Privacy Policy

This privacy policy is part of the web usage terms and conditions of Big 5 Safaris. If you do not agree with any of the terms of this privacy policy, you must cease to use the Big 5 Safaris website (www.big5 safaris.co.za) immediately.

AFRICAN BUDGET SAFARIS' PRIVACY POLICY

This Privacy Policy ("policy") details the basis on which Big 5 Safaris collects, uses, and shares the data that we receive from users of our website. We take the privacy of our users seriously, and we recommend that you read this policy carefully. By using the Big 5 Safaris website (www.big5safaris.co.za), you agree to be bound by this privacy policy.

Our travel clients and website users are from many different countries. Therefore, we endeavor to process all data in accordance with principles of internationally accepted best practices, and compliance regulations. We review our compliance with this policy on an ongoing basis and whenever we receive a formal complaint, we will contact the person who made the complaint to attempt to resolve his or her concerns.

Please note that by using our website (as a user browsing the website), you are consenting to our collection and use of your information as more fully detailed in this policy. If you have any concerns about the use of your information or the contents of this privacy policy, please feel free to contact us.

Data Collected

We distinguish in this policy between ‘personal data’ (data that is required to facilitate international travel), and 'non-personal data' (data regarding usage of the website, and de-identified information extracted from the website for analysis). We collect both personal and non-personal data through our website and through third parties, either automatically, or by your providing this information to us during enquiring, signing up for our newsletter, or during the consultation phase to help us improve the information we provide you with.

1. User Notifications:

1.1 Failure to provide requested information may impair our ability to provide professional advice when curating, customizing and sharing proposed travel itineraries.

1.2 You will need to ensure that your personal information submitted to us is accurate and up-to-date.

1.3 You are responsible for any third-party information obtained, published or shared through the website, and you consent to only use or share this third-party data with the third party's consent.

2. Personal Data:

2.1 We collect and store the personal information that you may provide to us through our website when you enquire with us, update or change your information with us, or make use of our services.

2.2 We also collect and store information in relation to your travel itinerary, travel preferences and particulars of those traveling with you, for example through communications, surveys, and other data submitted by you.

2.3 Anyone involved with the processing, transmission, or storage of card data must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). Big 5 Safaris does not collect or store any credit card or account details.

3. Non-personal Data:

3.1 In addition to personal data, we also store non-personal data, which cannot be used to identify our users. The kinds of non-personal data that we collect includes de-identified data about the usage of our website.

3.2 We also make use of cookies or similar tracking tools to identify website users and remember their preferences, for the purpose of providing a better user experience and service, and marketing/advertising our services online.

How Big 5 Safaris Shares Information

We use a number of external parties to assist us in processing personal data for the above purposes, and they may hold this personal data on their own servers for these purposes. We may share the information we obtain with:

1. Service Providers

In connection with the operation and provision of our services, we engage various third parties to provide services on our company's behalf, such as payment card processing, email distribution, list processing, postal mailing, cloud computing, analytics, digital content performance measurement, ad serving, and managing sweepstakes, contests, promotions or events. These service providers use the information we provide to them as necessary or appropriate for the performance of their services.

2. Advertisers

Advertising- and Marketing-Related Service Providers, and Partners. We may provide your information to advertisers, advertising agencies, ad networks, ad exchanges, marketing businesses, technology vendors and other entities that create, deliver, and assess advertising or marketing campaigns, including interest-based ads.

3. Content Measurement Companies

We and third parties seek to measure the performance of our content. To achieve this we may include third-party measurement software in our services to enable market research or to measure digital and video content consumption.

4. Social Media Platforms

If you interact with social media widgets, share content using social media share buttons, or access features of the Digital Services that contain content or features provided by Social Media Platforms, the relevant Social Media Platforms may collect information. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of the Social Media Platforms that you engage with as we are not responsible for their privacy practices.

5. Business Partners

We may provide your information to business partners including, without limitation, joint marketing partners and content sponsors, for various purposes. For example, we may partner with a third party to offer products or services on a co-branded, co-sponsored or cross-promotional basis that involves the sharing of information.

If you would like access to a full list of Big 5 Safaris' service providers please contact us. We are not responsible for, nor do we endorse the privacy practices of these external third parties.

Cookies and Related Technologies

A cookie is a small piece of code that is installed in your web browser by websites that you visit. These cookies help websites to remember information about visitors and assist in making the website, and advertisements that you encounter while browsing, more relevant to you. Below we provide more details about cookies to explain how and why we use them.

