Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: September 09, 2025

Operator: Heinrich Neumeyer Wildlife Photography & Tours, owned and operated by Heinrich Neumeyer, a FGASA-registered guide, offering tours across South African national parks, reserves, and other destinations.

By booking with Heinrich Neumeyer Wildlife Photography & Tours, you (the “Client”) agree to these terms and conditions. Please read them carefully before making a reservation.

1. Booking and Payment

• Reservation Process: Bookings are accepted via our website (www.heinrichneumeyer.com), email (bookings@heinrichneumeyer.com) and WhatsApp. Clients must specify tour type (e.g., safari, multi-destination itinerary, day tours, etc), dates, and group size. A confirmation email with a detailed itinerary and invoice will be sent within 48 hours of booking.

• Pricing: Prices vary by tour type and destination. Inclusions: FGASA-certified guide, park/reserve entry fees, light snacks and beverages. Exclusions: meals, gratuities, flights, transfers, alcoholic beverages and optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon rides, bush walks). Prices are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) and subject to change due to currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, or park fee adjustments.

• Payment Terms:

  • Tours with Accommodation: A 50% deposit is required to confirm bookings, non-refundable unless cancelled 90+ days prior for international tours (minus 10% administrative fee; supplier terms may apply within 60 days). Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure for domestic tours and international tours (see 1.3.3 for Payment Terms). Rescheduling due to client emergencies follows section 2.2.

  • Day Tours: A 50% deposit is required to confirm bookings, non-refundable unless cancelled 1 week prior (minus 10% administrative fee). Full payment is due 1 day prior to departure; credit card payment is accepted on the day prior to departure with bank confirmation required before the tour begins (see 1.3.3 for Payment Terms). Rescheduling due to client emergencies follows section 2.2.

  • Payment Methods and Fees: Payments are accepted via credit card with a 3% surcharge for credit card transactions, electronic funds transfer (EFT) requiring bank confirmation (Proof of Payment alone is insufficient), or PayPal. Clients bear all bank fees (e.g., international transfers). Late payments beyond 7 days from the invoice date incur a 5% surcharge, and non-payment may result in cancellation with client liability for incurred fees (e.g., deposits, permits). For international tours, prices may be quoted in USD/EUR subject to destination, with payments due 90 days prior to departure to accommodate visa and supplier requirements. Clients bear currency conversion fees.

  • Group and Family Discounts: Custom discounts can be negotiated directly with Heinrich Neumeyer Wildlife Photography & Tours.

  • Tips and Gratuities: Tips and gratuities for the guide are not included in the tour price and are at the client’s discretion. Cash payments can be provided directly to the guide at the end of the tour. Alternative payment methods (e.g., electronic) may be arranged in advance with prior notice.

2. Cancellations and Refunds

• Cancellation Policy:

  • Tours with Accommodation:

    • 90+ days before departure for international tours: Full refund minus 10% administrative fee and deposit, subject to supplier terms (e.g., 100% forfeiture within 60 days). 75+ days for domestic tours: Full refund minus 10% administrative fee and deposit.

    • 30–74 days before departure: 50% refund of total cost (excluding deposit).

    • Within 29 days or no-shows: No refund.

  • Day Tours (Pilanesberg Game Reserve)

    • 1 week before departure: Full refund minus 10% administrative fee and deposit.

    • 1 day before departure: 50% refund of total cost (excluding deposit).

    • Less than 1 day or no-shows: No refund.

• Rescheduling:

  • Client: Cancellations due to medical emergencies, visa issues, or unforeseen circumstances may be rescheduled within 6 months, subject to availability and a ZAR 300 administrative fee. For international tours, visa reissuance costs are payable by the client.

  • Heinrich Neumeyer Wildlife Photography & Tours will make every effort not to reschedule; however, in case of an emergency where the guide is unavailable due to illness or family emergency, the guide will attempt to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, we will arrange an alternative tour with a partner operator at a similar standard and price, subject to availability. If neither is feasible, a full refund will be provided minus non-refundable fees (e.g., park entries, permits) and a 10% administrative fee.

• Force Majeure: Heinrich Neumeyer Wildlife Photography & Tours is not liable for cancellations due to events beyond our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, park/reserve closures, government restrictions, or pandemics (e.g., border closures). Affected bookings may be rescheduled or refunded (minus 10% administrative fee and deposit) at our discretion.

• Amendments:

  • Tours with Accommodation: Changes to bookings (e.g., dates, destinations) made 30+ days before departure for domestic tours, or 60+ days for international tours, incur a 3% administrative fee. Changes within 30/60 days are subject to availability and supplier charges.

  • Day Tours: Changes to bookings made 1 week before departure for domestic tours, incur a 3% administrative fee. Changes within 1 week/7 days are subject to availability and supplier charges.

3. Health and Safety

• Health Requirements: Clients must complete a health questionnaire at booking, disclosing pre-existing conditions. Mandatory vaccinations (e.g., yellow fever for Zimbabwe/Zambia) and malaria prophylaxis will be specified per destination in the quote. Clients over 65 are advised to provide a doctor’s note confirming fitness.

• Safety Protocols: On open safari vehicles (OSVs) or minibuses, clients must remain seated, avoid loud noises, and follow guide instructions. Disembarking is permitted only at designated areas (e.g., hides, rest areas). Children aged 6+ are allowed on OSV/minibus tours with parental supervision; under 6s are restricted to private tours. Bush walks require a minimum age of 12 (depending on the reserve) with parental consent. OSV rules comply with destination park regulations (e.g., Botswana’s 40 km/h limit).

