Terms & Conditions
Safari Sisters — a brand under The Eco-Travel Boutique
Welcome to Safari Sisters, a brand of The Eco-Travel Boutique. Safari Sisters offers small-group tours designed for women travelling through Southern and Eastern Africa, combining high-sustainability itineraries with visits to women-led projects and community initiatives, wellness activities such as yoga, and the signature highlights of each destination. By booking a Safari Sisters tour, you agree to comply with and be bound by these terms and conditions (the “Terms”). Please read them carefully.
References in these Terms to “Safari Sisters”, “we”, “us”, “our” or “the Tour Operator” mean The Eco-Travel Boutique, trading as Safari Sisters (“the Tour Operator”). Safari Sisters and The Eco-Travel Boutique are the same legal entity; Safari Sisters is a distinct brand operating under it.
2. Who We Are & Eligibility
2.1 Eligibility:
Safari Sisters tours are open to all travellers who identify as women and who are 18 years of age or older at the time of departure. We welcome solo travellers, friends or family members travelling together, and small private groups joining a scheduled group departure.2.2 Right to Decline:
We reserve the right, at our reasonable discretion, to decline or cancel a booking where the eligibility criteria above are not met. Where we do so before departure, any payments received will be refunded in full.2.3 Our Local Partners:
Safari Sisters itineraries are delivered in partnership with selected, women-focused and sustainability-conscious tourism operators in each destination country. See clause 11 (Liability & Indemnity) for more detail on how these partnerships work.3. Booking and Payment
3.1 Deposit:
A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to guarantee your booking. In some cases, an additional deposit may be necessary to secure flights or pre-pay safari lodges and camps.3.2 Final Payment:
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days before your arrival. Failure to pay the balance by this date may result in the cancellation of your booking.3.3 Payment Methods:
Payments can be made via our website, through a secure payment link, or by EFT. We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and other secure payment methods.3.4 Late Payments:
If the final payment is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel the booking and retain the deposit.3.5 Multi-Country Pricing:
Because Safari Sisters tours combine services from several countries and local partners, prices may be quoted in USD and/or local currency and may be adjusted to reflect exchange rate movements until paid in full.4. Booking Confirmation
4.1 Upon receipt of your deposit, we will confirm your place on the selected group departure (or, for a private departure, proceed to book the itinerary as discussed with you). A confirmation email will be sent detailing your itinerary and payment status.
4.2 Documentation:
It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that all required travel documents, including — but not limited to — passports, visas, and health certificates, are in order and valid for the duration of the tour.5. Group Departures & Minimum Numbers
5.1 Safari Sisters group tours operate on fixed departure dates with a minimum and maximum number of participants, as specified for each itinerary.
5.2 If the minimum number of participants has not been reached by 60 days before departure, we may, at the client’s election: (a) cancel the departure and refund all payments made to us in full; (b) offer an alternative departure date; or (c) offer the tour to proceed at an adjusted price reflecting the smaller group size.
5.3 We are not responsible for any additional costs incurred by clients as a result of a minimum-numbers cancellation, such as non-refundable flights booked independently. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers this risk (see clause 9).
6. Solo Travellers, Room Sharing & Single Supplement
6.1 Many Safari Sisters travellers join us solo. Where you are happy to share a room, we will do our best to match you with another solo traveller for shared accommodation at no additional cost.
6.2 Where no suitable share match is available, or where you prefer your own room, a single supplement will apply.
6.3 Seats and room types (single and shared) are limited on all tours and subject to confirmation by Safari Sisters and our local partners. Room-sharing and single-room requests cannot be guaranteed until confirmed to you in writing.
7. Cancellations and Refunds
7.1 Client Cancellations:
If you need to cancel your booking, please notify us in writing. The following cancellation charges will apply:- More than 60 days before departure: loss of deposit.
- Less than 60 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost.
7.2 Company Cancellations:
In the unlikely event that we need to cancel your tour for reasons other than insufficient group numbers (see clause 5), you will receive a full refund of all payments made to us. We are not responsible for any additional costs incurred, such as non-refundable flights.7.3 Refunds:
Refunds will be processed within 30 days of receiving the cancellation notice, minus any non-refundable deposits or fees.8. Changes to Booking
8.1 Client-Initiated Changes:
If you wish to make changes to your booking, please contact us as soon as possible, in writing. We will do our best to accommodate your request, but additional charges may apply.8.2 Company-Initiated Changes:
We reserve the right to make minor changes to your itinerary if necessary. In the event of significant changes, we will inform you as soon as possible and offer alternative arrangements or a full refund.9. Travel Insurance
9.1 It is mandatory for all clients to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation, and trip cancellation or curtailment. Proof of insurance must be provided before departure.
