Privacy Policy

Big Skies Travel

Last Updated: 31-07-2025

Big Skies Travel (“we”, “us”, or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your data in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa.

1. Nature of Our Website

Big Skies Travel is a tourism business offering information on accommodation, activities, rates, and a blog. We facilitate online bookings through a third-party booking system called NightsBridge or direct contact with our reservations department.

2. Types of Personal Information Collected

We may collect the following types of personal information when you interact with us:

  • Full name and surname

  • Email address

  • Phone number (including WhatsApp number)

  • Booking information (e.g., travel dates, allergies, dietary needs, guest names)

  • How you heard about us (e.g., forum, friend, website, other)

  • Additional notes shared via our contact forms, emails, or messages

  • Technical data via cookies (e.g., browser type, device, IP address)

Additional personal information may be collected by our reservations department during booking processes, including but not limited to ID numbers, family member names, allergies, etc.

3. Purpose of Data Collection

We collect personal information for the following purposes:

  • Marketing: To provide updates on camps, promotions, and other relevant information to those who opt into our emailing database.

  • Booking Process: For contract necessity, billing, invoicing, and communication regarding bookings.

WhatsApp Usage:

We may use your mobile number to send key information about your booking via WhatsApp (e.g., confirmations, directions, packing lists). We will not message or call you for unrelated purposes.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

For marketing purposes, we rely on user consent. For booking processes, personal information is processed based on contract necessity.

5. How Information is Collected

We collect information through:

  • Contact forms and booking forms on our website

  • Direct email and WhatsApp communication

  • Phone calls and in-person interactions

  • Booking information via our third-party provider, NightsBridge

  • Cookies and analytics tools (e.g., Meta Pixel, Google Analytics)

6. Use of Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and tracking tools to improve user experience and monitor site performance.

Cookies may collect non-identifiable data such as browser type, device info, and time spent on pages. We may also use third-party services for analytics and digital advertising (e.g., Meta, Google).\

You can disable cookies in your browser settings at any time. However, some website functions may be limited.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information for the following periods:

  • Form submissions, emails, and WhatsApp messages: Kept indefinitely unless you request deletion

  • Booking and guest records: Kept for up to 7 years for legal, tax, and contract purposes

  • Analytics data: Retained based on provider defaults (typically 1–24 months)

  • Marketing subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent

8. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your data.

We may share it with trusted service providers that help us operate:

  • NightsBridge – for managing bookings

  • Squarespace – our website platform

  • Mailchimp – if you opt in to our newsletter

  • Meta (Facebook/Instagram) and Google – for advertising

These providers only process your data to support our services, under strict privacy agreements.

9. Data Security Measures

We store your information on secure systems and restrict access to authorised team members and service providers only. We take reasonable steps to protect it from loss or misuse.

10. Users' Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you

  • Request correction or deletion

  • Object to how we process your information

  • Withdraw consent for marketing at any time

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions or privacy-related requests:

Email: reservations@bigskies.travel

Phone / WhatsApp: +27 (0)71 610 8045

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy. If we do, we’ll update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. Continued use of our website means you accept any changes.