User Terms of Service

“Tafika” or “we” means Tafika Booking, operated by Digital Africa Limited. “Platform” means the Tafika website, applications, booking tools, and related services. “Supplier” means an accommodation provider (such as a hotel, lodge, guest house, serviced apartment, suite, or villa) listing on the Platform. “Guest” or “you” means a traveller or end user who browses or attempts to book via the Platform.

“Booking Confirmation” means a reservation that has reached confirmed status through the Platform and is communicated to you and the Supplier via email, SMS, WhatsApp, or in-app notification.

“Instant Confirmation” means a booking mode where a reservation is confirmed automatically when inventory is available and any required payment or verification steps are completed.

“Property Confirmation” means a booking mode where you submit a reservation request that is not considered confirmed until the Supplier explicitly approves it through the Platform or associated communication channels.

By accessing or using the Platform as a Guest, you agree to these User Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform.

Separate terms apply to Suppliers listing properties on Tafika. Those are set out in the Tafika Supplier Agreement (version 2.0 or as updated), which governs the relationship between Tafika and accommodation partners.

We may update these terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through the Platform or by email where appropriate. Your continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated terms, unless otherwise required by applicable law.

Tafika provides a digital booking platform that enables you to search for accommodation, submit booking requests or instant bookings, and receive booking information. Tafika is not an accommodation provider and does not own or operate the properties listed on the Platform.

You agree to provide accurate and complete information when creating an account or making a booking, to keep your login credentials secure, and to use the Platform only for lawful purposes.

You must not misuse the Platform, including by attempting to interfere with its security or operation, making fraudulent or fake bookings, abusing pay-at-property options, circumventing platform safeguards, or using automated means without our permission.

4.1 How booking works

Properties on Tafika may use different booking modes, which are displayed before you complete a booking:

• Instant Confirmation: your reservation is confirmed automatically when inventory is available and any required payment or verification steps are completed. You should receive a Booking Confirmation promptly.
• Property Confirmation: you submit a reservation request. The booking is not confirmed until the Supplier approves it through the Platform or approval channels (such as WhatsApp or email links). Until approval, you have submitted a request only — not a guaranteed stay.

Some properties display typical response times (for example, “Responds in ~2 hours”). These are estimates, not guarantees.

4.2 Contract with the Supplier

When you make a booking that becomes confirmed, you enter into an accommodation agreement with the relevant Supplier. Tafika is not a party to that contract. The Supplier is responsible for honouring confirmed reservations according to the listing and the policies shown to you at the time of booking.

Once a Booking Confirmation is issued, you will receive notice via one or more channels: WhatsApp, SMS, email, or in-app notification, depending on your settings and the property’s configuration.

Prices and fees displayed on the Platform are provided by Suppliers and may include taxes and charges as indicated on the booking screen. Any additional charges (such as local taxes or property fees) will be shown where reasonably possible.

Payment methods may include TNM Mpamba, Airtel Money, Visa/Mastercard, and pay-at-property (where offered by the property). Payments processed through the Platform are handled by verified payment providers (such as Stripe and Paychangu). Tafika does not store your full payment card details.

Payment terms — including whether payment is taken in advance or at the property — and the applicable cancellation and refund rules are displayed at the time of booking. By completing a booking, you agree to those specific terms.

Refunds are subject to the cancellation policy shown at booking and applicable law. Where Tafika processes your payment, we may facilitate refunds in accordance with that policy. For pay-at-property bookings, payment collection and refunds are generally handled directly with the property unless otherwise stated.

To modify or cancel a booking, follow the instructions in your confirmation, your Tafika account, or contact support with your booking reference. Repeated no-shows or abuse of pay-at-property may result in restrictions on your account.

You consent to receiving operational, security, and booking-related communications from Tafika and Suppliers through email, SMS, WhatsApp, and in-platform notifications. Marketing communications, where sent, will be in accordance with applicable law and your preferences. You are responsible for keeping your contact details accurate. Message and data rates may apply for SMS or mobile network services.

Tafika provides technology services that connect Guests with Suppliers and facilitates bookings, confirmations, notifications, and account tools. We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation of the Platform. Maintenance, upgrades, or emergency interventions may temporarily affect availability.

Information about properties (descriptions, photos, amenities, prices, availability, and policies) is provided by Suppliers. Suppliers are responsible for accuracy. Tafika is not responsible for accommodation services, property conditions, or disputes between you and a Supplier regarding your stay.

Disputes: Issues about your stay should first be raised with the Supplier. If unresolved, contact Tafika support at tafika.co/support or support@tafikabooking.com with your booking reference. Tafika may assist with records or mediation in good faith but does not guarantee a particular outcome.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Tafika will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential losses, or loss of profits, revenue, or goodwill arising from your use of the Platform or any booking. Nothing in these terms limits liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law.

Force majeure: Neither party will be liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, power outages, telecommunications failures, civil unrest, government actions, epidemics, or similar events.

We collect and use your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which explains what we collect, how we use it, how we share it with Suppliers and service providers, and your rights. By using the Platform, you acknowledge that your personal data will be processed as described in the Privacy Policy.

We may suspend or terminate your access if we reasonably believe you have breached these terms, engaged in fraud or abuse (including fake bookings or pay-at-property misuse), or created risk of harm to other users, Suppliers, or Tafika. Where appropriate, we will notify you of the reason. Existing confirmed bookings may still be subject to Supplier policies and applicable law.

We may update these User Terms of Service to reflect changes to the Platform, legal requirements, or business practices. When we make material changes, we will update the version and “Last updated” date, and take reasonable steps to notify you through the Platform or by email. Your continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance, unless otherwise required by applicable law.

These User Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the Republic of Malawi. Disputes that cannot be resolved informally may be referred to the courts of Malawi, without prejudice to any mandatory protections that apply under the laws of your country of residence.

Legal enquiries: legal@tafika.co
Guest support: tafika.co/support · support@tafikabooking.com
Operator: Digital Africa Limited, Republic of Malawi