Agent or Brand Ambassador Resellers can earn referral fees by promoting a selection of our scheduled tours to their customers. Content creators can apply to be selected and wither join a group tour for research or promotional purposes at discounted rates, or earn referral fees for bookings made by their audience using unique promo codes.
B2B Partner Resellers (eg. bloggers, travel companies or any other business) can apply to collaborate with us and create or host custom tours, leveraging our travel services at a set net rate. Partners can then resell these products as their own to their audience. As a partner, you’ll benefit from our expert advice and access to our travel service network—including guides, vehicles, accommodation, and activity resources.
Yes, but any changes to a booking is subject to the booking terms linked to the specific product.
– Change to an alternate date or package is subject to cancellation or change fees.
– All date-change or cancellation requests must be sent to your booking agent directly. If a booking was made through a travel agent, you must contact the booking agent to action the change or cancellation./p>
- Confirmed tours may need to be suspended if the minimum paying passengers needed to run a tour is not reached - you'll receive notice within 5 work days before departure date.
Once you or Hotspots2c accepts a booking by confirmation thereof – a contract is made between Hotspots2c, you and/or your agent upon the terms & conditions linked to it.
- Refund values are calculated in our local ZAR (South African Rand) currency. Transaction values in your own currency could be affected due to bank fees and daily currency exchange fluctuations. Refunds are usually made back to the original source of payment method. - All transfer fees and forex conversion costs will be deducted and billed to the payer.
Changes to bookings may result in cancellation fees - see terms below for each specific tour type. If you leave the tour before the return time and date, the standard cancellation terms apply and no refunds are possible.
A 10% deposit is required to reserve join group tour bookings. Full payment is due 8 days before departure.
Cancellation fees are calculated on the total value of the booking. Date, tour or name changes act as cancellations.
Free cancellation is available on selected join group tours and possible if change or cancellation is made 7 days before join group multi-day tours (or 24 hour notice before join group day tours).. or if you buy our Refund Protector Cover upon checkout day.
These booking terms apply for most custom or private tour bookings unless the tour or activity has unique terms listed in the quote or on its own product webpage.
These terms applies for groups of 1 to 8 people booking together. A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a private, custom or closed group tours. Full payment is due 31 days before departure.
These booking terms apply for most tour or activities running in peak holiday seasons or for groups of 8 or more people booking together. A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a private, custom or closed group tours. Full payment is due 31 days before departure.
.
- All transfer fees and forex conversion costs charged by the banks during the refund process will be billed to the customer.
- Requests for refunds need to be formally logged by email to info@hotspots2c.co.za for a full investigation.
- Scheduled small group trips usually require a minimum number of travellers (4 to 6 people per departure date) to operate. If a tour is suspended because the minimum requirements aren’t met; a different date for a similar experience or refund for the full amount can be offered. See more at: https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#suspended
- Partial payments are accepted as instalments and reflected on your booking receipt, but your booking status will remain pending (partial paid) until full payment is received. Full payment is required to receive a confirmed booking voucher email. Most private or custom tours need full payment 31 days to 60 days before the tour - please check your tour's specific booking terms.
How do I know the cost per person?
Tour package rates are listed per person. For your convenience, you can click the "book now" or "see dates + rates" buttons to view available tour dates. Please select the correct date and enter the amount of travellers to see the best available rate. You can also email us should you wish to receive a quote: We'd need the tour name, your preferred dates and accommodation stay package (if it's an overnight tour), and the amount of travellers.
We can quote net rates (minus a referral fee or possible commission) to approved resellers or travel agents. Apply online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#apply. Once approved, you’ll receive your sales agreement.
Stay packages
Is accommodation included ?
Multi-day tour packages do usually include accommodation if listed under the included list. We have specific pre-approved accommodation suppliers we prefer to use, as listed on our packages under the Stay Packages section. According to availability at time of booking confirmation, accommodation will be in the mentioned options or in one of a similar standard and star rating.
