Barack With His happy Client
Congo Discovery Safaris
- Located In:
-
Congo (DRC)
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $30 to $800 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
Email Daniel | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ken stole our money
My girlfriend and I booked a 4-day Gorilla and Chimpanzee safari with Ken that was supposed to take place from November 10 – 13. We paid $2608USD upfront for the pair of us for this tour. Ken failed to deliver all aspects of this tour. We were supposed to receive a refund in person in Kigali on November 13, but Ken showed up with no money. He then promised to refund us by November 20, but there was nothing. On November 27 we were supposed to get a full refund, instead we received a partial refund of $570CAD (we live in Canada), about $430USD, but we are still owed $2178. We were then told December 6 that we would receive the rest of the money, but nothing came.
When we first met Ken in Kigali we had some questions about a few recent negative reviews he had written about his businesses. He had excuses for every one, and how the client was wrong and trying to slander him. We gave him the benefit of the doubt, and we were wrong. Do not book with Ken or any of his tour companies. He stole money from us, he has waisted countless hours of our time, and he does not take responsibility for any of it - it is always somebody else's fault. Reports regarding Ken and Congo Discovery Safari Company Limited (incorporated in Kampala on September 19, 2018) are being filled with both the Rwandan and Ugandan Tourism boards in hopes that other travelers do not have to endure what we had to endue in dealing with Ken and his company.
Stole our $3000 Gorilla Trekking Deposit
On June 30th, 2019, we sent Ken $3,000 for two gorilla trekking permits. We were nervous sending so much money to a tour operator in Africa but given his reviews we thought we'd be fine. On July 2, Ken assured us the permits had been attained.
When we arrived in Rwanda on August 31st, Ken met us at our hotel and explained that his company had gone bankrupt, that he didn't have our permits, and that he could drive us to the National Park but we'd have to buy permits a second time. Having flown half way around the world we didn't have a choice. He drove us to the National Park and we paid the park $3,000 directly.
Ken promised he would pay us back within 10 days and when the park rangers heard what had happened they made Ken agree to a contract (attached in my tripadvisor review). Of course, we were skeptical. More than 3 months have passed and, unsurprisingly, Ken has not paid us back.
He has an excuse for everything. A new story every day why he just needs one more day. But ultimately, Ken is a con man. I don't know if he steals the deposits of every customer - other reviews suggest he doesn't - but I know that he's not worth the risk. Do not book a tour with Congo Discovery Tour or Hakuna Matata Safaris - or any tour group Ken Rwema or Barack Nari is involved in
I've attached screenshots of our conversations in my tripadvisor review as well.
IL
Email Einat Shoshani | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing
Amazing trip to Congo.niragongo and the gorillas.Barak made everything for us in a perfect way...good prices and big smile...go do it with him.he is the man for that trip and fir Rwanda also.
FR
Email Mike | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great, Excellent, Unforgettable!!!
We booked a trip to Nyiragongo from Kigali with Barack and Kennedy. From the first moment of the communication, Barack and Kennedy were very attentive, reactive and helpful. They were patient to respond to our multiple questions, give explanations and cooperate in order to get everything ready and to have a smooth journey. We met Barack on time in Kigali and had a very pleasant ride to Gisenyi were we have spent our night. Then in the morning we have passed the Rwanda-DRC border without any problem and Barack was all the time next to us helping with all formalities. The hike itself was wonderful, accompanied with rangers and very nice guide who kept us entertained all the route. Once ot the top, we enjoyed a VERY TASTY dinner prepared by a chef, who was just magician, to prepare such a dinner in very strict conditions. Nyiragongo itself was unbelievebly wonderful, we stayed almost all the night staring to its lake of flames. The next morning we had a wonderful breakfast and headed back to the camp wHere Barack was already waiting for us. Again thanks to Barack we had very smooth border crossing. Afterwards he took us to hot source, it was really good after the difficult hike. Then driving back to Kigali. All the road Barack kept us entertained with different funny stories. We had a lifetime experience and I am really thankful to Barack and Kennedy. I will definetly book another tour with them next time I am in Rwanda/Kigali/Ouganda.
Fraudulent Tour Operator
Baraka and Ken with Congo Discovery Safaris have refused to refund me for a portion of the tour they weren't permitted to take me on. I booked a 4 day gorilla trek and volcano climb in Virunga National Park with Congo Discovery Safaris last year and upon arrival in Kigali in February I found out they could not take me to Virunga as promised because of a rule change with the National Park and I would have to book directly with the National Park, which more than doubled my cost. I ended up having to pay the national park directly for my tour and only used Congo Discovery Safaris for help with my visa and transportation across the border to Goma. Because of this they promised to refund me $850 of the $1050 I paid them since I could not go with them for gorillas or the volcano. I was told they didn't have the cash because they spent it on a mineral investment and would send me a refund once I got home. For months they asked me to wait for the refund because they weren't getting a lot of business and I was patient, but it's been many months since then and they have stopped responding to any of my texts or emails. Ken and Baraka were really helpful and nice to me while I was there with the problems with the national park, but they will not refund your money if you have any problems. There is no reason to book anything in Virunga including transportation there, gorillas, and the volcano hike through Congo Discovery Safaris because you can book directly with the national park on their website.
RU
Email Ksenia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unforgettable experience
I found the company and Barack by a recommendation of my colleague that went with them 2 years back. What i could say it as an unforgettable exciting experience. We did Nyiragongo volcano tracking. Barack picked us up from Kigali, we spent a night in Giseniy, passed the border in the morning and went for the volcano. All the small issues we had were solved by Barack. The hike itself was amazing though not that easy but definitely worth it. I can definitely recommend Barack and his company and hope to do some other adventures with him as well while in Rwanda.
IL
Email Joe | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best experience in Africa
Baraka is first of all my true friend.
Second of all, he was so kind, lovely and proffesional during my Congo experience.
He took care of everything so that I would not have to worry about a thing.
This experience was way beyond my expectations.
Thanks for unforgettable events in my life.
Joe
DE
Email David | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Barack is an amazing guy. He may be perfect if you are on a budget like I am.
My review sounds pretty much like the other ones. If you have time and sufficient money, you might as well stop thinking about it and do the trip. Barack will make it possible. He let me stay at his house. I went to the volcanoe and the Kahuzi-Biega National park with him. I was the only one doing gorilla trekking that day. I had my individual gorilla trek. They have student discounts, making it the cheapest place to see gorillas. Barack is a legend. He let me stay at his home. I even played a little bit with his adorable children.
Email Francesca | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Barack looks after you very well
We went on the Nyiragongo tour organised by Barack. Barack was very helpful and organised everything we needed. He was conscious of limiting our costs which was great as we are backpackers. He welcomed us into his home and drove us to the starting point himself. Thanks for looking after us Barack!
IL
Email Ofir | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely perfect
Barak is the home welcoming person i have ever met! Such an incredible host. He so happily welcomed us in his home for actually a pretty long period of time, without asking for a thing, and all while he and his family were so nice and friendly to us. Barak is without doubt the best in my opinion to meet in all of rwanda.
Thank you for hosting us brother!