Emazweni Escapes
Contact: customerservice@emazweniescapes.co.za

By booking with us, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

1. Booking, Acceptance & Eligibility

1.1. How to book
Bookings are made via WhatsApp or email. A booking is only confirmed once (i) the required non-refundable deposit has been received by us, and (ii) we issue a written Booking Confirmation.
1.2. Eligibility
You must be 18 years or older to make a booking. If booking on behalf of others, you warrant that you are authorised to share their details with us and to accept these Terms on their behalf.

2. Packages, Inclusions & Rooming

2.1. Packages
We offer Saver, Classic, and Premium packages. All guests follow the same core itinerary; Classic and Premium include additional services as specified in marketing materials and booking documents.
2.2. Flights (where included)
For Classic and Premium packages, flights are arranged under the airline’s own terms and conditions. This includes but is not limited to baggage allowances, schedules, cancellations, seat map availability, fare rules, and name change/amendment fees. Seat selection (where included) is limited to standard economy seats unless otherwise stated and is not guaranteed. Emazweni Escapes accepts no liability for airline delays, cancellations, missed connections, schedule changes, or other disruptions, and Clause 6.2 applies in such cases.
2.3. Price Basis & Rooming
Prices are quoted per person based on twin-share (maximum two guests per room) unless otherwise stated. Single supplements are available on request and subject to availability. If a roommate cannot be matched by the published cut-off date (60 days before departure), you agree to pay the applicable single supplement.
2.4. Exclusions
Unless explicitly stated otherwise in your Booking Confirmation, the following are excluded: visas, travel insurance, personal meals, drinks, gratuities/tips, optional activities, and personal expenses.

3. Prices, Payments & Payment Plans

3.1. Currency
All prices are quoted in South African Rands (ZAR). Payment is accepted in ZAR or, upon request, in Euros (EUR). Where payment is made in EUR, the amount payable will be provided by us at the time of invoicing and may not reflect a direct market conversion, as pricing is linked to travel arrangements in Europe. Clients must request EUR payment terms in writing before transfer.
3.2. Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the package price is required to secure your place. No booking is confirmed until this deposit has cleared into our account and a Booking Confirmation has been issued.
3.3. Balance
The remaining balance must be received in full no later than the last day of the month two months before the trip’s departure month (e.g., for a May departure, full payment must be received by 31 March).

• Payment plans are available, or you may choose to settle the full balance upfront.
• If you join a trip after the payment plan has already begun, you agree to immediately (i) pay the full balance or (ii) pay all instalments that would have been due up to that date, and thereafter continue with the scheduled payments.
• Failure to pay the full balance by the deadline will result in cancellation of your booking, with forfeiture of your deposit and any non-recoverable costs already incurred.

3.4. Payment Methods
Payments are accepted via bank transfer/EFT (and any other methods we confirm in writing). We do not process or store card details on our website. All bank and transfer charges are for the client’s account.
3.5. Price Changes
Before we receive your full balance, prices may change due to material exchange-rate movements, taxes, or supplier increases. We will do out best to not alter the price due to such fluctuations. After full payment, no price increase will be applied.
Once your balance has been paid in full, your package price is fixed and will not be increased.
For avoidance of doubt: (i) we do not reduce package prices retroactively, and (ii) if later bookers secure lower fares or promotions, earlier bookers are not entitled to a refund or discount.
3.6. Late or Non-Payment
If you fail to meet a payment deadline, we reserve the right to cancel your booking. In such cases, we will retain your deposit and any non-recoverable costs.
3.7. Discounts & Promotions
Referral credits, promotional discounts, or other offers cannot be applied retroactively to existing bookings unless expressly stated in writing by Emazweni Escapes.

4. Itinerary & Changes

4.1. Itinerary Flexibility
The published itinerary is indicative only. We may make reasonable changes, substitutions, or timing adjustments for reasons including (but not limited to) safety, weather conditions, supplier availability, or operational requirements. Where possible, we will deliver experiences of similar or higher value.
4.2. Supplier Terms
All flights, accommodation, transport, and activities are provided by third-party suppliers, each of whom has their own terms & conditions. By booking with us, you agree to also be bound by those supplier terms in addition to ours.

5. Cancellations and Refunds

5.1. Client Cancellation
Cancellations must be notified to us in writing. The following cancellation fees apply (days before departure → amount retained):

• 90+ days: Deposit retained, remainder (if any) refunded.
• 60–89 days: 30% of the total trip cost retained, balance refunded.
• 30–59 days: 50% of the total cost retained, balance refunded.
• <30 days: 100% of total trip cost retained (no refund).

