Terms and conditions

Thank you for choosing to stay at Villa Visvanger, located in the serene South African bush. We are committed to offer all our guests an exceptional experience. To ensure this, we kindly ask you to familiarize yourself with the following terms and conditions, which are integral to your booking and rental agreement.

By confirming your booking and making a payment, you, hereafter referred to as “the tenant” acknowledge and agree to these terms and conditions presented by Villa Visvanger, hereafter referred to as “the owner”.

Arrival and departure

  • Check-In: Guests are welcome to check in from 3:00 PM onwards. If you anticipate arriving earlier, please contact us in advance to discuss the possibility of an early check-in.
  • Check-Out: On your departure day, we kindly request that you vacate the villa by 10:00 AM. Before leaving, please ensure that all lights, fans, air conditioning units, and other appliances are turned off, and that all windows and doors are securely closed and locked.
  • Condition of the Villa: We ask that the villa be left in a neat condition at the end of your stay. This helps us maintain high standards for future guests.

Maximum number of guests

  • Occupancy Limit: The villa accommodates a maximum of six (6) guests for overnight stays.
  • Unauthorized Exceedance: Should the number of guests exceed this limit without prior authorization, our local host reserves the right to deny entry to the villa. In such cases, the booking will be considered canceled, and no rental fees will be refunded.

Bookings, breakage deposit and cancellations

Booking and Payment:

  • Booking Process: For 7-14 nights stay, you can book directly through the booking module on our website. Following your booking, you will receive a booking confirmation from us.
  • Option: You may also make a booking request by email first. We reserve the villa for a maximum of one week in order for you to arrange flights.
  • Long stay: Planning to stay for 15 nights or more? Contact us via email, and we’ll provide you with a tailored quote.
  • Confirmation: Your booking is confirmed upon receipt of a 50% advance payment of the total rental fee.
  • Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the arrival date.

Refundable breakage deposit:

  • Amount: A deposit of EUR 500 is required per rental period. This deposit must be transferred to the designated account before access to the villa is granted. On-site cash or credit card payments for the deposit are not accepted.
  • Refund: At the end of the rental period, the host will conduct an inspection of the villa. If damage or loss is detected, the owner will notify the tenant via email, and the cost will be deducted from the breakage deposit. In the most likely case that no damage is found, the full deposit will be refunded within 10 days after the end of the rental period.

Cancellation Policy:

  • Cancellation Notification: Cancellations must be communicated via email to info@villavisvanger.com. Phone or WhatsApp cancellations are not accepted.
  • Cancellation Fees to be paid by the tenant:
    • More than 3 months before the start of the rental period: 25% of the rental fee
    • Between 3 and 2 months before the start of the rental period: 30% of the rental fee
    • Between 2 and 1 month before the start of the rental period: 50% of the rental fee
    • Between 30 days and 14 days before the start of the rental period: 75% of the rental fee
    • Within 14 days before the start of the rental period or no-show: 100% of the rental fee
  • Early Departure: No refund will be given if the villa is vacated before the end of the rental period.
  • Cancellation Insurance: Tenants are encouraged to obtain cancellation insurance from a provider of their choice. Costs for such insurance are the tenant’s responsibility. Cancellations covered by insurance will be processed according to the insurance policy terms.

Cancellation by the Owner:

  • Owner’s Cancellation: If the villa becomes uninhabitable due to unforeseen circumstances and the owner must cancel the rental agreement, the owner will notify the tenant immediately via email and phone.
  • Refund: The tenant will receive a full refund of the rental fees already paid within 10 days. The owner is not liable for any additional financial losses, discomfort, or inconvenience resulting from the cancellation.

