Vacay CEO David Kimani(right) and guide on Mt Kili
Vacay Holiday Deals
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $80 to $1,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
IT
Email Piergiorgio | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent driver but problems with agency
Our guide was really nice and made us able to appreciate Masai Mara park. We were able to see most of the expected animals. I have only a concern with the agency who asked us an extra of 45 euros not planned. They said the payment provided from my bank was less than expected. Verified with the bank and it was not true (I don't know if the fault was on their bank or on the agency but my bank showed me the amount of money trasferred and the taxes paid). Never use again this agency also if the guide was fantastic.
Reply from Vacay Holiday Deals
Posted on Oct 24, 2018Hi. Thanks for the review and we are glad you enjoyed your safari. With regards to the extra amount,we received the funds less the $45 as we had informed you and shared the print screen of bank advice. Our bank also said that was they received. This happens sometimes if funds are from a different sender currency and the issue may have been with the correspondent bank.
DE
Email Ben | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The tour guide didn't know where to take us and the tour was poorly organized.
Unfortunately our expensive tour with Vacay Holiday Deals was much worse than expected.
We were told the name and telephone number of the driver that would be picking us up in our hotel in Nairobi about four days prior to arrival. The morning of the pickup, another man picked us up and said that he would be replacing him. Unfortunately he had no idea about the package we had booked. He had to look at our voucher to find out details such as the itinerary (where he should take us, where we would be staying, the fact that fees for parks etc were already included in the high price, the fact that water was included, and that drop-off would not be Nairobi but Iten near Eldoret).
The car was terrible for the Masai Mara. Every other car and especially the jeeps and Land Rovers passed us constantly. It took us much longer to reach the camp than it should have, and we couldn't take some of the roads that other visitors were taking. We had asked about the condition of the vehicle in advance, and we had the confirmation that it was suitable for a visit to the Masai Mara. This is definitely not the case. Even now in the dry season, it was almost impossible to pass some of the roads.
It seems like Vacay hires external drivers with their private cars to drive the tourists around. Both the driver and Vacay try to keep their profit as high as possible, with disregard to the experience of the customer.
The camp (Mara Concord Game Lodge) was excellent. The owner and all employees were very welcoming, and made sure we had a great stay. We had an excellent view of the river, where we could literally see hippos from our window. The food was very good too.
In our previous planning and dealing with Vacay, we had determined that all fees for the parks and conservancy and also the guide would be included in the package. Of course the voluntary tip was not included in this yet.
Nonetheless, on our first day a second man entered the car, and he was never really introduced to us. It seemed like he was supposed to be the guide, but he never said anything to us, nor was he in any way familiar with the park. He sometimes pointed our driver in a random direction, only to find out minutes later that it was a dead-end.
We came to Kenya for our honeymoon in order to see the Great Migration. Since we only took dead-ends, and then couldn't pass one of the rivers (that every Land Rover passed with ease since it was only 20 cm deep), we couldn't get to the section of the Mara River where the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras takes place. We were told that "there aren't really that many animals in the park anyway," which is hard to believe since the Masai Mara is the reason that many people visit Kenya in the first place, and it is one of the most famous national parks in all of Africa, famous for the herds of animals.
When we said that we would love to see rhinos, we were told that these don't exist in the park (other people told us they saw them, so that can't be true). When I mentioned some information on areas in the park that often have rhinos (which I read in my guide book and online), the "guide" and driver didn't even recognize the names of the areas of the park.
When the guide left after the second day, we were told that we had to pay a fee for his services. This was not about a tip, but an actual fee that we were meant to pay, even though this was already included in our package.
On the third day we were meant to have an early-morning game drive (which is when most of the animals are out anyway). Our driver said "it is cancelled", and simply started driving towards Eldoret.
On the way the car broke down, about 80 km from our destination. We were not surprised, since the terrible old car took quite a beating on the roads. We stood in the roadside in the burning sun for two hours, and then had to pay for part of a taxi ride by some private driver that our driver organized. He explained that Vacay would pay for a small part of the ride, but we had to pay for the other half to reach our destination. Considering the amount we paid for our package this is completely ridiculous.
It is really unfortunate that we made the booking with Vacay for our honeymoon. We specifically didn't go with a budget option, because we wanted to enjoy these special days.
Reply from Vacay Holiday Deals
Posted on Aug 16, 2018Hi Ben. Our sincere apologies about your journey experience. We had no idea the driver had changed and wish you had mentioned it during the trip we take action immediately. Still it shouldn't have happened and will make sure to take the necessary action on him. I assure you this is not how we do business or treat guests. We will refund you the cash you used that was part of the inclusions.
I wanted more
I would have preferred my tour personalized. I paid, got picked up by a hired taxi, got dropped off then got picked up again. All without seeing anyone from your office and I wasn't informed of all these
For that, I expected more value for the amount paid which was higher than should have been
Reply from Vacay Holiday Deals
Posted on Oct 12, 2017Hi Sikemi,
Our apologies that the trip was not up to your expectations. However we communicated that you will be alone on email.
Lake Navaisha Sopa Lodge
Lake Navaisha Sopa Lodge is a great place to stay. The accommodation was all right but the triple bed was not comfortable at all. Plus the swimming pool was closed and we were not told in advance.
Email Kui Wangui | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
It was an amazing experience - David was always a phone call away, willing to go the extra mile.
The trip lived up to our expectations. I am happy to recommend Vacay Holidays to my family and friends.
CH
Email Fritz | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A thoroughly memorable experience at Masai Mara
Our booking for seven people was very efficiently handled by Ms. Leonorah. From initial inquiry, she was very helpful and prompt in answering all queries. Everything ran smoothly from the pick up to the drop of.
The only negative point was that we were not informed in the confirmation that the $80.00 entrance fee for the Masai Mara national reserve was not included in the package.
The Spirit of the Masai Mara lodge is a truly fantastic place with very friendly and helpful staff. Mike was an excellent driver and passionate guide. He is very knowledgeable about all the animals and very good at spotting animals in the distance, in the bush and at following tracks. He was always willing to share his enthusiasm with us.
We had a great time. Thank you.
Reply from Vacay Holiday Deals
Posted on Nov 29, 2018Hi Dr. Fritz. Thank you for the above review. Glad to hear you had a great time at the Spirit of the Masai Mara. For the park entrance fees we normally include the 'applicable' entrance fees in our quotes and in your case it was the conservancy fees for Siana Conservancy. Normally Masai Mara game reserve has a few conservancies inside it (protected areas) in which most high end / luxury camps and lodges are located; so for the game drives it is done within the conservancies which cover a wide enough area and you are able to see majority of the big five and other wildlife. Apologies if there was any form of miscommunication from our end; we always aim to ensure our clients holiday/safari exceed or at least meet their expectations.
Email John | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent
The communication was okay and proper transfer arrangements were in place. The hotel booking was also appropriately done
The ambiance was great.
My only problem was the all inclusive offer which the establishment did not recognize even after confirmation with vacay holiday deals.
Email Helen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
it was amazing and the service was excellent
The communication was good, service was excellent and it was a tour that we must do again!
Well organized.
Very good all round. Well organized. Pleasantly surprised about pick up and drop off to and from the airport. Good hotel