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Uyaphi.com booking conditions terms deposits payment cancellation insurance travel documents Africa safari

Booking Conditions For Uyaphi.com

These booking conditions apply to all accommodation, tours, safaris and activities arranged by Uyaphi Safaris CC, trading as Uyaphi.com. Please read them carefully before confirming your booking, as they form the basis of our agreement with you. Where an individual supplier's own terms differ from or add to those below — as is often the case with lodges, camps and specialist operators across our 12 destination countries — we will forward those to you in writing as your booking progresses. Uyaphi.com is a bonded member of SATSA (the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association), member no. 1133.

How To Book;

  • Please complete the form attached to each Accommodation, Tour or Activity page of the website (www.uyaphi.com), upon confirmation/ agreement of Accommodation, Tours or Activity rates and dates (by both parties) a 30% non-refundable deposit of the application fare is due to secure the booking.
  • The booking fee is accepted as part of the inclusive fare and will only be refunded if the applicant cannot be accommodated. Please note that reservations cannot be made or confirmed without a deposit.
  • The balance of the fare is payable to Uyaphi.com eight weeks/ two months prior to the date of departure. If the full amount is not paid in due time, Uyaphi.com reserves the right to treat the booking as cancelled. *Bookings made less than 60 days prior to your departure, - payment is required in full.*
  • Late applicants however may join the Safari/ Tour on an "accommodation available" basis.
  • On receipt of your full payment, Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) will send vouchers, tour information, clothing lists etc. Please ensure that you receive the information before you leave on safari.

Payment;

  • Properties, Establishments and services within South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho and Namibia are payable in South African Rand or the equivalent in US$ and EURO (€).
  • Properties, Establishments and services within Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya (or any other African country other than above) are payable in US$ and EURO (€) only.
  • Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) does not accept payment by CHEQUE, under any circumstance due to FRAUD.
  • Due to high bank charges for both parties NO bank transfers under R2500.00 / €300.00 / U$400.00 accepted.
  • When settling invoices, payments or bills in South African Rand, Credit Card payments and Bank Transfers are available.
  • When settling invoices, payments or bills in US$, Credit Card payments and Bank Transfers are available.
  • When settling invoices, payments or bills in EURO's, Credit Card payments and Bank Transfers are available.
  • Any transaction via American Express (AMEX) under R150,000.00 is subject to a 1.5% swipe fee – this will be debited along with the cost of your invoice – a swipe fee line will be added to your paid invoice.

The Contract;

  • In this contract the following words shall have the corresponding meanings unless the context otherwise indicates and the same meanings shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to the booking conditions:
  • Uyaphi.com - means - Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com).
  • The Client - means - The person who accepts the booking by signature, email or any other means.
  • Persons Under His Authority - means - All persons who are accepted for a Safari/ Tour on the application of a client.
  • The client who signifies the acceptance of a booking does so on behalf of himself and persons under his authority, which means that all are bound by the booking conditions as if they had individually made the application themselves.
  • All bookings are made by Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) and no person has any authority on its behalf to vary any of the terms and conditions which are applicable.
  • Should Uyaphi.com/Uyaphi Safaris CC be prevented from carrying out all or any of our obligations under this Contract because of an event/s beyond our control, Uyaphi.com/Uyaphi Safaris CC shall be relieved of its obligations under the Contract during the period that such event/s and its consequences continue.
  • Uyaphi.com/Uyaphi Safaris CC shall not be liable for any delay or failure of any obligation due to loss or damages suffered due to loss or failure of event/s beyond our control.

Cancellations;

  • Cancellation of your booking must be in writing to Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com). Cancellations are only effective on receipt of written notification.
  • If you cancel prior to eight weeks/ two months before departure your deposit is forfeited. If your cancellation is made after the due date for full payment of your tour fare, charges will be levied.
  • The scale of charges, expressed as a percentage of the tour prices, is as follows:
  • 57 days or more before departure — deposit forfeited
  • 22–56 days before departure — 50% of total tour price
  • 15–21 days before departure — 60% of total tour price
  • 0–14 days before departure — 100% of total tour price
  • Cancellation insurance is always recommended. It is the client's responsibility to arrange cancellation insurance.
  • Should the client fail to join the Safari/ Tour after a departure or leave prior to its completion, no refund or liability will be accepted by Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com).
  • The client is aware that all the itineraries are flexible and will depend on local conditions.
  • Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) will converse with the management of the service provider to see if alternative arrangements may be possible. The supplier's cancellation policy has full effect.
  • All cancellations are subject to administration fees.

