Wakanow is a Nigerian web-based travel logistics company founded in 2008 by two gentlemen Obinna Ekezie and Ralph Tamuno. The company, as a pioneer of some sorts in that industry, has become Africa’s premier online travel booking service company. Since its inception, the site has recorded over a million travel bookings and counting, and the traction it gained during its first two years in business made it possible for the innovative travel company to be awarded an exclusive license during the 2010 World Cup as an event reseller.
During the past years, Wakanow has expanded its business travel across Nigeria to 32 States and counting; it has also penetrated some countries with centers in the UK, Dubai, Ghana, Kenya and plans to penetrate more countries in Africa in the coming years. WakaNow is also the brain behind Destinations Africa (DA) – an African travel booking platform with a one-stop travel booking platform for all categories of African travels.
To drive the initiative, Wakanow has also partnered with Ebony Life TV, an entertainment and lifestyle network, to produce a glamorous travel show – of the same name, designed to highlight the continent’s top destinations for African travelers.
A Look at How Wakanow Come About
WakaNow was founded in February 2008 by former NBA player Obinna Ekezie and Mr. Ralph Tamuno. It has gone ahead to redefine how travel services and reservations are made in Nigeria and across Africa. Disclosing what prompted the decision to start up an online travel company, one that was entirely new at the time it came onboard, Ekezie said the idea was born out of a personal experience he had while still in the US, where he couldn’t book or make travel reservation from the comfort of his home in Nigeria as people did in the U.S.
Ekezie and his business partner Ralph leveraged technology and the entire digital ecosystem to change the way people book travel and reservation in Nigeria. With the vision to own African packaged travel by aggregating the best of African holiday destinations under one roof, Wakanow was founded in February 2008 to respond to an industry in dire need of improved customer service, better deals, and more options and value for travelers.
In 2010, two years after the company was founded, it was awarded an exclusive license as an event reseller during the 2010 World Cup. Although it started as an online company, today, Wakanow has offline outlets, over 32 travel centers around Nigeria and counting, including all the major airports, and in Ghana, the UK, Dubai, and Kenya. The company also floated an African travel booking platform called Destinations Africa (DA). DA is a one-stop travel booking platform for all categories of African travel. According to Ekezie, the major factor that influenced the DestinationsAfrica platforms was the desire to make the world experience the new Africa of hope and beauty, a new Africa of pride and endless possibilities.
WakaNow’s Financial Struggles And Ekezie’s Removal As CEO
Like many businesses, it hasn’t been all rosy for the company as it has had its shares of challenges and difficulties. In 2018, 10 years after the company was founded, it was rumored that the company was going through some financial challenges following an economic recession that hit the aviation sector the year before and that the company was having difficulties paying staff.
Thanks to an investment from a multinational private equity (PE) firm, Carlyle Group, worth $40 million, the company reportedly paid staff up to 4 months’ salaries. The relief was short-lived as the economic difficulty continued to bite even hard. In October 2019, Obinna Ekezie was removed as the CEO and replaced by Adebayo Adedeji, a retail and finance expert who had worked with Amazon as a Senior Finance Leader and other retail companies PetSmart and Walmart.
Adedeji started at the company in 2018 as the Chief Transformation Officer, then transitioned to CCO before taking over fully as the CEO in October 2019. The company seems to have foot its feet back on track and doing quite well under him.
How to Book A Flight On Wakanow
Since innovation, technology, and simplicity are part of the company’s key selling points, it has gone ahead to also make booking flights from its platform as easy as possible. Travelers don’t need to have any special requirement in place, except for a valid form of identification (An international passport if you are booking an international flight, International passport, or a local form of identification ( National ID, Voter’s card, if you are booking a local flight)
To book a flight from WakaNow, follow the steps below:
- Visit www.wakanow.com from an internet-enabled laptop, mac, phone, etc.
2. Once you are there, you will see the “Book Flight” button on the dashboard, click on it and fill in the following information displayed:
- Trip type (Round trip, one way, or multiple cities). If you book a return trip(to and fro), then click on a round trip; if you are visiting more than one city, choose multiple cities, and if it is a one-off trip, select a one-way trip.
- Passenger: select how many passengers will be traveling. If you are traveling with the whole family or traveling with an infant or a minor, fill out this part correctly.
- Flight Class: Here, you will be required to select the class or flight you will be traveling in Economy, Business, First, or Premium Class.
- From where (here enter the city or airport you will be traveling from)
- To Where (Enter your destination; the city or airport you will be landing)
- Leaving On ( Enter your departure date)
- Returning On (Enter your returning date; this applies only if you are booking a round trip; if it is a one-way trip, please ignore this part) By selecting the trip type (round, one way, or multiple cities, this part is knocked off.)
