Trip Advisor Africa Safaris
Trip Advisor Africa Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Tour Types:
- Short mid-range tours (½ to 3 days)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $300 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
IN
Email BASKAR | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
very good care, veg food, good english communications. Memorable trip.
it was a good experience. very good communications, good car, good hotels. esp. veg food was provided.
would like to visit Safari with all our family members next time. Pick up and drop facility was given.
the trip was as per the tour itinerary. Thank you very much.
JP
Email So | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good experience with many kinds of wild lives
I took 4 days safari in Masai Mara NR and Lake Nakuru.
It was good experience as we could see many kinds of animals such as lions, elephant, giraffes, cheetahs and rhinos and so on. As our guide was very good at finding animals, we could see many kind of animals. I appreciate that.
We came back to Nairobi from Safari tour a day before our departure day.
Though our first plan did not include accommodation in Nairobi for the previous night of departure day, the guy from Trip Advisor arranged one night accommodation and airport transfer. It was very helpful.
One thing I would like to point out that during the safari tour exact plan was not clear for me.
Though I received a plan by email sent by Trip Advisor, it was not exact same to actual travel.
I would like to say that if someone had given us explanation about our journey before the tour, it would have been better.
However I am quite satisfied with our travel.
I can say that if you are thinking about going to safari in Kenya, Trip Advisor is good option.
CA
Email Lester | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
avoid this company
First off, I bought this safari from Trip Advisor Africa Safaris, and had all communications with Seth Vincent of that
company. The morning of the safari, we were picked up and taken to Inno Africa Safaris or Innocent Africa Safaris, where we
paid for the tour. We should have realized something was wrong at that point, but we were assured we were getting the safari
we booked. I am posting this review for both these companies as they have blamed each other in our communications.
Originally I was traveling myself, so I went with the basic accommodations. Later a friend joined me, so we upgraded to the
mid level accommodations. Below is a copy of the itinerary I was sent, then our communication confirming the upgrade to the
new accommodations.
DAY 1: ARUSHA / TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK.
Pick up from your overnight hotel in Arusha follow by short briefing and distribution of hard copy itinerary, then drive to
the Tarangire National Park for a morning & afternoon game drive. You will enjoy a picnic lunch served at a picnic site while
you watch the wildlife around the lake. Later in the day you will leave Tarangire and drive to Serengeti for dinner and
overnight at Seronera tented camp https://www.google.com/search?q=seronera+camp+serengeti&client=firefox-b-
ab&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjBq7GK06nVAhWGvxQKHXPrABAQsAQIYA&biw=1024&bih=669
Day 2: / Full day serengeti national park
All day spent in Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives in the park with your picnic lunch. Serengeti National park
is one of the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world and symbolizes the the classic Africa Africa safaris with more than
2 million Zebras and it has greatest concentration of plains game in Africa the it's also symbolize with the annual wildebeest
and Zebras migration other animals like Zebras giraffe baboon and many others might be sported dinner and overnight at your
campsite https://www.google.com/search?q=seronera+camp+serengeti&client=firefox-b-
ab&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjBq7GK06nVAhWGvxQKHXPrABAQsAQIYA&biw=1024&bih=669
Day 3 / Serengeti Ngorongoro Via Olduvia Gorge
Early morning game drive then leave Serengeti to Ngorongoro Via Olduvai Gorge with optional stop over at Oldvia gorge where
remains of animals that lived and died more than 2 millions years ago area found the guide will give you on site information
of the gorge before you proceed with your safari you will explore various area such as Moro Kopje's the extensive grassland
interspersed with Kopje' rocky outcrop like Island the flat plain each with their own the Saronera River flows through the
park providing habitats for varieties of birds mammals and reptiles proceed to Nabi hills picnic lunch will be served at
picnic site drive to Malanji depression entering Ngorongoro crater are in the evening and direct to your campsite the drive
is amortizable with clouds rollings over the rim like a mist waterfall, the whole setting is a dreamy and unique Africa Masai
campsite safari fit into contours of the Ngorongoro crater rim dinner and overnight at your campsite on full board basis.
Day 4: 28 / 1 / 2019 / Ngorongoro Arusha drop off Killimanjaro
This morning better prepare yourself for Ngorongoro Crater - The Eden of Africa: The Crater is Twelve miles wide, home to the
rare Black Rhino and has its own Soda Lake. The high concentration of wild animals in the Crater area means that you are
likely to see the African Big Five in a short period of time. As we descend 2,200 feet into the Crater, experience a
thrilling day among Africa's Big Five: the Lion, the Elephant, the Buffalo, the Black Rhino the Leopard, zebras, hippos,
hyenas, wildebeests, warthogs and many more you will leave the Ngorongoro in the late afternoon and proceed to Arusha town
follow by drop off at your hotel in Arusha Kilimanjaro Airport where our service ends.