The difference between Dorm/ Saver Backpacker or Comfort and Luxe guesthouse packages are based on the location, style and facilities of each property.
Dorm / Saver Backpacker
Dorm and Saver accommodation packages mostly stay at lively atmosphere backpacker hostels with shared bathrooms, and a basic breakfast included in the tour price.
Dorm package offer shared rooms, sharing with others in the backpackers and Saver packages offer a private room.
Bed linen provided. Bath towels are not always included for backpacker accommodation but can be rented at the hostel, subject to availability. Do remember to pack your own beach or swimming towel too.
3 star or 4 star Stay
The difference between 3 star Comfort and 4 star Luxe packages are based on the location, style and facilities of each property.
Guesthouse accommodation packages stay at cosy guesthouses or lodges - as per itinerary. These luxury accommodation packages usually are situated away from the backpacker's accommodation with an ensuite or private bathroom. Linen and bath towels to use during your stay are provided at guesthouses and lodge accommodation.
Explain the standard room options?
Dorm shared
DORM room package offers single occupancy bunk beds for solo or group of travellers to book. You'll share with up to about 12 people in a mixed all gender (male, female and other) group room with shared bathroom facilities. A minimum age of 18 years is required to stay in a dorm room.
Private
Backpacker (Own Room / Saver), 3 star (Comfort) and 4+ star (Luxury or Superior) stay packages include private rooms - usually for a maximum of two persons per room.
Pairs or couples will stay in a double room or if your group that book together has an uneven amount of tavellers; the extra person will be in a single room.
DOUBLE room package offers 1 double bed in a private room. It is possible to ask for a TWIN room package if you prefer seperate beds in a private room.
SINGLE room package offers 1 bed for 1 person in a private room.
Some private tours can offer private family rooms on request, where your group or family can share with a combination of sleeper couch, sleeper roll-out bed or cot (subject to availability at accommodation provider).
GENERAL TERMS
VISA DOCUMENTS
– A Visa support document can only be supplied upon deposit payment of your tour booking directly with Hotspots2c or Africa Select Joutneys. We cannot offer Visa support letters for agent or reseller bookings. The visa supporting documents include the deposit paid receipt booking invoice and a breakdown of the general accommodation names booked during your tour. Hotspots2c is a tour operator and do not offer visa advise or visa application service assistance - whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel to. You will need to apply for a visa in advance (if needed) of your scheduled departure. Do contact your local travel agent or an local visa application service for advice on requirements to enter the country you plan to visit.
ITINERARY GUIDELINE
Tour itineraries are only listed as guidelines and are subject to change without notice. All highlights included in the tour price are scheduled and will be visited en-route but in no specific order.
The exact itinerary can on occasion run in reverse or a different order.
See the tour-specific details in regards to the distance travelled per day or duration of the multi-day tour. Days are usually full, with late arrivals at the accommodation each afternoon/early evening.
VACCINATIONS + MEDICAL CERTIFICATES
It is your responsibility to have a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates required for your selected booking as well as any necessary vaccinations to comply with all applicable laws to enter each country visited. Contact your health or visa agent for advice on your specific needs to visit the countries or desitations you'll visit.
TIPPING GUIDELINES
Tipping is in no way compulsory, but also an important part of the culture in the South African service industry and a great way to reward excellent service.
– Tour Guides / Drivers: Tipping is in no way compulsory. If you feel a guide did a great job during your trip it’s totally up to you to decide if and how much to tip. Hotspots2c’s professional tour guides do earn a competitive daily wage, but a guideline to follow is approx. R20 to R100 per person per day per guide - subject to the type of tour booked.
- Restaurants: Tipping is standard practice in South Africa to tip your waiter or waitress and barmen/women 10% to 20 % of the total bill. Most waiters and waitresses earn a minimum wage, but they do rely heavily on their tips to make a living. Some restaurants will automatically add a standard service charge of 10% to big groups, but check this with the manager. If a standard service charge is levied, it is up to the patron to decide whether or not to add to the tip depending on service.
