A Full Service Destination Management Company

We help travellers and agents to plan and design the best routes to embark on a wildlife safari, to explore fascinating expeditions as you enjoy the flora & fauna of Southern Africa. We do safari bookings, meet & greet and ground handling services on behalf of agents to make sure their guests are fully taken care of during their safari trips.

Terms & Conditions of Car Rental

Detour & Afrika 4x4 Rentals

Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe & South Africa

Minimum Rental Duration and Costings

Minimum rental period:

5 days

Duration and Costing

Vehicle rentals are calculated on a per calendar day basis, i.e., day of pick-up or drop off is always counted as a full day irrespective of what time it is collected or dropped off. A Rental day is not calculated on a 24hr cycle.

Pick up and return locations

One way, relocation and collection / delivery fees apply – for cross border

Long-term Rentals

Rentals over 50-74 days 5% Discount on 28-49 Day Rate

Rentals over 75-99 days 10% Discount on 28-49 Day Rate

Rentals over 100+ days 15% Discount on 28-49 Day Rate

Office Hours: Rental Locations

Monday to Friday: 08h00 – 17h00 (last handover at 16h00, last return at 16h00) Saturday: 08h00 – 14h00 (last handover at 12h00, last return at 12h00)

After Hour surcharge applies at a cost of USD 50-00 per collection or return outside of the normal office hours. After hour operations are as follows:

Saturday: 13h00 – 16h00 Sundays & Public Holidays 08h00 – 16h00

(Late returns will be charged on a per day basis)

Collection

Vehicle handover can take approx. 2-3 hours for equipped vehicles and 15-20 minutes for un-equipped vehicles, depending on the questions asked and client feedback. This involves a thorough explanation and demonstration of the vehicle and its equipment where relevant. Kindly note that signing the vehicle condition report is an acceptance of the condition of the vehicle.

Detour Afrika must be notified within the first 24 hours of collection should the renter experience any glitches, problems, malfunctions, or discomfort (clutch damage within the first 5 days of collection). No consideration will be given to claims against such experiences, and no compensation or liability for lost time will be given if issues are only reported on the return of the vehicle. Rental days lost due to a vehicle that has been collected after the agreed date will not be credited. An after-hours fee of USD50-00 shall be charged on public holidays and Sundays.

Return

When returning the vehicle, please set aside one hour for the vehicle and equipment to be checked on equipped vehicles and motorhomes and 10-15 minutes on unequipped vehicles. Although we request that the vehicle be returned with a full fuel tank, as a courtesy to the next renter our representatives will take the vehicle to our refueling station to ensure that the vehicle is full. Should top-ups be required, the fuel amount will be deducted from the renter’s nominated credit card. Vehicles must be returned clean (interior, exterior, and equipment), in order for the vehicle check-in to be done.

Vehicles returned excessively dirty will be charged a cleaning fee of USD 80.00. Toilet cassettes in the motorhomes must be emptied and cleaned or a cleaning fee of USD 80.00 will be charged. Any vehicles returned later than the agreed return date, or outside of normal office hours (without prior arrangement), will be charged a full day’s rental per calendar day. Rental days lost due to the vehicle being returned before the agreed return date will not be credited.

  • ¨ The company reserves the right to charge for fuel on vehicles that are not returned in full, a 3 liter allowance for vehicle movement will be given.
  • ¨ The company reserves the right to charge a cleaning fee of USD 80.00 in the event that the rental vehicle is returned in an extremely dirty condition. The company at its sole discretion reserves the right to determine whether a vehicle is extremely dirty in a true and fair manner. An extremely dirty rental vehicle will include but not be limited to when the rental vehicle/s possible damages cannot be assessed properly
  • ¨ The renter knows and understands that no smoking in the rental vehicles is allowed, and that a fee of USD 200.00 will be charged to remove any fumes or smells and/or burn marks on the interior of the vehicle caused by smoking in the rental vehicle.


License

A valid B/EB or code 08 national or international driver’s license in ENGLISH for vehicles less than 3500kg, is required.

Minimum Age

The minimum age permitted to rent is 25 years.

A surcharge of USD 55-00 for any drivers under the age of 25 years old with a minimum age of 23 that has had a license for a minimum of 3 years.