My email to Seth confirming upgrade: Ok Seth, lets upgrade to the mid range accommodations at katikati tented camp
https://www.google.com/search?q=katikati+tented+camp&client=firefox-b-
ab&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjEzb3AqbrdAhXPz4UKHRh_DZoQsAR6BAgCEAE&biw=1280&bih=891 and Ngorongoro sopa
lodge http://www.sopalodges.com/ngorongoro-sopa-lodge/overview.
Day one, got picked up at 730 from our hotel. Other safaris were doing pickups at 6:30 or 7:00am. Driver had no supplies or
gas, which amounted to another hour wasted. There was no such thing as a morning drive as advertised. Driver drove at least
10 mph slower than everybody on the highway. We passed nobody, and got passed by semi trailers (really,) women walking with a
hundred bananas on their head, and grazing goats. Very near Tarangire park, for no reason, we stopped in a small town for ten
minutes, (to stretch our legs as driver said,) long enough to be pestered by peddlers. Approximately 30 other jeeps past
through the town, and not one of them stopped. As we continued on, we found out the park was less than 10 minutes away. We
stopped for 15 minutes to have boxed lunch, and started our safari at 1230. The driver who couldn’t keep up to loaded trucks,
is now racing thru the park like Al Unser. Most stops, he would start to drive away before we said we were ready to go. Ended
the safari at 4:00 and were supposed to drive to the Serengeti park for dinner and lodging, but stopped In Mto Wa Mbu at 5
even though dinner wasn’t ready till 7:25. Total safari time on day one was 3 1/2 hours. Instead of staying at the Katikati
tented camp, (which was absolutely amazing and one of the highlights of the trips,) we stayed in a 2 star hotel which charged
$100 per night, as opposed to Katikati which is over $500 per night, so I wrote Seth the following letter. His reply followed
Seth I thought our safari was with Trip Advisor Africa Safaris, not Inno Africa Safaris??? Our itinerary is not how you
emailed, or what it shows on your web page. There was no morning drive in the Tarangire yesterday. In fact we didn’t start
until 12:30, and left the park at 4, a mere 3 1/2 hours. So I thought, that’s fine, we have to drive to the Serengeti, like
your itinerary says. NO! We stopped at a lodge in Mto Wa Mbu at 4:55 pm, where dinner wasn’t ready until 7:25, so we wasted 2
1/2 hours doing nothing when we could be driving to the Serengeti. I thought, OK we will leave early so we can get to the
Serengeti for an early morning drive. All other safari companies staying here left this morning at 0630 or 0700. Not us. It’s
9:35 and they are still loading the Jeep. Obviously the morning drive (when the lions are out) at the Serengeti is not gonna
happen as we won’t get there until afternoon. Why did we just stay 17 hours in a lodge room without a tv, wifi or working AC?
We paid for a safari, not to stare at four walls. Obviously we are not getting what was promised or what we paid for, and are
not very happy.
His response below, where h never answered any of our questions:
My dear to be honest, if you arrive at the lodge around 4:55pm, and the supper was ready at 7:25pm is there any problem? I
think you were given time for refreshment before you go for supper, remember we are not at safari rally and if you start
calculating time instead of watching the animal it will be a big loss to you.
Drive will try to go slow as he can so that you can see the animals, they will try to look areas where they will get animal,
not as safari rally where they compete with time, our main aim is to see animals not to reach in time,
I will be very happy if you will tell me that you have see all the big five (5).
Thank for your understanding.
Regards
Seth Vincent
Day 2 we left late, because they made us wait for other customers to join us. We sat in that rundown hotel for 17 hours. We
obviously lost the morning drive in the Serengeti. In fact, we never arrived till well after noon. We had only 3 hours on the
safari. Day 3 we started an hour late because we had to wait for the driver to pick up the people staying at a different
camp. Instead of a full day in the Serengeti like promised, we left early because the driver only purchased a 24 hour pass to
the park, so we never got two days there like promised. Then we drove to our accommodations. Once again, we were taken to a
different lodge then we agreed upon. We were supposed to stay at a beautiful lodge overlooking the crater. Of course, we were
placed in lower valued and priced accommodations. I wrote both for prices. The difference was $200 cheaper for the place we
actually stayed. Following is another conversation I had with Seth.
