Zero-commission booking.

The direct answer

Zero-commission booking means the platform takes no percentage of the transaction. The host sets a price, the guest pays that price, and the host receives it in full. Cabana operates this way across all 54 African countries.

Where commission normally goes

On a conventional platform, a night advertised at US$100 might break down like this. The numbers are illustrative but the structure is standard.

Illustrative. Actual fees vary by platform, market and property.

Why this matters more in Africa than elsewhere

Two reasons. First, margins on small independent properties are thinner, so a 15–25% commission is a larger share of real profit than it is for a hotel chain. Second, that commission generally leaves the continent, whereas the same money left with the host circulates locally. For a host letting one apartment, the difference is often the cost of the mortgage on it.

How Cabana funds itself instead

Optional paid placement for hosts and operators who want more visibility, and value-added services. Nothing is taken from the booking, which means Cabana has no incentive to inflate prices or hide fees at checkout — there is no fee to hide.

How to book this way

Search on Cabana stays, safaris and tours, car hire or transfers. Every price shown is the provider's own. Contact them before paying if you want to check details. Pay with mobile money or card.