- Car Guards: Travelers can expect to find car guards just about anywhere you park. These guards will offer to watch your car and help you park in exchange for a tip of R2 and up. Do be aware however that the guards must wear a reflective vest (usually bright yellow or orange) to indicate that they are in fact employed by the city, and not just begging.
WIFI & PHONE SIGNAL ON TOUR
- Internet connection on tour: Wifi is generally available at most of the overnight accommodation location's common areas. The Wifi signal may not necessarily be available in the bedrooms, but common areas usually offer free internet at the overnight locations.
- If you require data or a local phone service, you can easily buy a local SIM card to avoid a high data-roaming bill by your mobile service provider. SIM cards are widely available from providers like Vodacom, MTN or other local phone networks and airtime / data packages are reasonably priced. Most of South Africa and especially the routes we travel on has reasonabily strong mobile 3G, 4G signal. This way you'll be 'online' almost all of the time during the tour if you need to be.
FITNESS
– Some activities and adventure tour packages require a certain level of fitness. Hotspots2c must be advised of any medical conditions or physical disability requiring special attention before you book. If you do not advise us at this stage, we may refuse to accept your booking, or cancel your trip upon arrival. We may also refuse you if we feel that the package chosen is not suitable without a suitably qualified (fare-paying) companion. Hotspots2c will not be responsible for the failure to provide these services. You agree and understand that you are obliged to notify Hotspots2c of any medical condition that might affect you during any activity while on tour with Hotspots2c so that special precautions can be taken beforehand.
INDEMNITY TERMS
– In spite of the fact that every effort is made to ensure your safety, you undertake tours and activities at your own risk.
– You hereby undertake to abide by the following terms and conditions of operations and indemnity. You understand that participating in the activities during a Hotspots2c tour is at your own risk. This means you will not be able to take any legal action against, and to indemnify, hold harmless and absolve Hotspots2c, it’s owner, managers, directors, guides and agents from claims and or liability in connection with loss or damage to property, injury or even death, arising from any cause whatsoever during an activity.
- By joining any Hotspots2c activity, you confirm you are fit and will disclose health conditions in advance, including pregnancy, back or hip issues, osteoporosis, or epilepsy. Activities are at your own risk. Most tours are not suitable for pregnant guests, young children, people with mobility impairments or those with back or hip problems. Consult your doctor before booking; especially for tours with game drives, jumps, or ziplining activities.
– You also undertake to pay all the cost of medical rescue and or medical treatment and transportation and evacuation in case of an emergency.
– You agree to obey all the instructions given on tour by Hotspots2c / Africa Select Journey staff or any activity or tour guides at all times.
By participating and/or purchasing the ticket, the traveller agree to follow instructions provided during the tour. Failure to comply will result in being asked to disembark the vehicle or stay behind, and end participation in the tour. Inconsiderate, rude or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated. Guests are required to adhere to the tour's daily schedules and guidelines; late arrivals or failure to comply with set rules will result in exclusion from the tour without compensation.
- The client undertakes to keep the tourguide indemnified and to hold him harmless against all loss or damage (patrimonial as well as personal damages), sustained by the client from any cause whatsoever arising during the river trip and which was not caused through a direct or indirect intentional act from the tourguide. The client acknowledges that he / she declared to the tourguide all allergies, medical illnesses or conditions, fears or phobias from which he / she suffers and which may require special medication, diet or treatment as described hereunder.
– No dogs, animals or firearms are allowed on tour.
– Smoking and the use of alcohol and/or drugs on any Hotspots2c vehicle is prohibited and forbidden by law. Hotspots2c reserves the right not to transport any passenger who enters any Hotspots2c vehicle whilst intoxicated.
