Questions & Answers
Ways to work with us..
Activity desks, travel agents, tour resellers, and approved content creators can earn referral commissions by promoting our scheduled tours. Selected Content Creators may also join tours at discounted rates through our Brand Ambassador Programme in exchange for promotional content shared through your online channels.
B2B Partner Resellers (eg. travel blog sites, travel companies or any other business that sell their own tours) 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.
SERVICE & BOOKING TERMS QUESTIONS
In this agreement, the terms Hotspots2c and Africa Select Journeys will be regarded as the same entity and may be used interchangeably, with all references being legally binding.
Can I change my booking ?
Yes, but any changes to a booking is subject to the booking terms linked to the specific product.
– Free cancellation is possible on selected scheduled join group tours if change or cancellation is made at least 7 days before the booking start date, or if you buy our Refund Protector Cover before this 7 day cut-off time.
– Change to an alternate date, ticket names or tour package is subject to cancellation or change fees.
– Changes to names may be subject to cancellation or amendment fees; however, names on tickets may be amended where suppliers and properties allow it.
– All date change or name 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.
- 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.
Are there any change / cancellation fees ?
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.
CANCELLATION TERMS
A cancellation fee will apply and is based on the total value of the booking to cover transaction costs and expenses incurred should you request to cancel and refund to your bank account, unless you are happy to keep the amount paid as a credit for future-use with Hotspots2c.
Required Online check-in> All bookings are required to check-in at least 24 hours before departure to reconfirm the tour, pickup address and passenger details. If travellers are unreachable or not checked-in by 5pm local SA-time the day before departure day, the booking will be cancelled as no-show and standard cancellation terms will apply.
Join Group Cancellation Terms
These terms apply on scheduled join group tours for existing products as listed on our website.
A 10% deposit is required to reserve join group tour bookings. Full payment is due 8 days before departure.
24 hour free cancellation on Day Tours
7 day free cancellation on Multi-Day Tours
Ask about our optional Refund Protector Cover to protect your payments up to 2 days before the start date.
Cancellation fees are calculated on the total value of the booking. Date, tour or name changes act as cancellations and fees may apply.
*Free Cancellation / Refund Protection Options
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.
ask about Refund Protector quote
Pay 10% extra of your scheduled join group tour fee for the extra peace of mind to override our standard join group tour cancellation policy and still can cancel more than 24 hours before the tour start date for a full tour price refund. This Refund Protection Cover fee is non-refundable and needs to be paid on the day of booking or at least 8 days before departure. A valid Refund Protector Cover policy on your join group tour will protect all deposits and fees already paid - to be refunded promptly within our refund timeline policy.
Tours may be suspended if the minimum amount of travellers needed is not reached. You will be informed of these changes at least 5 work days before the trip start date. See more info online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#suspended
Private, Custom or Closed Group - including Activity or Accommodation Cancellation Terms
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.
- 20% fee for cancel or change notice more than 30 days prior;
- 50% fee for cancel or change notice from 21 to 29 days prior;
- 100% fee for no-shows and early checkout during tour, cancel or change notice less than 20 days prior to the booked date.
Peak season or Group Cancellation Terms
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.
- 30% fee for cancel or change notice more than 60 days prior;
- 50% fee for cancel or change notice from 45 to 59 days prior;
- 75% fee for cancel or change notice from 30 to 44 days prior;
- 100% fee for no-shows and early checkout during tour, cancel or change notice less than 30 days prior to the booked date.
Certain suppliers have other Terms & Conditions to ours listed above and will be charged accordingly.
Cancellation fees are calculated on the total value of the booking.
Online checkin > All bookings are required to check-in at least 24 hours before departure to reconfirm the tour, pickup address and passenger details. If travellers are unreachable or not checked-in by 5pm local SA-time the day before departure day, the booking will be cancelled as no-show and standard cancellation terms will apply
.
Insurance
Do products offer public, passenger and deposit insurance ?
Yes, the tours we run and operate with our own vehicles do include:
Passenger Liability - insured up to ZAR 20 million (about R1 million rand per passenger),
Public Liability - insured up to ZAR 5 million per claim,
Deposits are bonded - insured up to ZAR 150 000 per claim.
As a proud SATSA-registered member, we adhere to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service excellence as set by this body. Being part of this trusted network means we are recognized as a credible and reliable industry player, committed to representing the best interests of our clients. As a member all payment received are SATSA bonded - allowing clients to book & pay with ease of mind, knowing that payments are secure in case the member is placed under involuntary liquidation.
