Frequently asked questions

Search or browse stays, pick your dates and send a booking request. Most stays on Spekboom are request-to-book: the host confirms availability first, usually within a few hours, and you are only charged once the host accepts. If a host has not replied within a day we let you know and help you find somewhere else. Some stays offer instant confirmation, and stays without online pricing can be enquired about directly. You receive email updates at every step, from request to confirmation.

Neither. Spekboom.org is a regenerative travel marketplace: you book places to stay across Africa, and a share of our commission goes to a named conservation or community cause. We are not a nursery and we do not sell spekboom plants or cuttings, so we are not Cape Garden, Plantify or any other plant shop. We are not affiliated with Spekboom Tours, which is a separate tour operator. The SANParks Spekboom Tented Rest Camp shares the plant name and is bookable through us like any other stay. For information about the plant itself, Portulacaria afra, see SANBI at pza.sanbi.org/portulacaria-afra.

Guests pay no service fee on Spekboom: the price you see is the price you pay. Spekboom charges hosts one all-inclusive 12.5% commission on each booking, and that single commission covers payment processing, the platform and our conservation model. A share of it goes to the conservation, community or education cause linked to the stay you book.

Every listing on Spekboom is linked to a conservation, community or education cause. A share of our 12.5% commission is paid to that cause, so the support comes out of our side of the booking and is never added on top of your price. Each listing page shows the cause it supports, and you can browse all of them on our causes page.

Cancellation and modification policies vary by property. Each accommodation sets its own cancellation policy, shown during booking and in your confirmation email. You can manage your booking through your Spekboom account or contact our support team for assistance with changes.

Yes. We vet every accommodation on Spekboom for quality, safety and sustainability, and all payments run through Paystack, a leading South African payment processor. On request-to-book stays you are only charged once the host accepts, so your money never sits against an unconfirmed booking.

We accept major credit and debit cards and instant EFT through our secure payment system powered by Paystack. All payments are processed in South African Rand (ZAR); international cards are charged in ZAR and converted by your card issuer at their prevailing rate.

No. Spekboom (spekboom.org) is a South African regenerative travel booking platform, named after the remarkable spekboom plant. We are not connected to Spekboom Tours, and we are not a single lodge: the SANParks Spekboom Tented Rest Camp is a rest camp that shares the plant name, and it can be booked through our platform like any other SANParks stay.

The best time varies by region and activity. Generally, May to September offers cooler, dry weather ideal for safari and outdoor activities. November to March is summer with occasional rains but great for bird watching and lush landscapes. Check specific destination guides on our explore pages.

If you are a South African citizen or resident travelling within South Africa, you need no visa at all. For travel into South Africa, many nationalities (including the UK, the EU, the USA and most SADC countries) are visa exempt for short visits, while others must apply in advance. Other African countries set their own rules and several offer visa on arrival or an e-visa. Check the Department of Home Affairs list for South Africa, and the relevant embassy for other destinations, and allow plenty of time for processing.

Consult a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before travel. Common recommendations include yellow fever (required for some countries), hepatitis A & B, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis for certain regions. Requirements vary by destination and your health history.

Africa is vast and varied, and safety differs by region like anywhere else. We vet our accommodations for security, and many sit in rural areas where communities know their visitors. We provide specific safety guidance for each destination and connect you with local hosts who understand their areas well.

Pack light, breathable clothing in neutral colors for safari, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), comfortable walking shoes, light jacket for evenings, insect repellent, and any personal medications. Specific packing lists vary by destination and activities.

Regenerative properties do more than reduce harm. They restore ecosystems, employ local people, fund conservation projects, and preserve cultural heritage. Your stay leaves the place better than you found it.

Accommodations on our platform are either community-owned or have established partnerships that ensure local employment, skills development, and direct revenue sharing. On top of that, a share of the all-inclusive commission Spekboom earns on your booking goes to the conservation, community or education cause linked to the stay, at no extra cost to you.

We support various causes including wildlife conservation, community education, sustainable agriculture, clean water projects, renewable energy initiatives, and cultural preservation. Each property page shows the specific causes it supports, and you can browse all causes in our dedicated section. A share of our commission on your booking goes directly to these initiatives.

Each listing page shows the cause your booking supports, and after booking you can see your contribution in your Spekboom account. Because the cause share comes out of our commission rather than your price, every booking funds real work without costing you more.

Choose accommodations with clear sustainability practices, respect local cultures and customs, minimize plastic use, support local businesses, participate in conservation activities, follow wildlife viewing guidelines, and consider offsetting your carbon footprint.

Not necessarily. We offer sustainable options across all price ranges, from budget-friendly community guesthouses to luxury eco-lodges. The value includes unique experiences, positive impact, and often superior service that connects you authentically with destinations. And because the cause share comes out of our commission, booking regeneratively never costs you extra.

Our accommodations maintain high safety standards including secure premises, trained staff, emergency procedures, first aid facilities, reliable communication systems, and partnerships with local emergency services. Specific safety features are detailed on each property page.

Yes. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal belongings. Some accommodations may require proof of insurance. Ensure your policy covers activities you plan to do.

Contact your accommodation staff immediately - they're trained to assist with emergencies. Keep emergency contact numbers handy, including local police, medical services, and your embassy. Most accommodations have 24/7 staff and emergency protocols.

Yes, many solo travelers choose our accommodations safely. Properties often have communal areas to meet other travelers, experienced staff to provide local advice, and security measures appropriate for solo guests. Check reviews from solo travelers on each property page.

Our accommodations follow strict food safety standards. Drink bottled or properly filtered water, eat at the accommodation or recommended restaurants, and follow basic food safety principles. Most properties provide safe drinking water and can advise on local food options.