Liability Cover Options

DETOUR AFRIKA offers 3 liability cover options namely: Standard, LLR1 (Loss Liability Reduction), and Super Cover/LLR2 (Loss Liability Reduction). These options are NOT a personal liability cover, but cover for damage to our vehicles and/or 3rd party property. Details below: (These liability options do not cover equipment, fridge, rooftop tents, or awnings. For liability values.

Option 1

This cover carries the highest liability which is applicable in the event of any accident, theft, or damage to either our vehicle or third-party property. A higher value (as per Annexure 2) is pre-authorized on the renter’s Visa or MasterCard credit card at the time of collection. Funds will only be deducted from this amount, should the renter return the vehicle and/or equipment in a damaged condition or for any 3rd party damage. If no claims exist, this amount is released within 21-30 working days from date of return, by the renter’s financial institution. Standard liability cover does not include repair to or replacement of tires, rims and windscreens/glass.

Option 2:

LLR1 (Loss Liability Reduction)

A daily rate (as per Annexure 3) is charged per day as per your quotation/rental agreement detailed as LLR1 (Loss Liability Reduction) waiver. This waiver reduces your liability and is applicable to the vehicle and third-party property damage and includes the cost of replacing or repairing of 1 x windscreen/glass, 1x rim and 1 x tyres, refer to clause 8. Accidents for exclusions. A security deposit as per Annexure 2 is pre-authorised on the renter’s Visa or MasterCard credit card at the time of collection. Funds will only be deducted from this amount, should the renter return the vehicle and/or equipment in a damaged condition or for any 3rd party damage. If no claims exist, this liability is released within 21-30 working days from date of return, by the renter’s financial institution. The vehicle is to be returned to the agreed location, on the agreed date, in a clean condition and no items or equipment are lost or damaged. The security deposit is fully refunded within 21-30 working days, after date of return, should all the terms and conditions be adhered to. (This cover excludes loose equipment, fridge, rooftop tents and awnings)

Option 3:

Super Cover / LLR2 (Loss Liability Reduction)

A daily rate (as per Annexure 3) is charged per day as per your quotation/rental agreement detailed as Super Cover/LLR2 (Loss Liability Reduction). This cover is a NO LIABILITY cover (as per Annexure 2) and is applicable to the vehicle and third-party property damage and includes the cost of replacing or repairing of windscreens, rims & tyres, radio theft and recovery costs, refer to clause 8. Accidents for exclusions (Tyre are limited to 4 (four) per rental, rims limited to 2 (two) per rental and windscreens limited to 2 (two) per rental). A security deposit as per Annexure 2 is pre-authorised on the renter’s Visa or MasterCard credit card at the time of collection to ensure that the vehicle is returned to the agreed location, on the agreed date, in a clean condition and no items or equipment are lost or damaged. The security deposit is fully refunded within 21-30 working days, after date of return, should all the terms and conditions be adhered to. (This cover excludes loose equipment, fridge, rooftop tents and awnings)

Refer to Annexure 2 for details on liability values and deposit values Refer to Annexure 3 for details on cover inclusions and exclusions

  1. CLAIMS HANDLING FEE
  2. A handling fee of USD 75.00 is charged on all damage/accident claims irrespective of the liability cover option taken.
  3. ACCIDENTS
  4. Single-vehicle accidents are included in all liability cover options, except in the case of rollovers. In case of damage to the vehicle rented, the

following will apply:

The incident:

All accidents must be reported to DETOUR AFRIKA  (+267 76876130/71894254), and by law, within 24 hours. An AR (accident report) number from the police must be obtained at the time of reporting the incident. This proves that the accident has been registered. Failing to report accidents may void all liability cover and the renter becomes fully liable for all costs. We advise that you take as many photographs of the accident scene and also obtain the third party details when applicable. These can be recorded on the reverse side of the rental pack envelope supplied to you on collection. We also suggest that you take a photograph of the driver’s licences of the persons involved and of the license disc displayed on the windscreen of the 3rd party vehicle. An accident report which is provided in the RENTAL PACK, must also be completed. These documents and records of evidence will be submitted to DETOUR AFRICA in order to process the incident.

