Price Includes
We attempt to make every effort to ensure that our clients are fully aware of what costs are involved in each trip, and to avoid any surprise hidden costs. Our prices include transport for the duration of the tour, accommodation, group equipment (tents, pots, etc.) hire costs (boats, polers, etc.), permits and entry fees, competent professional guides and all food for the duration of the trip (restaurants excluded). The food is healthy and every endeavor is made to suit all tastes, and we make as much use of local produce as possible. We include coffee and tea, as well as fruit juice at breakfast, but all alcohol, soft drinks and bottled water are for your own expense. DRIFTERS ADVENTURES do not operate the food kitty system, because this causes delays during the journey while the passengers shop, and is open to misuse. All braais and breakfasts are provided by us but not meals en route to and from the area of the tour. As our program must be projected so far ahead and our prices are therefore subject to exchange rate fluctuations, we reserve the right to surcharge without notice, although this is against our intentions. Any special extra excursions are for the client’s expense.
Booking Procedure
If you wish to make a reservation it is advisable first to contact your agent or DRIFTERS ADVENTURES to ensure that there is still space available on the particular venture or tour. If so then complete the booking form and send it along with a 10% NON-REFUNDABLE deposit to confirm your reservation. IF THE FULL AMOUNT IS NOT PAID AS STIPULATED BY YOUR AGENT OR PRIOR TO DEPARTURE DATE OF SUCH TOUR/VENTURE, DRIFTERS ADVENTURES may, at our own discretion and without notice, be entitled to regard the booking as cancelled and to re-book the vacancy. Late applicants may join tours/ventures on an accommodation available basis.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory and you should arrange such in your country of origin. You should be covered in the event of cancellation or curtailment, death, any medical or rescue expenses, as well as for any loss of baggage, money or personal items.
Cancellation Procedure
Cancellation of any booking must be received in writing and acknowledged by DRIFTERS ADVENTURES. If a booking is cancelled with the consent of DRIFTERS ADVENTURES, the latter shall retain the full deposit. Should a person cancel a tour/venture and cannot find an immediate replacement:
- a) If DRIFTERS ADVENTURES has 4 weeks or more notice, only the deposit is forfeited.
- b) If DRIFTERS ADVENTURES has less than 4 weeks notice, the deposit and in addition a cancellation fee will be payable by the client as follows:
27-21 days 40% of total fare
20-14 days 60% of total fare
13-0 days 100% of total fare
- c) If you fail to join a tour/venture or join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no reimbursement whatsoever will be made.
Transport
DRIFTERS ADVENTRUES operate with various brands of trucks and Land cruisers all chosen for their practicality and reliability. They seat up to 18 clients depending on the application.
Group Size & Age
Our group size usually numbers between 6 and 17 clients. By traveling in small groups it means that we don’t invade campsites and can avoid wasting time in constantly having to wait for people. It also enables us to maintain a far more personal service to our clients. From our experience our groups are normally made up of individuals, couples and sometimes groups of friends aged between 18 and 55 years. The sheer physical and youthful mentality which prevails on these tours makes them generally unsuited to anybody over the age of 55 years.
Change of Booking
If, after confirming your booking, you wish to change to an alternative departure date, you may do so subject to availability and by agreement with our booking office. An amendment fee will be charged. Should we not be able to accommodate your request and you therefore must cancel, our usual cancellation procedure will apply.
Exchange Control Regulations
Clients must realize that most African countries have certain currency restrictions with which they must familiarize themselves before traveling.
Rescue and Medical Assistance
In the unlikely event of rescue and medical assistance being needed, other than that provided by DRIFTERS ADVENTURES, the participant or his/her insurance company shall be liable for the entire cost thereof.
Participation
The degree of satisfaction and enjoyment you feel at the end of each day and the end of the trip will depend on you and your capacity to enjoy yourself. This capacity, combined with an active and inquiring mind and a willingness to participate, is essential for all our tours. If you wish to be pampered and amused with minimal effort on your part, then our tours are not for you. Participation is essential on all trips and everyone is expected to help with chores to ensure the smooth running of the tour. A degree of flexibility is also essential because of the nature of the parameters in which we have to operate.
Guides
Our guides are mature adults who are young at heart and enjoy their work. They are chosen for their personalities, their interest in the environment, their experience and ability to handle people. We have a hard core of full-time guides as well as a pool of good reliable part-timers, all registered with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa and South African Tourism.
Sleeping
Usually in tents accommodating two adults. Alternatively we utilize lodges, log cabins, bungalows and rondavels and under the stars, if desired. Camping beds are provided, but clients may bring inflatable mattresses for further comfort. Single clients may share accommodation with other clients.
Luggage Allowance
Baggage on all our tours will be strictly limited to one large bag (barrel bag or internal framed backpack), weighing a maximum of 15kgs. We will also allow a smaller hand luggage bag or camera bag per person. In order to prevent complications on vehicles, airplanes and boats, this allowance must be adhered to. SUITCASES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.
Equipment Hire
We sell sleeping bags if required.
Spending Money
Each trip will require differing amounts of pocket money depending on the length of the journey, the individual’s needs and the specific conditions of each tour. Money is needed for meals en route on the first and last day of traveling, curios, alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, specified restaurant meals, visas, airport taxes, transfers and additional excursions, not included in the tour price. Tipping is a customary practice in Southern Africa.
Kit List and Final Instructions
On receipt of your deposit we will send you a suggested kit list, which will supply you with a guide as to what to bring along as well as further useful information. You will also receive a receipt confirmation which must be read carefully as it will display both the time and point of departure and return.
Acceptance & Booking Contract
A contract between DRIFTERS ADVENTURES and the client will only be deemed to be concluded once the client or the client’s agent has received receipted notification from DRIFTERS ADVENTURES. Clients will be required to sign an acceptance of contract before starting their tour. The place of conclusion of contract will always be taken as South Africa and any claim or actions brought against DRIFTERS ADVENTURES can only be made under South African jurisdiction.
Conditions
Due to the nature of hiking, camping, touring, driving and the general third-world conditions on our tour/ventures, DRIFTERS & DRIFTERS ADVENTURES, their employees, guides and affiliates, do not accept responsibility for any client or dependent thereof in respect of any loss, injury, illness, damage, accident, fatality, delay or inconvenience experienced from time of departure to time of return, or subsequent to date of return, such loss, injury, etc. arising out of any such tour/ venture organized by DRIFTERS ADVENTURES. Should a tour/venture be cancelled by DRIFTERS ADVENTURES due to weather conditions or other reasons, it shall either refund full payment or offer a substitute tour/venture. Should DRIFTERS ADVENTURES have to curtail a tour/venture for any reason due to weather conditions or other factors after the time of departure, DRIFTERS ADVENTURES will not be liable for any form of refund whatsoever, although everything will be done to complete a tour/venture or to utilize an alternative arrangement or venue. DRIFTERS ADVENTURES reserves the right to offer alternative accommodation / activity of a similar or higher standard at any stage during the tour should the advertised accommodation /activity not be available for any