Shah Tours and Travels

Exceptional Wildlife Experience, but Serious Concerns About the Safari Operator

The wildlife experience in Tanzania was exceptional, and we had some genuinely memorable sightings and experiences. Unfortunately, I had serious concerns about several aspects of the safari that were within the operator’s control.
Cash/payment:
The booking intermediary, Nitin Vyas, asked me to carry a substantial amount of cash, representing a significant percentage of the total safari cost, to meet certain expenses during the safari, including park fees. We were subsequently found out that park fees were not payable in cash.
We were uncomfortable carrying such a substantial amount of cash because of the obvious security risks. We offered to make the payment by bank transfer while we were still in Kenya, several days before reaching Tanzania, but this was not accepted.
I remain concerned about why cash was requested when secure electronic payment options were available and cash was not required to pay for the expenses. For a safari of this nature, I believe customers should not be placed in the position of carrying substantial amounts of cash and exposing themselves to unnecessary security risks. I am particularly concerned that Shah Tours was aware that we had been asked to carry substantial cash, yet did not intervene or advise us or Nitin Vyas against doing so, despite the obvious security risks involved
Potential conflict of interest:
We were also not made aware at the time of booking of the commercial relationship between Shah Tours and Nitin Vyas, the booking intermediary. Shah Tours subsequently explained that the intermediary brings business to Shah Tours and receives commercial benefits through this relationship.
In my view, this commercial relationship should have been transparently disclosed to customers at the time of booking. Where an intermediary receives commercial benefits for bringing business to an operator, it is reasonable for a customer to want to understand whether this arrangement has any bearing on the price or value received. I have not been able to satisfy myself that we received the best possible value.
Driver decision-making:
The drivers were experienced and we had excellent wildlife sightings. However, there were occasions where delayed decision-making affected our positioning. At Ngorongoro, we also left before the required 6:00 pm exit time without this being discussed or agreed with all guests.
Accommodation:
Misako Mara Migration Camp had an exceptional location, but the accommodation was very ordinary for the price paid and had several maintenance issues.
Overall, the wildlife experience itself was outstanding. However, my 1/5 rating reflects my concerns about the operator-related aspects of the safari, particularly the cash/payment arrangement, the lack of transparency regarding the intermediary’s commercial relationship with Shah Tours, the driver decision-making and the accommodation.