Terms & Conditions
1. Introduction and Acceptance
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the SouthBound Stories website (southbound-stories.com) and any services provided by SouthBound Stories ("we", "us", "our").
By accessing our website or engaging with our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not use our website or services.
We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. The current version will always be published on our website, and continued use of the website following any update constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
2. Nature of Our Services
SouthBound Stories is a travel experience design company. We design, plan, and coordinate personalised travel itineraries within South Africa for individuals, families, and private groups.
Our website is provided for informational and enquiry purposes only. No bookings, purchases, or transactions take place directly through the website. All bookings are made through direct communication and are subject to a separate booking agreement.
3. Website Use
3.1 Permitted use
You may use our website for lawful purposes only. You agree not to:
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Use the website in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations
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Attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of the website or its underlying systems
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Transmit any harmful, offensive, or unsolicited material through the website
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Reproduce, distribute, or republish any content from the website without our prior written consent
3.2 Intellectual property
All content on this website — including text, images, logos, design, and copy - is the property of SouthBound Stories or its licensors and is protected by applicable copyright and intellectual property laws. Nothing on this website grants you any licence or right to use our intellectual property without our express written permission.
4. Contact Form and Enquiries
Submitting an enquiry through our contact form or contacting us via email or WhatsApp does not constitute a booking or any contractual commitment on either side. It is the beginning of a conversation.
We will endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours. Response times may vary during peak periods or public holidays.
By submitting your contact details, you consent to us using that information to respond to your enquiry in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
5. Booknig Terms
Any booking made with SouthBound Stories is subject to a separate, formal Booking Agreement that will be provided to you prior to confirmation. That agreement will set out the specific terms applicable to your trip, including:
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The full details of your itinerary and what is included
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The total price and payment schedule
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Deposit requirements and payment due dates
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Cancellation and amendment policies
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Your responsibilities as a client
A booking is only confirmed once we have received your signed Booking Agreement and required deposit. Until that point, no reservation is guaranteed.
6. Pricing and Payment
All prices quoted are in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise stated, and are valid at the time of quotation. Prices are subject to change prior to confirmation of booking, in particular as a result of currency fluctuations, changes in supplier rates, or changes to the scope of your itinerary.
Once a booking is confirmed and deposit paid, the quoted price will be held subject to the terms of your Booking Agreement.
7. Cancellation and Amendments
Cancellation and amendment policies are set out in your individual Booking Agreement, as they vary depending on the suppliers and services involved. As a general principle:
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Cancellations made well in advance of travel will typically incur lower penalties than those made close to the travel date
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Amendments to a confirmed booking may attract administration or supplier fees
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We strongly recommend all clients hold comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation cover
SouthBound Stories reserves the right to cancel or amend a booking in exceptional circumstances beyond our control, such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or safety concerns. In such cases, we will work with you to find the best available alternative arrangement.
8. Client Responsibilites
As a client of SouthBound Stories, you are responsible for:
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Ensuring that all travel documents, including passports and visas, are valid and in order for the duration of your trip
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Obtaining appropriate travel and medical insurance before departure
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Disclosing any relevant medical conditions, dietary requirements, mobility considerations, or other factors that may affect the planning of your trip
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Following the guidance of guides, lodge staff, and other service providers during your trip for your own safety and the safety of others
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Behaving in a manner that is respectful of local communities, wildlife, and the natural environment
9. Health, Safety and Travel Risk
Travel, by its nature, involves an element of risk. South Africa is a wonderful destination, but as with any travel, there are certain health, safety, and logistical considerations to be aware of. SouthBound Stories takes your safety seriously and will only recommend destinations and experiences we are confident in.
However, we cannot be held responsible for circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to: weather events, changes in political or safety conditions, illness, injury, or acts of third-party service providers.
We strongly advise all clients to consult a travel health clinic before departure and to take out comprehensive travel insurance.
10. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, SouthBound Stories shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential loss or damage arising from your use of our website or services, including but not limited to:
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Loss of enjoyment or experience
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Cancellation or curtailment of a trip due to circumstances beyond our control
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Losses arising from the actions or omissions of third-party suppliers
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Technical errors or downtime affecting the website
Our liability in connection with any booking shall not exceed the total amount paid by you for that booking.
11. Third-Party Suppliers
South Bound Stories works with a network of carefully selected third-party suppliers, including lodges, transport operators, guide services, and activity providers. While we make every effort to work with reputable partners, we cannot guarantee the performance of third parties and are not liable for any failure or shortcoming on their part.
Any concerns or complaints relating to third-party services should be raised with us promptly so that we can assist in resolving them.
12. Accuracy of Information
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate and up to date. However, we cannot guarantee that all content is free from error, and we reserve the right to correct any inaccuracies without notice. Information about specific destinations, lodges, activities, or packages is subject to change.
13. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our services shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the South African courts.