1. ABOUT US
1.1. Werner’s Travel and Tours is a legally recognized and independently operated tour company based in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, South Africa. The business is managed from its home office at 16 Conwood Street, Gqeberha. The owner, Werner Wentzel, is a licensed South African tourist guide, operating in accordance with all applicable national tourism regulations.
1.2. We specialize in curated and guided experiences including wildlife safaris, cultural heritage tours, coastal adventures, and tailor-made itinerary packages across the Eastern Cape and Garden Route.
1.3. While we do not hold formal partnerships with conservation bodies, Werner’s Travel and Tours is deeply committed to responsible tourism, conservation awareness, and sustainable travel practices that support local communities and protect South Africa’s natural heritage.
1.4. All guides affiliated with Werner’s Travel and Tours are licensed South African tourist guides, duly registered with the relevant provincial authorities and trained in client safety, local knowledge, and regulatory compliance.
1.5. Werner’s Travel and Tours operates in line with the Tourism Act (Act No. 3 of 2014) and complies with standards set forth by the Department of Tourism and other relevant oversight bodies.
2. SCOPE OF SERVICES
2.1. Wildlife Safaris
Werner’s Travel and Tours offers expertly guided wildlife safaris across a range of Eastern Cape reserves, including (but not limited to) Addo Elephant National Park and Kragga Kamma Game Reserve. Our safaris include park entry fees, professionally guided game drives, conservation education, and optional meal arrangements. Additional game reserves such as Nyosi Wildlife Reserve, Pumba Private Game Reserve, and Schotia Safaris may be included upon request or as part of custom packages.
2.2. Coastal Journeys
Our guided coastal journeys explore scenic routes along the Eastern Cape coastline, highlighting natural landmarks, cultural attractions, and conservation sites. Routes may include stops at places like Maitlands Beach, the Sacramento Shipwreck Trail, SANCCOB seabird center, Cape Recife Lighthouse, and other sites depending on itinerary and client preference.
2.3. Cultural Tours
Immerse yourself in Gqeberha’s historical and cultural richness with tours that showcase key landmarks such as Donkin Reserve, South End Museum, and 7 Castle Hill. Local artisan experiences and heritage storytelling are central to each tour.
2.4. Combo Packages
We offer a variety of thoughtfully combined packages that blend wildlife, coastal, and cultural experiences into one seamless day. Popular options include:
Wildlife Duo: Morning and afternoon safaris at two distinct reserves
Coastal-City Fusion: A scenic morning coastline journey followed by a cultural afternoon experience in Gqeberha
Additional combination itineraries can be arranged on request or designed as seasonal offerings.
2.5. Transfers
We provide professional transfer services to support our tour offerings, with a focus on reliability, comfort, and regional coverage. A separate Transfers Terms & Conditions section outlines full details regarding rates, vehicle types, booking, and cancellation policies.
3. TOUR ENQUIRIES & CONFIRMATION
3.1. Submission of Enquiries
3.1.1. All tour enquiries must be submitted through one of the following official channels:
(a) Our website’s enquiry form;
(b) Direct email correspondence;
(c) Official business WhatsApp contact.
3.2. Quotation Validity
3.2.1. All quotations issued by Werner’s Travel and Tours are valid for 7 (seven) calendar days from the date of issue, unless otherwise specified in writing.
3.2.2. Quotations are subject to availability of services at the time of confirmation.
3.3. Provisional Booking & Invoicing
3.3.1. Once a client confirms interest in a quoted itinerary and availability is verified, a proforma invoice will be issued.
3.3.2. A booking is considered provisional until the required deposit is received (see Clause 4).
3.4. Accuracy of Client Information
3.4.1. It is the responsibility of the client to ensure that all personal and travel-related information provided is accurate and complete. This includes:
(a) Full names as per passports,
(b) Travel dates,
(c) Number of travellers,
(d) Dietary or medical conditions,
(e) Passport and visa details (where applicable).
3.4.2. Werner’s Travel and Tours cannot be held liable for disruptions caused by incorrect or omitted information.
3.5. Quotation & Invoice Corrections
3.5.1. Werner’s Travel and Tours reserves the right to correct any clerical or calculation errors in quotations or invoices prior to the processing of payment.