SCHEDULED DEPARTURE DATES FOR 'JOIN A GROUP' SMALL GROUP TOURS
– Our 'JOIN A GROUP' small group tours are scheduled to depart on specific days. Once you’ve booked and paid, we'll do our absolute best to ensure your preferred departure date are scheduled to depart. View live availability online or feel free to contact us in advance to check for definite departures with confirmed bookings.
– We know that travel plans are often made long in advance and we do not wish to interrupt your travel schedule, but if a tour does not reach a minimum amount of passengers or during unsafe or harsh weather conditions we may need to suggest an alternative trip date.
– In the rare occasions when you might be the only person booked for a specific departure date; you will be given the choice to either move to an alternative date for the same tour or be upgraded to a similar tour departing on the same day – at no extra cost to you.
– Regrettably, optional activities or excursions cannot be guaranteed as most are subject to third parties and weather conditions.
YOUR FULL CONSENT - FOOTAGE ON TOUR
– You give full consent to Hotspots2c -Africa Select Journeys in regards to the use of any written, documented, video or photo or any media content taken during the trip/tour to be used for marketing purposes, be it online, printed or verbal. You grant us a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use such content for Hotspots2c's or Africa Select Journey’s own publicity and promotional purposes and also to our network of resellers.
AGE RESTRICTIONS / AGE LIMITS
– Children of 8+ years of age are allowed to join scheduled GROUP tour packages.
– Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult or legal guardian and be booked in private rooms. Children under 18 years of age are not allowed to book in backpacker dorm rooms.
- Children under 18 years of age are not allowed to consume alcohol.
- Minors under the age of 18 years need to have a parent or legal guardian complete the indemnity form online at: http://bit.ly/indemnity18
– Families with small children or infants under 8 years of age can be booked on an exclusive ‘family-friendly’ PRIVATE tour package.
- Children 8 years and older are usually charged adult rates.
- There are no set age limits on scheduled group tour packages, the itineraries are designed to offer flexibility to all young-at-heart travellers. Some optional activities may have age limits or require a specific fitness level.
DISCOUNTS
– Only one discount per booking. Discounts only apply to the STANDARD rate. Promo codes can only be redeemed against the standard Join GROUP TOUR PACKAGE prices.
– Discounts are only available on JOIN GROUP TOUR packages, and not applicable to upgrades, options, or PRIVATE- and SELF DRIVE packages.
– GROUP DISCOUNTS need to be booked at the same time, for the same tour option/package and can only be paid in one transaction.
PRIVACY & DATA PROTECTION POLICY
– Photos and content on this website belong to the original creator, blogger and photographer(s). Hotspots2c do not own or imply that they own the creator's original works.
– E-mail addresses or contact information will not be sold, rented or leased to 3rd parties. E-mails may be sent to inform you of news of our services or offers by us or our affiliates. Personal information entered during booking process can be used to enhance the visitor’s experience when using the website to display personalised content and possibly advertising. Cookies may be used to remember visitor preferences when interacting with the website. Where registration is required, the visitor’s email and a username will be stored on the server. If you have subscribed to one of our services, you may unsubscribe by following the instructions which are included in any e-mails that you receive. You may be able to block cookies via your browser settings but this may prevent you from access to certain features of the website.
See our full and latest privacy policy online at at https://hotspots2c.co.za/general/cookie-policy
Payment options
Hotspots2c accepts most payment cards for payments. Your bank may charge foreign transaction fees if you pay in a different currency as your bank account. But with our payment partner Flywire you’ll be charged in your own bank’s currency without any extra fees from your bank. See how it works below:
All online transactions are protected by the integrated payment gateway’s robust firewall with SSL encryption including fraud detection. If your card is registered for 3D Secure you may be redirected to a pop-up window during the online sale, requesting you to enter a One Time Pin (OTP) to authenticate the payment.
Invoices and bookings are priced in South African Rand currency. Our integrated Flywire payment processor offers the option to only pay in your own currency by card, or you can request a manual link to pay with your bank account too. The country of your card’s bank account will determine the payment options you'll have available.