10. Health and Safety
10.1 Clients are responsible for ensuring they are in good health and fit to travel. Please consult your doctor regarding necessary vaccinations and health precautions for your destination.
10.2 Medical Conditions:
Clients must inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in the tour.10.3 Activity-Specific Notes:
Itineraries may include yoga and wellness sessions, guided walks, and Big Five game drives. Yoga and wellness sessions are optional and can usually be adapted to most fitness and experience levels; safari and outdoor activities carry inherent risks associated with wildlife and remote environments. Clients take part in all activities at their own risk and should let us know in advance of any condition that may affect their participation.11. Liability & Indemnity
11.1 The Tour Operator acts as an agent for various suppliers and is not liable for any loss, damage, injury, or delay caused by these suppliers. Our liability is limited to the amount paid for the tour.
11.2 Local Partner Operators:
To deliver each country’s leg of a Safari Sisters itinerary, we work with carefully selected local partner operators, which currently include Natural Selection, Ultimate Safaris Namibia, Akilanga, Safari Destinations, Zamag Tours & Safaris, and Safari Essence. These partners act as independent subcontracted suppliers responsible for delivering services in their own country. The Tour Operator is not liable for any loss, damage, injury, or delay caused by these partners, and our liability is limited as set out in clause 11.1.11.3 Client-Booked Services:
If clients choose to independently book any part of their itinerary (such as flights, accommodation, or activities), the Tour Operator accepts no responsibility or liability for any issues arising from these services, including delays, cancellations, changes, or missed connections. Clients are solely responsible for managing and resolving any complications related to services booked outside of the operator’s arrangements.11.4 The Tour Operator is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal belongings during the tour.
11.5 Force Majeure:
The Tour Operator is not liable for any failure to perform our obligations due to events beyond our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, war, strikes, or government restrictions.11.6 Indemnity:
Clients agree to indemnify and hold harmless Safari Sisters, The Eco-Travel Boutique, our local partner operators, employees, agents, and representatives from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising out of or in connection with their participation in the tours, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, or any actions taken by the client that may affect other participants or third parties.12. Respectful & Sustainable Travel
12.1 Safari Sisters itineraries are built around conservation and community, including visits to women-led projects and initiatives. Clients agree to behave respectfully during these visits, follow the guidance of local guides and hosts, and refrain from giving cash, gifts, or sweets directly to children or community members except where expressly invited to do so as part of an organised activity.
12.2 Photographing or filming individuals at women’s projects, community visits, or local staff requires their permission first. Please check with your guide if you are unsure.
12.3 A portion of your tour cost may directly support local conservation and community initiatives, as set out in your specific itinerary.
13. Complaints
13.1 If you have any complaints during your tour, please inform your tour guide or contact us immediately so we can address the issue promptly.
13.2 Post-Tour Complaints:
Any complaints after the tour must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour’s end.14. Dispute Resolution
14.1 In the event of a dispute arising from these Terms, the parties agree to attempt to resolve the matter amicably through mediation before pursuing any legal action.
14.2 If mediation fails, disputes shall be resolved through arbitration in accordance with the rules of the relevant arbitration authority in South Africa. The decision of the arbitrator will be final and binding on both parties.
14.3 These Terms are governed by the laws of South Africa. Any disputes arising from these Terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa.
15. Privacy Policy
15.1 We are committed to protecting your privacy. Personal information collected during the booking process will be used solely for the purpose of arranging your tour.
15.2 By confirming your tour, you consent to Safari Sisters sharing your contact details with third-party suppliers and local partner operators (such as accommodation providers, transport services, or activity operators) strictly for the purpose of facilitating your itinerary. This may include communication regarding tour schedules, transfer times, and other relevant details. Some airlines require passport copies and passenger weights to confirm flights.
15.3 Your details will not be shared unnecessarily with third parties without your consent.
See our full Privacy Policy for further detail on how we collect, use and protect your information.
16. Special Requests
16.1 Any special requests (e.g., dietary requirements, room preferences) must be communicated to us at the time of booking. We will do our best to accommodate these requests but cannot guarantee them.
16.2 While Safari Sisters strives to provide an enjoyable experience for all clients, we do not specialise in tours for individuals with specific accessibility needs or disabilities.
16.3 Clients with such requirements are encouraged to contact a specialised operator who can offer assistance as necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
16.4 It is the client’s responsibility to inform us of any specific needs at the time of booking, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate those needs.
