operation team of vervet safari
Vervet Safari and Tours Tanzania
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $189 to $950 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
HK
Email Calvin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
There is no shame but the most shameless operator.
Vervet Safari was the 2nd operator that we selected after we found our 1st selected operator, Qualified Tours Tanzania, was not reliable. (Please refer to the comments under the name of my wife, Teresia) Vervet Safari was referred by my friend who had engaged with Vervet Safari for many years. Hence, we had full confidence with Vervet Safari and their managing director, Basili Augustino. We asked him to arrange a 15-day safari trip for us (9 persons) and fully paid the cost to him 1 month before we departed to Tanzania. The cost was all-inclusive, including accommodation, meals, airport transfer, Safari jeep, driver, fuel, national park fee etc. The first few days' arrangements when we were at Arusha were ok. When we left Arusha, the nightmare began. When we had left Arusha and stayed at Manyara, Basili borrowed from me $200 and promised to return the money to me when we returned from Serengti. In the morning, we departed to Serengeti, Basili suddenly informed me one of the drivers had left, and we had to wait for another driver. We scheduled to depart at 8:00am but delayed for over 2 hours. Due to the delay, we couldn't reach the tent before sunset. More unfortunate was that the head lamps of one of the deeps were malfunction. One of the jeep had to travel in the dark. Fortunately, we reached the tent safely at 20:00 but had wasted one day. After the dinner, we were told the tents fee had not been paid. We had to pay it ourselves. We contacted Basili. He promised to pay it back to me when we returned from Serengti. The next day, we continued our trip in the morning and headed to Northern Serengti. When we almost reached the entrance. the driver told us Basili hadn't paid the park fee. He stalled to resolve it and finally we had to stay overnight at the village outside the park as the park gate was to close at 18:00. We had to find the hotel and pay by ourselves. The next morning. we departed early and reached the entry gate at about 12:00 noon. At that moment, Basili still kept stalling paying the fee. In order to keep our schedule moving, we agreed to pay on behalf of Basili. Basili agreed and promised to pay it back when we returned from Serengti. With the help of the gate manager, we were allowed to pay with our personal credit card. Unfortunately, there was some problem with the payment system. We had to wait for another 2 hours before we could enter the park. When we entered the park, it was almost 16:00. When we reached the tents after a short tour of the park, it was 18:00. We had again wasted another day. We finished our morning game drive the next day and left the Northern Serengti back to Central Serengti at noon. When we reached the park gate, no need to say. we had to pay the fee by ourselves. However, the park manager did not let us pay by ourselves. He said the jeeps were under the name of Vervet Safari, and hence, the fee must be paid by Vervet Safari. We had asked the manager to help to see if there would be another ways, but we were unattended. Finally, we had to stay overnight at the village outside the park again. No need to say, we had to pay the accommodation and meals by ourselves. We were very terrified and left Serengti the next morning. When we reached the accommodation at Manyara, Basili met us and said sorry to us. He also promised everything had been settled and told us not to worry. However, he didn't return the money to me immediately. Instead , he promised to write an agreement to me, promised to return the money to me within 2 weeks after we finished the trip. We thought everything was settled as promised by Basili and kept moving on the journey. Out of our expectations, the fee for culture visits was not paid again. We also need to pay the fuel cost on our way back to Arusha. At the end of our trip, Basili didn't even arrange airport transfer for 7 of our team members.
Conclusively, we had paid USD7,8xx on behalf of Vervet Safari, but up to this moment (6 weeks after the trip), I have not received a dollar from Basili.
From my personal experience, I met 2 unreliable Tanzania local travel agents. One of it was referred by my friend, who had worked with Vervet Safari for years. I am wondering if I am really, very bad luck or there is some .........unethical practices in the industry? Furthermore, the inconsistent park management at the Central and Northern Serengti are another concerns.
I wish my comment would help the other travelers.
PL
Email Dobroslawa | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable family owned business, offering authentic experience.
Vervet Safari is a familly owned business and we did sense that Basili and his team really care about their customers. We were provided with a plan of our safari, including the details of our accomodation before we made the final reservation. Everything went smoothly and according to plan, we stayed at amazing luxury camps in Serengeti Basili was a splendid driver and an excellent guide.
The Land Cruiser we had for our safari was rather dated, so some doors did not work, but since it was a private safari we did not mind, in fact it was fun to have an older car. Overall, it was great and we really felt we have made a good choice!
FR
Email Corine | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rubber
We asked for reimbursement of 1300 euros sent before covid period.. Basili told us to wait due to lack of travellers he had problems to refund tje money. We understood. Now 2 years after we ask for reimbursement and Basili does not reply. WhatsApp email... incredible... i definitely not recommend this tour operator
Email Doug A | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Living the dream in Tanzania
Basili and his team did a fantastic job showing us the wonders of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar. His ability to find animals in the bush is fantastic, there was never a dull moment. The hotels, lodges, and tent camps he booked us with were always very nice. When things didn't go as planned, Basili and his team worked hard to quickly put things back on track. Tanzania is a beautiful place to experience the nature and people of Africa.
CH
Email Laetitia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional agency, wonderful people and unforgettable experience
We did a 6 days safari with Vervet Safari Tours and it was just perfect. Everything was well organized and professional. The staff is friendly and helpful. Our guide was amazing. We learned a lot of things about the animals, the nature, the Massaï and African cultures. The lodges were very nice and the food really good. The people in the lodges were also very kind and attentive. The car was spacious and well equipped. We had a great experience that we will never forget. We thanks a lot Basili, Yohana and their partners for this wonderful time. We highly recommend this agency and we wish them all the best. Tunapenda sana Vervet Safari Tours
CH
Email Anney mayor | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very professional operator and always listening to you
go with your eyes closed
trustworthy person, excellent value for money
we climbed Kilimanjaro this time. Very good organization, just extraordinary
I've already gone several times with Vervet and it's great, I highly recommend it
NL
Email Robbert Van De Hoef | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best experience ever!
Vervet Safari is a professional organization with a lot of knowhow. The communication with Basili was very clear. We had a year delay because of COVID-19. No problem and change plans was OK for them. We booked a 8-day safari trip to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorogoro crater. Our driver Moses was waiting at the airport and give us a warm welcome. Moses knows a lot about all the animals, landscapes and the country. Our chef Edwin makes good food and after a long gamedrive he welcomes you with a smile. Our best memory? The leopard with his meat in a tree. Amazing!
Thanks for everything and see you next time guys.
Email Alisa Petty | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Vervet Safari : Checked the list of every African experience we could have asked to see and do!
Vervet customized our visit to see all the sights we wanted and added other experiences to make Africa feel as welcoming as coming home. We always had wonderful accommodations, food, transportation and knowledgeable guides. The challenges of traveling during COVID testing requirements were handled efficiently- no small feat. We highly recommend Vervet.
CA
Email aurora | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
safari with Vervet safari is Superb
My wife and I were provided a guide by Vervet Safaris Safaris for our week-long safari and couldn't be happier with the service from beginning to end. Everything on our trip was wonderful. Our guide, Basil, was friendly, hospitable, knowledgeable, and accommodating. His 12 years…
CA
Email Alaina Fredy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible experience with a Great Guide
It was a wonderful series of events with our excellent guide Basil. Serengeti is one of the most beautiful places on the world. I definitely recommend Basil for the visitors, he is resourcefully, very positive and kind. He is everything we were looking for.