3. Once you are done filling in the details above, click on the “Let’s Go” button, which takes you to the flight options page. Here you will see all available flights for the date chosen, time of departure, and price.
4. Select your preferred flight option by clicking on it. Having done this, click on the “Continue Booking” button. You will be taken to the traveler info page to fill out your personal details, including name(s), nationality, gender, DOB, email, etc. Here, you will also be required to choose a seat, add extra luggage, etc
5. Having filled out the traveler info page, tick the terms & conditions columns, then click on the “Continue” button to proceed to make payment. Once payment has been made, you will get a confirmation text containing the flight details, etc.
WakaNow Customer Care Contact
In case you run into any issue while trying to book your flight online all by yourself, you can reach out to WakaNow customer service lines on
- +2 341 700 8236
- +2 341 277 3010
Or send them an email to [email protected]
If you have questions regarding their Terms and Conditions, you can email them at [email protected].
WakaNow is also active on social media platforms:
- On Facebook @wakanowdotcom
- On Instagram @wakanowdotcom
- On Twitter @Wakanowdotcom
- On LinkedIn @Wakanow
- They can also be followed on YouTube @wakanow
WakaNow Office locations And Addresses Across The Country
Office Location | Address | Phone Numbers | |
Head Office | Plot 8, Elegushi Beach Road, Ikate Roundabout, Lekki, Lagos | 0700WAKANOW (07009252669), 07030095727 07028413705 | [email protected] |
Akure, FCMB Akure | 5, Bishop Fagun road, Ado- Owo road, Akure, Ondo. | 09020656222, 08030744619 | [email protected] |
Abuja Banex | Old Banex Plaza, Suite BS 37, Ground Floor, Beside FCMB Annex. Wuse Zone 11, Abuja | 09-6233317, 08079794199 | [email protected] |
Abuja Hilton | Transcorp Hilton, No.1 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja. | 09-6233319, 09-2919159, 08079794197 | [email protected] |
Delta State, Asaba | The Pivot Plaza, Behind Rain Oil filling Station, Opposite House of Assembly Okpanam Road, Asaba, Delta State | 01-7008244, 08187008698 | [email protected] |
Delta State, Warri | 6, Airport Road, Opposite Black Thomas House, Warri, Delta State | 01-7008243, 08187008692 | [email protected] |
Ibadan | Bayse One Checkmate Plaza, Adeoyo Round-about, Ring Road, Ibadan | 01-7008242, 08170046846 | [email protected] |
Ibadan, Ventura Mall | Shop V1, First Floor Ventura Mall, Samonda, Ibadan | 01-7008241, 09088854863 | [email protected] |
Ibadan Bond Mall | Bond Mall Bodija, Oluyole Way, 200285, Ibadan. Oyo State | 017008220 | [email protected] |
Kano, Al-Hamsad Tower 2 | Shop No A11 & A12, Al-Hamsad Tower 2, Opposite Shoprite Driving Entrance, Kano Zoo Road, Kano | 08090415878, 08090415879 | [email protected] |
Lagos, Airport Hub | Airport Business Hub, Murtala Mohammed International way, Ikeja, Lagos | 08177090414 | [email protected] |
Lagos, Experience Center | Jubilee Mall, 21 Admiralty Way, Lekki, Lagos. | 08097588189 | [email protected] |
Lagos, Lagos Island | 51/52 Marina, Old Kingsway Building, Ground Floor, Suite 10. (Same building with Mr. Biggs and SLOT), Lagos | 01-7008218, 08177000177 | [email protected] |
Lagos, MMA 1 (GAT) | General Aviation Terminal (GAT) Departure Hall, Old Terminal, Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos | 08176683338 | [email protected] |
Lagos, Adeola Odeku | XYLO Building, Plot 307, Adeola Odeku Str, Victoria Island, Lagos | 01-7008221, 08170001353 | [email protected] |
Lagos, Ago Palace Way Okota | 53, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos | 01-7008226, 08170002366 | [email protected] |
Lagos, MMA 2 Booth 1 | Departure Hall, New Terminal, Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos | 08072190518, 08183479318 | [email protected] |
Lagos, MMIA (Arrival) | Arrival Hall, Murtala Mohammed Int’l Airport, Ikeja, Lagos | 08072190518, 09031969951 | [email protected] |
Lagos, Ikeja | 64, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos | 01-7008223, 08090416989 | [email protected] |
Lagos, Osolo Way | 37, Osolo Way, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Lagos | 017008224, 08170010537 | [email protected] |
Lagos, Festac | 12 Gacoun Plaza, 23 Road, Festac Town, Lagos | 01-7008206, 08170010879 | [email protected] |
Lagos, Awolowo, Ikoyi | 160 Awolowo rd., Ikoyi, Lagos | 01-7008219, 08090411921 | [email protected] |
Lagos, Surulere | 25 Adeniran Ogunsanya Str., Surulere | 01-7008217, 08172071631 | [email protected] |
Lagos, MMIA (Departure 1) | Departure Hall, Murtala Mohammed Int’l Airport, Ikeja, Lagos | 01-7008252, 08034707995 | [email protected] |
Lagos, MMIA (Departure 2) | Departure Hall, Murtala Mohammed Int’l Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. | 01-7008252, 08090220383 | [email protected] |
Onitsha | 46, New market road opposite Chinese restaurant Onitsha. Anambra State | 017008255 | [email protected] |
Port Harcourt Airport | Departure Hall, Port Harcourt International Airport, River State | 08187010609, 08187008868 | [email protected] |
Port Harcourt, Trans Amadi, PH | Onate Plaza
Plot 2A Peter Odili Road Before Market Square (Trans Amadi) AMADI) |
01-7008245, 08183479552 | [email protected] |
Port Harcourt, Genesis | Genesis Center 39, Tombia Street (1st floor) G.R.A (Phase 2), PH | 01-7008246, 08177467257 | [email protected] |
Lagos, MMA 2 Booth 2 | Departure Hall, New Terminal, Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos | 08072190518, 08183479318 | [email protected] |
Is it Cheaper to Book Flights on Wakanow?