1. We were supposed to have two days in the Serengeti. We had only a 24 hour ticket
2. We were supposed to have two nights in Kati Kati tented camp. Instead we stayed in a rundown Twiga lodge without working
AC. The price difference between the two was $400. The Kati tent was one of the highlights of the trip, Twiga was the
lowlight. And we did not appreciate sitting in the Twiga lodge for 17 hours, instead of being on a safari
3. Last night we were supposed to stay at Sopa, overlooking the crater. Instead we stayed at Rhino Lodge. Price difference
was almost $200
Writing this to Trip Advisor Africa Safaris, his reply was this:
Thank you very much for your update. First I like people like you who do update us if something went wrong,and see how we
can sort it out. To be honest, all the money you paid in Tanzania and even the $ 200 paid before I sent to our Tanzania
counterpart for the same service. I have go through your email and what your saying it is an acceptable, please allow me to
contact my Tanzania counterpart and then I can come back to you latest Monday. People to serve a lot to come to holiday and
they should get exactly what they have paid for, there is no way he can decide to take you to Rhino lodge instead of sopa
lodge,to serve $200.Please am apologies for what has happened but before that, let me get the side of the story from Innocent
then we can see what to do next.
Thanks again and again for your update!!
Regards
Seth Vincent
Conclusion: Day 1 we lost the morning drive at Tarangire Park, due to reasons listed above. Then we stayed in a poor hotel at
Mto Wa Mbu city, instead of the stunning accommodations in the Serengeti.
Day 2, we stayed in Mto Wa Mbu for a total of 17 hours, waiting so they could join more people into our jeep. We obviously
lost the morning drive at the Serengeti. As a result, we only had 24 hours there, not two days like promised. Day 3, started
late again, and had to leave the Serengeti early before the 24 hour ticket expired. Then drove to our accommodations, which
turned out again to be lower valued accommodations than promised. Day 4, were told we'd start at 7:00 am, got picked up at
7:50. In all, we lost the morning drive at the Tarangire Park, one day at the Serengeti, an hour at the crater, one night
stay in the Serengeti camp, and one night stay at the crater. The price difference between the accommodations day one was
$400. The difference the third night was $200. That does not include the value of all the time we missed on the safari. I
wrote Seth Vincent from Trip Advisor Africa Safaris and demanded a refund, for at least the price difference in the
accommodations that they would have saved, roughly $600. Once again, that does not include all the safari time lost. After a
month of back and forth emails, and me threatening to write an obvious bad review, it was apparent, that all he would refund
us was $100 each, if we didn't write that review. Looking back at the pictures, and the memories, I am so mad at what we
lost, and realizing they ruined our once in a lifetime trip, I am therefore now writing that review.
Reply from Trip Advisor Africa Safaris
Posted on Jun 15, 2019Jambo Lester,
We acknowledge your review to know that you where NOT happy with the same facility you approve after several emails before you did the booking of the safari ,we respect all our clients Negative and positive feedback and this make our company more responsible on the services.
We are sorry to see your review online claiming you did not received the refund , I personally did the transfer of USD 200 to you and acknowledgement our refund for the same.
Here below is your email confirm for the same
Message navigation
Message 1 of 74 Previous Next
change-formatchange-format
Subject: Re: After safari update.
From les 918 <les918@hotmail.com>
To sales@tripadvisorafricasafaris.com <sales@tripadvisorafricasafaris.com>
Date 2019-05-14 17:51
Contact photo
Message Body
I am in Asia now. Can't you simply get the information off this receipt you sent me?
Image
Please we request you to be clear and honest on this,For other travelers to know the truth.
Concerning the Tanzania, were are know having our office in Arusha to take care of all our guest in Tanzania and this will not repeat again.
Regards
Seth Vincent
Director
RO
Email Nick G | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My first trip to Africa - Exceptional experience
It was my first trip to Africa so basically I did not know what to expect – I was prepared for a new experience. The driver/guide that took us to Masai Mara was a very nice individual, communicative and knowledgeable. Obviously he tried his best to offer us a memorable experience and I thank him for that. What is interesting is that at some point I had to switch buses (I took a 4 days trip that included one day at Lake Nakuru). I do not pretend to understand the logistics used but I must say that the switch was swift and the second driver was also most accommodating. About accommodation I can say that the tent camp (Rhino Camp) in Masai Mara was perfect (clean, functional, private shower) while the accommodation at Lake Nakuru exceeded my expectations (much like a European mountain resort).
