Guide Contract & Rates

This page sets out the rates and the key terms of the Ruminate Freelance Guide Contract (2025) for guides who choose to take Ruminate's own client bookings. By ticking "I agree" and signing your name on the List Your Hike form, you confirm you have read and accept these terms. A formal countersigned copy and your banking details are completed once, after we approve you.

Invoicing & payment

You are paid every Monday by bank transfer — on condition that you email your invoice to support@ruminate.co.za for that week's completed hikes. No invoice means no payment that week, so please invoice promptly. Your banking details are set up once during onboarding.

What you earn (2025 rate structure)

You are paid per assignment, confirmed in writing each time.

(a) Contracted by Ruminate

1 hiker (pax)	ZAR 500
2 pax	ZAR 1,000
3 pax	ZAR 1,250
4 pax	ZAR 1,500
5 pax	ZAR 1,750
6 pax	ZAR 2,000
7 pax	ZAR 2,250
8 pax	ZAR 2,500
9 pax	ZAR 2,750
10 pax (maximum)	ZAR 3,250
No-show client	ZAR 125 per no-show

(b) Private group / person

Up to 7 pax (flat rate)	ZAR 2,000
8 pax	ZAR 2,250
Each additional pax after 7	+ ZAR 250 per person

(c) Pick-ups / drop-offs

1 pax	ZAR 250 (50% of applicable fee)
2 pax	ZAR 500
Rate formula	50% of standard contracted fee

(d) Added to your existing hiking group

1 pax	ZAR 400
2 pax	ZAR 800
3 pax	ZAR 1,000
4 pax	ZAR 1,300
5 pax	ZAR 1,600
Each additional pax after 3	+ ZAR 300 per person

Key terms (summary)

• Independent contractor. You are engaged as an independent contractor, not an employee. You are responsible for your own taxes (SARS), insurance and legal compliance. No employee benefits apply.
• Assignments. Dates, times, locations and client details are communicated and confirmed in writing for each assignment.
• Payment. Paid every Monday by bank transfer, on condition you email your invoice to support@ruminate.co.za for the completed hikes.
• Your cancellations. If you cancel within 24 hours, you must help secure a replacement; the replacement receives the fee and you forfeit it unless otherwise agreed.
• Expenses. You cover your own travel, equipment and incidentals unless pre-approved in writing.
• Standards. Professional appearance, courteous client interaction, punctuality (arrive 10–20 min early), contingency planning for unsafe routes, clear communication, and client safety first in emergencies.
• Termination. Either party may terminate with 14 days' written notice. Ruminate may terminate immediately for material breach, consistently failing standards, or conduct harming Ruminate or clients.
• Confidentiality. Client information and Ruminate processes are confidential and survive termination.
• Liability & indemnity. You perform services safely and competently and indemnify Ruminate against claims arising from your performance, except for Ruminate's gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
• Intellectual property. Ruminate materials and routes remain Ruminate's property; original content created on assignment is work-for-hire owned by Ruminate.
• Governing law. South African law; Cape Town courts; good-faith negotiation before legal action.

This is a plain-language summary of the Ruminate Freelance Guide Contract (2025) for reference. The full signed agreement, including your residential address and banking details, is completed directly with Ruminate once your application is approved. Questions? Email donovan@ruminate.co.za.