Terms and Conditions

Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully. By booking a trip with Lovely Excursions (Pty) Ltd. (“Lovely Excursions,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), you (“the Client,” “you,” or “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, which form the entire agreement between Lovely Excursions and you. Do not proceed with any booking unless you understand and accept the following terms.

1. Definitions

• “Services”: Refers to the travel arrangements, including flights/other transportation, accommodation, activities, and other components, arranged by Lovely Excursions as part of your chosen trip package.
• “Trip Package”: A specific itinerary or set of travel services offered by Lovely Excursions, as detailed on our website and in your booking confirmation.
• “Supplier/Service Provider”: Any third-party provider of travel services, including but not limited to airlines, hotels, tour operators, transport companies, and activity providers.
• “Booking Confirmation”: The document issued by Lovely Excursions confirming your booking details, including the Trip Package, dates, pricing, and payment schedule.
• “CEO”: Chief Experience Officer, your dedicated host and guide during the trip.

2. Booking Procedure & Contract Formation

2.1 Enquiry & Quotation

All enquiries and quotations provided by Lovely Excursions are indicative and subject to availability and price fluctuations until a booking is confirmed and payment is received.

2.2 Provisional Booking

A provisional booking may be held for a limited time (as specified at the time of quotation), after which it may expire if not confirmed.

2.3 Confirmation of Booking

A booking is confirmed only upon:

1. Your written acceptance of the quotation and these Terms and Conditions.
2. Payment of the required deposit as stipulated in your quotation/invoice.
3. Issuance of a Booking Confirmation by Lovely Excursions.

2.4 Accuracy of Information

It is your responsibility to ensure that all names (as per passport), dates, and details provided to Lovely Excursions are accurate at the time of booking. Any discrepancies may result in additional costs or cancellation.

3. Pricing, Payments & Surcharges

3.1 Indicative Pricing

Prices advertised on our website are indicative and based on various factors including currency exchange rates, airline fares, and supplier costs at the time of publication.

3.2 Price Fluctuations

The final price of your Trip Package is subject to change until full and final payment is received. Lovely Excursions reserves the right to levy a surcharge in the event of:

1. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
2. Increases in airline fares, airport taxes, fuel levies, or other transportation costs.
3. Increases in supplier costs or government taxes/levies.

You will be notified of any surcharge and provided with a reasonable period to make the additional payment. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your booking.

3.3 Deposits

A non-refundable deposit (as specified per Trip Package — usually 10% of the quoted package cost) is required to secure your booking. This deposit is generally used to confirm flights and initial accommodation.

3.4 Balance Payment

The balance of the total Trip Package cost is due by the date specified in your Booking Confirmation. Failure to pay by the due date may result in automatic cancellation of your booking, with forfeiture of your deposit.

3.5 Flexible Payment Arrangement

Flexible pre-payment arrangements can be granted for eligible travellers who meet the criteria. Payment plans can include monthly/quarterly etc. instalments to be made before the trip with full pre-payment required no later than 60 days before departure.

Late Bookings: Bookings made within a specified period prior to departure (e.g., 60 days) may require full payment at the time of booking and may incur a late booking fee.

3.6 Payment Methods

We accept payments via EFT, credit card via secure portal. All bank charges and conversion fees are for your account.

4. Cancellations & Refunds

4.1 Cancellation by the Client

All cancellations must be made in writing to Lovely Excursions. Cancellation fees will apply, as set out below. These fees cover costs incurred by Lovely Excursions and our suppliers.

Refunds, where applicable, will be processed within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 30 business days) after Lovely Excursions receives funds back from suppliers.

4.2 Cancellation by Lovely Excursions

Lovely Excursions reserves the right to cancel a Trip Package due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to:

• Failure to meet the minimum group size (typically 8 travellers).
• Force Majeure events (see Clause 10).
• Any other reason beyond our reasonable control.

In the event of cancellation by Lovely Excursions, you will be offered:

• A full refund of all payments made to Lovely Excursions for the Trip Package.
• An alternative trip of comparable value, if available.

Lovely Excursions is not liable for any additional costs incurred by you (e.g., non-refundable independent flights, visa fees, vaccinations) in the event of a cancellation.

5. Changes to Bookings & Itinerary

5.1 Changes by the Client

1. Any changes requested by you after a booking is confirmed will be subject to an administration fee per change, plus any additional costs levied by airlines, hotels, or other suppliers.
2. Changes may not always be possible, especially closer to the departure date.

5.2 Changes by Lovely Excursions

1. While we make every effort to adhere to the advertised itinerary, Lovely Excursions reserves the right to make minor changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or inclusions if necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, operational requirements, or safety considerations.
2. We will endeavour to notify you of any significant changes as soon as reasonably possible.
3. If a major change (e.g., change of destination or significant alteration of dates) occurs before departure, you will be offered the choice of accepting the change, accepting an alternative trip, or receiving a refund of payments made to Lovely Excursions.

6. Flights & Transportation

6.1 Airline Conditions

All flights are subject to the terms and conditions of the respective airlines. This includes, but is not limited to, baggage allowances, check-in procedures, schedule changes, and cancellation policies. There will be no refund from Lovely Excursions for missed flights or compensation for flight cancellations or delays. Please review and contact airlines directly for any flight-related issues.

6.2 Flight Times

Flight times are indicative and subject to change by the airlines. It is your responsibility to reconfirm your flight times 72 hours prior to departure.

