1. About AfriXplora

AfriXplora is a travel platform operated under Applesauce.inc. We provide travel experiences, custom trip planning, travel enquiries, accommodation and activity arrangements, and related travel services.

For the purposes of this Privacy Policy, references to "AfriXplora", "we", "us" or "our" refer to AfriXplora and, where applicable, Applesauce.inc.

2. Information We Collect

Depending on how you use our platform, we may collect information including:

• First and last name
• Email address
• Telephone and WhatsApp number
• Country of residence
• Preferred travel destination
• Travel dates
• Number of travellers
• Travel preferences
• Accommodation preferences
• Transport preferences
• Activities and experiences requested
• Trip budgets and currency preferences
• Account login information
• Communication preferences
• Payment-related information where required to process a transaction
• Information you provide when contacting our travel team

We may also collect technical information such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited and general website usage information.

3. How We Use Your Information

We may use your information to:

• Create and manage your AfriXplora account.
• Process travel enquiries and custom trip requests.
• Prepare quotations and travel proposals.
• Process bookings and reservations.
• Arrange accommodation, transport, activities and other travel services.
• Communicate with you regarding your trips.
• Process payments and deposits through appropriate payment providers.
• Manage your travel wallet where applicable.
• Send important service and account notifications.
• Improve our website, products and customer experience.
• Detect fraud, abuse and security threats.
• Meet legal and regulatory obligations.

4. Marketing Communications

Where permitted by law, we may send information about new travel experiences, promotions, destinations and AfriXplora services.

You may opt out of marketing communications at any time by using the unsubscribe mechanism provided in the communication or by contacting us.

Your decision to opt out of marketing communications will not prevent us from sending important transactional or service-related communications.

5. Sharing Information With Service Providers

Travel planning frequently requires us to work with third-party service providers.

Where necessary, we may share relevant information with:

• Hotels and accommodation providers
• Airlines and transport providers
• Tour operators
• Activity and attraction providers
• Travel guides and destination partners
• Payment service providers
• Technology and hosting providers
• Business partners involved in delivering your requested services

We aim to provide only the information reasonably necessary for the relevant service to be delivered.

6. International Transfers

Some of our technology providers, travel suppliers or business partners may operate outside South Africa. Where personal information is transferred internationally, we will take reasonable steps to ensure that the information is handled appropriately and in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

7. Payment Information

Where payments are processed through third-party payment providers, payment card information may be handled directly by the relevant payment provider.

AfriXplora does not intend to store complete payment card numbers or card security codes on our website unless specifically required and appropriately secured for a legitimate business purpose.

8. Cookies and Website Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to maintain sessions, remember preferences, improve functionality, analyse website usage and support security.

You may control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect some website functionality.

9. Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration or disclosure.

However, no internet transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

10. Retention of Information

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, to provide our services, resolve disputes, maintain business records, prevent fraud, or comply with applicable legal obligations.

11. Your Privacy Rights

Subject to applicable law, you may have rights relating to your personal information, including the right to:

• Request access to personal information we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Request deletion where legally applicable.
• Object to certain processing.
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
• Object to direct marketing.

12. Children's Information

Our services may involve family travel. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children for the purpose of creating independent customer accounts without appropriate involvement or authorisation from a parent or legal guardian.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our services, technology, legal requirements or business practices.

The updated version will be published on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to make a privacy-related request, please contact AfriXplora.