Privacy Policy

1. Introduction and Applicability

Safari Options (Pty) Ltd ("Company," "we," "us," "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with all applicable data protection laws, including the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPI). This Privacy Policy ("Policy") explains our practices regarding the collection, processing, use, storage, sharing, and protection of your personal information when you access and use our website, mobile applications, and services (collectively, the "Platform"). This Policy applies to all users, including travelers, affiliates, service providers, and visitors to our Platform. By accessing the Platform, you consent to our processing of your personal information as described herein. If you do not agree with our practices, please discontinue use of the Platform immediately.

2. Categories of Personal Information Collected

Information You Directly Provide:

• Identity Information: Full name, date of birth, gender, ID number, passport number, citizenship
• Contact Information: Email address, phone number, physical address, postal address
• Travel Information: Trip dates, destinations, accommodation preferences, special requests, dietary requirements, accessibility needs, travel companions
• Payment Information: Credit/debit card details, banking information, payment method preferences, transaction history (processed through secure payment gateways; we do not store full card details)
• Affiliate Information: Company details, business registration, tax identification numbers, banking information, business website, marketing materials
• Communication Records: Messages, inquiries, support tickets, correspondence with our staff or third-party providers
• Optional Information: Preferences, interests, feedback, reviews, photos, and any voluntarily provided information

Information Automatically Collected:

• Technical Data: IP address, browser type and version, device type, operating system, internet service provider
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on each page, click patterns, search queries, referral source, pages accessed before/after the Platform
• Cookies and Tracking: First-party and third-party cookies, web beacons, pixel tags, local storage, session identifiers
• Location Data: Approximate geographic location based on IP address (not precise GPS location unless provided)
• Device Information: Device identifiers, mobile network information, screen resolution, operating system version

Information from Third Parties:

• Information provided by tour operators, accommodation providers, and travel partners when you book services
• Payment processor information regarding transactions and fraud detection
• Marketing partners and analytics providers
• Public databases and verification services (for affiliate verification)
• Information from other users (e.g., if someone includes you in their booking)

3. Purpose of Processing and Legal Basis

We process your personal information for the following purposes, based on applicable legal grounds:

Performance of Contract and Service Provision:

• Processing and managing your bookings and reservations
• Providing customer support and responding to inquiries
• Sending booking confirmations, itineraries, and service updates
• Facilitating payment transactions and affiliate commissions
• Verifying affiliate eligibility and compliance

Legal and Compliance Obligations:

• Complying with tax and regulatory requirements in South Africa
• Verifying identity and preventing fraud and money laundering
• Responding to legal requests, court orders, and government inquiries
• Maintaining records for audit and compliance purposes

Legitimate Business Interests:

• Improving our Platform, features, and user experience
• Analyzing usage patterns and service performance
• Detecting, preventing, and investigating fraud and security incidents
• Enforcing our Terms of Service and other agreements
• Managing disputes and resolving complaints
• Optimizing marketing and business operations

Marketing and Communication (with your consent):

• Sending promotional offers, newsletters, and marketing communications
• Conducting surveys, market research, and gathering feedback
• Personalizing your experience and recommending relevant services

4. Sharing and Disclosure of Personal Information

We share your personal information with the following categories of recipients, subject to appropriate safeguards:

• Third-Party Service Providers: Tour operators, accommodation providers, tour guides, travel agencies, and other service providers to fulfill bookings and provide services
• Payment Processors: Credit card processors, payment gateways, and financial institutions to process transactions securely
• Affiliate Partners: Information necessary to pay commissions and manage affiliate accounts
• Service Providers: Cloud hosting providers, email service providers, analytics companies, customer support platforms, and marketing agencies assisting in our operations
• Legal and Regulatory Authorities: Government agencies, law enforcement, tax authorities, and courts as required by applicable law
• Business Transfers: In the event of merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction
• Fraud Prevention: Financial institutions and fraud prevention services to detect and prevent fraudulent activity
• Aggregate and Anonymized Data: We may share aggregated, de-identified information that cannot identify you for research, marketing, and analytics purposes

All recipients are bound by confidentiality obligations and are required to process personal information only for specified purposes. We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

