Your authentic safari experience.

Booking and Cancellation

Operated by Martial Chobe (Pty) Ltd

Last Updated: July 2026

 

1. Introduction

These Booking Conditions apply to all bookings made with Chobe House, operated by Martial Chobe (Pty) Ltd(“Chobe House”, “we”, “our”, or “us”).

By confirming a booking with Chobe House, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and accepted these Booking Conditions on behalf of all members of your travelling party.

These conditions apply to all accommodation, mobile safaris, game drives, boat cruise safaris, transfers and other services provided directly by Chobe House unless otherwise agreed in writing.

 

2. Our Philosophy

Chobe House exists to provide authentic safari experiences in Botswana that combine exceptional hospitality with genuine wilderness exploration.

Unlike traditional holidays, safaris take place in remote natural environments where flexibility is sometimes required. Wildlife is unpredictable, weather changes rapidly, and conservation areas operate according to conditions beyond anyone’s control.

Our commitment is simple:

We will always communicate openly, act fairly, and do everything reasonably possible to ensure you enjoy an exceptional safari experience.

 

3. Booking Confirmation

A booking is considered confirmed once:

the required deposit has been paid; and
written confirmation has been issued by Chobe House.

No reservation shall be considered guaranteed until written confirmation has been provided.

 

4. Prices

All prices are quoted in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated.

Quoted prices include only those services specifically listed within your confirmed itinerary.

Unless stated otherwise, prices exclude:

international flights
visas
travel insurance
premium alcoholic beverages
gratuities
personal purchases
laundry
medical expenses
evacuation costs
any services not specifically included within your itinerary.
 

5. Government Charges

All quotations are based on government taxes, park fees and statutory charges applicable at the time of booking.

Should any of the following increase after your booking has been confirmed:

National Park entrance fees
Conservation levies
Tourism levies
VAT
Government taxes
Airport taxes
Fuel levies
Any compulsory government-imposed charge

Chobe House reserves the right to recover these increases from the guest prior to travel.

Any such increases will be communicated as soon as reasonably possible.

 

6. Deposit & Payment Terms

50% deposit is required to secure all bookings.

The remaining balance must be received 60 days prior to arrival, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Bookings made within 60 days of arrival require full payment at the time of confirmation.

Failure to receive payment by the due date may result in cancellation of the booking without further notice.

 

7. Payment Information

Payments must be made in accordance with the banking details shown on your official Chobe House invoice. Most payments are made by bank transfer to one of our accounts, or via a mobipaid link sent by a Chobe House representative.

Guests are responsible for ensuring that all payments are received gross, free from any bank charges or intermediary fees.

Any bank fees deducted during international transfers remain the responsibility of the guestor agent.

Please use your invoice number as the payment reference.

Proof of payment should be emailed to:

info@chobehouse.com

For security reasons, Chobe House will never notify guests of changes to bank account details solely by email. Guests are encouraged to verify any payment instructions directly with our reservations office should they have any concerns.

 

8. Amendments Requested by Guests

Should you wish to amend your booking after confirmation, Chobe House will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your request.

Amendments remain subject to:

availability;
supplier conditions;
operational feasibility; and
any additional costs incurred.

Changes requested within 60 days of arrival may not be possible and may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking.

 

9. Cancellation by Guests

All cancellations must be received in writing.

The following cancellation charges apply:

Time Before Arrival

Cancellation Charge

Date of booking 91 days

25% of total booking value

9061 days

50% of total booking value

60 days or less

100% of total booking value

No-show

100% of total booking value

Refunds, where applicable, shall be made less any bank charges, payment processing fees or third-party costs already incurred.

Unused accommodation, meals, activities or services after travel has commenced are non-refundable.

 

10. Cancellation by Chobe House

Whilst cancellations by Chobe House are extremely rare, we reserve the right to cancel or amend a booking where circumstances make it impossible or unsafe to operate the safari.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

government restrictions
severe flooding
wildfire
civil unrest
safety concerns
operational emergencies
Force Majeure events (see Section 22).

Where possible, Chobe House will first seek to offer:

an alternative departure date;
an amended itinerary;
comparable accommodation; or
an equivalent safari experience.

Where no suitable alternative can reasonably be provided, guests will receive a refund of monies paid to Chobe House for the affected services.

Chobe House shall not be responsible for any additional costs incurred by guests, including international flights, visas, travel insurance claims, hotel bookings or other third-party expenses.

 

11. Wilderness Travel

Botswana is one of Africa’s last great wilderness destinations. By its very nature, travel through remote conservation areas requires flexibility and an understanding that conditions can change without notice.

Guests acknowledge that safari travel differs significantly from conventional holidays and that itineraries may occasionally need to be adjusted to ensure the safety of guests, staff and wildlife.

Chobe House will always endeavour to minimise disruption and provide the best possible safari experience under the prevailing conditions.

 

12. Itinerary Flexibility

Whilst every effort will be made to operate safaris exactly as advertised, Chobe House reserves the right to alter any aspect of an itinerary where reasonably necessary.

This may include changes to:

departure or return times;
accommodation;
campsites;
safari routes;
game drive areas;
guides;
safari vehicles;
boats;
meal locations;
activities;
the order of the itinerary.

