Terms and Conditions
TERMS & CONDITIONS – BLUE SKY EXPEDITIONS / BLUE SKY SOCIETY TRUST
1. ABOUT THESE EXPEDITIONS/ TRIPS
These driving and conservation-led expeditions are organised and facilitated through Blue Sky Expeditions (BSE) in association with Blue Sky Society Trust (BSST). These journeys are immersive, small-group conservation expeditions focused on wildlife initiatives, community engagement, and overland travel through remote regions of Africa. By joining a #JWP expedition, you acknowledge that this is not a standard tourism product, but a participatory, team-based expedition experience.
2. PARTICIPATION & EXPEDITION STYLE
#JWP expeditions are designed for adventurous, flexible, and open-minded participants who are comfortable with remote travel and group-based living.
These expeditions may include:
- Long-distance overland travel on rough and remote roads
- Camping in remote areas and/or stays in basic to mid-range accommodation (camping, chalets, or guesthouses depending on itinerary)
- Limited or no mobile connectivity for extended periods
- Participation in conservation and community-based activities
This is a shared expedition experience. Guests may be requested to assist with general group participation such as cooking, cleaning, or camp setup. Each expedition is unique and participants are required to review the itinerary carefully before booking.
3. ACCEPTANCE OF RISK
By booking and participating, you acknowledge and accept that travel in remote areas involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:
- Limited access to medical facilities
- Variable road and travel conditions
- Wildlife encounters
- Environmental and weather-related conditions
Participation is undertaken entirely at your own risk.
4. BOOKING & PAYMENT TERMS
4.1 Booking Confirmation
A booking is confirmed upon receipt of payment and written confirmation from Blue Sky Expeditions.
4.2 Administration Fee
A non-refundable administration fee of R5,000 per person applies and is retained regardless of cancellation, postponement, or change of travel plans by the participant.
4.3 Payment Structure
- Deposit payable within 48 hours to secure booking
- Second payment due within 30 days of confirmation
- Final balance due 90 days prior to departure
- For bookings made within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking
- Full upfront payment is also accepted
Credit card payments incur a 3.5% processing fee. Prices may be quoted in ZAR or USD. Where applicable, exchange rate fluctuations may affect final pricing prior to full payment.
5. CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email. Verbal cancellations are not valid.
Refunds are calculated as follows:
- 150+ days before departure: Refund minus R5,000 administration fee
- 150–90 days before departure: 70% refund, 30% cancellation fee applies
- 90–30 days before departure: 30% refund, 70% cancellation fee applies
- Less than 30 days before departure: No refund (100% cancellation fee applies)
The R5,000 administration fee remains non-refundable in all circumstances.
6. MINIMUM NUMBERS & OPERATOR CANCELLATION
A minimum number of participants (typically 4–6 guests) is required for each expedition. If minimum numbers are not met 90 days prior to departure, the expedition may be postponed or cancelled.
In such cases:
- Payments made will be refunded excluding the non-refundable administration fee
- Blue Sky Expeditions is not responsible for additional costs incurred, including flights, visas, or third-party bookings
Guests are strongly advised to purchase flexible or refundable flights.
7. FORCE MAJEURE
Blue Sky Expeditions shall not be held liable for cancellation, delay, or changes caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to pandemics, extreme weather, natural disasters, political instability, border closures, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances.
8. SAFETY & SUPPORT
Safety is a priority on all expeditions. Emergency medical assistance and evacuation support is available through applicable insurance and assistance partners (including SATIB where relevant). Participants acknowledge that response times may vary due to remote travel locations.
9. TRAVEL INSURANCE (MANDATORY)
Comprehensive international travel insurance is mandatory for all participants.
Insurance must cover:
- Medical emergencies
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Trip cancellation and interruption
Proof of insurance may be requested prior to departure. Failure to provide adequate insurance may result in refusal to participate without refund.
10. HEALTH, MEDICAL & VACCINATIONS
Participants are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit for travel.
It is strongly recommended to consult a medical professional prior to departure regarding:
- Vaccinations
- Preventative medication
- Personal health requirements
Participants must bring sufficient supplies of any required prescription medication. Blue Sky Expeditions does not provide medical advice and accepts no responsibility for medical conditions arising during travel.
11. PASSPORTS & VISAS
Participants are responsible for ensuring:
- Passport validity of at least 6 months beyond travel dates
- At least 2 blank pages in their passport
- All required visas and entry documentation
12. FLIGHTS & TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Flights are not included unless explicitly stated.
Participants are advised to:
- Wait for expedition confirmation before purchasing flights where possible
- Purchase flexible or refundable tickets
- Follow itinerary arrival and departure instructions carefully
Blue Sky Expeditions accepts no liability for flight changes, delays, or cancellations.
13. MEALS, ACCOMMODATION & GROUP LIVING
Meals are generally shared as a group at expedition accommodation. Dietary requirements and allergies will be accommodated where possible if communicated in advance. Accommodation varies depending on itinerary and may include camping, lodges, or guesthouses. NB: Participants are not paired with strangers for accommodation unless agreed in advance.
14. ITINERARY CHANGES
Itineraries may be adjusted due to weather, logistics, conservation priorities, or local conditions. Blue Sky Expeditions reserves the right to make reasonable changes to ensure safety and overall expedition quality.
15. COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES
Expeditions may include conservation or community engagement activities such as school visits, outreach programmes, or environmental projects. These activities are dependent on local permissions and conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
16. THIRD-PARTY SUPPLIERS
Blue Sky Expeditions works with third-party suppliers including lodges, transport providers, guides, and conservation partners. Blue Sky Expeditions is not responsible for the acts, omissions, delays, or failures of any third-party supplier.
17. PARTICIPANT CONDUCT
Participants are expected to behave respectfully towards fellow travellers, staff, local communities, wildlife, and the environment. Blue Sky Expeditions reserves the right to remove any participant from an expedition if their behaviour is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or harmful. No refund will be issued in such cases.
18. LIABILITY LIMITATION
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Blue Sky Expeditions, its affiliates, partners, and representatives shall not be liable for any loss, injury, damage, delay, or expense incurred during participation in the expedition.
19. COMPLAINTS
Any concerns should be raised with the expedition leader as soon as possible during the trip to allow reasonable on-site resolution.
20. MEDIA & CONTENT RELEASE
Participants consent to photography and videography during the expedition, which may be used for marketing, social media, and promotional purposes. If a participant does not wish to appear in media, this must be requested in writing prior to departure.
21. MONEY, CURRENCY & TIPPING
Local currencies vary by country and will be explained prior to travel.
Common currencies include:
- ZAR (South African Rand)
- NAD (Namibian Dollar)
- BWP (Botswana Pula)
- ZMW (Zambian Kwacha)
- MZN (Mozambique Metical)
- USD (used in some regions, including Zimbabwe)
Credit cards may be accepted in some locations, but cash is recommended for remote travel. Tipping is optional but customary in some regions (guideline: $15–$30 per day or at your discretion).
22. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS
By paying a deposit or full payment, you confirm that you:
- Have read and understood these Terms & Conditions
- Accept all risks associated with participation
- Agree to comply with expedition requirements, safety guidelines, and group conduct expectations
**Please Click On The Following To Read And Sign Our Indemnity. Each Person Must Have Signed This Before Departure. Indemnity Form – https://www.blueskysociety.org/indemnity-online-form/