5. Data Security and Protection Measures

Safari Options implements comprehensive technical, physical, and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, loss, disclosure, or destruction, in accordance with POPI principles:

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmitted over the internet; encrypted storage of sensitive information
• Access Controls: Role-based access controls; authentication requirements; logging of information access
• Data Minimization: Collection and retention of only necessary personal information
• Secure Deletion: Secure deletion or anonymization of personal information when no longer needed
• Employee Training: Regular training for staff on data protection and confidentiality obligations
• Incident Response: Procedures for detecting, responding to, and reporting security breaches
• Third-Party Security: Contractual requirements for service providers to implement adequate security measures

Important Note: While we implement industry-standard security measures, no system is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information. You are responsible for maintaining confidential account credentials. If you suspect unauthorized access, notify us immediately.

6. Cookies, Tracking Technologies, and Analytics

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance functionality, analyze usage, and improve your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic Platform functionality (authentication, security, language preferences)
• Performance Cookies: Track usage patterns to improve Platform performance and user experience
• Analytics Cookies: Collect aggregated data about how users interact with the Platform (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Marketing Cookies: Enable targeted advertising and marketing (only with your consent)

Your Choices: You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences and opt-out of non-essential cookies. Most browsers include instructions for managing cookies. Disabling essential cookies may limit Platform functionality. You can opt out of analytics tracking through Google Analytics opt-out browser extensions.

7. Third-Party Links and External Services

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites, applications, and services that are not operated by Safari Options. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or policies of third-party sites. We strongly recommend that you review the privacy policies and terms of any third-party services before providing personal information or engaging with them. Your use of third-party services is at your own risk and governed by their terms and policies, not ours.

8. Your Data Subject Rights Under POPI

Under the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Right of Access: Request access to personal information we hold about you in a readable format
• Right to Correct: Request correction or updating of inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated personal information
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information when no longer necessary (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your personal information for direct marketing or other purposes
• Right to Restrict: Request restriction of processing while accuracy is being verified
• Right to Data Portability: Request your personal information in a structured, portable format
• Right to Lodge Complaint: File a complaint with the Information Regulator if you believe your rights have been violated
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing at any time (does not affect lawfulness of past processing)

How to Exercise Your Rights: Submit a written request to our Data Protection Officer at privacy@safariroptions.com or the contact details below. We will respond to your request within 20 business days as required by POPI, or provide reasons for delay.

9. Children's Privacy

The Platform is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we discover that a child under 18 has provided personal information, we will delete such information promptly and, where applicable, notify parents or guardians. Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided information should contact us immediately.

10. Retention of Personal Information

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations, and resolve disputes. Retention periods vary based on the purpose and applicable legal requirements:

• Booking Information: Retained for 7 years to comply with South African tax and accounting requirements
• Payment Records: Retained for 7 years per tax regulations
• Communication Records: Retained for 3 years unless required longer by law
• Marketing Information: Retained until you unsubscribe or opt-out
• Legal Hold: Information subject to legal proceedings is retained until the matter is resolved

Upon expiration of retention periods, personal information is securely deleted or anonymized. You may request deletion earlier, subject to legal and contractual obligations.

11. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be processed, stored, and transferred across borders to countries including the United States, European Union, and other jurisdictions. We implement appropriate safeguards to ensure adequate levels of protection. By using the Platform, you consent to such transfers. We comply with POPI cross-border transfer principles.

12. Data Protection Officer and Privacy Inquiries

Safari Options has designated a Data Protection Officer responsible for overseeing privacy compliance:

Data Protection Officer:
Safari Options
Email: privacy@safariroptions.com
Phone: +27 (0) 21 710 7790
Address: Cape Town, South Africa

For questions about our privacy practices, to exercise your data rights, or to report privacy concerns, please contact our Data Protection Officer using the details above.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Safari Options may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, and other factors. We will post the updated Privacy Policy on the Platform and update the "Last Updated" date. Material changes will be communicated via email or prominent notice on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform following any updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy. We recommend reviewing this Policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.

14. Information Regulator Contact

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated or wish to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa:

Information Regulator of South Africa
Email: complaints.IR@justice.gov.za
Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg