Classic Journeys Africa
- Located In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $280 to $600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Harry and Hannah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unacceptable.
We have recently returned from your classic wonders of Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar safari, our honeymoon. We in fact left for home before the end of the booking due to the poor quality of the holiday. Up to this point we have reframed from leaving any reviews about Classic Journeys on your website or on any other platform as I feel it only fair to give you an opportunity to explain why the service was so poor first.
We originally had to delay our safari due to covid (no fault of yours). However, once we had changed the dates to ensure we would be able to go, your communication was terrible, waiting days for confirmation of payment and to get questions answered.
We were informed in an email that as we arrived in Nairobi our transfer to our hotel would be waiting for us at the airport with a sign with our name on it. This was the not the case and our driver was not there. I was unable to reach the driver on the number given to me for him via email. Thankfully a local taxi driver offered to use his phone to call and when we did get though our driver was in bed. We spoke to the office of the company as well and they said that they would get a driver to us in an hour, meaning we would have been left stranded at the airport for over two hours. This is extremely poor service! Our first impression of your company and the start of our holiday ruined, and our first time in Kenya an already stressful situation made extensively worse by Classic Journeys’ awful organisation.
Eventually we arrived at Longview Suites hotel. The hotel was not up to standard in the slightest and did not look like the photo on your website. Our room was metres from a building site (which was the view from our window) and the shower did not work. We were also only provided breakfast in our package on the day of arrival bearing in mind we stayed there for 24 hours and needed four meals during this time. We therefore had to pay more for this. We paid nearly 7000 euro for this holiday and it had become outrageously disappointing at this stage. I appreciate that building work and so on needs to happen but you as a company need to be aware of where you are sending people to stay and change locations accordingly as this was not acceptable. I can send photos as proof of this.
Day one in the bush, again let down. After a long drive we arranged with out guide to go on a nature walk once we had settled in. We arrived at the meeting point but our guide did not, Classic Journeys making a habit of not showing up to where they should be. Nearly half an hour after the time agreed, our guide arrived, and then told us there was no point going for a walk because of the weather even though other walks were going out. This information could have been sent to us and saved us the trouble of getting ready to go out. At this point plans for the next day were sorted as we had become increasingly stressed about meeting drivers at agreed times (note that we had to ask the timings of the next day instead of being told in advance). This as well was very difficult to sort despite being face to face. Again, not good enough and let down.
After one game drive in Kenya with a very mediocre guide who often gave us the wrong information (this information was confirmed incorrect by our second driver), we moved onto Tanzania. Once we arrived at the border, we needed to obtain visas. The link you sent us to obtain visas before arrival did not work and no guidance on this was given. When we were applying for our visas, we were told we had to pay a fee in cash which we didn’t have (again causing more unwanted stress). We were not informed at any point that we needed to take a lot of cash to cover the time away. Cash was needed for almost everything as well as tipping every member of staff we encountered (we were not prepared for this). We were told credit cards were excessively used and they were not and that included some of the camps we were staying on.
After crossing the border and changing cars we settled in for the long drive. We were aware it was a long drive and we needed to get to our lodge for the night, however on a holiday that as previously stated cost nearly 7000 euro, the last place I thought I would be eating lunch was in a petrol station. Completely unacceptable.
When we completed the safari part of our trip. We were given tickets for our flight to Zanzibar only to find that Hannah’s ticket still had her maiden name and did not match her passport. We made it clear that this was our honeymoon a name change cannot have come as a surprise. Furthermore, you confirmed receipt of Hannah’s updated passport information on the 16th of March 2023 which gave plenty of time to change the tickets, however this never occurred. This again caused undue stress on a holiday that should have been simple and stress free.
As we arrived in Zanzibar, Classic Journeys doing their usual and not being at the airport to pick us up. Two transfers and two transfers not there. When we eventually did meet our driver, the Classic Journeys office felt the need to message me and explain how it wasn’t their fault and that the plane had arrived early which it did by a few minutes. However, this is irrelevant and it is up to you and your drivers to be tracking the flight to ensure this does not happen. If the flight was cancelled would the driver be aware of it or would he wait outside the airport for hours on end? This is yet again unacceptable and poor service. Ensuring you are at the airport on time for a transfer is one of the most basic tasks and yet Classic Journeys repeatedly failed at it.
Uroa Bay hotel. We were sold a relaxing few days on ivory sands and clear waters in a lovely hotel. What we received was an extremely bad day (only one day as we were far to annoyed at this point and we flew home early) on a filthy beach in a hotel where everything was at an extra charge including water a basic human necessity. You as a company need to go to the hotels where you send people to stay and ensure that what you are advertising matches what you are delivering as this did not. The photo of the Zanzibar beach on your web site is clearly not at Uroa Bay. Nowhere in your emails or website did it say we would have to pay extra tax on arrival to the hotel, this was not listed in the ‘not included’ section. Photos again can be sent as proof. I cannot believe how this hotel was selected for this holiday an unacceptable choice. Also, on the so-called ‘private’ beach which had a security guard, locals approached to try to sell us drugs. That is not the kind of thing I expect on a holiday resort that has cost me so much. We felt that after the safari part of the holiday, Classic Journeys no longer were responsible and we were left at a bad hotel to fend for ourselves – this is different to the expectation of a relaxing few days in a luxury hotel.
This information on your website and that which was sent to us was not good enough and in some cases just plain incorrect. A standard day on safari as described by your company was, ‘up before dawn for coffee and a drive before returning for breakfast and then to take part in other activities. All this before another game drive in the afternoon evening time.’ This was not the case, early mornings but not in time for sunrise, leave the lodge do not return till around 1600 with no time to take part in other activities. What you are advertising is not what we received.
The itinerary that was sent to us was the only information we received before the trip and this was before we even booked it (which was two years ago due to postponing). There were no updates to the itinerary to fit to the actual timetable of the week and we were not even sent any information to prepare for our trip, for example, a kit list would have been useful. This, bearing in mind, being our first time to Africa and not knowing what to expect. When we asked via email what was needed for the trip, Classic Journeys replied with ‘just luggage’. I’m sure we are not the only customers you have that haven’t been to Africa before either.
This was our honeymoon, it cost us nearly 7000 euros for your package, excluding flights.
Communication was poor.
We were left at the airport twice.
Stayed in a hotel with a not working shower and was practically on a building site.
Were left waiting for our guide only to be told our walk would not go ahead.
Were treated to a lunch in a petrol station.
Were provided tickets for a flight with an incorrect name.
Stayed in an awful hotel that was not anything like the description or photos you sent.
Paid taxes we were not informed of and that were not listed in the excluded cost list.
Were offered drugs in our resort by locals.This is awful on your part and something needs to be done. The price you charge for the standard to deliver is unacceptable.
Thankfully the one time your driver showed up on time was to get us to the air port so we could leave the horrendous holiday earlier than planned.
Also apon return to the UK I have repeatedly tried to contact you about these issues through email, WhatsApp and phone call only to have all of them ignored.
US
Email Peter Adeogun | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Classic Overall my experience with Classic Journey was average.
Classic journeys needs to be more detail oriented.
We would get to the airport not knowing what airline we are flying, and have to call them last minute to find out.
They need to audit the hotels, they are doing business with on a regular bases. We were sent to Swahili hotel on the coast which is a dump!!! I would not send my worst Enemies to that hotel.
Tour guides were good, am not sure if it’s a wage issue or not but some tour guides had a body odor issue. The knowledge level of the tour guide was good.
Reply from Classic Journeys Africa
Posted on Mar 4, 2020Thank you for your feedback, and letting us know about the issue. We apologize that we did not meet your requirements during your July safari, we ensure to make our clients’ satisfaction and happiness are our key priorities.
In regards to the tour guide’s body odor, we do remunerate our staff before every safari as per the high industry standards we have set. We are afraid that this might be inaccurate information as all our guides are conversant and meet high hygiene and grooming standards.
In regards to the Swahili Beach Resort issue, we understand there was a misunderstanding between yourself and the hotel manager, however, the manager tried to resolve the issue. Swahili Beach Resort is one of the good resorts in South Coast as per the TripAdvisor. 791/ 971 clients who stayed there reviewed it as very Good/ excellent- 82% . (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-s1-g656265-d1594102-Reviews-Swahili_Beach_Resort-Kizimkazi_Zanzibar_Island_Zanzibar_Archipelago.html)
We also inspect all hotel properties and get to sample their services before advising our clients to stay with them so as to make sure they meet our high standards.
We do apologize. Thank you very much we really hope to host you in the near future.
CN
Email Ran | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We expected more animal-watching
We booked 4 day trip to Masa Mara. According to the schedule, we will have afternoon safari on first day, full day safari on 2nd and 3rd day , morning safari on the 4th day. Below are our actual activities:
1st day: We arrive hotel at 2.30pm. Our guide arrange a walk near the hotel with the hotel staff for us from 4.30-6.00. We didn't go for the game drive as the schedule said.
2nd day: We went hot air ballon. After the breakfast of balloon, other company have their guide pick them us at the breakfast place. We have no one to pick us up. The ballon company ask us where is out driver we have no idea. They try to call the hotel and the driver but he can't get in touch with the driver. He was not at hotel by then. So the ballon company let us share the car with others. After send them back to their hotel, then send us back to ours. We arrive our hotel at about 12, our car was not at the hotel, nor the driver. We talk with another guide from Classic Journey, he said our driver told him we would like to start the game drive by 4pm which is never the plan. The driver back to hotel at about 12.30 and we had game drive 1.30pm - 5.30 pm.
3rd day: We departure about 6pm, had picnic breakfast & lunch and back about 4pm.
4th day: No game drive in the morning. Check out at about 8am and back to Nairobi.
CA
Email Real Tremblay | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
In the end, satisfied with the overall expérience.
Lodging and food were appreciated. Landcruiser in Tanzania was way over it’s usefull and safe life i.e. So old that there were no headrests!
Guide Moses in Kenya very sharp and dedicated. Guide in Tanzania inexperienced and too eager to please all in party at once. Did not spot anything on his on.
Visit of Massai village turned out to be stressfull for all in party as we were submitted to pressure and intimidation by the villagers. They were after our money, all our money and gang-up on us after we were separated from each
UY
Email Rafael | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very responsible operator
Very good and reliable in general. We expected more from the driver, he used his mobile a lot and we initiated the Safaris too late (around 7.30)
NO
Email Arild Moen | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Trustworthy, good educated, knowledgeable and Serviceminded operators and staff.
My trip to Kenya was an interesting journey. I had bought a trip with a travel group consisting of 20 other people. We flew from Norway in the afternoon around the border of Ukraine, over Baghdad and the Persian Gulf to Doha in Quatar, from where a new plane took us to Nairobi where we landed early in the morning. The first day was spent relaxing at the hotel and a trip around Nairobi to a Giraffe park and the Karen Blixen estate. Dinner at the Carnivore restaurant. The following two days we drove to Naivasha and Nakuru with birds and animals. Then to Masai Mara where we stayed in a luxurious tent camp operated by the Masaii and we saw lots of animals. Then we travelled back to Nairobi and flew to Zanzibar where we stayed in a luxurious beach hotel. Had a day trip to the center of the island where we visited the Slave-market, the Spice market and the old town with the fort. Crowded and People everywhere. From Zanzibar we flew back to Oslo via Doha. I regret that I did not stay any longer. So many other places to visit.
The tour operators in Kenya did a good job to transport us around, they were service-minded and did their utmost to show us around and to keep the schedule on roads of different standards.
My main impressions after seeing my beloved Kenya again after 40 years were the following:
- lots of People everywhere. The population had tripled on 40 years, from 16 million in 1980 to almost 50 millions today. They get a double whammy: With 3,5 % birthrate increase every year and lots of refugees from the neighboring war-torn countries.
- Almost all houses/huts had tin roofs now. 40 years ago I estimate 2/3 had thatched straw roofs. I recon that is a very good development for the public health?
- There have been some big electrical projects. Power is derived from hot springs in the Rift Valley. There was very little - almost nothing - charcoal burning now. That was very common for cooking 40 years ago. Also less smoke is positive for the public health.
- the roads were improved and better now. New roads with more asphalt. But also lacking maintenance on dirt roads.
- thank you to the old English colonial masters who set aside vast marginal land areas for national parks. Without the dispositions they did 1945-1963 I do not think we would have the parks we can enjoy today.
- I did not study the sanitary situation closely, but at the luxurious hotels where we stayed, we had hot and cold water in the shower and there were cold Tuskers (beer) in the bar. I am sure that if I had gone into a study of the local sanitation Companies, I would have found many faults. So I did not drink tap water.
- Another interesting feature was the new high speed Chinese Standard Gauge Railroad. I never saw any trains running on it. It is a lot of controversy around the Chinese investments and the payback of loans. Presently the SGR-line ends in Naivasha where containers can be transferred to the old “lunatic line” narrow gauge railway that still operates from Nairobi to Kampala.
NO
Email Robin Chester | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly and trained personell
Ok, but 7 hours drive in a car with no AC and uncomfortable seats should be mentioned when booking. The safari was great, but when the car limits our trip around the park (crossing of river not possible), it's a pity, and we didn't get to go all over the park. The stay at Loyk was awesome, and the food great!
NO
Email Sissel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari by road to 3 different tented camps. Wonderful landscape & wildlife & good driver/guide.
I travelled with my 18 years old nephew and we both had a great time. Our guide Felix, was always on time, helpful and informative. He was also a good driver and made us feel safe. The general road condition in Kenya is not good and in parts really bad but we saw a lot of local life and beautiful landscape because we travelled by road. We went first to Ol Pejeta conservancy and the Sweetwater camp. It is located on the equator around 1800 meters above sea level. The conservancy is known for their rhinos but we also saw many other animals including elephants, lion and jackal. We also visited the chimpansee sanctuary and heard about the work they do. Thereafter we went to Lake Nakuru and the Flamingo Hill camp. We drove through lush and green landscape and the area around the lake itself is beautiful. Again we saw many animals including rhinos, buffalo, some flamingos and Vervet monkeys. The last camp was in Mara, the Loyk Mara camp. The savanna was teeming with life and we saw so many different animals, big herds of wildebeest, topis, zebras, buffalos and other species. Elephants, hippo, a pride of lions, a big male leopard, cheetah, hyenas and more. It might have been good to have had a 4x4 as a safari vehicle because we got stuck a few times. On our way back to Nairobi we visited a traditional Masai village. We spent an interesting hour with them and was shown around by a young Masai warrior who spoke English. Our last day in Nairobi we were picked up by a driver and taken to the Giraffe center, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Karen Blixen museum before being driven to the airport. All those places were worth a visit and we also had a nice lunch in the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden. All the camps we visited during our safari were really nice and also quite small with Loyk Mara as the smallest, and maybe also our favourite. In Nairobi we stayed at Eka hotel which can be recommended if you are staying a night in Nairobi at each end of your safari, as it is located on the road to the airport and have all the facilities you'll need. We also used their car service one evening and went to Carnavore for dinner which was a fun experience. We ate a lot of really good food during our stay in Kenya and the service was great everywhere. All in all we had a wonderful time and can highly recommend both visiting Kenya and using Classic Journeys to help organise the trip.
BR
Email Fernanda Beltrao Chammas | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The experience of knowing the parks of Kenya has been wonderful and will be forever in our memory.
Fantastic experience. Fascinating places. Amazing lodgings.
Everything that was hired was fulfilled.
Information about the trip was made available by the company and all doubts were clarified in advance.
The script was unclear about the distances between the parks that were longer than expected. The safari at Lake Nakuru Park lasted only 1 hour, as we spent more than 2 hours on a traffic jam while passing through Nairobi.
The car (mini-van) served the other parks well but was not suitable for the Masai Mara, we had trouble getting to and from the park and the safari was a bit limited.
The drivers (Good Luck and others) who made our transfer from Arusha to Namanga were extremely polite and attentive.
Very different from the guide (Felix) who assisted us during the safaris, who was not attentive or pleasant. This was not clear about the scripts (it did not tell everything, changed in the way), in the pic-nick did not give us the cutlery we had available and did not extend the towel, like the other Classic guide that was in the car next door.
BN
Email Todd McPherson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great customised trip with a guide/driver and land cruiser with just ourselves for the duration.
The communication with the company was excellent. They worked hard to understand the kind of trip we wanted and made good recommendations on where to go and where to stay.
We were met my our guide in Nairobi and we had this guide and the truck to ourselves the entire seven days. The land cruiser was beautifully outfitted with a fridge to keep drinks cool, a power supply so we could charge phones and cameras, and even WiFi.
We visited Amboseli Park and loved it, but Ol Tukai Lodge felt a bit like a tourist mill. It was larger and busier than we expected. But the location was great and we had no complaints about it. We had driven from Nairobi to Amboseli, then drove to Lake Naivasha, going through Nairobi again. So, we had a few long days of driving along the busy highways of Kenya with less than careful drivers in other vehicles. In hindsight, we would have preferred to organise the trip so there was less driving, maybe even flying between parks.
The Lake Elementaita Serena Camp was outstanding and highly recommended. The food and accommodation were above and beyond expectations. On the way there we stopped at Lake Naivasha. That was a bit of a disappointment since we spent some time walking around a small private piece of land with a number of animals on it. It was not the experience we expected, but it was nice to boat along the lake seeing the wildlife.
Lake Nakuru Park was excellent. The drive to Maasai Mara was again long (very long) but it was interesting to see the country. Mara Bush Camp was outstanding. The personal attention and level of service was exceptional. The luxurious tent was amazing, especially as it sat just above the river overlooking dozens of hippos.
We recommend Classic Journeys. They did a great job. Be sure to state the kind of accommodation you're seeking, and they'll point you in the right direction if you're clear enough. Check about driving time between parks and try to minimise that.
Thanks for a great trip.