The deposit, balance and cancellation terms that local operators based in South Africa publish in their own booking terms, set side by side.
Which local safari operators in South Africa have the most flexible deposit and cancellation terms?
The 17 operators below publish a deposit or a cancellation policy; each card sets out the deposit, when the balance is due and the cancellation scale in the operator's own words, so the terms can be compared line by line.
In short. The three operators on this page with the most reviews on Google and SafariBookings, each with its own line:
MoAfrika Tours: Long-stay tours: 55-49 days 50% refund of payment excluding the non-refundable deposit; 48-42 days 25% refund; 41 days or less 0% refund; no show forfeits 100% of total payment.
Viva Safaris: 50% up front to secure the booking, paid through the website payment processor after availability is confirmed.
Wild Planet Safari: 50% deposit of the total day fee or package price to confirm the booking.
Who is on this page and why. The Uncompromised Travel local safari operators table holds 245 companies with a head office in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia or Zimbabwe: the ones ChatGPT named on two or more days between 5 October and 1 November 2026 in answers to the safari questions Uncompromised Travel asks every day and the operators in those countries with 20 or more reviews on SafariBookings. Their websites were read on 2 November 2026, with their reviews on SafariBookings, Google and Trustpilot. This page carries the operators in it for which a line from its own website, as read, can be quoted showing that it is based in South Africa and publishes a deposit or a cancellation policy: 17 operators. Where a website does not give its office, the office on its SafariBookings profile is used. Companies whose websites describe them as planners, agents or destination management companies, or do not say whether they run their own trips, are left out. Cards are in alphabetical order. Prices are shown as each company published them, in its own currency, never converted. No company paid to be on this page.
Addo Elephant National Park, Schotia Private Game Reserve, Mountain Zebra National Park, Camdeboo National Park and private game reserves, plus Tsitsikamma National Park and Cape Recife Nature Reserve in custom tours.
Reviews
Google: 5 out of 5 from 127 reviews, read 2 November 2026.
Owner-guided safari and overland experiences from Johannesburg
Based in
Johannesburg, South Africa (also Johannesburg / Pretoria).
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of up to 50% of the tour price may be required. The Namaqualand and Durban tour pages state a 50% deposit secures the booking.
Balance due
Terms say 'before departure, as specified in your confirmation'. Durban tour says 7 days before.
Cancellation
Long-stay tours: 55-49 days before departure 50% refund excluding deposit; 48-42 days 25% refund excluding deposit; 41 days or less no refund; no-show 100% forfeited. Day tours: extreme weather full refund; 30 days before 25% fee; 20 days 50% fee; 7 days or less 100% fee. The separate Booking Policy gives a different, looser scale.
Payment methods
Secure Yoco card payment link (Pilanesberg page, in ZAR; international guests pay in ZAR). Credit cards accepted noted on some older pages.
Reviews
Google: 1 out of 5 from 1 review, read 2 November 2026.
Guided convoy tours with a minimum of 3 vehicles (quotes for fewer), maximum 5 vehicles with 4 people per vehicle; dates are chosen on the Calendar and Bookings page.
Deposit
30% deposit to secure a place on the tour.
Balance due
Balance due 60 days before the start of the tour; full payment if booking less than 60 days before. Payments within 7 days of the invoice or payment request.
Reviews
SafariBookings: 5 out of 5 from 20 reviews; Google: 5 out of 5 from 8 reviews, read 2 November 2026.
Kruger tours in open-sided vehicles with own guides
Based in
Hazyview, South Africa (P.O. Box 35, Hazyview, 1242).
Cancellation
14+ days before tour/transfer: 5% cancellation fee. 8 to 14 days: 50% of invoice value. 0 to 7 days: 100%. Accommodation follows the venue's own cancellation terms.
Parks
Kruger National Park (southern Kruger, via Phabeni Gate), Greater Kruger private reserves: Karongwe, Sabi Sand (Umkumbe), Klaserie, Timbavati, Balule; also Panorama Route/Blyde River Canyon, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and iSimangaliso (St Lucia) on the 8-day package.
Reviews
SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 235 reviews; Google: 4.5 out of 5 from 61 reviews, read 2 November 2026.