SATIB Passenger Liability Policy ref: TRUM2308811 https://satib.co.za/
Discovery Public Liability Policy Ref: JJ20213/09/12 https://www.discovery.co.za/portal/business
SATSA Membership Number:2149 https://www.satsa.com/membership-directory/corporate/1184389
Do products offer personal travel insurance ?
No, travellers are responsible to have your own comprehensive personal, travel and medical travel insurance to cover you.
– Hotspots2c does not provide personal travel insurance cover for passengers.
– Hotspots2c cannot be held liable for the loss or damage to passengers’ luggage, hand luggage or personal effects.
– Passengers should ensure that they are adequately insured, enquire from your insurer what exactly you are insured for in terms of adventure, high-risk activities and travel in Southern Africa
- It is highly recommended to have travel insurance to cover you should a tour or should you need to cancel due to any travel restrictions or any other reasons or constraints out of your or Hotspots2c’s control.
What happens if a tour is suspended ?
Hotspots2c reserves the right to suspend bookings in accordance with the agreed operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. Most tours are scheduled to depart subject to certain important factors needed to confirm the departure. In rare cases a tour date may not be able to run due to reasons out of our control.
- SUSPENDED DUE TO MINIMUM PERSONS NOT REACHED
Scheduled group tours and experiences require a minimum number of travellers to operate. Usually you’ll be notified about a week before a multi-day tour departure date if a tour may need to be suspended. Day tours can still be suspended up to 2 days before. It is difficult to know or predict the amount of travellers that may book in advance as most multi-day tours allow cancellations up to 5 work days before the tour.
A refund or date change is possible if a tour is suspended because the minimum requirements aren’t met. The refund will be make to the original payment method. Transaction and currency conversion fees are charged to the recipient.
- SUSPENDED DUE TO FORCE MAJEURE
If the change or cancellation is due to force majeure (including: political unrest, closure of airports, industrial disputes, fire, Communicable Disease pandemic or epidemic, including Covid-19 or any large scale health risk, Acts of God, adverse weather conditions or other similar events beyond Hotspots2c's control) it is important to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover your bookings if your trip may need to be cancelled.
Hotspots2c is also not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements affected due to suspented tours or rescheduling of departure dates.
Early Check-out
Can I leave a tour earlier than the last day ?
– Guests are able to leave their original booking earlier than the scheduled end time or date of the tour or activity, but need to inform Hotspots2c in writing either by emailing or sending a text message.
– Hotspots2c cannot be held liable for any costs or occurrences after the customer has checked-out from tour or activity before the scheduled end time.
– Hotspots2c does not charge an early check-out/ early departure fee, but by checking-out earlier than the original scheduled end of the booking there is also no refund possible. Hotspots2c is also not liable to pay for transport or any services (even if already paid with the tour) if a guest decides to check-out early.
Refunds
How can I check if a refund is possible ?
- Refer to your booking terms to validate if refunds are possible on your specific booking.
- 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 currency exchange fluctuations. Refunds are usually made back to the original source of payment method. This process can take from 7 working days up to 60 days, subject to refund method.
- All transfer fees and forex conversion costs charged by the banks during the refund process will be billed to the customer.
- Date changes, partial refund or credit vouchers are only possible if Hotspots2c needs to suspend a tour due to reasons outside our control; including weather, minimum customer requirements or travel restrictions. Refunds are done in South African rand and may fluctuate according to your bank fees and exchange rate. Subject to the daily exchange rate you may receive more or less funds back in your own currency. Hotspots2c's credit/gift vouchers can only be redeemed on Hotspots2c's website for Hotspots2c tour products. A credit voucher is the most cost-effective way to receive a refund as the value of the transaction remains in our base currency and there is no loss due to exchange rate conversion fluctuations or fees.
- Requests for refunds need to be formally logged by email to info@hotspots2c.co.za for a full investigation.
Small group tours
Is there a maximum group size?
- Small group tours allow you to travel with likeminded young-at-heart travellers with a maximum group size of 25 travellers per minicoach, van or guide/driver. This smaller group size allow for a more in depth and intimate touring experience.
- 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
Deposits
Can I reserve a booking without payment ?
- A deposit is needed to reserve your space for any online bookings. To confirm a booking the full payment needs to be made within the payment deadline as per terms.
- 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.
- By paying a deposit, you agree to accept the finalised version of your trip itinerary and agree to payment deadlines. A booking may be cancelled if not paid by the payment deadlines agreed upon. Full payment usualy lock in and secure the quoted rate payable. Additional fuel surcharge, taxes, levies imposed by government or a rate increase by third party supplier may cause the final payment rate to increase if full payment is not received.
Rates
Why can the "from" price differ from paid or other booking sites?