6.3 Departure Points

While packages include flights from Johannesburg (JHB), flights can be arranged from other departure points and will be subject to alternative pricing based on quoted fares at the time of booking.

6.4 Flight/Transportation Departure

It is the sole responsibility of each traveller to ensure timely arrival, check-in and boarding of their booked flights/transportation. Lovely Excursions cannot be held liable for missed flights/transportation for any reason.

7. Accommodation

7.1 Accommodation Standards

Accommodation is based on a minimum of 4-star hotel standards, providing refined comfort and quality. Specific hotels are subject to availability. Lovely Excursions reserves the right to substitute hotels of a comparable standard if necessary.

7.2 Room Basis

Prices are based on a sharing basis (two persons per room). Single room options are available at a supplement.

7.3 Check-in/Check-out

Standard international hotel check-in times are generally 14:00 (2 PM) and check-out times are 10:00–11:00 (10–11 AM). Early check-in or late check-out is not guaranteed and may incur additional charges payable directly to the hotel.

8. Passports, Visas, Health & Insurance

8.1 Passport Validity

It is your sole responsibility to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended return date and has sufficient blank pages (typically 2–3 consecutive blank pages) for all destinations and transit countries.

8.2 Visas

You are solely responsible for checking and obtaining all necessary visas for your destination(s) and any transit countries prior to departure. Lovely Excursions will provide general guidance on visa requirements but accepts no liability for visa denials or delays.

8.3 Health & Vaccinations

You are responsible for consulting your medical practitioner for advice on recommended vaccinations, health precautions, and any destination-specific health requirements. Lovely Excursions accepts no liability for any illness or medical condition incurred during or after your trip.

8.4 Personal Travel Insurance

Personal travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers. It is your responsibility to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers, at minimum, medical emergencies, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and personal liability. Proof of valid travel insurance may be required prior to departure. Lovely Excursions accepts no liability for any loss, damage, injury, or expense as a result of your failure to obtain adequate insurance cover.

9. Client Conduct & Responsibility

9.1 Compliance

You agree to comply with the laws, customs, and regulations of the countries visited. You are responsible for your own conduct and actions.

9.2 Group Harmony

You agree to conduct yourself in a manner that is respectful of other group members, the CEO, and local customs. Disruptive or offensive behaviour may result in your removal from the tour without refund.

9.3 Damage to Property

You are responsible for any damage caused by you to hotels, vehicles, or any other property during the trip.

10. Limitation of Liability & Force Majeure

10.1 Agency Role

Lovely Excursions acts solely as an agent in arranging travel services from third-party suppliers (airlines, hotels, excursion operators, etc.). We do not own, manage, operate, or control these suppliers.

10.2 No Liability for Supplier Acts

Lovely Excursions accepts no liability for any loss, damage, injury, death, delay, inconvenience, or additional expense whatsoever incurred by you, whether directly or indirectly, arising from the act, omission, default, or negligence of any supplier or third party.

10.3 Force Majeure

Lovely Excursions shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under these Terms and Conditions where such failure or delay arises from an event of Force Majeure. Force Majeure includes, but is not limited to, acts of God, war, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, epidemic/pandemic, natural disasters, industrial disputes, government actions, or any other event beyond our reasonable control. In such circumstances, Lovely Excursions will endeavour to find alternative arrangements or offer credits, but refunds will be subject to the policies of the affected suppliers.

10.4 Maximum Liability

Without prejudice to the foregoing, the maximum liability of Lovely Excursions for any claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or a Trip Package shall in no event exceed the total amount paid by the Client to Lovely Excursions for the relevant Trip Package.

11. Information and Privacy (POPIA Compliance)

11.1 Collection of Personal Information

Lovely Excursions collects and processes your personal information (such as name, contact details, passport information, dietary requirements, health information, traveller next-of-kin/emergency contact person, etc.) necessary for booking and providing our Services.

11.2 Purpose of Processing

Your personal information is processed for the purposes of:

1. Arranging and confirming your travel services.
2. Communicating with you regarding your booking.
3. Complying with legal and regulatory obligations.
4. Internal record keeping and service improvement.

11.3 Sharing of Information

We may share your personal information with necessary third-party suppliers (e.g., airlines, hotels, ground operators) solely for the purpose of fulfilling your booking. We require these suppliers to protect your information in a manner consistent with applicable privacy laws.

11.4 POPIA Compliance

Lovely Excursions is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa. Your information will be stored securely and processed lawfully.

11.5 Your Rights

You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal information held by Lovely Excursions, subject to legal limitations.

11.6 Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may use your contact details to send you marketing communications about our future trips and offers. You can opt-out at any time.

11.7 Privacy Policy

For more detailed information on how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information, please refer to our full Privacy Policy.

12. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

12.1 Raising Concerns

If you have a complaint during your trip, please inform your Lovely Excursions CEO immediately, who will endeavour to resolve the matter promptly.

12.2 Formal Complaint

If the issue cannot be resolved on the spot, please submit a formal complaint in writing to Lovely Excursions within 14 days of your return date, providing full details of the issue.

12.3 Resolution

We will investigate your complaint thoroughly and respond within a reasonable timeframe (20 business days). We aim to resolve all disputes amicably and fairly.

13. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or your booking shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.

14. Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with your Booking Confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between you and Lovely Excursions regarding your booking and supersede all prior agreements, understandings, and representations.