Claims and Complaints;

  • If a client has a complaint against the tour operator that has conducted that particular Accommodation, Tour or Activity, the client must first inform the tour leader whilst on the tour in order that the leader can attempt to rectify the matter.
  • Should the matter not be rectified whilst on tour, the client should inform Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) (as well as the individual Accommodation, Tour or Activity operator) as soon as possible. The complaint must be received in writing to both Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) and the operator within 30 days of the completion of the Accommodation, Tour or Activity so that the complaint can be investigated. Claims will not be considered outside of that time.
  • Agreed claims are payable in current bank accounts only - no credit card refund. Payments will be made within 30 days of the agreement and not after this period.
  • Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) will not entertain complaints due to the Loss of Enjoyment where the full land arrangements have been provided.
  • Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) is not responsible for complaints lodged against a tour operator, although we will work in conjunction with you and the operator to resolve all matters pertaining to the complaint.
  • Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) will seek legal advice should a credit card chargeback be enforced against Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) by the complainant seeking compensation against one of our partners in travel.

Travel Documents;

  • The client acknowledges that it is his/ her responsibility to ensure that he/ she is in possession of the necessary valid travel documents, passports, visas, vaccination certificates, etc.
  • Even though Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) will endeavour to assist the passenger in this regard, such assistance should be at the company's sole discretion, the client acknowledges that in so doing, Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) is not assuming any obligation or liability and that nevertheless the responsibility to ensure that the aforesaid documentation is in order and complies with such lawful and other requirements to enable the client to enjoy the benefits of the Safari/ Tour, remains the client's.
  • The client acknowledges that Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) nor the selected Accommodation, Tour or Activity operator will be held liable to a refund of the tour fare or compensation, should the client be refused entry in a country for any reason.

Insurance;

  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance covering cancellation, curtailment, medical expenses, emergency travel, personal accident, personal baggage and money loss is compulsory for all participants on any and all Accommodation, Tour or Activity offered by Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) and our partners in travel.
  • This Travel Insurance should be arranged at the time of payment of the deposit to cover you for cancellation from that time.
  • The client acknowledges that it is his/ her responsibility to take insurance. The client undertakes to take comprehensive travel insurance to cover his/ her personal requirements.
  • Please note that credit card travel insurance is inadequate for a Safari/ Tour anywhere in Africa.

Pricing;

  • We at Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) will do our utmost to keep the published prices as accurate as possible.
  • Should airlines, exchange rates, fuel costs, game reserve entrance fees, fluctuation of exchange rates etc., force increases on us, we reserve the right to surcharge without notice.
  • When paying by credit card all Rates will be quoted in ZAR (South African Rand) and include VAT (Value Added Tax) unless otherwise stated.
  • We believe the brochure/ web content and tariff are correct at the time of printing, but all prices and services are subject to change or withdrawal without notice.
  • Seasonal rate changes are applicable, published rates are low season rates, never high season.

Delays;

  • Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) or any of our travel partners cannot be held liable for any delays due to airlines, trains, taxis, buses, ships or anything out of our control not running to schedule.

Governing Law;

  • The Laws of the Republic of South Africa shall in all respects, govern any contracts.

Change to User Contract;

  • Uyaphi Safaris CC (trading as Uyaphi.com) reserves the right to make changes to this site and this user contract at any time without notice.

 

Map of Lodges in and around Africa

African Travel Topics

10 Best Lodges in the Eastern Cape

Discover the 10 best lodges in the Eastern Cape, plus a bonus pick, for a malaria-free Big Five safari. They range from Shamwari's historic Long Lee Manor and Kwandwe's exclusive-use villas to family favourite Mark's Camp and riverside Kariega. This hand-picked guide covers who each lodge suits, what's included and how to pair it with Cape Town or the Garden Route.