Fees are added by the payment processor Flywire to the ZAR booking to ensure the amount listed on your own currency is the amount deducted from your account (your bank should not charge extra fees as it will be in the same currency as your bank account).
Payers shouldn’t use standard online conversion tools (like Google) for exchange rates, as these show the (mid-market rate) a straight currency conversion without any bank or card fees included. This is not the actual amount a payer will be charged when making an international payment through their bank, as extra fees will apply.
Using Flywire as our preferred payment portal allows payers to see one clear total that includes the real exchange rate plus all international payment fees. As the payment is made in the payer’s own currency, there are no hidden costs and no additional international charges that can be added by the bank later.
24/7 Flywire assistance is available in many languages for payment queries or concerns with your online payment process.
PAYMENT COSTS
Customers can usually pay Hotspots2c without extra fees via our payment provider as the fees are already included in the rate quoted. When setteling a custom quote or if resellers or partners choose to receive funds on our behalf, please consider the following when paying us;
Invoice EFT (electronic fund transfer) online bank payment - you pays us
Resellers collect customer booking details and payments to settle with us directly by ZAR bank transfer. Referral earnings are deducted from the rack rate to offer a net rate invoice for your account. (
bank cost are for your own account, usually it is free if local payment - subject to your own bank's terms. )
Card / Online Bank payment - you or your customer pays with us
Ideal for booking agent resellers that communicate to their own customers. You or the customers will receive an online payment link to pay with us directly. If the rate include a referral fee for you as the reseller, these referral earnings are paid out about 7 workdays from month-end of booking's travel date. ( about 5% card fees may apply )
If we need to pay referral earnings, please note:
We can only pay you into a ZAR bank account, by credit card to your own company online payment portal. Payment fees are for the reseller's account ( about 5% Paypal fees apply )
> How do we ensure animal experiences are ethical ?
Ethical encounters never harm, exploit, or force interaction, always putting animal welfare first - like Panthera’s big cat and Buffelsdrift sanctuaries, or safari game drives observing wildlife in natural habitats or spacious enclosures. We only support experiences that meet this local animal ethical standards, giving animals the most natural habitats possible under licensed, specialized care. Visitors can only observe from a respectful distance, keeping animal wellbeing the focus. Every experience is legally approved and designed to protect wildlife. Proceeds directly support conservation efforts and local community projects.
> What should I pack for an adventure tour?
Packing tips
Layered clothing
South African weather can be unpredictable. We advise that you always wear layers, depending on the time of year, time of day - the overall cloud cover, wind and rain can make the temperature drop suddenly.
Essentially you can just wear what you want to wear. We suggest khaki or jean pants, vests or t-shirts and a long-sleeve button-up shirt to cover up in the hot sun but also to also keep warm for early morning and late evening colder air. A warm, rain-resistant jacket is also a good idea. Remeber to pack a beach towel if you get an oppertunity to go to the beach on your tour.
Walking Shoes, Sunscreen, Insect Spray, Towel
Often your South African trip can include bush walks or hikes where you'll be on foot in nature. Pack closed, comfortable shoes to ensure you can enjoy this activity. Open toe shoes or sandals are great for relaxing in-between.
Remember your swimming costume and extra towel if there is an opportunity to swim somewhere along your tour. But whether you swim or not, sunscreen lotion (30 -50 SPF) is essential - even on cloudy days to avoid sunburn.
This is Africa... mosquitoes and other bugs may bother you during summer or wet seasons. Natural insect repellent sprays or lotion will help keep them away. If you are travelling to Kruger or any other Malaria high risk zone please do check with your doctor for the best precautions to take. The Garden Route, Klein Karoo and Cape Town regions are all Malaria-free low risk zones.
Camera
Obviously :) You can take photos left right and centre while on tour or safari, but also put away your digital devices once in a while to really absorb and live that moment.
