We ( 2 Canadian seniors) recently did a trip to the Horn of Africa with Across Travel Tours. There were some major planning issues with this travel agency. They responded to my concerns in a patronizing tone blaming us for the issues. We spent almost $10.000 and expected better service. I do take responsibility for the following: 1. I should have used a travel agency based in Africa that had knowledge of how things work . 2. I did buy a second visa to Ethiopia as they suggested, but it turns out I needed 3. I should have listened to my consulate and not them. 3. I was informed by my consulate and Ethiopian airlines that if all our airline tickets had been booked on one reference number- I would not have needed any visas $80 usd pp x 3). The airlines would have provided hotel rooms with dinner x 3 and saved us considerable cost. When I informed Across Africa about this I received no sympathy, concern, or help. I was told I was trying to break the rules of the country. Upon entry, on all 3 occasion we were asked why our flights/plans were booked this way. I do take responsibility for choosing a travel agency that is uninformed. 4. We were required to take another 2 hotel rooms in Addis Abba even though we already had one booked through the agency and we did have a visa. This was our problem of course because we did not book with a travel agency that is aware of all the requirements and nuances of booking in Ethiopia. 5.,the trip cost us $1000 usd more because of these issues which could have been avoided if booked properly, On each of the 3 entries to Addis Abba we spent 90 min. Just trying to get in with the hotels and visas we had. This was all our fault of course. 6. No refund for the extra expenses was offered. Let the buyer beware- choose an agent situated in the country you are going to. Another issue, we booked this trip with a quotation of approximately $4500 . Then we booked our overseas flight. The travel agency then doubled the price saying they made a mistake. We tried and could not refund our flights so we went forward. Yes, again our mistake for not recognizing the ‘bait and switch’. Use Across Africa at your own risk.
Dear Patricia, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Firstly, there was a lack of proper documentation regarding the Ethiopian visa, which you were advised to organize. It was evident that you did not process the necessary entry visa before arriving in Ethiopia, despite our instructions to do so. You mentioned the suggestion to book the ticket with one booking reference to obtain a transit visa, but this was not feasible as explained in our emails. The airline canceled and rebooked tickets for you, making it impossible to consolidate the entry into one booking. Regarding the subpar quality of the hotel where you were placed, this was ordered by the immigration officer due to your lack of an Ethiopian visa and your travel history from Somaliland, which flagged you for surveillance. The situation escalated to the point where you had to pay for two hotels. This was not our fault but a consequence of your visa situation and actions mandated by government authorities beyond our control. We do not have the authority to change government policies to accommodate requests if travelers do not comply with the country’s laws, such as not having the required visa. While we understand your concerns about the hotel quality, our ability to intervene in matters such as the hotel’s offerings or billing practices is limited when actions are mandated by government authorities and excused by the airline. Thank you for your understanding.