3.5.2. Any such corrections will be communicated to the client in writing.
4. BOOKING PROCEDURE
4.1. Deposit Requirements
4.1.1. To secure a reservation, a 50% (fifty percent) deposit is required upon receipt of a proforma invoice.
4.1.2. This deposit includes a 25% non-refundable administrative fee and a 25% refundable portion.
4.1.3. Example: For a ZAR 10,000 tour, a ZAR 5,000 deposit is required — ZAR 2,500 of which is non-refundable, and ZAR 2,500 refundable.
4.1.4. Failure to make this deposit within the time specified may result in the automatic cancellation of your booking.
4.2. Final Payment
4.2.1. The remaining 50% balance must be paid in full at least 30 (thirty) days prior to the scheduled start of the tour.
4.2.2. For bookings made within 30 days of the departure date, full payment is required at the time of booking.
4.3. Service Provider Commitments
4.3.1. In order to confirm arrangements with our third-party suppliers (e.g., parks, lodges, activity providers), we are required to remit deposits to them within 5 (five) working days of receiving your booking.
4.3.2. Failure to pay within this timeframe may result in limited availability or changes to your itinerary.
4.4. Accepted Payment Methods
4.4.1. We accept MasterCard and Visa credit cards.
4.4.2. Alternatively, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is accepted.
4.4.3. All bank fees, foreign exchange commissions, and currency conversion charges are the responsibility of the client.
4.5. Late or Non-Payment
4.5.1. Werner’s Travel and Tours reserves the right to cancel any reservation should the deposit or full payment not be received on time, in line with the cancellation policy outlined in Section 5.
4.6. Transfer Invoices
4.6.1. For stand-alone transfer bookings, full payment is due immediately upon receipt of the invoice.
4.7. Price Adjustments Before Payment
4.7.1. Quoted prices are subject to change prior to payment in the event that third-party suppliers increase their rates (e.g., park fees, accommodation tariffs).
4.7.2. Clients will be notified in writing with updated pricing.
4.8. Price Adjustments After Payment
4.8.1. Should full payment be made and uncontrollable cost increases occur (e.g., government VAT or park levies), the client will be liable for the difference and invoiced accordingly.
4.9. Agent Bookings
4.9.1. For bookings made via agents or third parties, full payment must be received prior to the guest’s arrival.
5. PRICING & ADJUSTMENTS
5.1. Pricing Basis
5.1.1. All tour prices are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) and are based on current rates, availability, and supplier costs at the time of quotation.
5.1.2. Prices include only the services explicitly listed in the itinerary or invoice.
5.2. Price Changes Before Payment
5.2.1. Werner’s Travel and Tours reserves the right to increase any quoted tour price prior to receiving a deposit or full payment, should there be a change in supplier costs or exchange rates.
5.2.2. Any such adjustments will be communicated in writing with supporting documentation (e.g., park fee increases, conservation levies).
5.3. Price Changes After Payment
5.3.1. If full payment has already been received and cost increases are imposed by third-party providers or government-mandated levies, the client will be liable for such additional charges.
5.3.2. This may include, but is not limited to:
(a) Changes in VAT or other taxes by SARS;
(b) Fuel surcharges;
(c) Entry fee increases at reserves, parks, or museums.
5.4. Agent & Group Pricing
5.4.1. Where a tour is booked through an agent or reseller, the full invoiced amount must be settled before the guest’s arrival.
5.4.2. Group discounts or custom pricing structures may be available on request and must be confirmed in writing.
6. CANCELLATION & REFUNDS
6.1. All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to Werner’s Travel and Tours.
6.2. The initial 50% deposit comprises two components: 6.2.1. 25% of the total booking value is a non-refundable administration and service fee.
6.2.2. The remaining 25% of the deposit is refundable, provided cancellation occurs 15 days or more prior to the tour date.
6.3. Refund Policy: 6.3.1. Cancellations made 15 days or more prior to the tour date will be eligible for a refund of the refundable portion (25%).
6.3.2. Cancellations made 14 days or fewer before the tour date will result in forfeiture of the full 50% deposit.
6.3.3. No-shows or failure to complete a tour will result in full forfeiture of all payments made.
6.4. Late Arrivals: 6.4.1. Werner’s Travel and Tours will accept late arrivals; however, arrivals delayed by 30 minutes to 1 hour or more, without prior communication, may be treated as a cancellation.