10 Reasons To Visit Laikipia Plateau

The Laikipia Plateau is Kenya's answer for travellers who've done the Masai Mara and want something wilder: two million acres of private conservancies where walking safaris, horseback rides and night drives replace the vehicle queues, and Big Five sightings come alongside rarities like Grevy's zebra and African wild dogs. From the intimacy of Lewa Safari Camp to sleeping under open skies at Elewana Loisaba Star Beds, Uyaphi.com has been building tailor-made Laikipia itineraries since 1999 — matching the right conservancy to the right traveller, every time.

5 Best Lodges in Etosha National Park

Etosha's finest lodges sit just outside the park, on the private reserves fringing its eastern and southern boundaries. This guide covers our six favourites — from ultra-luxurious Onguma Camp Kala and exclusive Little Ongava to the value-led Etosha Oberland Lodge — with accommodation, activities and who each suits, plus sample combinations, how many nights to plan and a practical FAQ. Every property is one we use personally, and our Namibia specialists can build any into a tailor-made safari.

10 Must-See Attractions in Cape Town

Cape Town is a destination that effortlessly blends stunning natural landscapes with a vibrant cultural scene. From the towering grandeur of Table Mountain to the colorful charm of Bo-Kaap, there's something to captivate every traveler. Whether you're drawn to its iconic beaches, thriving art scene, or legendary vineyards, Cape Town promises an adventure like no other. If you've been dreaming of an unforgettable getaway, this guide is for you. We'll walk you through ten of Cape Town's must-see attractions, from immersive nature experiences to photo-worthy landmarks and rich historical sites.

The Perfect Zimbabwe Honeymoon

Most honeymoons are an exercise in doing very little at considerable expense, and there is a great deal to be said for that. Zimbabwe simply arranges better company for it. Elephants come down to drink below the deck while you are still on your first coffee; the guide turns out to know which lion crossed the airstrip in the night; dinner happens on a Zambezi deck while the light goes orange and then goes altogether. Nobody puts Zimbabwe at the top of the shortlist — Kenya and the Cape get there first — which is precisely why the lodges are quieter and the guiding is better than it needs to be.

The Perfect Kruger National Park Honeymoon Safari

Embarking on the perfect Kruger National Park honeymoon safari offers an unparalleled blend of thrilling wildlife encounters and luxurious romantic escapes in one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness destinations. The Greater Kruger area, encompassing both the national park and its adjoining private reserves like Sabi Sand and Timbavati, provides newlyweds with exclusive access to the Big Five, rare wildlife sightings, and world-class cuisine paired with rejuvenating spa treatments. Beyond the captivating game drives and wildlife, Kruger seamlessly integrates with other South African highlights to create a truly bespoke honeymoon journey. Many couples combine their safari with cosmopolitan stays in Cape Town, exploring Table Mountain and the Winelands, or extend their trip to the breathtaking Victoria Falls or pristine beaches of Mozambique.

10 Reasons To Visit Botswana

Ten reasons, from the Okavango's flood and Chobe's elephant herds to the Makgadikgadi salt pans, Kalahari lions and San trackers, wild dogs in the Linyanti, mokoro trips, and a low-volume tourism policy that keeps vehicle numbers down.

Masai Mara Bucket List

Discover the untamed beauty and thrilling wildlife of one of Africa's most iconic destinations in our latest blog post, "Masai Mara Bucket List". For over twenty years, Uyaphi.com has been your gateway to personalised safari adventures in the heart of Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. This sprawling savannah, a jewel in the crown of African wilderness, is a sanctuary where nature's most awe-inspiring dramas play out under the vast, open skies. Venture with us as we explore the undulating landscapes and rich Maasai culture that make the Masai Mara an unforgettable destination. Our Masai Mara Bucket List guide is crafted to inspire seasoned travellers and first-time explorers alike, highlighting not-to-be-missed experiences that capture the essence of this extraordinary ecosystem.