1. Technical cookies and cookies serving aggregated statistical purposes:

1.1 Activity necessary for the functioning of the service: Our website uses cookies to save your session and to carry out other activities for the website's operations.

1.2 Activity regarding the saving of preferences, optimization, and statistics: Our website uses cookies to save browsing preferences and to optimize your browsing experience.

2. How can I manage the installation of cookies?

2.1 You can manage preferences for cookies directly from within your own browser and prevent websites from installing them. Through your browser preferences, it is also possible to delete cookies installed in the past. It is important to note that by disabling all cookies, the functioning of the website may be compromised.

2.2 In the case of third-party cookies, you can exercise your right to withdraw from their tracking activity by utilizing the information provided in that third party’s privacy policy on their website, by clicking the opt-out link (if provided) or by contacting that third party.

2.3 Given the relative complexity involved in the identification of technologies based on cookies and their close integration with the operation of the internet, you are encouraged to contact Big 5 Safaris should you wish to receive any further information on the use of cookies themselves and any possible use of them (for example, by a third party) carried out through the website.

Use of Non-Personal Data

We use your non-personal data for purposes of product improvement, internal reporting, analytics, statistical analyses of the collective behavior of our users, measuring demographics and interests, and for other legitimate business purposes. We will take all reasonable steps to properly de-identify all information that is stored and analyzed as non-personal data. This non-personal data may also be shared with the current and future partners and service providers (since there is no prejudice to our users from the disclosure of this non-personal information).

Use of Personal Data

Except as set out in this privacy policy or specifically agreed by you, we do not disclose personal data that we receive through our website. In general, we aim to de-identify the information that we store (as non-personal information), but some information will need to still be attached to your name or email address (as personal information), for reasons listed below, and with the aim of supporting personalized and customized experiences and trips. We work hard to ensure that access to a traveler’s information doesn't disadvantage or prejudice our travelers.

The ways in which (and the purposes for which) we use personal data are described in further detail below:

- Verifying the identity of web users/clients.

- Contacting web users/clients for the purpose of:

• marketing and travel advice

• assistance with completing bookings and reservations through us, with the aim of keeping travelers informed and providing comprehensive support and information.

• other legitimate business purposes and all communications with you for these purposes will be kept on record.

- For analytics purposes (and product improvement more generally), including:

• analyzing client characteristics, demographics, activitiesand behaviors on our website enabling us to continually improve the design of our website for the benefit of users,

• providing analytical information to all relevant personnel who are involved in assisting and supporting travelers, to enable them to optimize the traveler’s experience, or other legitimate business purposes.

• reporting internally on traveler choices and related matters.

• for behavioral marketing and remarketing to website users and travelers, and marketing to potential travelers with similar interests.

• recording, tracking, and analyzing activities on the website.

- For disclosure:

• to personnel within Big 5 Safaris and our third-party contractors for business purposes, including but not limited to internally used software and systems providers;

• to government authorities in response to court orders, subpoenas/summons, or other legal processes, to establish or exercise a legal right, defend a claim, or as otherwise required by law;

• to investigate, prevent or take action in relation to any suspected illegal activities, or to protect our own rights and the rights of our service providers;

• to acquirers, assignees, or other successor entities in connection with a sale, merger, or reorganization of all or substantially all of our equity, business or assets.

- For any other purpose:

• for which we receive your consent,

• that is in the public interest, or

• within the bounds of the laws of South Africa

You agree that we may also share any of your personal data with the service provider that you and Big 5 Safaris elect to use, and these service providers may use your personal data in accordance with their own privacy policies.

Rights afforded you in the Privacy legislation

We respect and will honor these rights:

• Subject to certain exceptions (see 'Exceptions' below) we always have to obtain your Information from you personally

• We are not allowed to process your Information unless we have your 'informed, specific and voluntary consent'

• We are obliged to advise you of the purpose for which we will be processing and the Third Parties with whom we will be sharing your Information.

• You can call upon us at any time to do one or more of the following regarding your Information: amend; update; or delete. We are obliged in the case of the latter to provide you with proof that we have done so.

• Direct marketing (See below): we are obliged to obtain your consent and to advise you each time of your right to 'opt out'/'unsubscribe'

• You are entitled to enquire at any time about the steps we've taken to ensure that our safeguards pertaining to the protection of your Information meet the requirements of the Privacy Legislation.