❤️
Pack with purpose
Pack a few essentials from our donations-needed list to help us support people in need - or buy these items on tour and hand them to your guide. Consider packing the following:
Stationery ✏️ pencils, crayons, paper, paint
Toiletries 🪥🧼 toothpaste & toothbrush, soap, sanitary pads
Food items 🥫 canned foods, dry soup packets, sweets
> Is there a limit to luggage size and is it kept safely ?
Luggage & Storage on tours
– Each fare-paying passenger is permitted to take two luggage items (suitcase or backpack) free of charge and at your own risk. If you have extra luggage or it exceeds about 20 kilograms, please do contact us in advance to add a note of this on your booking.
Optional activities & meals on tours
Do I need to book optionals in advance?
–Tour optional activities are offered and scheduled as part of each tour’s free-time to personalise your trip.
Optional activities are not compulsory, but they can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.
If you decide to skip an optional activity you can usually explore the nearby area. Subject to the tour's itinerary and time of scheduled optional activities listed, you'll sometimes have more time at your accommodation and get collected earlier or later so the others that opt in for the optional activity do the activity.
– Tour optional activities are not included and charged additionally. Optionals scheduled during pre-planned tours can only be booked and paid in-destination in local currency during the tour itself.
- Payment for optionals can be made by credit/debit card on tour or your guide can take you to the nearest ATM to draw cash on tour. Do not take large sums of cash on tour.
– Tour optional activity time slots are already pre-booked for the entire tour group on pre-planned scheduled tours, but you can decide on the first day of the tour if you'd like to partake in optional activities. Your tour guide shall ask you if you are interested in joining optional activities.
– Optional activities (and it's aproximate listed rates) cannot be guaranteed as most of them are subject to weather conditions or third party factirs outside Hotspots2c's control.
Can I buy meals on tour ?
Most tours don’t include all meals or drinks — this gives you the chance to try local South African food at your own pace. Check your tour’s inclusions for exact details. Daily free time is scheduled for meals.
- Breakfast is usually served at your accommodation’s restaurant. Bed & Breakfast packages include breakfast for each overnight stay.
- Lunch is on the road with limited time and options. Budget about R100–R250 per lunch.
- Dinner is in your free time - join the group meal, dine out (at local restaurants - where available), or cook your own food at most backpackers’ kitchens. Budget about R150–R350 per dinner. Guides can suggest restaurants, help with bookings, and share details for local dinner transfers or taxis (at your own cost). Uber is usually not available in small towns.
Special Dietary Needs: Vegetarian options are available on request and food allergies can also be informed on tour. We don't cater for or guarantee availability of more specific special diet options (like: vegan, halal, gluten-free, lactose-free, etc.) - please esnure to plan and budget for your own alternatives.
Payment for meals can be made by credit/debit card on tour or your guide can take you to the nearest ATM to draw cash on tour.
Is there a set pickup or drop-off time or location ?
If transfers are included, there are usually no central meeting point for scheduled small-group tours. Cape Cape Town based tours you can be collected from your Cape Town central or Stellenbosch accommodation, usually within a 5 km radius of the city centres. See your tour’s inclusions for details. Unless advised otherwise, you will be returned to your original pickup address after the tour.
> Pickup times are confirmed the afternoon before departure once all addresses are known and the route is planned.
> Pickups usually run early morning between 6am and 8am.
> Return drop-offs follow the itinerary, typically around 5–7pm for day tours and 8–9pm for multi-day tours.
Please contact Hotspots2c if you have not received your exact pickup time by the afternoon before departure, and reconfirm your booking details at least 24 hours prior to travel. Pickups are door-to-door with no central meeting point, and times may vary by up to 30 minutes due to traffic or delays. In some cases, a third-party shuttle may be used to transfer travellers to a central meeting point to reduce waiting time.
A different drop-off address can be requested within a reasonable distance of the original pickup location. Exact start and end times cannot be guaranteed due to traffic, season and group logistics, so please avoid scheduling flights or fixed plans on the first or last tour day.
.