Also it’s worth mentioning that although I took the trip off season the guides successfully took us to see what the parks have to offer best so we were able to experience all the great five of Africa (although at some point it seemed to be a difficult task).
As a conclusion I must say that I’m happy I took the trip – it’s an experience one must have at least once.
US
Email Lyndsey | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing Safari
We did the 4 day Safari from Nairobi to Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. The game drivers were incredible, we saw the big 5, and we loved our driver, Jeoffry. We got so close to amazing animals. The food also exceeded my expectations. I am vegetarian and found the food to be amazing for me, I always had plenty of choices. The accommodation was also super nice, from the campsite in Masai Mara to the hotel in Nakuru. It was a lot of driving and a lot of traffic but in the end so worth it, I highly recommend. Due to traffic, we weren’t able to do the boat ride on Naivasha but that’s okay.
US
Email Spencer Shorkey | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exhilarating experience
My first time in Africa (travelling from USA), so I was a bit nervous about navigating a new place and new culture. I felt really comfortable communicating with Seth Vincent, who was the trip organizer. When I arrived in Kenya, Seth was there to meet us at the airport, and him and his staff helped make us feel very at home in Nairobi. Everything was taken care of for us and any nervous feeling were gone, asante sana Seth! Trust in him.
I did 4 day safari, and every day was amazing. I honestly can't come up with words good enough to describe the feeling we had on the trip, possibly "endless breathtaking amazement" can come close to describing it. Asante sana to our guide, James!
Email Greg Callaghan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Truly amazing experience
We booked a 3 night 4 day safari which started in Tarangire, then through the Serengeti and ending up in Ngorongoro Crater - it was a budget camping safari. The safari itself was amazing, would 100% recommend. The camping was certainly an experience we won’t forgot, being woke up in the night by howling hyenas and grazing buffalo. We saw every animal and bird imaginable, including all the big five, and even got to visit a Masai village. Seth the tour operator was helpful, he organised the trip, he responded to all emails quickly. Seth is an agent and it will be a different company that you will have the actual safari with but this isn’t a problem. We went with big five voyager - our guide and chef were great! The balance we paid on the morning of the safari was 150 usd more than what Seth said it would be however we didn’t really mind as we still paid under the market rate for this type of safari. Wouldn’t hesitate to use Seth again. All in all great experience.
Reply from Trip Advisor Africa Safaris
Posted on Feb 4, 2019Jambo Grag,
Thank you very much for the wonderful reviews.
We are very happy to here that you get the value for your money.
Please this was group joining safari that's why we join you with big five voyager safari so that we can meet your budget, next round I hope you will book private for the same.
Regards
Seth Vincent
Director
Email Ilcho | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant safari guide!
Very well priced. Excellent guide. No problems. Good cook.
IT was an incredible experience. Price was also very good.
Breakfast and Dinner was realy good.
Maybe the Lunch was for me little oily. But the quantity ist perfekt. Driver was also very Nice.
And the acomodation was a realy good experience. In Serengeti Like in ngorongoro we sleep in tent. IT was clear, also the bathroom. In Serengeti the water was cold. But that wasn't a Problem. And in ngorongoro the water was warm, we Had also WiFi in the camp.
We Had the oportunuti for Charge the electonik device in the Car.
The Car was also confortable.
We Had Problem for pay the Safari because we book it 3 days before so the Transfer Took 1 week but the company makes it easy.
So for me was an unforgettable experience.
BE
Email Traveller Sister | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!!!
With my 2 sisters, we have made the safari from Kenya to Tanzania, it was amazing!!!We had the chance to have great guide Jacob in Kenya and Ezekiel in Tanzania, you also have a cooker only for you…there were just great, they have made sure we get and see all what we paid for. Jacob has been sooo nice to us and gave us so many advices about what to do and when and explanation whenever we were seeing an animal. The cooker were also soo sweet, we have eaten very well our 6 nights. We have made all the National park listed. Vincent Seth has made sure as well that we were safe and kept in touch with us all along the Safari. I definitely advice!!!!
The only point, I should say is that the program given is not always geographically possible time wise, so make sure you review it before you start your safari and even better few days before just to avoid some disappointment. Make all your statement clear…We have made 7 days/6 night, instead of 8 days/7nights and I have to admit that each day was quite full, so we do not have any bad feeling about the 2 places we didn’t do as the hell gate in Kenya and Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania.
Thanks Africa Safari!!!