Reviews
BE
Email Pat | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Terrible expierence
On the advice of an acquaintance, we booked a 12-day safari directly with this Tanzanian operator.
The trip was more expensive than through a Belgian agency, but this would be offset by a more personal service.
However, the safari vehicle (a Toyota Landcruiser) was worn out and had to be pushed every morning to start. The wheels turned out to be attached to the axles with only two instead of five bolts and a footboard had to be welded along the way. Repairs cost us almost two days of delay.
The choice of lodges was also substandard. In one case without water or electricity, in another case we had to make our suitcases in the light of our flashlight.
The program was also changed without notice so that we were forced to pack unexpectedly quickly to change lodges.
The food was generally okay but the driver/guide (Patrick) considered the safari his personal private trip. Armed with a Canon camera with 600mm telephoto lens, he idiosyncratically toured to create his photo book. Our questions and demands were ignored… well, the trip was pre-paid and we were totally dependent on him anyway.
His driving style was at times life-threatening. On a muddy track, he reached speeds of 100 km/h where the maximum speed was 50 km/h.
The negative highlight was the beautiful descent to the Ngorongoro crater. That happened in a closed vehicle with windows that were opaque due to mud.
Our Serengeti trip was ruined to a large extent by guide Patrick. The tour operator was not at all interested in our criticism at the end of the ride.
An advice ? Book through an official agency in your own country. With a Tanzanian company you have no defense whatsoever, despite all the good intentions of acquaintances.
