Privacy Policy

African Travel Co (“we,” “us,” “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in a safe and responsible manner. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and share your data when you interact with us online or offline.

1. What Information We Collect

A. Information You Provide Directly:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Nationality and country of residence
- Preferred travel dates and destinations
- Number of travelers
- Travel interests and preferences (e.g., wine, safari, golf)
- Passport or ID number (only when required for travel bookings)
- Medical or dietary requirements (only if you voluntarily provide this for travel planning)
- Billing address and payment details (for direct payment processing)

B. Information Collected Automatically:
- IP address
- Device type and browser
- Cookies and browsing behavior on our site
- Pages viewed and time spent on the site
- Referring source (e.g., Google, Instagram)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:
- Respond to inquiries and travel requests
- Create custom itineraries and quotes
- Facilitate bookings through trusted third-party platforms (e.g., TBO.com)
- Process payments and issue invoices
- Contact you regarding your trip
- Send updates, confirmations, or changes
- Improve our services, website, and user experience
- Send marketing or promotional materials (if you consent)
- Comply with legal obligations

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

We only collect and use your data where:
- You have given us consent (e.g., when submitting a form or signing up for emails)
- It’s necessary to perform a contract (e.g., booking a trip)
- We’re legally required to do so
- It’s in our legitimate interest to improve our services and customer experience

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal data.
We may share it with:
- Trusted travel providers and booking platforms to confirm accommodation, transport, or experiences
- Payment gateways to process transactions securely
- Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp) if you opted into updates
- Law enforcement or regulatory authorities when required by law

Each third-party partner is vetted and required to handle your data securely.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as:
- Required by law (e.g., tax or business regulations)
- Necessary to fulfill your travel needs or respond to future requests
- You are subscribed to our mailing list (unless you unsubscribe)

After this period, we securely delete or anonymize your data.

6. Your Rights Under POPIA & GDPR

You have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Correct or update inaccurate information
- Withdraw your consent at any time
- Request deletion of your personal data
- Object to or restrict how we use your data
- Lodge a complaint with your country’s data protection authority

To exercise your rights, contact us at info@africantravelco.co.za.

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Analyze site traffic
- Improve site performance
- Tailor your browsing experience

You can control cookie settings through your browser or device. Declining cookies may limit some functionality of the site.

8. Marketing Communication

We will only send you marketing materials if you opt in. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in any email or contacting us directly.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If we learn that we have collected personal data from a child without parental consent, we will delete it immediately.

10. Data Security

We implement strict security protocols to protect your personal data, including:
- SSL encryption
- Secure data storage and backup
- Restricted access to authorized personnel only
- Regular site updates and monitoring

While we take every reasonable precaution, no system is 100% secure. You provide your data at your own risk.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., travel blogs, booking tools). We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those websites.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted here with a new effective date. Your continued use of our site or services constitutes acceptance of these terms.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about your data, please contact:

Email: info@africantravelco.co.za
Phone: +27 82 820 1526

Address: 106A Station Road, Somerset West, 7130

African Travel Co — South Africa