The vehicle:

The renter is responsible for the recovery of the damaged vehicle to the original rental branch depending on the liability cover option taken. A replacement vehicle will only be dispatched once payment of all damages / recovery costs to the first vehicle is made, if applicable. DETOUR AFRIKA reserves the right to withhold a replacement vehicle; this does not entitle the client to any claims against DETOUR AFRIKA.

If the renter requires a replacement vehicle to be delivered, charges will be levied if applicable, according to the liability cover option taken on the rental.

If the renter is not granted a replacement vehicle, no refunds for early termination of the contract will be considered.

Should the renter continue with a replacement vehicle, this vehicle will be noted under the current rental contract and standard cover will be applicable. This includes a new standard cover liability deposit (as per Annexure 2) pre-authorisation on the nominated credit card. LLR1(Loss Liability Reduction) or Super Cover / LLR2 (Loss Liability Reduction) is not available on a replacement vehicle. (Irrespective of which party is at fault)

Exceptions & Conditions: [refer to clause 6. Liability Options, Standard Cover, LLR1 (Loss Liability Reduction) and Super Cover/LLR2 (Loss Liability Reduction)]

DETOUR AFRIKA is not responsible for any damage or theft to items of personal nature. Travel and personal insurance is highly recommended. Exclusions of all cover options:

The renter is fully liable for any damage to the THRSA vehicle or third-party property if:

  • ¨ Any terms of the rental contract is breached;
  • ¨ Damages are sustained whilst the renter/driver is in violation of any traffic laws or ordinances.
  • ¨ Damage to the vehicle is caused by careless, wilful or reckless driving. This includes:

o Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

o Driving on restricted or unrecognised roads

o Driving over the speed limits as outlined in this document

o Not adhering to the vehicle height restrictions; (the height of the overhead obstacle must have a clearance of more than 3.5m

  • ¨ Overhead damage is covered, except for damage to the roof top mounted air-cooling system (A/C), awnings, air vents and

the lutton on the 6-berth motorhome (M6B). Renters are reminded that the motorhomes are high. Caution needs to be taken when driving under branches, bridges, through archways or any overhead obstructions. (the height of the overhead obstacle must have a clearance of more than 3.5m)

  • ¨ Related to water submersion or salt water damage:

A vehicle may not go through water.

  • ¨ The vehicle was driven in a country in which written approval was not obtained from DETOUR AFRIKA;
  • ¨ Damage is incurred due to incorrect use of the hand brake;
  • ¨ The damage to the clutch after 5 days of commencement of the rental. The customer is then liable for:

o The cost of the clutch kit which is USD 1,600.00 including VAT and installation;

¨ Roll-overs are not covered in any liability cover options. A roll over is defined as a vehicle sustaining all types of damage due to it not being on all 4 wheels; (the vehicle being on its side is construed as a roll over);

  • ¨ The incorrect fuel is pumped into the fuel tank and/or fuel in the water tank will incur a USD 1,300.00 cost. DETOUR AFRIKA advises

that should this occur, the vehicle is to remain turned off and not started under any circumstances. This reduces the damage

caused;

  • ¨ Undercarriage damages by means of any and all damages including but not limited to the side sills, prop shaft, side shaft,

front and rear diff and exhaust system.

  • ¨ Loose equipment, steps, roof vents, air-cooling system (A/C) and awning where applicable.

The renter is responsible for any damages or accidents that DETOUR AFRIKA has not been made aware of on the return of the vehicle. Please note the applicable charges will be charged to the nominated credit card.

Rules in respect of replacement vehicles (whether due to an accident or vehicle damage)

In the case of clutch or water damage the following is applicable:

¨ The repairs and recovery (towing) costs of the vehicle is the responsibility of the renter. The following recovery / replacement

rates will apply irrespective of your cover option taken: USD 15.00 per kilometre

Should a replacement vehicle be required, DETOUR AFRIKA will replace the vehicle within 24 hours within Botswana and 48 hours within Namibia, Zambia ,Zimbabwe and South Africa (Accessibility dependant)

o Should the renter continue with a replacement vehicle, this vehicle will be noted under the current rental contract and standard cover will be applicable. This includes a new standard cover liability deposit (as per Annexure 2) pre-authorisation on the nominated credit card. LLR1 (Loss Liability Reduction) or Super cover / LLR2 (Loss Liability Reduction) is not available on a replacement vehicle. (Irrespective of which party is at fault)

Air Cooling System

The air-cooling system in the cabin and rear of the vehicle is designed to be used in South African weather conditions. In regions where the temperatures reach in excess of 28 degrees Celsius, the unit may not work as effectively. This is normal and does not constitute grounds to request a replacement vehicle. Whenever the vehicle is stationery, or idling for prolonged periods, the cabin air-cooling system must be switched off to prevent damage.