• You may require us to restrict the processing of your information

• You can lodge complaints: (1) via our website; and/or (2) with the POPIA Information Regulator

• You are entitled and we are obliged to inform you when our security has been breached (POPIA: 'as soon as reasonably possible and GDPR: within 72 hours)

You have a right to know what personal data is being stored, and processed, as well as the categories of recipients with whom it may be shared. You may contact us to learn about the contents and origin of this personal data, to verify its accuracy, or to ask for this data to be supplemented, canceled, updated, or corrected, or for their transformation into an anonymous format or to block any data held in violation of the law, as well as to oppose their treatment for any and alllegitimate reasons. Requests should be sent to us at info@big5safaris.co.za or via our contact page.

Our website does not currently support “Do Not Track” (“DNT”) requests. DNT is a feature offered by some browsers that, when enabled, sends a signal to websites to request that your browsing is not tracked, such as by third-party ad networks, social networks, and analytic companies. To determine whether any of the third-party services linked on our Website honor DNT requests, please read their privacy policies.

Exceptions

When we do not require your consent for ‘processing’ information:

• You (the 'data subject') have made your Information public;

• Your Information is a matter of public record, i.e. it is 'in the public domain and under the control of a public body;'

• We are complying with an obligation imposed by law;

• It involves compliance with court proceedings

• It involves national security

• It is being used for historic, statistical, or research purposes provided it is in the public interest or obtaining your consent is difficult

• It is for use in any form of journalism, provided such activity is governed by a code of conduct that has adequate safeguards - a balance must be struck between your right to privacy and the freedom of expression

• Your Information has been 'de-identified' so that the identities of the parties cannot be determined (also sometimes referred to as 'pseudonymization')

• We are doing so in pursuit of a legitimate interest of ours or the Third Party to whom it is being disclosed

Methods of processing

We undertake to process your personal data in a reasonable manner and take appropriate, reasonable security measures to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, or unauthorized destruction of your personal data. All data processing shall be carried out by employees, consultants or third-party service providers using computers and/or IT-enabled tools, following standard organizational procedures and modes.

In some cases, personal and non-personal data may be accessible to certain types of persons involved with the operation of the website (administration, sales, marketing, finance, legal, system administration) or external parties (such as third-party technical service providers, mail carriers, hosting providers, IT companies, communications agencies to name a few) appointed, if necessary, by us as data processors.

Place

All data collected through our website is managed and processed primarily at our various operating offices, and in any other place where the parties involved with the processing are located. For further information on our servers and places where we process data, please contact us.

Due to the fact that we have travelers from all over the world, and hosting services have become more 'cloud-based' and international in recent years, we may send and store your personal data outside of the country in which you reside, and there will therefore be some cross-border transfer of this personal data. We are nevertheless committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information when it is transferred, in accordance with this Policy and the data privacy requirements in the EU.

Storage

Your Information will not be stored longer than is reasonably required for us to complete the purposes for which is being processed. However, we may retain your Information for longer periods if required e.g. taxation purposes or if you have requested us to do and have provided us with the requisite consent. The latter may be the case when you are a repeat customer and retaining some of your personal preferences such as twin/double bed and meal preferences will assist us in providing you with a more efficient service for future bookings.

Records

If you would like to inspect and review your records, you may submit a request through our contact page. Requests for access will receive a response within 45 days, although certain records may be excluded from records made available for inspection (within the bounds of the law and our confidentiality undertakings with third parties). You may also request amendment of records that you believe are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of your rights.

Legal action

Your personal data may be used for legal purposes as reasonably determined by us, in court, or in the stages leading to possible legal action. You also acknowledge that we may be required to reveal your personal data upon request of public authorities.

Additional information about Personal Data

In addition to the information contained in this policy, we may provide you with additional and contextual information concerning particular services or the collection and processing of personal data on request.

System Logs and Maintenance

For operation and maintenance purposes, our website and any third-party services may collect files that record interaction with the websites (System Logs) or use for this purpose other personal data (such as IP Address).

Changes to this Policy

We review our privacy practices from time to time and carry out regular data protection assessments on an ongoing basis. We reserve the right to make changes to this policy at any time by giving notice through a website feature or by emailing you. We recommend that you check the contents of the policy whenever you have any new questions about privacy and our use of data, referring to the date of the last modification listed at the bottom of the policy.

If you object to any changes to the policy, you must cease using the website and can request that we delete your personal data. Unless stated otherwise, the then-current policy applies to all data that we maintain.

Contacting Big 5 Safaris about this Policy

If you have any questions or comments about this policy, please use the Contact Us feature on our website, or email us at info@big5safaris.co.za.

Legal information

Notice to European Users: this privacy statement has been prepared in fulfillment of the obligations under the European general data protection Regulation 2016/679 (“GDPR”), on the subject of cookies.