6.4.2. If no contact is made by the scheduled meeting time, the booking will be forfeited, and no refund will be provided.
6.5. Cruise Ship & Flight Disruptions: 6.5.1. In the event of cruise ship or aircraft delays due to bad weather or logistical issues, Werner’s Travel and Tours will make every reasonable effort to reschedule the tour.
6.5.2. If a cruise ship or flight fails to dock or land at the scheduled location due to weather, port closure, or government regulation, no refunds will be issued.
6.5.3. No refunds will be issued for cases where passengers are unable to disembark from ships or aircraft, or where the service provider or cruise line cancels the stopover for any reason.
6.6. Civil Unrest & Force Majeure: 6.6.1. Werner’s Travel and Tours shall not be held liable for cancellations or missed services due to strikes, protests, road closures, civil unrest, natural disasters, or other circumstances beyond our control.
6.6.2. In such cases, no refunds will be provided, though every reasonable effort will be made to reschedule or reroute the service where feasible.
6.7. Third-Party Supplier Limitations: 6.7.1. Refunds are subject to the cancellation policies of third-party service providers (e.g., game reserves, accommodation, activity operators).
6.7.2. If refunds are not permitted by those providers, clients agree to forfeit those non-recoverable amounts.
6.8. Refund Processing: 6.8.1. Approved refunds may take up to 21 working days to process.
6.8.2. All banking charges, currency exchange losses, or payment processing fees incurred during refund processing will be for the client’s account.
7. Liability and Indemnity
7.1. Werner’s Travel and Tours acts solely as a tour operator and booking intermediary between the client and third-party service providers, including but not limited to accommodation establishments, transport companies, activity hosts, and any other tourism-related vendors. While we take reasonable steps to ensure quality and reliability, we do not accept liability for any loss, damage, delay, inconvenience, or injury caused by the actions, omissions, or defaults of any third party.
7.2. All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions imposed by the relevant service providers. Clients agree to comply with these conditions and acknowledge that participation in tours and related activities is entirely at their own risk.
7.3. Werner’s Travel and Tours, its owner, employees, representatives, and affiliates are indemnified by the client against any claims, losses, damages, or expenses, including legal costs, arising out of injury, illness, death, loss, damage, or delay sustained by the client or any accompanying persons, whether directly or indirectly, as a result of any act or omission by Werner’s Travel and Tours or any third-party service providers.
7.4. By accepting these Terms and Conditions, the client and their heirs, executors, and assigns hereby irrevocably waive any claim for compensation or damages of any nature whatsoever against Werner’s Travel and Tours. This includes but is not limited to claims arising from illness, injury, loss of personal property, death, delays, or dissatisfaction with any aspect of the tour or related services, including those occurring during travel to or from the tour, or while on the tour itself.
7.5. Clients accept full responsibility for any loss or damage caused by themselves or anyone in their party to vehicles, equipment, accommodation, or any property, and agree to indemnify Werner’s Travel and Tours accordingly.
7.6. Werner’s Travel and Tours shall not be held liable for any failure to perform or delay in performance of any of its obligations under these Terms and Conditions caused by events beyond its reasonable control (force majeure), including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, government actions, pandemics, strikes, civil disturbances, or war.
7.7. Certain activities arranged by Werner’s Travel and Tours, including but not limited to wildlife viewing, hiking, boat cruises, and cultural excursions, may involve inherent risks. By participating in these activities, clients confirm they understand and voluntarily accept all associated risks.
7.8. Clients are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive personal travel insurance (refer to Point 10) that includes cover for medical emergencies, cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, and loss of belongings.
8. Vehicles
8.1. Werner’s Travel and Tours utilizes appropriately licensed, roadworthy vehicles in accordance with South African transport and tourism legislation. All vehicles are maintained to high mechanical and safety standards and undergo regular inspections.
8.2. Vehicles are selected based on the nature of the tour, terrain, and the number of guests, to ensure comfort, safety, and suitability for the specific itinerary.
8.3. When necessary and depending on demand—such as during peak seasons, cruise ship arrivals, or group bookings—Werner’s Travel and Tours may outsource additional vehicles from trusted and licensed third-party service providers to accommodate clients.
