Owned and managed by Magda Vrijs and Edward Mollel
Flash Safaris and Photography
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2005)
- Member Of:
- TATO & TTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $250 to $950 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
PL
Email Leszek, Marcin and family | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Please do not make a mistake of booking your safari with Flash
We recently came back from a safari with Flash. We couldn’t have been more disappointed. Not only their cars are broken, they don’t pay their drivers and they also tried denying obvious problems we experienced during our trip which we have video proof of.
The Car:
4wd drive didn’t work. This caused us and other people to be put in a life-threatening situations when for example the car was sliding down a very steep hill, unable to go up without being pushed up by another car after our driver, Jerry, with help of drivers from other companies tried fixing it with a RUBBER BAND FROM THE ROOF-LOCKING MECHANISM. This wasn’t the only case when someone had to push us. The gears didn’t really work either. Going uphill, on an asphalt road with a speed limit of 80 km/h, their car could reach a maximum speed of 20 km/h, causing massive traffic jams behind us. Going down, we of course were able to reach 80 km/h easily. If that wasn’t enough, the car’s shock absorber broke down on the second day. We know that accidents happen, but during our trip it was mostly Flash cars that we saw broken on the side of the road.
The Unpaid Driver:
On the last day after finishing the safari, our driver dropped us off at our hotel and we were getting ready for a well-deserved sleep. Half an hour later we were shocked to see him knocking at our doors in tears. It turned out that HE DID NOT GET PAID A SINGLE DOLLAR from Flash. That’s disgusting! As he explained, all his money comes from tips. We omitted them, because Flash assured us that everything is already paid for and we were really irritated with our safari on the last day because of continuous problems with the car and Flash’s inability to deliver a quality service.
The Lies:
“Nowadays at most part of our roads there is a speed limit of 50 km per hours and you must have seen all the police control posts. In the parks there is also a maximum speed limit and I want our guides to hold to this as we can lose our permit.” - that’s clearly not what we were talking about. We have video proof of car struggling at 20 km/h on a road with 80 km/h speed limit.
“I asked Jerry about the starting problems, he told me that this did happen once and then some people had to push the car to get it started, there were no other incidents” - It happened numerous times, with the most dangerous incident on a steep hill where another car had to push us. Not only we have a video proof of that, at that time in our car, there were also other Flash clients whose car broke down completely earlier that day.
“Jerry also told us that he never used a rubber to fix or repair the 4WD, you must have taken that wrong.” - again, on that day we were accompanied by other people who have also seen it. Jerry clearly told us that he has a problem with activating 4WD and this rubber would hopefully temporarily solve the issue.
We asked: “Please clarify for me how much was driver paid by your company. We want to understand how big is the tipping part of his total salary. Please confirm that our driver was paid by the company (what was the amount?) and that our tips were only the form of extra bonus for him.”
To which they replied that “Jerry get paid a good salary”.
Well clearly if your driver comes up to our room after safari in tears something is wrong.
“On the way to the crater you indeed met with another car from Flash Safaris, it is very common that guides do help each other. Jerry stopped and you talked with the other clients. Then you asked Jerry to help and to take the clients with you. I really appreciate your gesture in this.” - Just shows how “good with words” Edward, the company’s co-owner tried to be in his emails. Of course, we accepted the other people on board (for the whole day) because your car broke down completely and they were stuck in full sun for few hours with small kids in the middle of nowhere and you didn’t manage to secure a replacement car!
SUMMARY:
4WD not working, problems with gears above 2, car not starting, broken shock-absorber, dishonest management unable to even admit the obvious problems, driver working for 0$ for 5 days in extreme conditions.
If you don’t want this to happen to you, just choose another company.
Reply from Flash Safaris and Photography
Posted on Sep 30, 2019Dear Marcin,
Greetings and thank you for reviewing your safari with us. I am really sorry to hear that your safari was not as per your expectations.
You have been in contact several times with my business partner Edward Mollel, as from the beginning he has had contact with our safari guide Jerry, network allowing. The 4WD safari car is equipped with a GPS tracking system and as explained to you previously , we could cover for lost time , furthermore your guide arranged that you could enjoy maximum time in all the parks to cover for lost time.
