Back of Africa Adventure Manager Making Bookings.
Back of Africa Adventure
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2014)
- Member Of:
- Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) & KWS
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Budget & mid-range)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $110 to $400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
FR
Email Yuan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I had to tell myself not to be mad and enjoy this honey moon private tour
I'm here to note the tour operator so I'd like to state several facts dealing with Back of Africa:
1. Allan asked me to pay the balance in cash but we don't have any USD, so he added 40 dollars (I can't remember how much excatly) bank fee in order to pay by card.
2. Three hours after departure we realized that it's not the direction to our first destination Amboseli so asked our driver. He told us we're actually going to Masai Mara.
3. I contacted Allan, he replied sorry for not telling us, and the program change is due to non availability at a lodge. Given that we were asked to pay the deposit 3 months ago "in order to secure the logistics", it's simply NOT acceptable to make the reservations at the last minute then realize that it's full. After carefully studying and made this tailored grogram together, imagine my furstration when Allan reversed our itinerary without informing us at all.
4. Since the itininary is reversed, I asked for a new full program. He said ok but I never recieved anything until the end of the trip.
5. On the initial program is included 3 hot meals per day, except for the full day safari in Masai Mara. Surprisingly we were given 3 times this non editable and completly non hygiene lunch box (imagine a toast sandwich with cheese and a greasy chicken leg after 5 hours under the sun). So we didn't have lunch and starved the whole day until I suffered from stomachache every evening. For the 3rd time I had to complain and fight for a real meal during our 7 hours drive from Naivasha to Ambosali.
(Allan told us later that full board hotel booking is only 5 dollars more expensive than half board, so it's more interesting for him to book with in-hotel lunch or lunch box. Again, since our program is changed, the road trips don't allow a in-hotel lunch. Since he never sent over the new program, we always needed to figure out by ourselves where we go the next day, and have no clue of lunch arrangement.)
6. On the last day back to Nairobi, Allan joined us for lunch, and asked us to express ourselves. He said sorry again, gave us loads of excuses that we as customers find it hard to accept. I asked on D1 some form of compensation which he refused, because he is too busy, and "miastake is human", and he "learned the lesson". This meeting is a pointless loss of time for our holiday.
7. I felt offended during this whole meeting. Allan was adressing only to my boyfriend and never looked at me, even when saying goodbye.
I would definately recommend Kenya and loved the breath taking scenaries and amazing animals.
Our driver and guide George is quiet and doesn't really smile, but has adequate knowlege and did his job.
These moments of frustration were not expected especially given the price we paid, we need to at least have the service we booked.
If I have any advice to give, do check every detail with him before you pay, and do not trust.
Reply from Back of Africa Adventure
Posted on Aug 2, 2019Hi Yuan,
I am sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience with myself as an organizer. That was really not my intention I had at the back of my mind more so on our mail conversations as our valued customer. As a company and as a person in charge, I really appreciate your feedback as it is very indispensable.
I would also like to take this chance to comment on your points.
Yuan: Allan asked me to pay the balance in cash but we don't have any USD, so he added 40 dollars (I can't remember how much exactly) bank fee in order to pay by card.
Allan: with due respect, kindly refer to our mail conversation dated April 11, 2019, 12:02 PM, the tour booking form outlines well our company payments policies that were sent to you in good time before you make any down payments to our company via bank to bank transfer. You filled in well and mailed us back two weeks later, I’m pleased to say that I never pushed for a cash payments neither did I asked for more money than what was agreed upon during our mail conversations.
At times as a good customer and as a concerned tourist you need to be honest and not to keep some cards under the table. You had all the options on how to make payments to us including online payments through our company secured link beforehand and you opted and informed us that you shall pay the last bit in cash upon arrival…
regrettably last minute when i dropped you at your Nairobi hotel on sunday July 7th/2019 you told us that you want to settle the balance via card and NOT cash as was earlier communicated via mail and agreed upon.
Little did i know you did this intentionally....same way you gave us a wrong date for airport pickup....of which you have not include in your well versed report. i honestly believe it slipped your mind too....?!
CHANGE ON THE ITINERARY:
I must admit that this was my mistake as it completely slipped my mind and I never informed you in good time that the program was to start from the bottom to the top. I’m so sorry about this please. The main reason why I did reverse the program to start with maasai mara instead of Amboseli national park was to ensure that I get the availability for the lodges that we agreed upon in the package that you both opted for and not that we did reservations last minute.
