Travel with us for a journey of life time
Big Five Voyage
- Located In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2007)
- Member Of:
- TATO, USTOA & AIATA
- Tour Types:
- Mid-range & luxury tours with set start dates and a fixed itinerary
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $180 to $550 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
FR
Email Ann | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Irresponsible and chaotic
My safari was « subcontracted » out to Big Five. I was supposed to go to Tarengire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater with an experienced guide-driver. The first day, we went to Lake Manyara (huh???) with a « guide driver » that didn’t know the place ( he kept going around in circles until we pointed this out, with pictures to prove it) or the animals (he tried to brush up with some borrowed notes when he thought we weren’t looking). The next day, he drive too fast, missed a bend and ended up ploughing through a ridge. While the passengers were more scared than anything else, he apparently damaged the radiator. The last part of the very long drive to a Serengeti campground was dangerous for the cook and driver, since they had to get out and refill the radiator several times. The last was in the dark, and we discovered afterwards that a mother lion and her three cubs had been very close. We arrived very late to the campground. The cook managed everything (setting up the tents, calling for another vehicle, cooking a very late meal) while the driver pretend to be busy. Big Five did not call to let us know about a replacement vehicle. I had been in contact with the people who I booked with, and they put pressure on Big Five. The next day, we had another car and driver (yaaay) and the day after yet another. The people I booked were surprised to find out that I had not gone to Tanengire. They came and got me and took me to Tanengire instead of an initially planned cultural visit.
This company is irresponsible !
ES
Email Ane | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
TWO YEARS WAITING FOR OUR MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our history is summed up in that they do not give us back 2000 dollars. Our experience is being HORRIBLE.
We booked the safari in 2020 and they told us to pay all the amount, we did it (we shouldnt have done it, but now its too late). We couldnt go because of the Covid, so we ask for our money.
I have written them lots and lots of emails and whatsapps in this TWO YEARS and their answer is always the same: soon we will pay you the money. AND IT NEVER HAPPENS.
They give us excuses all the time, like: I've lost my cell phone, I've been away, we have few reservations... It's absolutely exasperating. We have been waiting for 2 years for the refund. We did not even demand 100% of the money, because they told us that 40% is used to reserve, so they would return 60% to us.
If you can, book the safari with another company, because this company is anything but serious.
BE
Email Lore | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Never book with this company. Horrible experience!
Don’t book!! Please, choose another company if you don’t want to worry during your safari.
Read this for more information ( long story, below a summery)
The hostel were we stayed, recommended Big 5 voyage. The boss came to talk to us
We agreed on a 6 days safari. With 1 night in a tent, 2 nights in a camping tent and 2 nights in a hostel in Seregenti park. With WhatsApp messages we got the planning and more details about the safari. In the morning we confirmed to do the safari the next day. We agreed on a total price of $2200 in tota.
We got a message back that the hostel was full and for only $120 per person per night we could have a lodge with swimming pool in Seregenti. We agreed on a total price of $2500, 2 persons 6 days safari, everything included (- $45pp cost of the hostel we first agreed on)
We got to the office in Arusha to pay, and there it was 5% more to pay with card, that was never told to us (we had cash at the hostel!). After again discussing this, he dropped the commission fees, and we got receipts.
Then next day, we started the safari.
We arrived at the meeting point to start. Nobody of the company was there, all of the sudden our program was changed and we had to go with another company on safari, also another group.
We had no communication about it, even if we asked for it.
After day 1 of safari, I got messages from the boss of the company, that we had to pay more money. We called him after this and then he asked for more money: we paid only for 1 night at the lodge he said. So we had to pay $240 more. Also he talked again about commission fees we had to pay. We paid everything in the office so we didn’t understand why he was again talking about it..
The lodge was already booked and confirmed (see photo of WhatsApp message)
We didn’t want to pay extra, so we asked for another option. He said we sleep in tents then and get money back. Then all of the sudden the call ended..
We worried all night, because we started already the tour and now we got really bad vibes.
The day after we got $240 back. We had a great 6 days safari with tour operator: Meru Slopes
We slept 2 nights in a bed and 3 nights in tents at public campsites. Our safari with the other company, meru slopes was really nice. We enjoyed the great migration!
Summery: the company asked 3 times for more money, even when we agreed on the price and paid it.
No communication during safari or changing plan
So book with another company if you don’t want to worry, even if you already started your safari!!
Reply from Big Five Voyage
Posted on Oct 6, 2021Dear Lore.
Thank you for your review , but seems for the second day you told me that you will write everywhere but the good thing you stay in the lodge at mto wa mbu 2 nights instead of Serengeti that was suppose to stay and i told you to add the money for concessions fees but you refuse and i pay you back your money for accommodation. I wonder why are you write liars and try to put bad reputations on my company? Am very disappointed with you, your the only clients out of 6 who are complaint on me since the first day.
I thank God i refund your money and what you pay you deserve it for our service.
This is what you told me that you will write the bad review , and you block in whatsapp because your a liar . When you come back from safari we ask you how about safari and you said everything was perfect and you want to pay for extra day at Arusha National Park.
I strong disagree with your bad reputation to my company , and am very disappointed with your liars .
BE
Email Rafael | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nightmare. Tourist trap!!! Bad food!!! Only one our game drive
Wast off money. Every day we leave the camp as last one and be back as first. The tents and sleaping bag were full off mold. The lunch was poor. Just cookies and chewey chicken. But most off all. We only spend 1 our off game drive in serrengeti. It takes 7 our to get there and 7 to go back. The second day the Car broke down. It's not big 5 butt big zero!!!!
Be wise. Don't give this compeny your money.
Reply from Big Five Voyage
Posted on Dec 4, 2019Dear Mr. Rafael, We are very dis-pointed for your bad review to us. During your safari our driver Patrick doing everything to make you and other people in group to be happy, You saw everything during safari and about the tent our driver Patrick was doing his part to give you new tent after you tell him the tent is not good he fixed and everything went well. We are surprise to see you rate us 1 star as all 5 clients in your same safari give us 5 star. This is not good and you give us bad feedback and recommendations to other clients. On the third day during safari you compliant about Balloon 1 hour was not enough for you to fly, i called balloon company to cancelled and to give you back your money , but at the end you agree to fly and you was happy. About the car broken Patrick and other clients dined that the car was perfect until the end of safari and you tip the driver good tips and we called at our office after safari to give us feedback you said everything is okay and you enjoy your safari.
Please Mr. Rafael this is a business we don't have bad reputation to our clients , so please don't spoil our brand .