Kruger and Hluhluwe safaris for all fitness levels
How it runs trips
Specialises in private tours and shared small group tours.
Deposit
50% of the Tour Fee, non-refundable, to confirm the booking. The booking form says the deposit is payable 7 days from date of invoice.
Balance due
The full Tour Fee must be paid 7 days before the tour date. The booking form says the remainder must be settled in full before the tour starts.
Cancellation
Refund scale (cancellations by email): before the Payment Date (before full fee paid) no refund; after Payment Date but 41 to 60 days before tour 40%; 21 to 40 days 30%; 8 to 20 days 15%; 1 to 7 days 0%. The 50% deposit is non-refundable.
Parks
Kruger National Park.
Reviews
SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 79 reviews; Google: 5 out of 5 from 14 reviews, read 2 November 2026.
Day safaris in iSimangaliso and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi parks
Based in
St Lucia, in the heart of Zululand, South Africa (office at McKenzie Str, Wimpy Centre, St Lucia Estuary, KZN).
How it runs trips
Elite/Premium tours are limited to 6 guests; tours can be tailor-made.
Balance due
Balance is due 'prior to Tour departure'; no number of days before arrival is given.
Cancellation
Two different scales are published. Terms-and-conditions page: within 24 hours of departure 100%; within 72 hours 50%; within 10 days 30%; more than 10 days before 10%. Terms & Conditions page: any cancellation pays a 10% fee; 0-10 days 0% refundable ('non refundable'); 11-20 days 25% refundable; 21-31 days 50% refundable; 32 days 90% refundable. Weather cancellations by the company get a full refund.
Payment methods
Payment at the agency/accommodation where the tour is booked or at the EuroZulu office; guides no longer accept cash on the day of the tour.
Parks
ISimangaliso Wetland Park (including Cape Vidal, the St Lucia Estuary and the Igwalagwala birding trail) and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
Reviews
Google: 4.9 out of 5 from 174 reviews, read 2 November 2026.
Private tours and set-date guided group departures
Based in
Head office in Cape Town, South Africa (95 Garfield Road, Claremont).
How it runs trips
Private tours and set-date guided group departures.
Deposit
A deposit of 30% from each client is required when submitting the application form to confirm a booking, unless otherwise agreed in the Agent Contract.
Balance due
Full amount payable not less than 30 days before departure or start of services (unless the Agent Contract says otherwise); tailor-made bookings may have earlier final payment set by a supplier.
Cancellation
46 days or more before departure: 10% of the total rate; 21 to 45 days: 30%; 14 to 20 days: 50%; 8 to 13 days: 80%; less than 8 days: 100%.
How guest money is protected
Membership of SATSA, which the company says gives a financial guarantee against loss of advance or full payments and against supplier insolvency (excluding international air travel). The direct-booking page also says SATSA provides financial protection for bookings.
Reviews
SafariBookings: 4.9 out of 5 from 23 reviews; Google: 4.7 out of 5 from 96 reviews; Trustpilot: 3.3 out of 5 from 1 review, read 2 November 2026.
Centurion, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa (physical and postal address 42 Henri road).
Balance due
Group tours: full price due not later than 50 calendar days before departure. Tailormade tours or packages booked more than 30 days ahead: balance due no later than 31 calendar days before the start date. Day trips: payment at least 72 hours before departure.
Cancellation
Group tours: deposit of minimum 20% non-refundable; up to 49 days before departure 20%; 48 to 30 days 40%; 29 to 15 days 60%; 14 to 3 days 85%; 3 to 0 days 100%. FITs, tailormade, packages and day trips: 20% deposit non-refundable; up to 60 days 20%; 60 to 30 days 50%; 29 to 15 days 75%; 14 to 0 days 100%. Amendment fee R 300.00 per amendment.
Payment methods
Credit card online (Paygate gateway, Visa and Mastercard with 3D Secure; 3% fee) and wire or forex swift transfer. Cash only by prior written agreement. Prices in ZAR.
Published price
Day tours are priced for 1 or 2 adults, for example Cape Town Peninsula full day ZAR6231.00 for 1 adult.
Reviews
SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 143 reviews; Google: 4.6 out of 5 from 17 reviews, read 2 November 2026.
