Booking And Cancellation Policy

How do you go about booking a trip with Garden Route Explorers?

Most people do some background research on trips before they are ready to make a booking, but what should you do once you are satisfied with what you have seen and/or read?

Let's cover the various stages one by one.


Do your homework first


What I mean here is first do some research on tours, operators, their location, pricing, and what is included in dates, flexibility, and convenience. Most credible operators will have a website, information on trips offered and pricing, so check these out and e-mail the ones you prefer and request further information if you require that.


I am ready to book, so what now?


Book online or e-mail the contact e-mail address and advise them of your intentions in terms of your preferred adventure date, the number of people wanting to do the tour or hiking trip (adults and children under 16 years of age, special dietary requirements, if you are solo or part of a group when you need to pay the 50% deposit by, as well as the balance, and ask for clarity on anything that's not clear. It's a good idea to ask about the refund and cancellation policy as well so that you understand what the expectations are. Once everything is clarified, you can request a proforma invoice and pay the deposit.


No bookings get confirmed until the 50% deposit is received. The outstanding balance is payable 14 days before the adventure starts.


I have paid the deposit, so what happens now?


Once you have confirmed a date and booked and Garden Route Explorers has advised that it is available for you or your group, you pay the 50% deposit and send through the proof of payment. Once payment is received, your booking is confirmed, and you will receive all the information and instructions in connection with the tour or hiking trip by e-mail or WhatsApp. Please don't forget to advise your dietary requirements ASAP.


Something has come up and I cannot make the date of the adventure anymore, so what now?


Once you have made a commitment to the adventure and paid the deposit, you are expected to do it. If there is a serious reason why you cannot make the tour or hiking experience date, you need to communicate this ASAP and then arrange a postponement. In most instances, you will have 12 months to the event from the date your adventure would have started.


Garden Route Explorers has a no refund policy once you have paid a deposit, or in full for a trip, unless we are unable to do a specific trip and the alternative dates given to you are unworkable. The only other instance where a full or partial refund will be considered is when there are justifiable medical reasons preventing your participation in the adventure. In the latter instance, your medical practitioner will need to support your inability to participate in the adventure or tour.


So to summarize, please make 100% sure you are able to commit to the date/s chosen before you book and pay, as you cannot cancel a trip once you have paid the deposit. It can be postponed and you will then have 12 months in which to do the trip or alternative trip if the same trip is not available anymore. If you are unable to do the trip within the 12-month period, you will forfeit any deposit or monies paid. We therefore ask that you understand and accept these terms and conditions when you make the bookings.


I hope this article has clarified how you make a booking to do a tour or trip, and what our expectations are to make it an enjoyable experience for you.