8.4. In such cases, outsourced vehicles will be of comparable quality and safety standards. However, the substitution of a vehicle does not entitle clients to refunds, provided the transport remains safe, legal, and reasonably appropriate for the service booked.
8.5. Only qualified, licensed drivers and registered tourist guides are authorized to operate vehicles during tours. Clients must adhere to all safety instructions, including the wearing of seatbelts.
8.6. Smoking, disruptive behavior, or the consumption of alcohol inside the vehicle is strictly prohibited. Werner’s Travel and Tours reserves the right to refuse transport to any client whose conduct endangers the safety or comfort of other passengers or the driver.
8.7. Werner’s Travel and Tours reserves the right to substitute vehicles or drivers without prior notice if operational needs, safety concerns, or circumstances beyond its control require such changes.
9. Insurance Coverage
9.1. Werner’s Travel and Tours holds valid comprehensive vehicle insurance and passenger liability insurance, underwritten by Auto & General, a reputable and recognized South African insurance provider.
9.2. This cover includes:
9.2.1 Full comprehensive insurance on all operational tour vehicles.
9.2.2 Passenger liability insurance for injury or death.
9.3. Insurance held by Werner’s Travel and Tours complies with the requirements of South African transport and tourism legislation.
9.4. Clients are advised that while the above insurance provides a level of protection for vehicle-related incidents, it does not extend to personal travel risks such as lost luggage, medical emergencies, cancellations, or theft. Clients are strongly advised to obtain personal travel insurance (see Point 10).
9.5. Werner’s Travel and Tours accepts no liability for claims or losses outside the limits or scope of its insurance policy, including incidents arising from third-party service providers or personal negligence.
10. Travel Insurance
10.1. The purchase of sufficient and comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all clients booking a tour with Werner’s Travel and Tours. Confirmation of cover must be secured at the time of booking.
10.2. The travel insurance policy must, at a minimum, provide coverage for:
10.2.1 Emergency medical expenses and evacuation
10.2.2 Trip cancellation and curtailment
10.2.3 Personal accident or injury
10.2.4 Loss or theft of personal belongings
10.2.5 Travel delays or missed transport connections
10.3. Clients who fail to obtain adequate travel insurance do so entirely at their own risk. All costs arising from cancellation, missed tours, re-routing, evacuation, medical treatment, or other travel disruptions will be borne solely by the client.
10.4. Werner’s Travel and Tours is fully indemnified against any claim, loss, harm, or damage suffered by the client, their heirs, agents, or assigns as a result of the client’s failure to secure comprehensive travel insurance.
10.5. Proof of valid travel insurance may be requested before the commencement of the tour. Failure to produce this proof may result in exclusion from the tour without refund, or the requirement to sign a waiver releasing Werner’s Travel and Tours from all related liabilities.
11. Passports and Visas
11.1. It is the sole responsibility of the client to ensure that all travel documentation is correct, up to date, and valid for the entire duration of the tour. This includes passports, visas, transit permits, and any additional entry or exit documentation required by immigration authorities in South Africa or any other country visited or transited.
11.2. Clients are strongly advised to consult with the relevant embassies, high commissions, or consular offices for the countries on their itinerary to verify all visa, passport, and health entry requirements well in advance of travel. Werner’s Travel and Tours cannot be held liable for any misinformation received from official or unofficial sources.
11.3. Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months after the intended date of departure from the last country visited and must contain a minimum of two (2) blank visa pages per country visited or transited. Failure to meet this requirement may result in denied entry or boarding, for which Werner’s Travel and Tours accepts no responsibility.
11.4. Clients traveling with minor children are required to carry the appropriate supporting documentation in accordance with South African immigration law, which may include:
11.4.1. A certified unabridged birth certificate
11.4.2. A notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent or legal guardian
11.4.3. Copies of identity documents or a relevant court order granting guardianship or consent to travel (if applicable)
11.5. This clause does not represent an exhaustive list of immigration and documentation requirements. Clients are fully responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. No refunds or compensation will be provided for missed tours or denied entry resulting from incomplete, expired, or invalid travel documents.
12. Itinerary Changes
12.1. All itineraries provided by Werner’s Travel and Tours serve as a general guide only. While we aim to deliver all experiences as advertised, travel—particularly in Southern Africa—can be influenced by a range of unpredictable conditions including, but not limited to, extreme weather, road conditions, park clos