The "from" price shown is the lowest available rate for that tour and may not apply to all departure dates or package options. Tours are priced in South African Rand (ZAR), and prices shown in other currencies may also vary due to exchange rate fluctuations, transaction fees, and more flexible cancellation or refund protection benefits already included.
For the same tour, departure date, and cancellation conditions, prices are usually very similar. Guests who are happy with our standard ±7-day free cancellation policy, rather than adding extra refund protection for cancellation within 2 days of departure, can often save by booking big directly with us or on the Hotspots2c's website.
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.
OWN ROOM
If you select the Own Room / Private Room option, the number of people you choose determines both the rate and how many people will stay in the room. For example, selecting 1 person means you’ll have your own private room, while selecting 2 people means you’ll share a private room together.
If a room large enough for your group isn’t available, you’ll usually be split into rooms of two sharing. If there’s an odd number of travellers, one person may be placed in a private single private room.
QUOTES
We can quote net rates (minus a referral fee) to our list of approved resellers or travel agents. Apply online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#apply. Once approved, you’ll receive your reseller sales agreement.
Stay packages
What is the differences between stay packages ?
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 / Budget Backpacker
Dorm and Budget accommodation packages mostly stay at lively atmosphere backpacker hostels with shared bathrooms, and a basic breakfast.
Dorm package offer shared rooms, sharing with others in the backpackers and Saver/Own room 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 Comfort or 4 star Luxury 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 OWN ROOM
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.
BATHROOMS WITH ROOM
3-star Comfort and 4-star Luxury rooms include ensuite private bathrooms.
Backpacker private room options typically include shared bathrooms. Backpacker private bathrooms cannot be guaranteed and are available only on request, subject to availability. Please note that backpacker bathrooms are usually not ensuite (adjoining the room), and may be located a distance away from the room.
FAMILY ROOMS
Some private or custom 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).
How to know if a tour matches my travel style and fitness level?
To help match your travel style, fitness level and appetite for adventure, check each tour's trip pace meter to see if it's the right fit for you.
Easygoing wander pace
Relaxed travel days with predominantly about 1–2 hours of total daily tour travel to reach the day's main highlights. Less travel, more sightseeing. Perfect for wanderers eager for a slower paced trip, more downtime and extra time to explore the region. Enjoy relaxed sightseeing and easy activities. Daily tour travel times exclude hotel pickups/drop-offs, transfers during activities and game drives.
Active explore pace
A balanced mix of sightseeing, activities and free time, with predominantly about 2–4 hours of total daily tour vehicle travel to reach the day's highlights. Perfect for explorers who enjoy a moderately active adventure with a good balance of travel, experiences and downtime. Daily tour travel times exclude hotel pickups/drop-offs, transfers during activities and game drives.
Packed roadtrip pace
Fast-paced adventure travel focused on covering ground and reaching more destinations. Expect approximately 4–7+ hours of total daily vehicle travel to connect tour highlights that are often located far apart. Perfect for energetic travellers who enjoy action-packed days, spending time on the road and making the most of the journey. Daily tour travel times exclude hotel pickups/drop-offs, transfers during activities and game drives.
How does the pickup and drop-off transfer services work?
Most scheduled tours has a set Meeting Point location where the tour will start from. Meet your guide there at the tour's starting time or if you book at least 2 days earlier, you can also select to book our pickup service from selected accommodation in Cape Town central (within a 5km radius of the meeting point) or Stellenbosch. Your tour's inclusions section will show if the free pickup/drop-off service is included or available as an additional charged add-on.
Pickup usually starts up to 90 minutes earlier from the tour start time, and drop-off after the tour ends usually is up to 90 minutes later - subject to your address and the day's pickup/drop-off route. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed during our check-in process, usually the day before departure.
Airport transfer services may be requested as add-on serviced or already added or included in some tour packages. Hotspots2c reserves the right to use trusted transport partners to assist with pickup and drop-off services when required.
DROP OFF INFO
Most day tours return between 5–7pm, while multi-day tours usually return between 6–8pm, subject to traffic. Tours end at the Meeting Point or at the same address where you were collected if you selected our pickup service.
Please avoid booking flights on the first or last day of your tour, as tour schedules cannot be adjusted for flight times. We also recommend staying in Cape Town before and after your tour.
Pickup and drop-off times can vary due to traffic, weather, roadworks, and group timing. Because pickups follow a set route, you may be one of the first or last guests collected or dropped off. If we're running significantly late, we'll contact you with an update.
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.
