Terms of Use

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the vale-sage website and services, you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website or services.

Services Description

vale-sage provides guided mountain expedition services in South Africa. Our website offers information about available expeditions, booking request capabilities, and educational content about mountain environments.

All expedition details, pricing, and availability are subject to change. Submission of an expedition request does not constitute a confirmed booking until you receive written confirmation from vale-sage.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking Process

Expedition requests submitted through our website are inquiries only. Final booking confirmation occurs after consultation with our expedition planning team and receipt of required deposits.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations more than 30 days before expedition: Full refund
• Cancellations 15-30 days before expedition: 50% refund
• Cancellations less than 15 days before expedition: No refund

vale-sage Initiated Cancellations

We reserve the right to cancel expeditions due to:

• Severe weather conditions deemed unsafe
• Insufficient enrollment
• Unforeseen circumstances affecting safety or feasibility

In cases where we cancel an expedition, you will receive a full refund or option to reschedule.

Participant Responsibilities

Health and Fitness

Participants must:

• Accurately represent their fitness level and experience
• Disclose any medical conditions that may affect ability to participate safely
• Meet minimum fitness requirements specified for each expedition
• Follow all safety instructions provided by guides

Equipment and Preparation

Participants are responsible for:

• Acquiring personal gear items specified in provided equipment lists
• Ensuring personal equipment is in good working condition
• Completing recommended preparation and training

Conduct

Participants must:

• Follow Leave No Trace principles
• Respect other participants and guides
• Comply with national park regulations and local laws
• Not engage in behavior that endangers themselves or others

Assumption of Risk

Mountain activities involve inherent risks including but not limited to:

• Slips, trips, and falls on uneven terrain
• Exposure to weather conditions
• Altitude-related issues
• Wildlife encounters
• Equipment failure
• Other participants' actions

By participating in expeditions, you acknowledge these risks and accept them voluntarily. While we implement comprehensive safety measures, we cannot eliminate all risks inherent in mountain environments.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, vale-sage, its guides, employees, and partners shall not be liable for:

• Personal injury, illness, or death resulting from participation in expeditions
• Loss or damage to personal property
• Expenses incurred due to expedition modifications, delays, or cancellations caused by weather, natural disasters, or other circumstances beyond our control

Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount paid for the specific expedition in question.

Insurance

Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel and activity insurance covering:

• Medical expenses and emergency evacuation
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Personal liability
• Equipment loss or damage

vale-sage does not provide insurance coverage for participants.

Intellectual Property

All content on the vale-sage website, including text, images, graphics, and design, is owned by vale-sage or licensed for use. You may not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without permission
• Use content for commercial purposes without authorization
• Remove copyright or proprietary notices

Photography and Media

During expeditions, vale-sage may take photographs or videos. By participating, you grant permission for use of images containing your likeness for promotional purposes unless you explicitly opt out in writing.

Website Use

Prohibited Activities

You may not:

• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with website functionality
• Submit false or misleading information
• Use automated systems to access the website excessively
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations

Accuracy of Information

While we strive to provide accurate information, we do not warrant that website content is complete, current, or error-free. Expedition details may change, and we recommend confirming current information before making decisions.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party sites. We do not control and are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of use of external sites.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless vale-sage, its guides, employees, and partners from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms of Use
• Your violation of any law or rights of third parties
• Your participation in expeditions

Dispute Resolution

These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of South Africa. Any disputes arising from these terms or your use of our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Cape Town, South Africa.

Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Use at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of our website or services after changes constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms of Use is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Entire Agreement

These Terms of Use, together with our Privacy Policy and other referenced policies, constitute the entire agreement between you and vale-sage regarding use of our website and services.

Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms of Use:

vale-sage
127 Buitengracht Street
Cape Town, 8001
South Africa
Email: [email protected]