Double charge for accommodation

I booked accommodation via the SafariNow website, and entered my credit card details for payment, and received an sms from my bank, showing the amount "reserved for purchase".

When checking out from the establishment, I received an invoice for the accommodation. I informed the person at the lodge that I had already paid via credit card when making the booking, and referred to the sms received from my bank.

They indicated that they had not received payment. As the sms only indicated “reserved for purchase”, and upon request from the person at the establishment, I checked my account and noticed that the amount had not been deducted from my credit card account.

I therefore paid the outstanding amount. This often happens when making online bookings with other hotel groups.

However, when I arrived home the following day, I noticed the amount being deducted from my credit card account.

I have therefore paid double for the accommodation.

I have phoned on 3 August to report the mistake and request a refund. I phoned again on 13 August. The people at SafariNow apologized for the misunderstanding and committed to resolve the matter with the establishment, and refund me immediately. To date I have not received any feedback and I have still not been refunded.