Head office in Johannesburg, South Africa: 115 High Road, Eastleigh, Edenvale, Johannesburg, 1609.
How it runs trips
Private trips are offered (private Kruger safaris, private Pilanesberg and Cape Town tours, private Garden Route tours).
Balance due
Where applicable, the balance is due 40 days prior to departure.
Cancellation
Long-stay tours: 55-49 days 50% refund of payment excluding the non-refundable deposit; 48-42 days 25% refund; 41 days or less 0% refund; no show forfeits 100% of total payment. Day tours: full refund if cancelled due to extreme weather; 30-day notice forfeits 25%; 20-day notice forfeits 50%; 7-day notice forfeits 100%.
Published price
Ultimate Pilanesberg Open Vehicle Day Tour ZAR 2,995.
Reviews
SafariBookings: 4.9 out of 5 from 5,544 reviews; Google: 4.7 out of 5 from 332 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.9 out of 5 from 565 reviews, read 2 November 2026.
Private departures only: one guide and one vehicle, on your own dates, not a fixed departure.
Deposit
Standard deposit is 50% of the total travel arrangement costs, which can vary with terms or party size. The booking is confirmed on written confirmation and receipt of the deposit.
Balance due
Full payment is due eight weeks prior to the arrival date. Bookings made less than 8 weeks before departure are payable in full immediately on confirmation.
Parks
South Africa: Greater Kruger (Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Klaserie, Selati), Kruger National Park, Phinda, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi.
Reviews
SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 109 reviews, read 2 November 2026.
Tours are private ('Our Tours are Private meaning that your accommodation, transfers and certain routes are done privately'), though other guests may join some activities such as open vehicle game drives and bushwalks.
Deposit
A 50% deposit of the full tour/quoted price at the time of booking; if booked within 30 days of departure, the whole amount at confirmation.
Balance due
Balance due 30 days prior to the start of the safari tour.
Cancellation
Standard scale: 10% of total cost if cancelled or modified from booking date to 41 days before arrival; 50% at 40 to 31 days; 100% within 30 days. For luxury, semi-luxury or private lodges: 25% up to 43 days before; 50% at 42 to 29 days; 75% at 28 to 15 days; 100% at 14 to 0 days. Cancellations must be in writing.
Payment methods
EFT (bank transfer to the company's account), direct deposit at a bank and Mastercard or Visa credit/debit card (3.9% banking fee). All in ZAR. Guests carry their own bank fees.
Parks
Kruger National Park (including stays inside at camps such as Skukuza and Berg & Dal and lodges near the park around Hazyview), Blyde River Canyon and the Panorama Route, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Swaziland) and on the 14-day tour Mokala, Karoo National Park, Golden Gate, Tsitsikamma/Storms River and Cape Peninsula.
Reviews
SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 140 reviews, read 2 November 2026.
Based at 22 Torquay Road, Parkwood, Gauteng Province, South Africa.
How it runs trips
All tours are private and bespoke.
Deposit
A deposit of 50% is payable upon acceptance of the quote and at least 30 days before departure; for day tours it is payable immediately in cash. Air travel bookings need 100% upfront.
Balance due
Payment in full (balance 50%) is payable 30 days before departure to the account on the invoice.
Cancellation
A 50% refund only for cancellations 30 days or more before departure. A 90% refund for cancellations due to death or serious accident (spouse or immediate family member) with proof. Air travel bookings are not refundable.
Payment methods
Cash or EFT to the bank details supplied; funds must clear before departure; some transfers can attract extra fees, all bank fees for the guest's account. Currency is ZAR.
Parks
Kruger National Park and the private reserves adjoining it: Timbavati, Umbabat and Klaserie.
Based at Balule Nature Reserve, Hoedspruit, South Africa.
How it runs trips
Guaranteed daily departures.
Deposit
50% up front to secure the booking, paid through the website payment processor after availability is confirmed.
Balance due
The balance is payable on arrival at the lodge, not a number of days before arrival; credit cards are accepted at the lodge.
Cancellation
Cancellation more than 14 days before departure: client forfeits 50% of the deposit. 14 days or fewer: forfeits 100% of the deposit. R750 fee on all refunds for bank charges/admin.
