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TERMS OF SERVICE

African Wilderness Institute (AWI)

Last updated: 9 January 2026

1. Introduction and Acceptance

 These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the African Wilderness Institute (“AWI”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) website, communications, and training programmes.

By accessing this website, submitting an enquiry, making a booking, or participating in any AWI programme, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.

If you do not agree, you may not use this website or participate in any AWI activity.

2. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

  • Any dispute, claim, or legal proceeding must be brought exclusively within South Africa
  • No foreign court, tribunal, or jurisdiction shall have authority
  • This applies regardless of nationality, residence, or location of the participant

3. Nature of Training and Assumption of Risk

AWI provides advanced, field-based wilderness training conducted in natural environments that may include free-roaming wildlife, uneven terrain, remote locations, and variable environmental conditions.
  • By engaging with AWI, you acknowledge and accept that:
  • Wilderness activities involve inherent risks, including injury, illness, loss, or death
  • Absolute safety cannot be guaranteed
  • Participation is voluntary and undertaken at your own risk

AWI undertakes reasonable safety precautions but cannot eliminate inherent wilderness risk.

4. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted under South African law:
  • AWI, its directors, employees, contractors, facilitators, guides, and associates shall not be liable for:
    • Personal injury, illness, or death
    • Loss, theft, or damage to personal property
    • Indirect, incidental, or consequential loss

This includes incidents arising from:
  • Wildlife encounters
  • Environmental conditions
  • Participant negligence or misconduct
  • Actions of third parties

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot be excluded under South African law.

5. Indemnity

By participating in any AWI programme, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless AWI and its representatives against any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

  • Your participation in training activities
  • Your actions or omissions
  • Breach of these Terms
  • Injury to yourself or others caused by your conduct

6. Mandatory Indemnity and Risk Waiver

All participants are required to:
  • Complete and sign an Indemnity and Assumption of Risk Agreement
  • This may be completed electronically
  • Participation will not be permitted without a signed indemnity

The indemnity forms part of your contractual agreement with AWI.

7. Health, Fitness, and Medical Responsibility

Participants confirm that:
  • They are physically and medically fit to participate
  • Relevant medical conditions are disclosed
  • They hold adequate medical and travel insurance (where applicable)

AWI does not provide personal medical insurance.

8. Payments

  • Payment must be made by the method and deadline specified during booking
  • Accepted methods may include online payment platforms and EFT
  • Participation is confirmed only once payment has been received and cleared
  • Prices are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) unless stated otherwise

9. Cancellations and Refunds

Unless otherwise stated in writing:
  • Deposits may be non-refundable
  • Late cancellations may result in partial or no refund
  • No refunds are provided for non-attendance or early departure
  • Refunds, where applicable, are processed at AWI’s discretion

Specific refund terms may be provided during enrolment.

10. Programme Changes and Force Majeure

AWI reserves the right to modify, reschedule, or cancel programmes due to:
  • Weather conditions
  • Safety considerations
  • Environmental factors
  • Force majeure events (including fire, flood, pandemic, or government restrictions)

AWI shall not be liable for losses arising from such changes.

11. Participant Conduct

AWI reserves the right to remove any participant who:
  • Endangers themselves or others
  • Disrupts training activities
  • Fails to follow safety instructions

No refund will be issued in such circumstances.

12. Intellectual Property

All website content, training materials, presentations, videos, and written content remain the intellectual property of AWI unless otherwise stated.

Unauthorised reproduction, distribution, or commercial use is prohibited.

13. Privacy

 Personal information is processed in accordance with AWI’s Privacy Policy, which complies with South African POPIA legislation.

14. Severability

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

15. Contact Details

African Wilderness Institute
Email: enquiries@awi.africa