5.2. Non-recoverable Costs
All refunds exclude non-recoverable amounts already paid or committed to suppliers (including but not limited to airline tickets/fare differences, non-refundable hotel deposits, ticketing/admin fees, and bank/FX charges). These will be deducted from any refund due.
5.3. Refund Timeliness & Currency
Refunds are made in the currency of the original payment (ZAR or EUR only), to the original payer’s account, within 15 – 30 business days of written confirmation of cancellation. Bank/FX charges are borne by the client. Currency fluctuations between booking and refund are at the client’s risk.
5.4. Our Cancellation
We may cancel a trip due to force majeure events (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, government actions) or material safety concerns. In such cases, you will be offered one of the following, at your election:

• (a) a refund of monies paid to us, less non-recoverable costs; or
• (b) transfer to an alternative trip/date of equivalent value.
  This is the full extent of our liability. We are not responsible for any additional costs (e.g., flights not booked through us, visas, insurance).

6. Travel Requirements

6.1. Visas & Documents
You are solely responsible for obtaining and holding valid passports, visas, health/vaccine certificates, and any other documentation required by departure, transit, or destination countries. We may provide general visa guidance but do not lodge applications, verify documents, or guarantee approval.
6.1A. Schengen Visa Guidance (South Africans only)
Where applicable, we may provide general information to South African travellers applying for a Schengen visa. This guidance is advisory only and does not constitute lodging or review of applications. Approval or denial of visas rests solely with the consulate.
6.2. Denied Boarding / Refused Entry / Missed Flights
We accept no liability if you are denied boarding, refused entry, or miss a flight for any reason, including but not limited to incomplete documentation, health/vaccine requirements, airline refusal, conduct, or delays beyond our control. In such cases:

• Unused services are strictly non-refundable.
• Refunds will only be made in line with Section 5.1 above.
• Any extra costs incurred (including rebooking, accommodation, or transport) are your sole responsibility.

6.3. Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers. It must cover, at minimum: medical emergencies, trip cancellation/curtailment, and baggage/personal property. You are solely responsible for arranging and purchasing this cover and for complying with any insurance requirements imposed by airlines, suppliers, or the destination country. We do not provide, arrange, or check insurance policies.
6.4. Travel with Minors

• Minors may not travel alone on our trips. A parent or legal guardian must be the lead booker and accompany the minor on the trip, or must provide written authority and designate a responsible adult who will accompany them.
• The parent/guardian (or designated adult) is fully responsible for the minor’s safety, conduct, and wellbeing throughout the trip.
• Not all trips or packages are available to minors, as certain activities may include age-restricted elements (e.g., alcohol tastings, nightlife). Where minors are permitted, participation in such activities will not be allowed.
• The traveller is responsible for obtaining all documentation required for minors, which may include passports, visas, full/unabridged birth certificates, parental consent affidavits, proof of custody/relationship, and any additional documentation required by airlines or border authorities.
  Failure to present correct documentation may result in denied boarding or entry, with Clause 6.2 applying in full.

7. Health, Safety & Conduct

7.1 Fitness to Travel
You warrant that you are medically, physically, and mentally fit to participate in the trip. You must disclose any material medical conditions, dietary needs, or mobility restrictions at the time of booking. We reserve the right to request a doctor’s note confirming fitness to travel where appropriate.
7.2 Conduct
We reserve the right to refuse service or remove any traveller from the trip if, in our reasonable opinion, their conduct is unsafe, unlawful, disruptive, abusive, or materially interferes with the enjoyment of others. In such cases, no refund will be provided, and any extra costs incurred (e.g., alternative travel, accommodation) will be the traveller’s sole responsibility.
7.3 Personal Property
You are solely responsible for meeting all vaccination, testing, and other health requirements imposed by airlines, suppliers, or the destination country. Failure to comply may result in denied boarding or entry, with Clause 6.2 applying in full.
7.4. Personal Property
You are responsible for your belongings at all times. We accept no liability for loss, theft, or damage to personal property during the trip, except where caused by our proven negligence.

8. Referral Launch Promotion

8.1. Eligibility
This referral campaign is open exclusively to guests booked on the Lisbon Escape (May 2026). Participation is conditional upon payment of the required deposit, full balance, and commencement of the trip. Referral credits cannot be earned by travel agents, group leaders, or bookings made through third-party agencies/platforms — only direct bookings with Emazweni Escapes qualify.
8. 2. Definition of Successful Referral
A “successful referral” means a new guest who:
(i) is not already in our database,
(ii) provides the referrer’s full name or referral code at first contact,
(iii) accepts our Terms & Conditions,
(iv) pays the required non-refundable deposit and thereafter the full balance, and
(v) commences travel on the booked trip.
8.3. Credit amount & Cap
The referrer earns R1,500 in credit per successful referral, up to a maximum of R3,000 (two referrals). Credits have no cash value, cannot be exchanged for money, and are non-transferable.
8.4. Issuance
Referral credits are recorded as Pending once the referred guest pays their deposit. Credits become Active on the referred guest’s trip departure date, provided their balance is fully paid and travel has commenced.
8.5. Redemption
Active credits may be redeemed against the final balance of the referrer’s next booking with Emazweni Escapes. Credits cannot be applied to deposits, are not transferable, and must be used within 12 months of activation.
8.6. Cancellations

• If the referred guest cancels before departure, the associated credit is void.
• If the referrer cancels their next booking, any unused Active credits remain available until expiry (12 months from activation) but are not refundable in cash.

