Namibia Horse Safari Company
Riding Policy
Please familiarise yourself with the details of our riding policy as all our rides are subject to these terms and conditions. Please note we reserve the right to prevent anyone from riding if we feel they do not fulfil the minimum competence level as indicated or if weight and fitness level do not fall within that recommended for these challenging safaris. Please carefully read our Indemnity Form you will be required to sign before riding. It is assumed that you have read our terms and conditions by signing the Indemnity.
Please review the terms and conditions below carefully before completing your reservation. These terms and conditions are set out to draw your attention to the fact that our obligations to you have certain limits. By sending a deposit towards your trip purchase, you certify that you do not have any physical condition or disability that would create a hazard for you, other travellers or our horses.
Namibia Horse Safari Company has the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the trip if the lead riding guide feels the trip member is physically or mentally incapable and/or if a trip member’s continued participation will jeopardize the individual involved or the group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.
Responsibility of ride participants
As we can spend up to 6 hours in the saddle a day you will need to be confident and riding fit enough to keep up with the group; capable of riding at all paces over rough terrain; rising at the trot and controlling your horse at the canter. You may be required to gallop at times. Regrettably we are not able to accommodate novice or beginner riders.
Weight limit per horse is under 85 kg dressed in riding gear – from 85 kg a supplement is levied for a second and even a third horse to help with the work. Our absolute maximum weight limit is 95 kg. For our horses’ sake please be accurate about your riding ability, your weight and your fitness level. We reserve the right to rest horses during a safari if you are not able to sustain an independent seat, or if your weight and riding ability do not fall within the minimum required.
If you do not ride regularly (2 - 3 times a week), we strongly recommend that you get into practise before joining one of our challenging safaris. It will be at the discretion of the company whether unfit or less experienced riders will be permitted to ride, taking into consideration their safety and enjoyment, and that of the group as a whole and particularly the well-being of our horses.
By signing our indemnity, it is assumed you understand the risks of being around horses, in riding generally and in visiting and being in remote and wilderness areas where big game occurs. Having medical insurance is a prerequisite for riding with us. Please ensure you are familiar with the stipulations of your policy as many insurance companies will only insure you if wearing a safety helmet while riding. We cannot accept any liability for head injuries sustained as a result of ignoring this advice. Please insure your policy covers you for horse riding and includes emergency evacuation and medical repatriation. You are responsible for supplying your own properly fitting safety helmet.
Ride participant have a certain responsibility to Namibia Horse Safari Company and to the other member of the group. Participants are responsible for understanding the requirements of the ride, and for selecting a ride appropriate to their ability. Participants with medical problems or special dietary needs are responsible for informing Namibia Horse Safari Company of these issues well in advance.
Insurance, Visas and Inoculation
While Namibia does not require visas from most countries we accept no responsibility for sudden changes in policy. Please consult appropriate authorities before travelling. The only required inoculation is Yellow Fever if you have visited a country where yellow fever is prevalent prior to travel to Namibia. Our safari routes are outside malaria areas.
Namibia has excellent medical facilities however medical care is subject to immediate payment for services. We recommend you ensure your credit card company is aware of your travel plans as card security systems can shut the card down if large purchases are suddenly made without prior warning. While Namibia Horse Safari Company will do everything it can to facilitate medical care it accepts no liability regarding the provision of medical care. Before travel please review your personal medical cover to ensure it meets your needs and that your credit card company is aware of your travel plans.
The cost of delays is not included, including flight delays and associated costs as well as delays because of bad weather, trail conditions, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention or sickness for which Namibia Horse Safari Company or its agent, cannot make alternate provision for.
Participants are responsible for arranging travel to and from the ride’s meeting point, for carrying valid travel documents, and for obtaining appropriate immunisation. Participants are responsible for understanding what is and is not included in the price as outlined in the detailed ride itineraries. Please read these carefully as well as the “On Safari” information on our website so as to fully prepare yourself for the challenges of camping in wilderness areas.
We recommend you take out travel insurance when booking a safari to cover an unexpected cancellation due to injury or illness etc.
Limitation of Liability and Indemnity
Namibia Horse Safari Company and its owners, agents, member, directors, shareholders and employees do not own or operate any supplier of transportation or other goods or services such as hotel accommodation or sightseeing establishments utilised on your trip, and consequently assumes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage, delay or death to persons or property arising from the negligent or wilful act or failure to act of any person who is to or does provide goods or services for the trip or for the action of inaction of any other third party. Without limitation, Namibia Horse Safari Company is not responsible for acts of God, equipment failures, vehicle accidents, illness from food or otherwise; assaults, theft, or criminal activity, detention, annoyance, delays quarantine, strikes, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled; civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions or regulation, and discrepancies or changes in transit or hotel services over which we have no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort, safety and wellbeing of the trip members. The right is reserved to substitute hotels, alter the itinerary, and reverse the order of the places to be visited. We will keep you/your agent informed of any necessary changes.
On advancement of deposit to Reitsafari, the depositor therefore agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions
Anyone who does not want pictures of themselves to be used in promotional materials should notify Namibia Horse Safari Company accordingly.