Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
SouthBound Stories (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting and respecting the privacy of those who engage with us.
This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use and protect it, and the choices and rights available to you in relation to that information.
This policy applies to personal information collected through our website (southbound-stories.com), contact forms, email correspondence, WhatsApp communication, and any other interaction you may have with SouthBound Stories in connection with travel planning or related arrangements.
By using our website or sharing information with us, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Share With Us
When you contact SouthBound Stories or enquire about travel planning, we may collect information that you choose to share with us, including:
-
Your name
-
Email address
-
Telephone or WhatsApp number (where provided)
-
Preferred travel dates or timing
-
Number of travellers in your group
-
Travel interests and preferences
-
Information relevant to planning your journey, such as dietary requirements, accessibility considerations, accommodation preferences, or other details you choose to share
We only collect information that is reasonably necessary to understand your enquiry, plan suitable travel arrangements, and communicate with you effectively.
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, certain technical information may be collected automatically through standard website analytics and functionality tools.
This may include:
-
IP address
-
Browser type and version
-
Device information
-
Pages viewed and time spent on the website
-
Referring websites or sources
-
General browsing behaviour relating to website use
This information helps us understand how visitors engage with our website and allows us to improve its performance, functionality, and overall experience.
Where possible, analytics information is reviewed in aggregated form and is not used to personally identify visitors.
3. How We Use Your Information
SouthBound Stories uses personal information thoughtfully and only for purposes connected to our relationship with you and the planning of travel arrangements.
We may use your information to:
-
Respond to your enquiry and communicate with you regarding travel ideas or arrangements
-
Develop personalised travel proposals and curated itineraries
-
Coordinate confirmed travel arrangements and related logistics
-
Share relevant correspondence connected to your enquiry or journey
-
Improve our website and the experience we provide
-
Meet legal, regulatory, or administrative obligations where required
We do not use personal information for unsolicited marketing.
Should we wish to share travel inspiration, updates, or occasional communications beyond your enquiry or confirmed arrangements, we will request your consent separately and you may opt out at any time.
4. How We Share Your Information
SouthBound Stories does not sell, rent, or trade personal information.
Where necessary to design, arrange, or deliver your journey, we may share relevant information with carefully selected travel partners, including lodges, transport providers, guides, activity operators, and other hospitality or logistical partners involved in your arrangements.
Information shared will be limited to what is reasonably necessary for the purpose of planning and delivering your travel experience.
We work with trusted partners and expect them to handle personal information responsibly and in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection obligations.
We may also disclose information where required by law, legal process, or regulatory authority.
5. Data Storage and Security
SouthBound Stories takes reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.
Our website and contact forms are hosted through Squarespace, which maintains its own security and data protection standards.
While we take care to safeguard information, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected, support ongoing travel planning or communication, or comply with legal obligations.
Information relating to enquiries that do not proceed to confirmed arrangements will generally be retained for a reasonable period and thereafter securely deleted or anonymised where appropriate.
6. Your Rights
SouthBound Stories respects your rights under applicable South African privacy and data protection legislation, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Subject to applicable legal requirements, you may have the right to:
-
Know what personal information we hold about you
-
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
-
Request deletion of personal information, subject to lawful retention obligations
-
Object to or restrict certain processing activities
-
Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
-
Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa
To exercise any of these rights or raise privacy-related questions, please contact us at:
support@southbound-stories.com
We will respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable law.
7. Cookies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve browsing functionality and better understand how the website is used.
Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help support website functionality and analytics.
You may control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that some website features may not function fully if cookies are disabled.
By continuing to use our website, you acknowledge the use of cookies as described in this policy.
8. Third-Party Links
Our website may include links to third-party websites or platforms, including social media pages or partner websites.
These websites operate independently and maintain their own privacy practices and policies.
SouthBound Stories is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of third-party websites and encourages visitors to review their policies before sharing personal information.
9. Children's Privacy
SouthBound Stories does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 18 without the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
Where travel arrangements involve minors, information may be collected through and with the knowledge of a responsible adult for the purposes of planning and coordinating travel.
If you believe information relating to a minor has been shared with us unintentionally or without appropriate consent, please contact us and we will take reasonable steps to address the matter promptly.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal obligations, or the way we engage with travellers and website visitors.
The most current version will always be available on our website.
We encourage visitors and travellers to review this policy periodically to remain informed about how personal information is handled.