Terms of Use

Effective date: 12 July 2026

1. Acceptance and scope

These Terms of Use (Terms) govern access to and use of www.isimangaliso.com and the iSimangaliso companion mobile application for Android and iOS (together, the Services). By accessing or using a Service, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Services.

The Services are made available by iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority (the Authority, we, us or our). The mobile app is developed and technically maintained by Pace Online (Pty) Ltd on behalf of the Authority.

2. Purpose of the Services

The Services provide visitor, conservation, destination, activity, accommodation, operator, contact and permit information. Some content can be saved locally in the app, and some links open external websites, maps, telephone, email or sharing applications.

You may use the Services for lawful personal, travel-planning, educational or business-reference purposes. The Services are not an emergency-response system. In an emergency, contact the appropriate emergency service or the park's 24-hour emergency number on +27 82 797 7944.

3. Accounts and eligibility

The current app does not require or offer a user account. You must be legally capable of accepting these Terms. A person under 18 should use any enquiry or application feature only with the involvement of a parent or legal guardian.

4. Permit enquiries and applications

Permit requirements, forms, fees and processing times vary by activity and may change. Information entered into the current in-app permit form is not transmitted to the Authority and the app does not itself issue, approve or lodge a permit. An on-screen reference generated by the app is not proof of submission, payment or approval.

A permit application is validly submitted only when it is delivered through an official channel specified by the Authority and the Authority confirms receipt. You are responsible for providing complete, accurate and current information, supporting documents and any required payment. Do not begin a regulated activity until you have received the required written approval and complied with its conditions.

The Authority may request further information, decline an application, impose conditions, change processing times or revoke an approval where permitted by law or required for safety, conservation or park management.

5. Bookings, operators and payments

Accommodation, activities, transport and other visitor services may be supplied by independent operators or public-sector partners. Unless the Service expressly states otherwise, a listing is informational and is not an endorsement, guarantee, booking or offer by the Authority.

Bookings, payments, cancellations, refunds and disputes with a third-party provider are governed by that provider's terms and applicable consumer law. Check prices, availability, access requirements and cancellation rules directly with the provider before making arrangements.

6. Park access, safety and conservation

iSimangaliso is a protected natural environment. Conditions can change because of weather, wildlife, fire, water levels, road access, conservation work or operational requirements. You must:

• follow all applicable laws, park rules, permits, gate notices and instructions from authorised officials;
• keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed, disturb or approach animals;
• use appropriate vehicles, equipment, guides and safety precautions for the area and activity;
• confirm current gate times, road conditions, fees, closures and emergency information before travel; and
• avoid conduct that damages the environment, cultural heritage, facilities or the experience of others.

Use of maps, routes and safety information is at your own judgment and does not replace signage, professional advice or an official instruction at the Park.

7. Acceptable use

You may not:

• use the Services unlawfully, fraudulently or in a way that endangers any person, animal, system or property;
• interfere with security, availability or operation, introduce malicious code, or attempt unauthorised access;
• scrape, harvest or systematically extract content or personal information except where authorised by law or our written permission;
• impersonate another person or misrepresent an affiliation, approval or permit status;
• submit content that is unlawful, threatening, abusive, discriminatory, defamatory, obscene, misleading, invasive of privacy or infringing; or
• use the Authority's name, logos or content to imply endorsement without written permission.

8. Intellectual property

The Services and their text, photographs, video, maps, graphics, logos, trade marks, design and software are owned by or licensed to the Authority and are protected by intellectual-property laws. You may view and download material for personal, non-commercial use connected with planning a visit, provided that copyright and attribution notices remain intact.

No other licence is granted. Reproduction, commercial use, modification, distribution or republication requires prior written permission from the relevant rights holder. Third-party names, marks and content remain the property of their respective owners.

9. External services and links

The Services may link to or open third-party maps, social networks, app stores, accommodation providers, tour operators, email, telephone and sharing tools. Those services are controlled by third parties and are governed by their own terms and privacy policies. We are not responsible for their availability, content, security or acts, although this does not limit any responsibility that cannot lawfully be excluded.

10. Privacy

Our Privacy Policy explains how personal information is handled under the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA) and how the current mobile app stores favourites locally. The Privacy Policy forms part of these Terms.

11. Availability and changes

We aim to keep the Services accurate and available, but information, features and access may be changed, suspended or withdrawn for maintenance, security, operational, legal or conservation reasons. We may correct errors and update park information without notice. You should verify time-sensitive information directly with the Authority or relevant service provider.

12. Disclaimers and liability

The Services are provided on an "as available" basis as a general information resource. To the extent permitted by law, we do not warrant that every item is complete, current, uninterrupted or error-free, or that a third-party service will meet your requirements.

To the extent permitted by law, the Authority and its operators are not liable for indirect, incidental or consequential loss arising solely from use of, or inability to use, the Services or reliance on outdated third-party information. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot be excluded under the Consumer Protection Act, POPIA or other applicable law, including liability arising from gross negligence or intentional misconduct where the law prohibits that limitation.

13. Enforcement

We may restrict or block access, remove submitted content or report conduct where we reasonably believe these Terms, park rules or applicable law have been breached. This does not prevent the Authority from exercising any other lawful right or remedy.

14. Governing law and disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Before starting formal proceedings, please contact us so that we can try to resolve the matter. Subject to any mandatory consumer forum or statutory process, disputes fall within the jurisdiction of the competent South African courts.

15. General

If a provision of these Terms is unlawful or unenforceable, it will be limited or removed only to the extent necessary and the remaining provisions will continue. A delay in enforcing a right is not a waiver. We may update these Terms when the Services or legal requirements change; the current version and effective date will be published on this page.

16. Contact us

For technical support relating to the mobile app, contact Pace Online (Pty) Ltd at support@paceonline.co.za.