kimjos

Hi all,
We`re planning to visit Kenya in month of April,we are leaning on with Boydtours & travel
has anyone done a safari with them? we would like to make half of the payment before is it safe to do so.it will be our first safari to Kenya.

spassvogel

I cannot help with Boyd Tours as I have not booked with them.

Mostly the deposits to secure a booking should be not more than 20 max 25%. 50% seems a bit much.

Check whether your TO is an ATTA member or you might check with the Kenya Toursim office and ask for advise or ask for BT's reference list//credentials.

In these economically difficult times you cannot know enough about the comps you send money to.

SV

atravelynn

Kimjos,

I did not see Boyd on the KATO site. A listing there offers a little reassurance at least.

Here is the directory of members.
http://www.katokenya.org/katomembers.asp

Not ATTA members either.
http://www.atta.travel/members.aspx?order=&letter=B

Most outfits request under 50% for a deposit. Ask if you can make a 20% to 30% deposit with a credit card and pay the rest by credit card or bring it in cash. It can be done.

Or if you are not comfortable find a different agent with payment terms more to your liking with a KATO membership or an office closer to your home.

Is there a reason you've chosen Boyd?

mercyne

Hi Kimjos,
I & my husband had traveled with boyd tours on the month of July.we also had to pay 25% when were booking ,we payed 50% on our arrival where else we payed the rest 25% after our safari and coming back home as per what we agreed.you can also try them.

ROSE005

atravelynn, there are many credible companies that are not members of KATO this is due to the many regulations that are put by KATO for you to be a member eg the annual turn over of the business among others. I have traveled many times to Kenya with a company that is yet to be a member of KATO but have always had a good experience. I understand the fears of making payments with companies that are not member of such organizations but at times they even give better services.
Kimjos you can ask the company to allow you to pay on arrival and obtain a receipt.
You can even pay 75% on arrival and then 25% after the safari am sure the agent would not have a problem with that unless your period of travel is in the high season as that would require advance payment.

all the best

sandi

For travel within 60/days of expected arrival, it's not unusual for a tour operator to ask for full payment. Anything longer, all require a deposit to hold your reservations - hotels, flights, etc., with balance due 60/days prior arrival (some companies will allow for 45/days prior arrival).

Can't comment on Boyd, sounds more like a UK company who may have different requirements.

atravelynn

Thanks Rose005 for your comments and suggestion of some highly favorable payment terms.

LyndaS

I did a search in the trip report index for Boyd - nothing. The trip report index goes back to 2004 - no one on this board who has written a trip report since 2004 has used them.

spassvogel

kimjos
Despite you sound like a brave women travelling Africa I would HIGHLY advise you to not drive a cab in/around Nairobi after dark.

First you won't see much as you get stuck in traffic jam (it's exciting and entertaining during daylight) and secondly it's not fun/safe after dark.

Hang around the airport and read a book or enjoy the people walking by/shopping etc.

Happy travels!

SV

Patty

Boyd Tours appears to be based in Nairobi http://boydtours.com/contact_us.html

Are they asking you to send a 50% deposit? If so, that's high.

mercyne

lifesavernumberone, Boyd tours&travels is a Kenya tour company based in Nairobi.
Their website is www.boydtours.com
have used them twice

marshal6060

We all fear about our hard earned money getting lost ,after a lot of safari planning for many months.When I started traveling with Africa Veterans, they are tour operators with a big office in Kenya,Nairobi,I never Used to pay a cent,they could risk,book for me the hotels and wait me at the airport but never missed.I now pay them in advance as I already have experience with them and their prices are very good.may be you can try what they says about this money issue.The other thing April is low season so most hotels will not insist on deposit and you will be assured of getting a nice accommodation.be wise.

sabena2

I am just back from a wonderful safari in Kenya with Boyd tours and travel, their services were so professional and would not hesitate to recommend. as well you can try All Seasons Safaris and Tours

sabena2

Hi kimjos,

I had also traveled with Boyd tours and travel last year in the month of April and i remember paying a deposit of 25% when i was booking,i paid 50% on arrival and the rest 25% after my safari.It was so fabulous and i enjoyed my trip with them.