African Polecat Safaris team
African Polecat Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2019)
- Member Of:
- TTB, TALA, TANAPA, BRELA & NCAA
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $700 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
DE
Email David | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
7 day safari tour with chaotic organization and downgrades
We did a seven day safari tour organized by African Polecat including Tarangire NP, 3 days Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Biking to Lake Manyara and a cultural tour and finally a walking tour at Arusha NP.
First of all, doing such a safari tour is an amazing experience and we can really recommend it - just not by this operator.
We specifically chose this tour because accomodation-wise it offered a nice combination of 3 nights of sleeping in tents in the nature (with animal encounters right in front of the tents!) and then really nice locations at the start and end, namely 2* the jungle pearl resort and 1* karibu heritage.
Starting the first day, we were told, that there would be a change in plan, with Arusha NP at the first day, rather than the last day- which was fine to us at the moment, but then after a very nice safari day we were dropped off at a cheap Hotel in Arusha that was not even on the travel list, costs less than half as much and is badly rated on google maps and booking (3/10!!). A place we never would have chosen or booked ourself. The next day we were mixed with another group and picked up by another driver and guide. We thought we would continue with the initial guide - which was no problem per se - but sad because this way we didnt had the chance to tip the initial tour guide which did a spectacular job explaining all the animal encounters. With the new - suddenly scrambled together - group, the journey continued but we ended up at different accomodations than booked.
After Tarangire we were driven to kizumba camp site instead of jungle pearl (also not as nicely rated, rather basic in comparison). We texted James (the organizer) why this was the case and he said he forgot to remind the driver.
On day 6, we had only a short day at Ngorongoro crater, because the rest of the group and the driver would go on to Arusha for the afternoon, which was not on our plan anymore. So we were dropped off along the way at jungle resort (even then the driver didnt get the right instructions for us; we basically had to make sure to arrive at the right place; even the location didn’t know of our supposed arrival). Any way we lost half a tour day because apparently we were mixed with another group which had a different tour plan.
The last day at manyara lake we were a little bit worried to not reach the planned arrival at the airport in the evening with all the organizational problems. When texting James he ensured us that a driver will pick us up and everything is arranged. When sitting in the final taxi, we thought that now nothing could surprise us anymore, when suddenly the taxi would drive to a place in Arusha and drop us off there, instead of at the airport. After waiting there for 20 minutes a second taxi drove us to the airport. Again without previous communication.
It is indeed a very weird feeling, when you are in a foreign country and half the time you enter a vehicle, you get dropped-off at a random place that was not communicated or agreed on.
Minor inconveniences: no binoculars as advertised, no beverages or alcoholic drinks as advertised, no 3l water a day as advertised, no hot shower water as advertised, no toilet paper (we thought to really expect those things would be a stretch, given the nature of the safari, but still…).
Erika the cook and Amos the guide were lovely and I don‘t feel like they are at fault for any of these problems. It very much felt like a lack of communication and providing organization and information.
A safari tour is very much recommended and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I cannot recommend Polecat as operator.
Reply from African Polecat Safaris
Posted on Oct 24, 2023We appreciate your candor on all that was revealed about our seven-day tour. That being said, we made amends and left in a courteous manner, including offering you a private tour of Arusha National Park. We pledge to improve and provide our clients with the finest service possible, accepting full responsibility for any inadvertent errors that may have happened, this has been the greatest test of our development, and we vow to improve and provide the finest service to our clients. Furthermore, we are offering a complimentary two-day excursion to our chosen places in the event that you, a friend, or a relative ever visit Tanzania.
Regards
Team Polecat Safaris
IT
Email Francesca | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very attentive and fast in responding
The Safari was an amazing experience. Our guide Frederick was very knowledgeable, kind and also fun, he made sure we saw all the animals we wanted. The jungle pearl lodge was one of the best hotels we ever slept in, wonderful luxurious bungalows and amazing personnel. We definitely recommend!