- As part of our policy and to meet legal, safety, and insurance requirements, we require all travellers’ names and contact details before departure, with a signed indemnity form required for each traveller. A confirmation ticket will be issued once fully paid; if not received before check-in, please request it from bookings@hotspots2c.co.za
- By travelling with us, you agree to our booking terms and conditions, including our indemnity. You acknowledge that participation in any Hotspots2c tour or activity sold via us is at your own risk and agree not to hold Hotspots2c, its owners, managers, directors, guides, or agents liable for any loss, damage, injury, or death arising from any cause during the tour.
- By joining a Hotspots2c tour or activity sold by us, you confirm that you are medically fit to participate and will disclose any relevant health conditions in advance (including pregnancy, back or hip issues, osteoporosis, or epilepsy). Some tours may not be suitable for pregnant guests, young children, or those with mobility or health concerns. You are advised to consult a doctor before booking, especially for intense or active activities such as game drives, bungy jumps, ziplining, etc.
– 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
Can I pay in my bank's currency ?
Yes, we only allow payments in your own bank's currency. Invoices are in South African Rand (ZAR) as base curency only. If paying us locally in our ZAR local currency, the payment will have no additional fees.
• Local payments: Pay by EFT (electronic transfers) in ZAR to receive no additional Hotspots2c fees. Let us know if you'd like our bank details.
• International payments: We use Flywire, allowing you to pay by card or bank transfer in your own currency. The amount shown includes exchange rates and payment processing fees upfront, helping you avoid unexpected foreign transaction fees and exchange rate markups that banks often add to international payments.
Please note that online currency converters such as Google typically display the mid-market exchange rate without any fees included. In reality, banks often add conversion fees and exchange rate markups, meaning the final amount paid can be 2.5%–5% higher. Flywire provides a clear final amount upfront, including applicable exchange rates and payment fees.
The payment options and currencies available are determined by the country and billing address linked to the payer's bank account or card.
See more info below about Flywire's payment process:
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.
Why flywire?
• Exchange Rate Match Guarantee on eligible bank transfers - View the criteria to apply
• Competitive live exchange rate calculations with no extra gateway fees added after your own-currency total is quoted for card or bank payments
Need help?
24/7 Flywire assistance is available in many languages for payment queries. For security reasons, Hotspots2c can't legaly investigate payment issues. Please contact your bank or Flywire, as common causes include online payment restrictions, transaction limits, or insufficient funds.
RESELLER PAYMENT COSTS
You can Hotspots2c via our payment provider with currency convertion rate quoted for international currency payments. When setteling a quote or if resellers and partners choose that we receive funds on your behalf, please consider the following;
ZAR bank transfer
online bank payment
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 forex
reseller or their customer pays us
Ideal for booking agent resellers that communicate to their own customers. You or/and your 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 )
> What should I pack for an adventure tour?
PACKING TIPS
Layered clothing
South African weather can be unpredictable and change quickly, so dress in layers. Comfortable clothing, a warm jacket, and a light rain layer are recommended. Don't forget a beach towel if you plan to swim.
Walking Shoes, Sunscreen, Insect Spray, Towel
Many tours include bush walks or short hikes, so pack comfortable closed shoes. Sandals are great for relaxing between activities.
Bring a swimming costume, towel, and sunscreen (SPF 30–50), even on cloudy days.
Mosquitoes and other insects can be common during summer and wet seasons, so insect repellent is recommended. If you're visiting Kruger or another malaria-risk area, please consult your doctor before travelling. The Garden Route, Klein Karoo, and Cape Town regions are malaria-free.
Camera / Phone
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
Bring a few much-needed items to donate along the way: ✏️ stationery (pencils, crayons, paper) and 🪥 toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, sanitary pads). Small donations make a big difference in the communities you visit.
💷 Pocket Money
Most restaurants, shops, and activity providers accept cards. If needed, your guide can stop at an ATM. We recommend using a bank card or digital card rather than carrying large amounts of cash. There is no need to bring cash with you.
🍽️ Meals on Tour
Not all meals are included, giving you the freedom to enjoy local South African cuisine at your own pace. Your guide can recommend local favourites along the way.
🍳 Breakfast: Included with each overnight stay.
🥪 Lunch: Usually a quick stop while travelling. Allow ±R120 to R180 pp.
🍛 Dinner: Dine with the group or choose your own restaurant (where available). Allow ±R180 to R280 pp.
Dietary Requirements: Please advise us of any food allergies before departure. Vegetarian options are available on request. We don't typically cater for vegan, halal, gluten-free, lactose-free, or other special diets, as availability cannot be guaranteed in all areas.
🌟 Optional Activities
Optional activities are not included in the tour price and can be booked and paid for during the tour. Your guide will explain all options on tour. Most activities accept card payments. Some activities are weather-dependent and subject to availability.
adventure awaits
always keep exploring