Payment methods
Card only for booking payments, via PayGate: 'All booking payments will only be done via credit card on our website using the "Make a Payment" page.' MasterCard and Visa. Bank transfer is not accepted (warning about bank-account requests). Currency: South African rand.
Parks
Kruger National Park (full-day open-vehicle drives via Orpen Gate), Balule Private Game Reserve (Greater Kruger), Olifants West/Klaserie River area, Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondawels; the 7-day package adds Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and Isimangaliso Wetland Park (St Lucia).
Reviews
SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 368 reviews; Google: 4.6 out of 5 from 195 reviews; Trustpilot: 4 out of 5 from 3 reviews, read 2 November 2026.
The 4 Day Kruger and Panorama Tour is 'a private tour', departure date chosen by the guest (max 20, min 2 guests).
Deposit
50% deposit of the total day fee or package price to confirm the booking.
Balance due
The outstanding balance is payable 30 days prior to arrival.
Cancellation
More than 90 days' notice: deposit not forfeited, 80% of the deposit returned. 89 to 60 days: 50% of the deposit returned. 59 to 30 days: 25% of the deposit refunded. 29 to 14 days: 25% of the full amount refunded. Less than 14 days: full amount forfeited.
Payment methods
Online bank transfer, EFT, Visa credit or debit card, Mastercard debit or credit. Card payments are acquired via PayGate; transaction currency ZAR. Bank details are on the invoice.
Parks
Kruger National Park (camps named: Satara, Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal, Letaba), Panorama Route (God's Window, Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Berlin and Lisbon Falls, Pilgrim's Rest, Graskop), Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park (Hilltop and Mpila camps), Royal Hlane National Park in Swaziland and Drakensberg (14 Day Eastern Circle).
Reviews
SafariBookings: 5.0 out of 5 from 262 reviews; Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 42 reviews, read 2 November 2026.
13 of the 17 operators on this page say how they run trips (private, scheduled or overland); for the others, nothing on their websites as read can be shown here.
Bonsai-SA 4x4 Adventures and Tours: Guided convoy tours with a minimum of 3 vehicles (quotes for fewer), maximum 5 vehicles with 4 people per vehicle; dates are chosen on the Calendar and Bookings page.
Endless Summer Tours: Specialises in private tours and shared small group tours.
EuroZulu Guided Tours & Safaris: Day safaris depart daily from St Lucia accommodation with up to 9 per vehicle (shared)
Jenman African Safaris: Private tours and set-date guided group departures.
Mmilo Tours: Shared drives with other lodge guests are included in some packages (shared 3-hour drives on the budget Pilanesberg safari).
MoAfrika Tours: Private trips are offered (private Kruger safaris, private Pilanesberg and Cape Town tours, private Garden Route tours).
Moriti Private Safaris: Private departures only: one guide and one vehicle, on your own dates, not a fixed departure.
Red Africa Safaris: Tours are private ('Our Tours are Private meaning that your accommodation, transfers and certain routes are done privately'), though other guests may join some activities such as open vehicle game drives and bushwalks.
Senior Safaris: Runs small group tours for over-55s on a published 2026 tour schedule.
Sunway Safaris: Scheduled small-group departures (max 12), many marked guaranteed, in English and German, with dates through 2027.
Ukhozi Tours: All tours are private and bespoke.
Viva Safaris: Guaranteed daily departures.
Wild Planet Safari: The 4 Day Kruger and Panorama Tour is 'a private tour', departure date chosen by the guest (max 20, min 2 guests).
What do they say about children?
11 of the 17 operators on this page publish a child or family policy; for the others, nothing on their websites as read can be shown here.
African Sightings Adventure Tours & Safaris: Child rate: children under 12 pay R1950 (morning and afternoon), R2650 (full day) and R4500 (Addo and Schotia), against adult rates.
Big Six Tour Safaris: Children welcome on selected tours, subject to accommodation policies and safari rules; parents must disclose each child's age before booking; age restrictions may apply for open vehicles and bush walks.
Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris: Children over 4 are welcome on open vehicle safaris; families with children under 4 can book a private safari or a closed air-conditioned vehicle.
EuroZulu Guided Tours & Safaris: Children of all ages are welcome; for babies guests must bring their own car seat and all vehicles have seat belts.
