You really enjoy the idea of going on a holiday to Africa, but you aren’t sure how to pick the best accommodation online.
The internet is filled with loads of amazing hotels, lodges and other accommodation in Africa, however when you’re sitting on the other side of the world, staring at your computer screen, how can you be sure that an accommodation’s website is trustworthy, really offers the amenities it promises… or even if the place really exists?
If you’re wary of booking accommodation online in Africa, it’s best to book through a reputable online tour operator. Tour operators get the best possible rates from their supplies and can bring the cheapest rates to individual travelers as well as group travelers. Reputable booking agents are trustworthy and credible, meaning that all the accommodation offered on their website is legitimate and won’t make promises they can’t deliver.
When picking a reputable online tour operator, here are a few things you should look for:
1. Does the company have a blog?
If the company is passionate about what they do and they want to share their passion, experiences and knowledge with readers, they will have a regularly updated blog. This feature on a website also makes it a lot easier for travelers to access reliable travel information and tips.
2. Does the company have a meet the team page?
It’s all very well having a travel company and booking tours and accommodation in Africa, but if the company’s work force is filled with people who don’t know a leopard from a cheetah, an en-suite from separate or camping from glamping, then the company really isn’t worth trusting your hard earned cash with. Have a look at the tour operator’s ‘meet the team’ section of the website. Here you can gauge how clued up and experienced the company’s employees are judging from each team member’s profile blurb.
3. Is the company registered with a tourism services association?
The above elements will ensure that your online tour operator provides an honest quality service, but the cherry on the cake is when they show that they have aligned themselves with a credible tourism services association, for example SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association) or AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) or UTB (Uganda Tourism Board).
A membership with SATSA means that the tour operator is bonded with third party indemnity cover, which is a financial guarantee that covers all monetary deposits paid to the company before your trip starts.
With these tips, you’ll be sure to organize everything from luxury accommodation in Africa to Africa Tours with a company you can trust.
African Safaris Desk
African Adventure Travellers Ltd
