Limitation of Liability

By participating in any Sole Mates activity, you release Sole Mates Hiking Group NPC, its organisers, directors, hosts, volunteers, and affiliates from all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action arising from or related to participation in the activity, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by South African law.

By registering for any Sole Mates event, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the following Terms & Conditions. These terms exist to keep our hikes safe, enjoyable, and well-managed for everyone.

1. Contact Details & Communication

• All participants must provide valid WhatsApp contact details.

• You agree to be added to the hike-specific WhatsApp group for communication, safety notifications, and updates.

• If we do not have your contact details, you may be removed from the hike.

2. Personal Responsibility & Assumption of Risk

Hiking involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:
slips, falls, dehydration, wildlife encounters, extreme weather, and uneven terrain.

By participating in any Sole Mates event, you agree that:

• You hike entirely at your own risk.

Sole Mates Hiking Group NPC, its organisers, hosts, group leaders, volunteers, or affiliates accept no responsibility for any loss, injury, damage, or death that may occur.

• You are responsible for your own safety at all times.

This includes route awareness, pace, hydration, nutrition, and personal well-being.

• You accept responsibility for your own belongings.

Sole Mates is not liable for loss, theft, or damage of personal items.

• You are responsible for ensuring your own fitness level is suitable.

You confirm that you meet the required difficulty rating stated in the event description.

3. Hydration, Gear & Preparedness

• Hikers without sufficient water will not be allowed to join the hike.
  This is for your safety and the safety of others.

• Participants must bring appropriate gear, footwear, food, and any personal medication required.

• Any hiker who becomes ill or injured due to lack of preparation places an unfair burden on the group — please come prepared.

4. Participation With Guests

• If you bring a guest, you are fully responsible for that guest.

• This includes:

  • their fitness level

  • their safety

  • their hydration, snacks, and gear

  • staying with them during the hike

• Guests must follow all Sole Mates policies and instructions from organisers and group leaders.

5. Accuracy of Venue Information

Sole Mates collects information about venues from websites, partners, and third-party sources.
We cannot guarantee the accuracy of that information and are not responsible for venue changes, errors, or unexpected trail conditions.

6. Behaviour & Group Conduct

Sole Mates aims to maintain a respectful, inclusive, and enjoyable environment.

We reserve the right to remove any participant from our activities or communication platforms for:

• rude, aggressive, or disrespectful behaviour

• causing conflict or discomfort

• refusing to follow organiser or host instructions

• any behaviour that disrupts the group or jeopardises safety

Such removal may be temporary or permanent at the discretion of the organisers.

7. Compliance With Policies

By registering for an event, you agree to follow:

• our Terms & Conditions

• our Late Cancellations, No Shows & Priority Policy

• our Refund Policy

• our Registration Process

• our Pet Policy

• all instructions provided by the Organiser, Host, or Group Leader

Failure to comply may result in removal from the hike or group.

Sole Mates reserves the right to update, modify, or adjust these Terms & Conditions and any related policies at any time as deemed necessary.