The air-cooling system in the living area of the motorhomes only works when it is plugged into a 220v power supply. This power supply can be found at most camp sites. The vehicle is supplied with an extension cord, which is plugged into the camp site power box, and then plugged into the motorhome in the socket labelled POWER INLET.

Dust Ingress

It is not possible to make vehicles dust-proof and therefore refunds or claims for any dust ingress of any nature, will not be considered.

Payment

DETOUR AFRIKA reserves the right to accept CASH or DEBIT CARDS as payment in any way.

Valid Visa/MasterCard credit cards, EFT or bank transfer payments are accepted for rentals.

Pre-authorisation: DETOUR AFRIKA only accepts valid Visa and MasterCard credit cards that are embossed, in order to place the pre-authorisation for liability cover and security deposits and or any applicable charges. (DETOUR AFRIKA does not accept DINNERS or AMERICAN EXPRESS credit card)

The holder of the credit cards needs to be present at vehicle collection in order for the transaction to be processed.

DETOUR AFRIKA is not responsible for any currency fluctuations that may occur in any transactions.

FULL PAYMENT must be received 14 working days prior to date of collection.

Equipment

All DETOUR AFRIKA 4×4 Equipped vehicles are supplied with equipment (unless otherwise agreed upon). Our liability cover options do not cover any equipment supplied with the vehicle. Any loss or damage to the equipment including items such as GPS, baby seats, awnings, steps etc. will be charged to your credit card. Should any of your equipment malfunction during the rental period, DETOUR AFRIKA is not liable to provide a replacement vehicle. Repairs can be made according to clause 24 of this document, titled Vehicle Repairs.

Road Restrictions

Tyres, rims, windscreens and glass will not be covered on Motorhomes in Namibia, irrespective of waiver option taken.

4×4 Equipped vehicles are allowed to be driven on public bitumen/tar roads or gravel roads as well as on public recognized 4×4 tracks in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa & Zimbabwe.

For your own safety – It is highly recommended to avoid driving before sunrise and after sunset

Cross Border Documentation

A once-off cross-border fee per vehicle per rental of USD100.00 applies for cross-border documentation into, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The vehicle documentation is for the vehicle cross-border requirements ONLY. DETOUR AFRIKA is not liable for the arrangement or payment of visas, permits, third party insurance, or road taxes applicable to the countries of entry. These are for the renter’s account and can be arranged prior to travel or at the borders of the applicable countries. All cross-border applications are to be accompanied by a clear copy of the renter’s passport & driver’s license to be received seven days prior to collection. (Please note DETOUR AFRIKA cannot be held liable for any time delays regarding border documentation, costs, and crossings)

4×4 Equipped vehicles are allowed to be driven on public bitumen/tar roads or gravel roads as well as on public recognized 4×4 tracks in Botswana, Mozambique (Up to Vilanculos only), Namibia

Vehicle Repairs

It is possible that during your rental, small repairs may be required due to the nature of the terrain. Repairs of up to USD 150.00 may be affected without prior authorisation from DETOUR AFRICA and such repairs will be reimbursed, on the submission of a claim with original receipts attached. Amounts above USD 150.00.00 will require verbal/telephonic approval from DETOUR AFRICA on-road assistance, where a ticket will be logged on our ticketing system for reference when submitting your claim. (The numbers are provided in your rental pack). Should approval not be obtained the claim may be disputed.

Should a call-out fee be charged by a supplier to replace a tyre, approval must be obtained from DETOUR AFRIKA road side assist. Should permission be granted by DETOUR AFRIKA for an overnight stay in a lodge, due to repairs, a maximum allowance of USD 150.00.00 per night per vehicle is granted for a maximum of one night .