Wakanow offers a very affordable flight deal on their platform. In addition to this, they have an installment payment plan called “Pay small small.” With this plan, a traveler can make a 30% down payment of the total travel cost to lock down a travel deal or deals as the case may be and pay the rest over time in convenient installments.
Why WakaNow Remains The Favorite Of Many People
WakaNow has become a household name not just in Nigeria but also across Africa, despite being the first travel company to offer a variety of travel services that meet the needs of the 21st-century traveler, customer and despite its challenges and struggles to remain in business over the years for these reasons:
- It has continued to improve on its services. Wakanow does not only book travel tickets for its customers but also assists them with facilitating their trips with ground transportation activities, telephony, and travel wallets.
- Innovation has remained at the forefront of everything the company has done over the years. They have moved the travel industry far beyond the brick-and-mortar model by creating localized travel solutions and meeting the globally accepted standards of service delivery and professionalism.
- They have made travel bookings seamless, easy and affordable at the click of a button.
Frequently Asked Questions About WakaNow Flight Booking
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Do I get a discount on my ticket if I book with you?
Yes, you get an automatic discount once you book with us and all fares on display are the most competitive fare available.
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How long will a flight booking remain active?
Flight bookings remain valid for 24 hours if the travel date is one week or more from the date of booking and instant purchase if the travel date is less than a week from the booking date.
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Are fares quoted on your portal inclusive of taxes?
Yes. All fares quoted are inclusive of taxes. Hence, a customer does not need to make any additional payments.
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How do I know the payment made for the ticket has been received?
All payments made should be done with booking confirmation numbers plus travelers’ names. An agent will call you immediately after payment is received to confirm bookings and facilitate ticket confirmation. Where payment is made without a booking confirmation number or traveler’s name, it is necessary to call and confirm payment to facilitate ticket confirmation.
- My Flight booking was successfully completed, but the invoice was not received.
The invoice may not be received due to an error in the email address entered during reservation or booking, or it may have gone to the spam section of the recipient email. So please check your spam and promotions; if not found, contact customer support via email or phone call for assistance.
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Can I transfer my ticket to another person if I can no longer travel?
Tickets once purchased cannot be transferred to another person
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Do I need an ID when traveling on Domestic flights?
Yes, you will need to present any one of these – Voter’s Card, National ID Card, Driver’s license, or Passport, at the check-in before boarding. A copy on an electronic device (like a mobile phone) is not acceptable.
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What will happen if the fare on the booking changes before the ticket is issued?
An automated notification will be sent via SMS/Email to advise on fare changes. The ticket will be issued when confirmation of payment has been received based on the new fare.
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Do infants have to pay for travel?
Yes, infants are charged approximately 10% of adult fare
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Can a minor travel unaccompanied?
Some airlines permit travel by minors, while others do not accept unaccompanied minors. Depending on the airline’s policy, unaccompanied minors can be accepted from a particular age. The fare charged will be subject to airline policy. This, in most cases, involves payment of full adult fare plus unaccompanied fee and details of unaccompanied filled in the system and a copy accompanying the unaccompanied minor.
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Do infants need a passport to travel?
Yes, Infants need a passport to allow check-in formalities to be completed at the airport during international travel.
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How many baggage allowances am I allowed to travel with?
Baggage allowance is dependent on the type of preferred cabin as well as airline preference. This can vary from zero to 2 pieces of bags at 23 kilos each in the economy and zero to 3pices of bags at a weight of 32kilos per bag in the business cabin.