I could have missed the facilities that were agreed upon if in any case the trip commenced with Amboseli and end it with maasai mara game reserve as per the original plan.
The below was the sketch revised itinerary:
Day 1. July 8th/2019. Nairobi to maasai mara sopa lodge
Day 2. July 9th/2019. Maasai mara – acc. Mara sopa lodge.
Day 3. July 10th/2019. Maasai mara to Naivasha sopa lodge.
Day 4. July 11th/2019. Naivasha / hell’s gate NP. To Amboseli Kibo safari luxury tented lodge.
Day 5. July 12th/2019. Amboseli NP. Acc was at Amboseli kibo safari luxury tented lodge.
Day 6. July 13th/2019. Amboseli Np. To Nairobi ----END OF TRIP.
I opted for the above due to the availability of the rooms since the month of July is a beehive activity with various lodges. though NO NATIONAL PARK or GAME RESERVE was compromised.
MEAL PLAN:
The meal plan was full board in every lodges and I believe “Tom, Dick and Harry” who has done similar trip in the past do understand the logistics involve. I’m astounded to read that you got greasy lunch boxes from outlined facilities. If it is not a matter of “adding salt to the open wound”, then as an operator I shall follow up with the outlined facilities.
COMPENSATION:
I honestly did outline to you why compensation was not possible since it was just a twist of the program to start to maasai mara instead of commencing with amboseli National park. It was not intentionally reversed but just to ensure I get the rooms in good time, all other logistics were as was communicated and agreed upon in our mail conversations and even the park entries, accommodations were paid in good time for the flow of the program and there were no transportation problems since we only have a new cars for our programs.
Once again do accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience you may have experienced in respect to starting your trip with maasai mara game reserve instead of Amboseli National park.
We take this opportunity to thank you for your feedback which allows us to serve you and other customers better today and tomorrow.
We deeply value your trust, relationship / business with Back Of Africa Adventure and I’m committed to providing you with the highest level of service simply because our customers deserve the very best. If you have any further questions or comments regarding this matter, please feel free to discuss it with us via e mail or phone call.
Yours sincerely
Allan.
US
Email Jake | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This is the best Company to use for a great Safari. Ask for Obama!
I did two different sets of Safari with Back of Safari. My guide was Obama. I had an absolutely amazing experience. Most guides will just show you the animals. On our safaris, our guide explained to us all of the details of the land, the culture, the neighboring tribes and much more. They have the best prices and without a doubt the best guides. If you are wanting a great safari experience, Back of Safari is the best way to go.
DE
Email Benedikt | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful 7-day-safari
We had a wonderful 7-day-safari through Tsavo West, Tsavo East, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara Nationalpark. Allan organized our whole costumized safari in only 2 days as we booked very spontaneously! The communication per mail was very good, he always responded immediately. Simon is the perfect driverguide with his excellent knowledge about the nature, animals and local culture as well as the best spots for great animal sightings. Also he never rushed but gave us enough time for watching animals and taking pictures. Not only did we see all Big Five but also many many other animals. The accomodations we had were amazing. As we are on a vegan diet, Allan made sure that we had all vegan meals. We recommend to book a Safari with Back of Africa Adventure 100%!!!
Thank you very much for a wonderful time!
Five stars for George, he was the perfect guide. Minus one star for Hell’s Gate bike ride.
George was our guide for the first four days, and he made them amazing days. He is not only a good guide, but a good person to spend many hours with. He was incredibly knowledgeable about all the animals we found. He knew how to find the more elusive animals (leopard, cheetah) and often we were the first safari van to find one of these special animals, due to his understanding of their movements and habits. He was patient in waiting for good viewing angles and opportunities. And he answered all our (many, many) questions about the large animals, the small ones, the birds, the bugs, and the plants. He even explained larger topics like the Kenya’s history and culture.
His personality was a perfect fit for us. Calm and present. He was attentive to every question, but did not fill silence with meaningless chatter. He thought carefully about his answers to our questions, and clearly understood the science behind the natural world. We really appreciated the space he gave us to talk amongst ourselves, or just enjoy the sounds of nature.