Changes may be required due to, but are not limited to:

weather conditions;
flooding;
river levels;
road conditions;
wildlife movements;
government regulations;
park authority instructions;
conservation requirements;
mechanical issues;
operational requirements;
guest safety.

Where reasonably practical, Chobe House will provide an equivalent or superior alternative experience.

Such operational changes shall not constitute grounds for cancellation or compensation where the overall safari experience can still reasonably be delivered.

 

13. Chobe National Park & Okavango Delta

Our safaris operate within dynamic wilderness environments including Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, the Okavango Delta and surrounding conservation areas.

Access to certain regions may occasionally be affected by:

seasonal flooding;
exceptionally high or low water levels;
heavy rainfall;
damaged roads;
fallen trees;
bush fires;
government restrictions;
conservation measures;
veterinary control measures;
safety considerations.

Should any destination become inaccessible, Chobe House reserves the right to substitute campsites, lodges, activities or routes with suitable alternatives.

 

14. Mobile Safaris

Mobile safaris are authentic wilderness experiences.

Although every effort is made to provide a comfortable and enjoyable safari, guests acknowledge that camping in remote national parks differs from staying in permanent accommodation.

Mobile safari conditions may include:

uneven terrain;
changing weather;
insects;
dust;
smoke from campfires;
wildlife moving through camp;
generator-powered electricity;
limited or no mobile phone reception;
temporary camping facilities.

These elements form part of the authentic safari experience and shall not constitute grounds for complaint or compensation.

 

15. Boat Cruise Safaris

Boat cruise safaris operate on natural waterways whose conditions can change rapidly.

Chobe House reserves the right to alter or cancel boat departures where necessary due to:

storms;
high winds;
poor visibility;
floating debris;
exceptionally high or low water levels;
mechanical issues;
unsafe river conditions;
any circumstance affecting guest safety.

Where reasonably possible, an alternative activity will be offered.

 

16. Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife is entirely free-ranging.

Whilst our experienced guides will always endeavour to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities, Chobe House cannot guarantee sightings of any particular species.

Every safari is unique and wildlife behaviour is unpredictable.

 

17. Vehicles, Boats & Equipment

Chobe House operates specialised safari vehicles, boats and camping equipment in remote wilderness areas.

Mechanical failures and equipment breakdowns may occasionally occur despite regular servicing and maintenance.

Should this happen, Chobe House will make every reasonable effort to:

repair the equipment;
replace the vehicle or boat;
provide an alternative activity;
minimise disruption to the safari.

Reasonable delays caused by mechanical failure shall not automatically entitle guests to compensation.

 

18. Accommodation

Occasionally it may become necessary to substitute accommodation due to operational reasons beyond our control.

Where practical, replacement accommodation will be of an equivalent or higher standard.

This may include:

alternative chalets;
mobile safari camps;
partner lodges;
bush camps;
alternative campsites.
 

19. Safari Guides & Partner Operators

Chobe House takes great pride in the quality of its safari guides and will make every reasonable effort to operate all safaris using our own experienced guiding team.

However, due to operational requirements, guide availability, illness, annual leave, vehicle scheduling, or the specific location of a safari, it may occasionally be necessary to utilise one of our carefully selected safari partners or independent professional guides.

Any outsourced guide, vehicle or activity provider used by Chobe House will be selected from trusted partners who meet our standards for professionalism, safety, experience and guest service.

Where an outsourced guide or operator is used:

Guests will receive the same itinerary (or a substantially similar itinerary where operationally necessary).
The advertised price of the safari will remain unchanged.
Chobe House will remain your primary point of contact before and during your safari.
We will continue to oversee the quality of the experience to ensure it reflects the standards expected of Chobe House.

The use of an approved partner guide or safari operator shall not constitute grounds for cancellation, compensation or refund.

 

20. Park Fees & Government Charges

National Park entrance fees, conservation levies, tourism taxes and other statutory charges are determined by the Government of Botswana.

Should these increase after a booking has been confirmed, Chobe House reserves the right to recover the additional amount from the guest prior to travel.

Should a government authority introduce new regulations affecting access to national parks or protected areas, Chobe House will comply with such regulations and make reasonable amendments to the itinerary where required.

 

21. Guest Responsibilities

Guests are responsible for ensuring they:

hold valid passports;
carry out their own research on the correct visas to have (if applicable);
obtain all necessary visas;
comply with customs and immigration regulations;
disclose relevant medical conditions;
carry any prescribed medication;
arrive at departure points on time.

Guests must follow all instructions given by Chobe House guides and staff throughout the safari. Chobe House holds no liability for guests unable to travel due to travel or visa-related issues.

Failure to comply with safety instructions may result in activities being suspended or terminated without refund if guest behaviour places themselves, other guests, staff or wildlife at risk.

Guests remain financially responsible for any damage caused through negligence or wilful misconduct.

 

22. Right to Cancel Bookings

Martial Chobe PTY Ltd reserves the right to cancel any booking at its sole discretion. This right may be exercised in cases where the booking does not comply with the hotel’s policies, if there are unforeseen circumstances affecting the operation of the hotel, or for any other reason deemed necessary by the hotel management. In the event of a cancellation by the hotel, guests will be notified as soon as possible, and any payments made will be refunded in full, unless otherwise agreed upon. Martial Chobe PTY Ltd shall not be held liable for any costs or inconvenience incurred by the guest due to such cancellations.