Cancellation Policy
Last updated: 8 July 2026
This Cancellation Policy applies to bookings made with Unravel Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Because Unravel Africa curates private journeys using third-party suppliers, cancellation terms may vary between lodges, hotels, guides, transfer companies, airlines and other service providers.
South African consumer law recognises that suppliers may require deposits and impose reasonable cancellation charges for advance bookings, depending on the circumstances.
1. Supplier Terms Apply First
Supplier cancellation terms apply first. This means that if a lodge, hotel, airline, transfer provider, guide, activity operator or other supplier charges a cancellation fee, retains a deposit, imposes a non-refundable charge or refuses a refund, those supplier terms will apply to the relevant portion of the booking. Unravel Africa will apply supplier terms transparently and will explain the applicable cancellation position where reasonably possible.
2. Unravel Africa Planning and Administration Costs
In addition to supplier cancellation charges, Unravel Africa may retain or charge reasonable planning, administration, payment processing, banking, exchange rate, communication and coordination costs already incurred. This is because private journeys involve time, supplier coordination, itinerary work, availability checks, proposal preparation, confirmations and travel support before departure.
3. Deposits
For bookings made more than one month before travel, a 70% deposit is required to confirm the booking. The deposit may be used to secure supplier reservations and may become partly or fully non-refundable depending on supplier terms and the stage of planning.
4. Full Payment
For bookings made within one month of travel, full payment is required at the time of confirmation. Where suppliers require earlier full payment, those supplier terms will apply.
5. Cancellation by the Guest
If a guest cancels a confirmed booking, any refund will depend on: the cancellation terms of the relevant suppliers; the timing of the cancellation; amounts already paid to suppliers; non-refundable deposits or costs; planning and administration work already performed; bank charges, card fees and foreign exchange costs; and any reasonable cancellation charge permitted by applicable law. Cancellation requests must be sent in writing to reservations@unravelafrica.com. The cancellation date will be the date on which Unravel Africa receives the written cancellation request.
6. Suggested General Cancellation Position
Unless stricter supplier terms apply, Unravel Africa may apply the following general cancellation approach: More than 60 days before travel: supplier cancellation terms apply, plus any reasonable planning and administration costs already incurred.
30 to 60 days before travel: supplier cancellation terms apply, and a significant portion of the deposit may be non-refundable.
Less than 30 days before travel: supplier cancellation terms apply, and the booking may be fully non-refundable.
No-show or early departure: no refund is guaranteed.
This general position is subject to the actual supplier terms for each booking.
7. Postponements
Where possible, we will try to assist guests who wish to postpone rather than cancel. Postponements are subject to supplier approval, availability, seasonal rate changes, revised terms and any additional costs. A postponement is not guaranteed.
8. Refunds
Where a refund is due, it will be processed only after Unravel Africa has received any applicable refund from the relevant supplier, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Refunds may be reduced by bank charges, card fees, exchange rate differences and unrecoverable costs.
9. Cancellation by Suppliers or Events Beyond Control
If a supplier cancels or changes a service, we will work with the supplier to seek a suitable alternative, refund or credit where available. Unravel Africa is not responsible for supplier insolvency, airline disruption, border closures, weather events, natural disasters, health emergencies, political unrest or other events outside our reasonable control.
10. Travel Insurance
Guests are strongly encouraged to take out comprehensive travel insurance from the time of booking. Insurance should cover cancellation, curtailment, medical emergencies, evacuation, delay and lost luggage.