For the final day, George left and Obama became our guide. He was friendly and full of jokes. We visited Hell’s Gate that day. The park is nice, with some dramatic geological features and populations of zebra, impala, giraffes, and buffalo. The negative was the bike rental. We asked Obama about price but were told to wait and see, even after he spoke to the bike tour guide on the phone. When we met the bike tour guide, Obama explained his guide fee as 300 shillings, but the man corrected him to 1500. Then we had to pay a bunch of small fees, including the guide’s park entry fee and even his bike fee. We rented the guide’s bike for him, from him. The guide had a thick accent and a frequent cough. He mostly pointed to animals.
Only later did we see other tourists without guides and realize the guide was optional. We asked for some privacy and our guide rode ahead and mostly let us bike at our own pace.
One purpose the guide apparently serves is scaring away buffalo by clapping. So give the buffalo plenty of space and clap them away if they’re too close - they can be dangerous.
Finally, Alan was a responsive organizer and answered our emails promptly. Much appreciate that
CA
Email Connor McGorman | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Knowledgeable and Friendly
Loved the Kilaguni Serena safari lodge, would have liked to stay there a few more days.
TR
Email Gorkem Arslan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best tour ever!
I and my friends had a safari experience with Back of Africa and it definitely exceeded our expectations!
Allan - our tour organizer - is super professional, hands on, dedicated and clear in communications. So everything was amazing from the first contact till the end.
We stayed in Sarova Camp, it is like an oasis. The atmosphere, food and staff all 100/100.
I'd like to say big thank you to our tour guide George. He is amazing. We have seen all the big 5 in our first day. For the next day we asked him to get closer to giraffes and he found a place where there is no one except our jeep and like 10 giraffes!. He is not only amazing in his job but also has a great personality.
In summary, this tour is the one =)
Memories of a lifetime ~ powered by Back of Africa adventure
Only one word to describe our 4-day Tsavo east/west & Amboseli Safari trip: amazing!
Amongst multiple tour operators Back of Africa immediately stood out due to price, offering, flexibility and very helpful assistance in advance.
This turned out to be a representative for the trip itself, hosted by our amazing, skilled and lovely driver Omar who tried his best to let us experience most of what unpredictable Mother Nature has to offer in Southern Kenya.
The well-thought-thru itinerary let us have an amazing trip starting from day one, building up towards the end saving best for last so we were fascinated all the time.
The skills and knowledge of the driver really added to the experience, as well as the back office organization prior. The company as well as the driver is very reliable and I would highly recommend choosing Back of Africa as preferred operator.
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Email Farah | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best Safari Ever!
Back of Africa is the best! Allan is very professional, timely and detailed. He provided every detail exactly as we wanted and more! George our driver was very knowledgable and fluent in English. He made sure we got what we wanted! We would highly recommend then if you are looking for hassle free adventures and action!
US
Email Paula M | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great itinerary, wonderful guide, professional service
My husband and I did a 7 day / 6 night safari. It was a trip of a lifetime. Allan was extremely prompt in responding to queries and everything was well organized as agreed. Our driver Elliott was wonderful. He was knowledgeable about the animals and a good driver on the Kenyan roads which were often in bad condition.
The highlight of our trip was staying at the Serena lodge at Tsavo West overlooking the waterhole. We also enjoyed our stay at the Sopa lodge in Nakaru (amazing view) and Keekorok lodge at Masai Mara (with a hippo pool). The food at all the lodges was delicious and varied. 2 of the lodges (Kibo at Amboseli and Aruba at Tsavo East) did not have WiFi in the rooms but that was a minor inconvenience
We were lucky to see over 25 lions at very close range during our safari as well as dozens of elephants and other wild life.
The only thing I would change is getting a 4 wheel vehicle next time as the roads (especially near Amboseli) are terrible.
I highly recommend Back of Africa. They provided great service and value. Allan was efficient and well organized and we highly recommend our driver Elliott
MX
Email Mike Cruz | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Quality Company, Quality Safari
We had an excellent experience with Back of Africa on our recent Kenyan Safari! Our guide Simon was fantastic - it was like he had a sixth sense to determine where we would find animals and be able to drive very close to them. He was fun, knowledgable and very professional. The quality of the lodgings were very good to excellent, our Land Cruiser was the perfect way to drive around the savanna and the animals we saw (and pictures we got) were amazing! Highly recommended!
