Booking Terms and Conditions

All bookings accepted by The River Retreat are subject to these terms and conditions that are deemed to have been accepted in full by the guest.  Payment of a booking fee indicates acceptance of these terms and conditions. 

Please note the following important information regarding our accommodation.  Any restrictions in place are there to ensure a peaceful and comfortable stay for you and fellow guests as well as to safeguard the surrounding endangered fynbos vegetation and wildlife.

  • There is no cellphone signal or Wifi on the property.
  • You may wish to bring your own drinking water if you do not want to drink the mountain or rain water supplied.
  • No braai’s or outdoor fires are permitted owing to the threat to the endangered fynbos vegetation.
  • The kitchen is fully equipped with the basic necessities but due to the limited solar system there are no electric kettles, toasters, dishwashers or microwaves in the cottages.
  • The solar system is designed to only power the fridge-freezer, lights and plugs to charge phones and laptops.  No additional appliances are allowed to be plugged in as they will compromise the system.  
  • We sometimes experience extreme weather conditions. 
  • Be aware that wild animals, which may be dangerous, live on the property. Entering The River Retreat is at the guest’s own risk.  Feeding of any wildlife is strictly prohibited.
  • Domestic pets are not allowed on the property.
  • Smoking is not allowed inside the cottages and is only permitted responsibly, in designated areas.
  • No loud music.
  • No motorbikes. 
  • No drones.

Bookings and Payment

Renting self-catering units from The River Retreat does not intend to confer possession on the guest or to create the relationship of landlord and tenant between us and the guest.  The guest will not be entitled to any form of tenancy.  The guest confirms that they will not occupy the self-catering units as their own principal home.

Bookings are only confirmed when we send written confirmation via email following receipt of the completed booking form and payment of the booking deposit.  When booking is made, 50% of the total rental charge is required within 48hrs to confirm the reservation.  The balance of the rental charge is to be paid in full 14 days prior to the arrival date by electronic funds transfer and proof of payment sent to stay@theriverretreat.co.za.  Failure to do so without prior arrangement with The River Retreat may result in the cancellation of the guest’s booking.  Should a booking be made within 14 days of the arrival date, the full rental charge must be paid in at the time of the booking.  Under no circumstances will accommodation be provided until we have received cleared funds to cover the full rental charge. 

Rental Charges

Our minimum length of stay is 2 nights with a maximum of 30 days.  The cottages are not serviced but the rental charge does include a change of bed linen and towels once a week. 

Arrivals & Departures

Units will be available from 14h00 on the day of arrival.  Check-in between 14h00 and 17h00.  (Please allow enough time in your travel arrangements to arrive before 17h00.)  Guests must make prior arrangements with The River Retreat regarding their time of arrival to arrange key collection.  There is no one on site and no cellphone signal at the gate, so should arrangements not be made, the guest will not be able to access the property.   Should your arrival time change please notify us immediately.  

Units must be vacated and keys returned by 10h00 on the day of departure, unless otherwise agreed upon by The River Retreat on occasions where the unit will not be let out to new guests on the same day.  Each unit has its own lock box at the entrance gate to the property.  On departure, the guest must place the keys in the relevant lock box and ensure that the lock box is closed and the combination lock scrambled in order for the box to lock.  (If you are unsure how to use the lock box, please contact us.)

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be done in writing via email.

If cancellations are made:

  • 14 or more days prior to arrival = Full Refund
  • 7–14 days prior to arrival = 50% Refund
  • 1–7 days prior to arrival = No Refund
  • No shows will be charged the full value of the reservation.

Breakages and damage

We put our property in your care for the duration of your stay and we shall deliver it to you clean and in working order.  The guest is responsible for taking all reasonable care of the self-catering unit and its contents.  Except in the case of normal wear and tear, the guest will be responsible for making good any damage to the unit, its contents or the property, which has occurred due to their negligence, wilful damage or irresponsible behaviour.

The unit and all equipment, utensils, furniture etc. must be left clean and tidy at the end of the rental period.  Should the unit be left in an unacceptable state, a cleaning fee of R500 will be charged to the guest. 

Occupants

Only guests specified by name at the time of booking by the primary guest may occupy the self-catering unit.  

Liability

The River Retreat and its owners will not be liable for any damage, loss, injury or death to any guest or member of their party or to any vehicles or possessions whilst on our property.

Right of Admission Reserved.