It is for sure not our intention to ignore any complaint from you. We thrive to provide our guests an unforgettable safari in our beautiful country hence the fantastic reviews online.
Meanwhile, we have taken steps that in the future this will not happen again, although this is a very common problem that can happen to any company whom are taking guests on safari, nevertheless, It's our strong opinion that we have conducted your safari according to our good standards and once again we do apologize for the inconvenience caused.
CA
Email Margaret | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable 12 day safari for retired ladies from Canada
We just returned from safari in northern Tanzania and a week in Zanzibar.It was a very exciting trip for four retired gals.Magda met our every need from start to finish. We had our own 4 wheel drive vehicle with guide Meleck.He was extremely knowledgeable about all the animals and where to find them,also his driving skills were superb.Highlights were lions mating, 2 honeymoon couples we called them, and cheetahs hunting,3 brothers who worked as a team. Also lots of elephants, hippos, buffalos, gazelles,giraffes, baboons and even a couple of rhinoceros.Also a leopard and 11 lions up in trees.We especially enjoyed picnic lunches with Meleck chatting about our day. Magda was kind to arrange a visit to a medical clinic and orphanage which we were interested in. Tents lodges very comfortable, meals excellent, gorgeous views and conversation with other travellers interesting.Many photos taken.Last week relaxing at Blue Oyster Hotel on beach in Zanzibar,swimming and beach walking. Stonetown last 2 days, hotel charming ,great rooftop breakfasts. Thanks Magda, Edward and Meleck for an unforgettable holiday.
US
Email Nancy H | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great communication to meet your Safari desires with best camps/lodges and knowledgeable fun guides.
Responsive communications with the owner. She does whatever necessary to meet your Safari desires and the best camps/lodges in your price range. They meet you at the airport on arrival and take you to your lodging. They recommend a day of rest to adjust to time difference and meet with you to go over the plan for your Safari and discuss your preference for game drive times. Flash will arrange for a balloon Safari and make necessary reservations. Magda does her best to make sure your Safari is unforgettable. Her guides for game drives are knowledgeable and observant to make sure you don’t misss a thing. This is our second Safari with Flash and if there is a third we will definitely book with Magda’s Flash Safaris & Photography.
NL
Email Ruud, Dolinda and Frank de Haan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A real professional organisation with an eye for the client. You will feel you are special !!
We planned this trip for more than a year ago and from the beginning we had a very good connection with Magda Vrijs. She gave us the feeling that our dream could be realised. And she did. Here experience and her eye for the client made us feel special. She helpt us build up this trip and booked the most wonderful accomodations. We made this trip with the 3 of us (2 brothers, 1 sister) and our guide (Meleck John). The experience of the guide and his personality made those safari days unforgetable. This trip will never be forgotten !!
NL
Email Ad, Guusje, Annelot, Floris, Bastiaan and Ferry Nieuwenhuis | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic, unforgettable and great organization and execution of our family safari and Zanzibar trip
We were referred to Magda Vries by a mutual friend and we felt right at home the first time we met with her in the Netherlands. We wanted to have an unforgettable safari vacation with our 4 adult children as a memory of our 25th wedding anniversary. We discussed our goals, desires and wishlist with Magda and she prepare a magnificent safari with her team. They were quick to respond and patient listeners, adding god ideas.
So, we spend 5 days in the Masai area, travelled and camped in Sinya Conservation Area in little dome tents. We did not see a single tourist for the two days we spend there only accompanied by Sam, our driver and tour guide, a Masai guide named Luwasa, an excellent cook, a Masai warrior for security from animals and a Masai help. This secluded area close to the Kenyan border was the absolute highlight of our safari. We really got close to the local tribes and their way of life, their challenges and their joys. Besides that we saw a lot of wildlife and beautiful nature. Make sure to include the Masai Lodge in your itinerary; unknown and extremely authentic.
Sure we went to all the other big parks and wonderful places in Tanzania; Flash Safaris had them all covered. Sam, our tour guide for two weeks, was great fun and a very skilled driver as well as an experienced game spotter; imagine doing these things at the same time!