17. Travel Documents
17.1 It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that all required travel documents, including but not limited to passports, visas, and health certificates, are in order and valid for the duration of the tour.
18. Conduct
18.1 Clients are expected to behave in a manner that is respectful to other clients, our guides and staff, our local partners, and the local communities we visit. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any client whose behaviour is deemed unacceptable.
18.2 As a small-group tour, we also ask clients to be considerate of fellow travellers and to contribute to a supportive group atmosphere consistent with the spirit of Safari Sisters.
19. Photography and Marketing
19.1 Photographs or videos may be taken during your tour for marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be included, please inform us in writing before the tour begins.
20. Amendments
20.1 We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. Any changes will be communicated to clients and will apply to all bookings made after the date of the amendment.
21. Contact Information
21.1 For any questions or concerns regarding these Terms, please contact us at:
- Email: info@ecotravelboutique.com
- Phone / WhatsApp: +27 (0)68 691 3634
- Physical Address: Safari Sisters, a brand of The Eco-Travel Boutique — 31 Saintsbury Corner, 383 Pine Avenue, Ferndale 2194, Johannesburg, South Africa
Safari Sisters — Booking Terms & Conditions
Booking Confirmation
- A booking is only confirmed once the deposit payment is received.
- Domestic and regional flight bookings can only be confirmed with the airline upon receipt of the deposit.
- All rates and bookings are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- A detailed travel itinerary will be provided 3-4 weeks before arrival.
Deposit and Payment
- A 30% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
- The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to the tour start date.
- Bookings made within 60 days of the tour start date require full payment upfront.
Group Departures
- Tours run on fixed group departure dates with a stated minimum and maximum number of participants.
- If minimum numbers are not met, clients are offered a full refund, an alternative date, or an adjusted-price departure (see clause 5).
Room Sharing
- Solo travellers happy to share will be matched with another solo traveller where possible.
- A single supplement applies where no share match is available or a private room is requested.
- Seats and room types (single and shared) are limited on all tours and subject to confirmation.
Cancellations and Refunds
- The 30% deposit is non-refundable.
- Cancellations made more than 60 days before the arrival date forfeit the deposit and could attract additional supplier cancellation fees.
- Cancellations made within 60 days of the arrival date attract a 100% cancellation fee.
Changes and Amendments
- Any changes to the booking must be communicated in writing.
- Changes are subject to availability and may incur additional costs.
- The Tour Operator reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary if circumstances require it.
Liability
- The Tour Operator is not responsible for any personal injury, loss, or damage to property during the tour.
- In-country services are delivered by selected local partner operators acting as independent subcontracted suppliers.
- Fully comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory for all participants.
Special Requirements
- Any special requirements or requests (e.g., dietary needs, mobility assistance) must be communicated at the time of booking.
- The Tour Operator will do its best to accommodate special requests but cannot guarantee fulfilment.
Documentation
- It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport, as well as required visas and any additional travel documents that are applicable.
- It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they meet the entry requirements for the country or countries they travel to.
Health and Safety
- Participants should be in good health and physically able to participate in the tour.
- The Tour Operator reserves the right to decline or remove any participant whose health or behaviour could affect the enjoyment or safety of the tour group.
Safari Sisters — Itinerary Terms & Conditions
- Safari Sisters group tours follow set itineraries with allocations reserved in advance for key activities and women’s project visits; however, some services remain subject to availability at the time of booking.
- We will begin securing accommodations, activities, internal flights, and other services as soon as your deposit is received. Consequently, all quoted prices may change until confirmed by local suppliers. We will discuss any significant price increases with you before finalising the service.
- You will receive our final confirmation and trip price once we have obtained written confirmations from accommodations and other local service providers.
- The payment of the deposit signifies your acceptance of these Terms. While Safari Sisters does not book international flights, we can arrange domestic and regional flights upon request.
- While some tours include domestic / regional flights, flight bookings will only commence once the deposit, including the full payment for the flights, has been received. Airfares are dynamic and typically available for booking approximately 11 months prior to travel. Prices are only guaranteed once tickets are issued and may change before ticketing.
- You are welcome to purchase domestic and regional flights directly from the airline, which is often the most cost-effective option.
- Some activities are weather-dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled for safety reasons. As some services are billed in foreign currencies, the final trip price may be adjusted to reflect the exchange rate at the time of payment.
- A final and detailed travel itinerary will be provided after the balance payment is received, generally 3-4 weeks prior to your arrival.
- A virtual introduction call, where you will meet your ‘sisters’, will take place 2 weeks before departure.