The review below is the personal opinion of Jakob and not that of SafariBookings.
Unfortunately, we did not get what we were promised: a calculated and cynical move by Knap Tours
Hi,
It's heartbreaking to share this story, but I feel fellow travelers need to understand how Knap Tour operates - and communicates.
November 2, I was contacted by Knap Tours after I asked for a quote on Safaribookings.com
November 3, I talked to their MD on phone to make sure we were on the same page. He confirmed everything in writing.
November 4, I wired money for the 3day trip with Knap Tours
November 5, the trip, with accomodation was confirmed in writing
So far.... so good. But what was supposed to be a dream trip with my 12 year old daughter turned out to be a nasty surprise as we arrived to the lodge. Our guide received a phonecall 1 hour before we arrived. He said that the lodge was full, there had overbookings and standard procedure was to pass on guests to an Ostrich Farm. We refused as the plan was to stay at the lodge. We were offered another place, turned it down, and offered to be driven back to Cape Town with full reimbursement (6 hours drive... don't think so) and my daughter started crying.
I called the MD and asked what was going on and he told me he'd just been informed about the non existing Luxury Tent at the lodge. I found it all very suspicious.
During this converstation with the MD from Knap Tours, I was offered 10% reimbursement.
We had to stay at the new accomodation but upon arrival to the lodge the day after I talked to the MD and booking manager at the lodge who found it all very odd, so they checked.
Nov 3, Knap Tours asked for a reservation
Nov4, the lodge replied that they had no tents or any accomodation for NYE.
So... Knap Tours sold me something that was not theirs to sell. They lied about the process (the lodge confirmed this and told me they would never refer any guest to the Ostrich Farm) and they knew very well that we could not go back to Cape Town. They made a bet we'd accept it without a fight.
Fortunately the lodge was helpful and let us stay in one of their tents (just had a cancellation) for NYE.
When I asked for the 10% reimbursement once back, the MD was most rude to me and then ignored me and my messages.
So: be aware - these guys promise you things they cannot keep, they bet you are not willing to fight for what you have been promised and they are cynical and most rude.
Stay away from Knap Tours and make sure you chose a serious agency if you do a once-in-a-lifetime- trip
Honestly,
//Jakob