Also we went to Zanzibar through Flash. Again perfect prepared and on top of things. We had a booking issue with the diving organization, but Flash immediately fixed it! Excellent, Excellent.
We can Highly recommend to book your safari with Flash, especially if you want to see something different. Thank you Magda, Edward and Sam and the entire crew!
Email Julie | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing experience!
We have just returned from a fabulous holiday in Tanzania including Zanzibar organised by Flash Safaris and Photography.We had an amazing experience thanks to them.The Lodges/Camps and Hotels chosen for us were perfect,food was terrific throughout.They thought of every single detail to make our holiday perfect including organising our journey back from Zanzibar in a way that would be best for connecting to our flight home.
We saw so many animals but didn’t see the migration in Nduto sadly but that is just nature on the day!...nothing is foreseen as our guide kept telling us.
We would highly recommend Flash....outstanding!!
Spot On!!
This is a small company and as a result, can offer custom, personalized service at reasonable prices.
Magda, who is part owner and runs the front office, did a superb job, educated me, listened to what I wanted, answered all of my questions and set up an ideal trip for me. She and her team are well organized and responsive. The seven day safari cost about $5000, and was private - just myself and a guide. Worth every penny.
I asked Magda for a guide who had a strong interest in photography, was communicative, but knew how to be quiet as well. She gave me Meleck, who was an ideal fit. Meleck was a complete professional when we were in the vehicle, dedicated to driving, spotting animals and setting up some great compositions for me, as well as explaining animal behavior. At night, we chatted a lot - he's interested and knowledgeable about African politics, economics and culture, so this gave us a lot to talk about.
As an aside, I'm told that the luxury companies don't let the guides dine with their clients. As well as smacking a tad of colonialism, this would have ruled out some great table conversations we had ourselves and with other groups.
If you are interested in a well run, comfortable, pleasant safari without the unnecessary costs and constraints of a luxury company, this outfit is for you.
NL
Email Familie Wouters | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable Safari experience and a very relaxed holiday ending at Zanzibar
We have had a lifetime experience with the Safari tour, as arranged by Flash Safaris. Our 'eagles-eye' guide William, who was very dedicated, with high expertise and had much attention for our 3 kids, took us to the amazing wildlife and landscapes of the Lake Manyare NP, Serengeti NP, NgoroNgoro and Tarangire NP.
We enjoyed the stays in the Tented Logdes, in which the staff took care of delicious fresh meals, nice camp fires and secure nights.
We had the opportunity to stay at the Rothia Valley lodge and childrens home, where we have been touched emotionally by the initiative to give the orphans of Rothia a new future with care and education. Also the visit to the Iraqw family in Rothia was very impressive.
The last part of our holidays we spent at Zanzibar, in the Ocean Paradise Resort. A beautiful resort with very customer friendly staff. We didn't want to get back home.
Thank you Magda, Edward and the Flash Safaris team for the splendid organisation and support to make this experience in Tanzania and Zanzibar unforgettable.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Another amazing stay in Tanzania!
After 8 years my second visit to Tanzania, what a beautiful nature and country!! Both visits perfectly organized by Magda of Flash Safaris. The guide of our trip Adam was the best. He knew the perfect spots, he had humor and had eyes of an eagle. Even from a far distance he could recognize the animals. We were lucky to see all of the big Five! We visited the Serengeti (including a balloon safari, great experience), Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangira National Park and for some relaxation a stay at Africa Amini Maasai lodge to experience and meet the Maasai. This was a really special and magnificent place, with a perfect sunrise over mount Kilamanjaro!! We also had the possibility to meet Christine Wallner and her daughter the founders of this project, they are really great!!Real woman power! Magda, Edward an Adam Thanks for another great Tanzania experience!! Till next time!!
NL
Email Nikki | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing honeymoon
The safari defined lived up to our expectations. All the accomodations were very beautiful, clean and simply amazing. We did had some issues with our car but luckily also a great guide. After the safari we also had a great stay in Zanzibar, organised by flash.
Overall our honeymoon was really great and we enjoyed everything. Many thanks to flash and in particular Magda and our guide Meshack