Terms and Conditions for MaraKaya Safari Lodge

These Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings made or amended by any person with MaraKaya Safari Lodge (“MaraKaya”, “us”, “we”), located in Manyoni Private Game Reserve, South Africa. By making a booking, you agree to be bound by these terms.

1. Definitions

• Agreement: The booking confirmation together with these Terms and Conditions.
• Guest/Counterparty: The person making the booking, including any travel partners or members of the booking party.
• Reservation Value: The total cost of the booking, including accommodation, levies and applicable fees.
• Peak Season: Defined as 18 December to 29 March annually, or other high-demand period specifically notified at the time of booking.
• Force Majeure: Events beyond reasonable control, including war, terrorism, civil unrest, strikes, natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, government interventions or severe weather conditions.

2. Booking and Payment

Bookings are provisional and held for up to 7 days, reduced to 3 days during Peak Season, after which they will be automatically released unless confirmed in writing. 

Upon confirmation:

• A 30% non-refundable deposit of the Reservation Value is required within 7 days 
• During Peak Season, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required within 7 days of booking.
• The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to arrival, or 60 days prior to arrival during Peak Season.

Reservation made within the applicable payment periods:

• For reservations made within 60 days of arrival, full payment is required within 5 working days of confirmation. 

Payments must be made via bank transfer or credit card in South African Rand (ZAR) to the specified account or payable facility specified by MaraKaya. Guests are responsible for any applicable bank charges. 

Currency fluctuations, taxes, levies or supplier price increases may result in an adjustment in the Reservation Value. Any such adjustment will be communicated to the guest in writing. 

For short-lead bookings, payment may be required by credit card or secure payment portal. MaraKaya reserves the right to cancel a booking if payment is not received within the requited timeframe.

3. Cancellations and Amendments

All cancellations or amendments must be submitted in writing. If written confirmation of cancelation or amendment is not received within 24hours, guest should confirm the request telephonically.

Cancellation fees are calculated against the total Reservation Value:

Standard Season

• 90 days or more prior to arrival: 30% 
• Between 90 and 30 days prior to arrival: 50%
• Less than 30 days prior to arrival: 80%
• During the stay or no-show: 100% 

Peak Season

• 90 days or more prior to arrival: 50%
• Less than 90 days prior to arrival: 100%

Peak Season cancellation conditions supersede the standard cancellation policy above.

Amendments: Amendments such as reducing the number of rooms or guests may be treated as a cancellation for the affected portion of the reservation. A 5% administration fee may apply to refunds to cover bank and administrative costs. Significant amendments may incur a 30% non-refundable fee.

Guests are advised to obtain travel insurance that included cancellation cover.

In exceptional circumstances, such as government-imposed travel restriction or pandemics, MaraKaya may, at its discretion, offer a refund or credit, subject to any non-refundable costs incurred by the lodge. 

4. Inclusions and Exclusions

Includes:

• Accommodation in luxury suites.
• 3 meals per day, afternoon tea and selected beverages (house wines, spirits, soft drinks, tea & coffee).
• Twice-daily game drives in open vehicles with experienced guides.
• Laundry service.
• WiFi where available.

Excludes:

• Premium beverages, boutique purchases, and spa treatments.
• Additional activities (night drives, bush walks)
• External activities (e.g., helicopter tours, community visits) and associated transfers.
• Park entry fees, tourism levies, or additional permits (subject to change).
• Transport to/from the reserve.
• Personal expenses (e.g., phone calls, gratuities).
• Travel insurance, medical/evacuation costs.

5. Single Supplement and Group Bookings

A single supplement of 25-50% of the adult rate applies for single occupancy from the third single suite onward in a booking. Groups occupying 60% or more of lodge capacity must book exclusive use and negotiate rates/ad hoc terms.

6. Children Policy

• Children under 10 years old may be accommodated on request, subject to availability and prior approval. 
• Children 10-17 years: 50% of adult rate when sharing with two adults. Only one child is permitted per room. 
• Minimum age for game drives/walks: 16 years for drives, 16 years for walks (at guide’s discretion).
• Private vehicle bookings are required for families with children under 16: Complimentary for groups of 6; charged otherwise, subject to availability.

7. Health and Travel Requirements

The lodge is in a malaria-risk area; consult a doctor for prophylaxis. Yellow fever certificates may be required if traveling from endemic areas.

Guests must provide valid passports (valid 6 months beyond return, with 2 blank pages), visas, unabridged birth certificates for children, and vaccination proofs if required. Please note that the travel and visa requirements may change from time to time and that guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements, documents and visa applications. 

All guests are required to sign an indemnity document which indemnifies the owners, directors, employees, agents and representatives of:

• Marakaya Safari Lodge
• Marakaya Assets (Pty) Ltd
• Manyoni Private Game Reserve
• The owners of the land underlying Manyoni Private Game Reserve; and
• Luthuli Homeowners Association NPC

from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, injury, illness, or death that may occur during my stay or whilst on or traversing any of the properties underlying the Manyoni Private Game Reserve, whether caused by negligence, gross negligence, or otherwise, except in cases of intentional misconduct.

Special requests (e.g., dietary needs) must be communicated 14 days prior to arrival. 

We are unable to cater for Kosher/ Halal.

8. Insurance

All guests are recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance covering injury, death, medical/evacuation, repatriation, loss/damage to belongings, and cancellation. Proof may be requested. We are not liable for uninsured losses.

9. Check-In/Check-Out and Operations

• Check-in: From 14:00 (early arrivals subject to availability and charge).
• Check-out: 10:00. 
• Minimum stay: 2 nights (extended during Peak/Festive season).
• Activities: Participation at guide’s discretion for safety. Private vehicles available at extra cost (subject to availability)

10. Liability and Force Majeure

We take reasonable care but are not liable for loss, damage, injury, or death due to wildlife, activities, or third-party services. Guests participate at own risk.

In Force Majeure events, we are relieved of obligations and not liable for losses. We will mitigate where possible and notify within 48 hours.

11. Applicable Law

Governed by South African laws. Exclusive jurisdiction: South African courts.

12. Privacy and Notices

Your details are used for booking purposes per our privacy policy. Notices sent to the email in the booking form.

13. Amendments to Terms 

We may amend these terms; continued booking implies acceptance. These terms supersede prior agreements.

By booking with MaraKaya Safari Lodge, you acknowledge understanding and acceptance of these terms. For questions, contact us at bookings@marakaya.co.za.