should be reviewed before payment.

Marketing information

Photographs and descriptions on our website are intended to illustrate the nature of the experience. Actual wildlife sightings, scenery, vehicles, accommodation and operating conditions may vary.

Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, subject to applicable consumer protection legislation and the jurisdiction of competent South African courts.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.

Applicable booking documents

The applicable quotation, itinerary, invoice, booking confirmation, payment schedule and these Terms should be read together as the booking agreement, subject to mandatory statutory rights.