House rules

Living in the bush among wildlife offers a unique experience. To ensure a harmonious coexistence between guests and the local fauna, please adhere to the following rules:

  • Feeding Wildlife: Feeding animals is forbidden. It is important for wildlife to maintain their natural foraging behaviors. Zandspruit Bush and Aero Estate farm management closely monitors animal welfare.
  • Food Storage: To avoid attracting unwanted guests such as squirrels, monkeys, and snakes, do not leave food unattended. Please use the provided lockable containers in the kitchen to securely store all food items.
  • Securing the Villa: Ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked when leaving the villa. Monkeys can open screens and enter through open windows, creating a terrible mess.
  • Braai Safety: The braai located outdoors next to the patio terraces should be used with caution. Only charcoal may be used.  The use of this braai is prohibited during high winds to minimize fire hazards. Always place a full bucket of water next to the braai. There is a fire extinguisher hanging on the back wall of this braai.
    The braai under the covered terrace can be lit with charcoal or wood. Also here is a fire extinguisher available next to the braai.
    Lighting an open fire in any outdoor location other than designated areas is strictly prohibited.
  • Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the villa. Failure to comply will result in a fine deducted from the breakage deposit.
  • Pool Safety: Do not dive in the pool.
  • Air Conditioning: Do not leave air conditioners running throughout the day. It is sufficient to turn them on an hour before bedtime. Fans provide effective and healthier cooling and may be used throughout the night if desired.
  • Waste Management: Please recycle waste using the designated bins provided in the scullery and yard.
  • Water Conservation: Water is a precious resource. Please use it sparingly and avoid wastage.
  • Pool Maintenance: The pool is maintained by the owner. Do not add any chemicals to the pool. Report any issues to the host.
  • Appliance Instructions: Additional instructions for the use of appliances are provided within the villa. Please inform the host of any issues or malfunctions.
  • Noise Levels: To respect the tranquility of the environment, keep noise levels, including music, at a reasonable volume. Parties with more than 10 guests are not permitted.
  • Drones: The use of drones is not allowed anywhere on the estate.
  • Vehicle Use: Vehicles must remain on designated paths with a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h. Animals always have the right of way.

Liability

  1. Tenant Responsibilities:
    • Use of Villa and Estate: You are responsible for the proper and tidy use of the villa and Zandspruit Estate, ensuring respect for the tranquility of the environment. This includes:
      • Fire Safety:  Fires are only permitted in the inside fireplace and in the designated fire bowl on the river deck. Always (!) use the cover when the fire is on to prevent embers from splashing out of the fire pit and place a full bucket of water next to the fire bowl.  Never leave the fire unattended.
        The use of candles inside or outside the villa is prohibited to prevent fire hazards, especially given the thatched roof.
      • Securing the Villa: Ensure that all doors and windows are securely locked when leaving the villa.
      • Cleaning: If the state of the house or garden prevents it from being cleaned within the allotted time, the owner reserves the right to charge for additional cleaning hours, which will be deducted from the breakage deposit.
      • Parties and Gatherings: The villa cannot be used to host parties or gatherings with more than 10 people.
      • Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the villa. Failure to comply will result in a fine deducted from the breakage deposit.
      • Pool Safety: Diving in the pool is prohibited. Ensure that children and visitors are aware of this rule.
      • Terrace Safety: The terrace decks are elevated. For your safety, stay away from the edges, and ensure that children and visitors are aware of this precaution. The owner is not responsible for accidents resulting from failure to follow safety measures.
  1. Tenant Liability:
    • Damage and Loss: The main tenant is liable for any damage to or loss of property, whether caused by themselves, co-tenants, or visitors. This includes damage discovered after departure during the final inspection.
      • Compensation: You are responsible for compensating any damage or loss of goods and property. Details regarding the breakage deposit are provided above.
      • Reporting: Any calamities or damage must be reported immediately to @Yourservice by the tenant.
      • Insurance: Tenants are advised to hold liability insurance for damage to third parties, such as family insurance.
  1. Owner Liability:
    • The owner is not liable for:
      • Disruptions: Any disruptions, changes, or impediments to the tenant’s stay resulting from unforeseen or insurmountable events.
      • Injury: Injuries sustained by the tenant while at the villa or Zandspruit Bush & Aero Estate.
      • Personal Property: Loss, theft, or damage to personal property or vehicles belonging to or used by the tenant.
      • Utilities: Interruption of utilities, including water and electricity.
      • Noise: Noise disturbances due to external factors such as roadworks or construction activities.

Governing Law: All booking agreements and related matters are governed by Belgium law. Any disputes will be resolved by the competent court in Belgium.

Rental conditions – version December 2024