AR
Email Juan Manuel | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good service. They fulfilled everything agreed and always willing to solve any problem
Fue un viaje increíble, la agencia fue muy seria y cuidadosa con todos los pasajeros. Super amables. El campamento estuvo super bien, estaba todo previsto, no falto nada. En lo personal, me hubiese gustado permanecer más días. La empresa la recomiendo, y en mi caso particular, el guia hablaba tres idiomas, lo que lo hace super recomendable. La comida siempre exquisita y el ambiente muy amigable. Una muy buena empresa para volver a contratar y para recomendar a otros viajeros.
It was an incredible trip, the agency was very serious and careful with all the passengers. super friendly The camp was super good, everything was planned, nothing was missing. Personally, I would have liked to stay more days. I recommend the company, and in my particular case, the guide speaks three languages, which makes it highly recommended. The food is always delicious and the atmosphere is very friendly. A very good company to hire again and recommend to other travelers
SK
Email Peter | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
World Class Safari in Serengeti
We saw a lot of animals in our Serengeti and Ngorongoro 3-day long trip, however I think there were many things that were supposed to be better and different! I very much understand that there is always something that is not going according to the original plan, so I was not expecting a perfect trip. Eventually, what I was pleased with was James’s follow-up after the trip which I believe made it different from other companies that I was considering when booking.
HU
Email Andras | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Completely satisfied with the guide, Simba. He is a well-prepared, funny guy. Highly recommend
We are beyond a great safari experience, we have been on a 2 day tour of the Ngorongoro and Tarangire National Parks. We were completely satisfied with our guide, Simba. He is a well-prepared, funny guy, he described in detail the behavior of all animals! Luckily we could see the "Big 5" of Africa. The food received during the tour was delicious, the accommodation was satisfactory in this price category.
Regardless, I can't give 5 stars because the airport pick-up time wasn't kept by the company despite what was agreed. After arrival to Arusha Airport on Day 0, we waited for about 30 mins for the driver, but he didn’t come, the company was unreachable both by phone and Whatsapp! We were forced to catch a taxi, the price of which was later at least compensted by the company...
US
Email Josh | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing tour guide and friend!
We had a awesome time our tour guide was very knowledgeable about everything we experienced!
US
Email Alexis Bishop | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fair company, expert guide/chef, unforgettable experience
Had an outstanding experience with this safari overall. Dealings with the company were fair, even included airport transportation. Accommodations were nice, camping equipment provided was comfortable. The most important factor that made the safari enjoyable was the expert knowledge and extra effort put forth by our guide Manfred and our chef David. Manfred engaged with each of the group members on a personal level to share details about the beautiful ecosystem and wildlife of the national parks, as well as cultural background about Tanzania. He made every effort to seek out rare wildlife even during the wet season, and his level of experience allowed us to find every animal we hoped to see and more, all while showing great respect for the rules and regulations that govern safari operations in the parks. We saw three cheetahs, three black rhinos, numerous lions, hyenas, hippos, zebras, giraffes, gazelle, wildebeest, eagles, vultures, and so much more!! Our chef David worked long hours to prepare very delicious, authentic, filling meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. He even made the extra effort to make a birthday cake from scratch at the public campsite to surprise a fellow guest. Overall, solid company with outstanding employees. Would recommend!
US
Email Lisa | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I can not say enough about Manfred , he found every wild animal that we wanted to see, he is the bes
The tour was a blast, we got to see every animal we wanted to see. The food was great. The people are so friendly, loved meet the different people love the coffee tour, loved the balloon ride. Loved out tour guide. I will tell everyone I know about this, we had a really really good time love it
IE
Email Darragh | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Experience Of The Serengeti
Our guide Manfred truly gave us the most magnificent Serengeti adventure imaginable. From the first moment, his hospitality friendliness, professionalism and warmth were the perfect start to this great trip. And what a trip it was, from the depths of Tarangire, across the vast plains of the Serengeti and then through the mists of time to descend the crater into the last true garden of Eden Ngorogoro, it was by far the best experience of our lives. I can't recommend Polecat Safari enough, from the off James and the teams communication was incredible, answering every question we had quickly and with a lot of information. Looking forward to our next trip!
BE
Email Rachid | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Manfred is the man!
Really helpful and kind tourguide. Very knowledgeable and brings information over in a fun way.
Goes beyond his way to ensure a nice safari experience!