The original receipts must be submitted to your return branch when claiming against your LLR1 (Loss Liability Reduction) or Super Cover/LLR2 (Loss Liability Reduction), where a once off admin fee of USD55.00 will be levied for this claim.

Should a replacement vehicle be required due to a mechanical fault not due to negligence, DETOUR AFRIKA will replace the vehicle within 24 hours in Botswana and 48 hours outside of Botswana, at no extra cost to the renter.

Vehicle Keys

DETOUR AFRIKA Call Assist must be informed of keys lost or locked inside a vehicle. The replacement or recovery of keys is for the renter’s account.

DETOUR AFRIKA cannot be held liable for any accommodation, time/days and/or personal items lost or any other costs incurred, due to the replacement or recovery of keys. (It is the renter’s responsibility to safe guard the vehicle while the keys are being replaced)

Tyres

The renter is responsible for the repairing of flat or punctured tyres. The driver should not exceed the road traffic ordinance. For your safety, DETOUR AFRIKA recommends a maximum speed of 120km/h on tarred roads, and 60km/h on gravel/sealed or corrugated roads, and 40km/h in National Parks. Tyres get hot and pressures increase at higher speeds. Tyres are then susceptible to damage especially on uneven surfaces.

When replacing a tyre, please ensure that it is a new tyre of the same brand, size and that is has a ply rating of 4mm or more. Reconditioned, second hand or re-treaded tyres are NOT acceptable. The renter is required to check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold (i.e. not after travelling for more than 10km), at regular intervals. All tyres should be checked, including spares. The company’s minimum tread requirement is 4mm which is within the South African Road Ordinance limits of 4mm.

Tracking

All DETOUR AFRIKA vehicles are fitted with tracking devices. Tracking is monitored in all Southern Africa destinations as allowed by DETOUR AFRIKA. DETOUR AFRIKA reserves the right to repossess the rental vehicle at any time if it is found illegally parked, being used to violate the law or appears to be abandoned and/or continuously exceeds the maximum speed limit of 120km per hour. If the renter is in breach of any terms or conditions of the rental agreement.

Please note- The tracking devices fitted into our vehicles are not used for emergency or safety purposes.

Infringement

The renter is liable for all fines and penalties incurred during the rental period plus an administration fee of ZAR300.00 for each infringement or

penalty notice that has been redirected by THRSA to the renter.

Fire Extinguishers – A fire extinguisher may only be used in the event of a fire within the vehicle, fire extinguishers used for any other purpose/where the seal is broken a ZAR500.00 will be levied.

Cancellation/ No Show Penalties

Cancellations are charged according to the below. Fees in percentage of total rental amount. Late collections or early returns are non- refundable.

  1. 25 days before collection: 0%
  2. 24 – 7 days before collection: 25%
  3. 7 – 1 day before collection: 50%
  4. No show or cancellation on day of collection: 100%

The Renter acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s standard cancellation and/or no show penalties shall apply in the event of a Force Majeure Event.

Fees – Mandatory Contract; Equipment; Extras; One-Way & Delivery/Collection

Cancellations are charged according to the below. Fees in percentage of total rental amount. Late collections or early returns are non- refundable.

  1. 25 days before collection: 0%
  2. 24 – 7 days before collection: 25%
  3. 7 – 1 day before collection: 50%
  4. No show or cancellation on day of collection: 100%

The Renter acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s standard cancellation and/or no show penalties shall apply in the event of a Force Majeure Event.

Visit our tours page so see tours you may like

Whether you want to engage in self-driving (camping, lodge to lodge) or be escorted by our local experienced guides, fly-in or mobile tented safaris. Detour Africa Expeditions has you covered with exciting adventures

Tours and Itineraries

Once in a life time, unforgettable and unique luxurious classic explore of Africa’s bush life as you travel around with the local qualified professional guide from one camp to another which are situated in the wilderness.

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Africa is wild, captivating, and waiting for you.

Let us take the reins, organizing every aspect, while you simply embrace the journey. Your safari adventure starts here – with us, your trusted partners in making dreams come true.