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.