8.7. Stacking & Other Promos
Referral credits may be combined up to the R3,000 cap. They cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts unless expressly authorised in writing by us.
8.8. Abuse & Errors
We reserve the right to refuse, revoke, or correct referral credits in cases of misuse, fraud, duplicate claims, self-referrals (including bookings made in the referrer’s own name to trigger credits), or administrative error.
8.9. Timing
Referral codes will be issued at the start of the Lisbon Escape (May 2026). The referred guest must use the code within 12 months of issue (by May 2027) for the credit to be valid.
8.10. Changes
We may amend, suspend, or withdraw the referral campaign at any time. Credits already Active will be honoured per the terms in force at the time of activation.

9. Flights

9.1. Inclusions
Classic and Premium packages include return flights departing from and returning to either Cape Town International Airport (CPT) or OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) only. Guests must depart from and return to the same South African airport for the included pricing to apply.
9.2. Travellers Outside South Africa
Guests travelling from outside South Africa are fully responsible for arranging and covering the cost of flights from their country of origin to the destination country (or to South Africa if they opt for the Classic or Premium packages) and back to their country of origin. Emazweni Escapes accepts no liability for any issues arising from such flights, including but not limited to delays, cancellations, or missed connections. Refer to Section 6.2 for further details on denied boarding, refused entry, and missed flights.
9.3. Domestic Connections
International flights are arranged exclusively from CPT or JNB. Travellers departing from other South African cities are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of travel to one of these airports. Emazweni Escapes accepts no liability for any issues arising from such domestic connections, including but not limited to delays, cancellations, or missed connections. Refer to Section 6.2 for further details on denied boarding, refused entry, and missed flights.

10. Liability & Force Majeure

10.1 Agency & Third Parties
Emazweni Escapes acts solely as agent for independent suppliers (including but not limited to airlines, hotels, transport providers, and activity operators). We are not responsible for their acts, omissions, or failures.
10.2 Limitation
To the maximum extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the amount you have paid to us for the affected services. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential losses. This includes, without limitation, missed flights, additional accommodation, loss of earnings, emotional distress, or enjoyment lost.
10.3 Force Majeure
We are not liable for delays, changes, or losses caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, extreme weather, epidemics/pandemics, strikes, political instability, or government action. In such cases, Section 5.4 (Our Cancellation) applies.

11. Content & Marketing Material

11.1. Use of Images & Content
By participating in an Emazweni Escapes trip, you grant us the right, without compensation, to use photographs, video, and other content:

• taken by us during the trip, or
• voluntarily shared with us by you,

for marketing, promotional, and informational purposes, including but not limited to our website, social media platforms, print materials, and advertising.
11.2. Consent & Privacy
We will not use images in a way that misrepresents you or is defamatory. If you prefer not to appear in marketing material, you must notify us in writing before or during the trip, and we will make reasonable efforts to exclude identifiable images of you.
11.3. Ownership of Content
All content created by Emazweni Escapes (including photographs, videos, and promotional material) remains our intellectual property and may not be used or reproduced without our prior written consent.

12. Data Protection

We process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy, aligned with GDPR and POPIA principles. We do not collect, process, or store card details on our website.

13. Cooling-off (South Africa)

Because our services relate to specific travel dates, the statutory “cooling-off” period for electronic transactions under South African law does not apply.

14. Changes to these Terms

We may amend these Terms at any time by posting a revised version on our website. Continued use of our services or completion of a booking after changes means you accept the updated Terms.

15. Governing Law & Disputes

15.1. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, are governed by the laws of Portugal.
15.2. Jurisdiction
The parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of Portuguese courts.
15.3. Complaints & Dispute Resolution

• Any complaint must be raised immediately during the trip to allow us a reasonable opportunity to resolve it.
• If unresolved, complaints must be submitted in writing within 28 days of the end of the trip.
• Before commencing legal proceedings, both parties agree to first attempt to resolve disputes through good-faith negotiation or mediation.

16. Contact

Emazweni Escapes
Email: customerservice@emazweniescapes.co.za