Jenman African Safaris: Indemnity forms must be completed by a parent or guardian aged 21 or over for children aged 12 to 18 on scheduled tours.
Khalanga Safaris: All children may join private Kruger tours; tours can be adapted with longer breaks and play time; children under 12 are restricted from certain park activities such as bush walks.
Mmilo Tours: Pilanesberg 2026: children aged 12 and younger sharing with adults ZAR768.00 per child; aged 13-17 ZAR1875.00.
MoAfrika Tours: A children's rate is available on request; children 6 and under are not permitted on open safari vehicles for game drives and the minimum age for a guided bush walk is 16, following FGASA recommendations.
Red Africa Safaris: Children below 6 years are not permitted on open vehicle game drives; children below 12 are not allowed on any bushwalks.
Sunway Safaris: Minimum age 12 (occasional exceptions); ages 12-17 accepted only with an accompanying adult on scheduled tours; parents must supervise children, some campsites are unfenced.
Viva Safaris: Child rate (under 12) published on each package (for example 4 Day Tremisana/Masango 2026 R7795).
South Africa safari operator booking terms: the questions people ask
Which publish a price per person per day or night?
1 of the 17 does: Ukhozi Tours. Each one's own website gives the figure, quoted under What do they charge.
Which run private trips on your own dates?
7 of the 17 do: Endless Summer Tours, Jenman African Safaris, MoAfrika Tours, Moriti Private Safaris, Red Africa Safaris, Ukhozi Tours and Wild Planet Safari. Each one's own website says so.
Which run scheduled departures you can join?
2 of the 17 do: Jenman African Safaris and Sunway Safaris. Each one's own website says so.
Which help with self-drive trips?
4 of the 17 do: Bonsai-SA 4x4 Adventures and Tours, Endless Summer Tours, Jenman African Safaris and Red Africa Safaris. Each one's own website says so.
Which run mobile camping safaris?
4 of the 17 do: Jenman African Safaris, Khalanga Safaris, Moriti Private Safaris and Sunway Safaris. Each one's own website says so.
Which use vehicles of their own?
2 of the 17 do: Jenman African Safaris and Mmilo Tours. Each one's own website says so.
Which publish a child or family policy?
11 of the 17 do: African Sightings Adventure Tours & Safaris, Big Six Tour Safaris, Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris, EuroZulu Guided Tours & Safaris, Jenman African Safaris, Khalanga Safaris, Mmilo Tours, MoAfrika Tours, Red Africa Safaris, Sunway Safaris and Viva Safaris. Each one's own website says so.
Which have guest reviews on SafariBookings, Google or Trustpilot?
16 of the 17 do: African Sightings Adventure Tours & Safaris, Big Six Tour Safaris, Bonsai-SA 4x4 Adventures and Tours, Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris, Endless Summer Tours, EuroZulu Guided Tours & Safaris, Jenman African Safaris, Khalanga Safaris, Mmilo Tours, MoAfrika Tours, Moriti Private Safaris, Red Africa Safaris, Sunway Safaris, Ukhozi Tours, Viva Safaris and Wild Planet Safari. Each platform's rating and count are on the card, never added together.
Can I book these trips through Uncompromised Travel?
No. Uncompromised Travel is a publication and does not sell safaris. Each card has the company's own enquiry link.
How were these operators chosen?
Each one is an operator in the Uncompromised Travel local safari operators table whose own website shows that it is based in South Africa and publishes a deposit or a cancellation policy. A company is on the page because its published facts fit the question, never because it paid.
How current are these facts?
Each company's website was read on 2 November 2026. Prices, departures and reviews change, so confirm them with the operator before you book.
Is any company on this page paying to be here?
No. No company on this page is a partner of Uncompromised Travel; none paid to be listed.
Built to answer the question in the main heading. What is shown: facts each operator published on its own website, read on 2 November 2026, with reviews per platform (SafariBookings, Google and Trustpilot), from the Uncompromised Travel local safari operators table. Operators whose websites would not open are not on this page. Cards are in alphabetical order. No company paid to appear or for its place. Prices are in the currency each company showed and were not converted. How this site earns · How we work.
Richard Jasinski · Uncompromised Travel · written from Valencia · first published 2 November 2026 · updated 2 November 2026
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