• Packing Guidelines: Clients should bring sunscreen, insect repellent, neutral-coloured clothing, binoculars, and cameras. A pre-tour email will provide a detailed packing list and health/safety briefing tailored to the destination.

4. Liabilities and Insurance

• Indemnity: Clients must sign an indemnity form acknowledging risks inherent to tours (e.g., wildlife encounters, vehicle travel, outdoor activities). Heinrich Neumeyer Wildlife Photography & Tours is not liable for injury, loss, or damage due to client negligence, non-compliance, or unforeseen events, except where caused by gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

• Mandatory Insurance for tours that are more than 1 day in duration: Clients must provide proof of comprehensive travel insurance covering international medical evacuation, trip interruption, visa-related costs, cancellation, personal injury, and baggage loss, with proof due 30 days before departure. Failure to comply may result in cancellation without refund.

• Third-Party Services: Heinrich Neumeyer Wildlife Photography & Tours acts as an agent for suppliers (e.g., accommodations, airlines, transfers) and is not liable for their errors, delays, or cancellations. We will assist in resolving disputes where possible.

• Visa and Documentation: Clients are responsible for valid passports (minimum 6 months validity, 2 blank pages), visas, vaccination certificates, minor children birth certificates (depending on country entry requirements). Heinrich Neumeyer Wildlife Photography & Tours provides visa advice but is not liable for denials due to client non-compliance.

5. Ethical and Conservation Practices

• Wildlife Viewing: No wildlife sightings are guaranteed, as animals roam freely. Off-road driving, feeding animals, making / playing animal sounds to lure animals affecting animal behaviour or littering is prohibited to protect ecosystems. Non-compliance may result in tour termination without refund.

• Conservation Commitment: 5% of tour proceeds support local projects per destination (e.g., Pilanesberg Leopard Project in South Africa, community initiatives elsewhere). Clients are encouraged to engage with visitor centres to learn more.

6. Add-Ons and Special Experiences

• Photography Workshops: Available for ZAR 500–1,000 per person, led by Heinrich Neumeyer, focusing on wildlife photography techniques. Clients must provide DSLR or mirrorless cameras.

• Specialised Tours: Night drives, birdwatching, or cultural tours are subject to destination approval and a minimum of 4 guests.

7. Minibus / Open Safari Vehicle (OSV) and Tour Regulations

• Tours are either conducted using a customised minibus or OSV

• Vehicle Standards:

  • OSVs are registered, roadworthy, and equipped with safety features (e.g., two-way radios). Permits are displayed as required by regional authorities.

  • Customised Minibus is registered, roadworthy, and equipped with safety features (e.g., seatbelts, airbags, air conditioning).

  • Vehicles carry permits for reserve access as required by regional or international authorities (e.g., Botswana Wildlife Department).

• Client conduct:

  • Clients must wear seatbelts at all times when travelling on main roads, refrain from interfering with vehicle controls or equipment, and follow the guide’s instructions.

  • Smoking or consuming alcohol in the vehicle is prohibited.

  • Clients must obey reserve rules regarding speed limits (e.g., 40 km/h), no off-trail driving, and environmental protection, specific to each destination.

• Guide Qualifications: Tours are led by FGASA Level 2 certified guides with First Aid training and Professional Driving Permits (PDP).

• Group Size:

  • Maximum 10 guests per OSV for safety and comfort. Larger groups may require additional or larger sized vehicles.

  • The customised minibus accommodates up to 7 passengers (or as per vehicle model) for comfort and safety. Larger groups may require additional vehicles, subject to availability and additional costs.

• Accessibility: Please inform us of any special needs at booking to ensure accommodations, where possible.

• Vehicle-Related Liabilities: Heinrich Neumeyer Wildlife Photography & Tours is not liable for delays, cancellations, or incidents caused by vehicle breakdowns or road conditions beyond our control, provided the vehicle is maintained to industry standards. Clients acknowledge the risks of travel on reserve roads via the indemnity form.

• Additional Fees: Clients are responsible for any vehicle-specific park entry fees (e.g., daily vehicle charges) not included in the tour price, as specified in the booking confirmation.

8. Baggage and Age Restrictions

• Baggage Limits: For tours involving flights or transfers, soft baggage is limited to 15kg per person. Excess baggage may incur fees or affect participation.

• Age Restrictions: Minimum age for OSV tours is 6 with parental supervision; bush walks require clients to be 12 or older with parental consent (depending on reserve policies). Private OSV tours may accommodate younger children at the guide’s discretion.

9. Feedback and Reviews

• We value your feedback to improve our services. Please share your experience on TripAdvisor, SafariBookings.com, or our Heinrich Neumeyer Wildlife Photography Facebook page.

• For inquiries, complaints, or disputes, contact us at info@heinrichneumeyer.com or 27 72 634 6580 (subject to change; verify on our website).

10. Governing Law

• These terms are governed by the laws of South Africa. For international tours, disputes may be mediated under the laws of the destination country or as agreed with suppliers.

• Heinrich Neumeyer Wildlife Photography & Tours reserves the right to update these terms at any time. Please check www.heinrichneumeyer.com for the most current version before booking.

Copy of Indemnity clauses - Heinrich Nuemeyer will provide these forms prior to any tour departure. These forms will need to be signed before any tour can commence.