Gemfinders Safaris Team
Gemfinders Tours and Travel
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2018)
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $120 to $380 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Scott | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Sold an incorrect itinerary
My recent experience with Gemfinders, specifically with Brian, left me pretty disappointed and frustrated. I had been eagerly looking forward to my safari trip to the Serengeti, which I had carefully planned with Gemfinders. They had advertised a budget lodge accommodation in the itinerary, but as soon as I started the journey, it was clear that something was off. Instead of budget lodges, I found myself camping, which was definitely not what I had signed up for. It not only messed up my expectations but also made the logistics a bit of a headache.
What really irked me was that I had double-checked with Brian before the trip about the accommodation, and he had confidently reassured me that it would indeed be budget lodges. To have that promise fall flat was disappointing and left me feeling like I had been misled.
To add to the confusion, I later found out that Gemfinders had outsourced the safari to another company in Tanzania. This explained the disconnect between the original itinerary and what actually happened during the trip. It also raised some questions about how much Gemfinders was actually involved in planning and executing the trip.
Another bone of contention was Gemfinders' payment policy. Unlike many other safari operators who allow you to pay a deposit and settle the rest on-site when the safari begins, Gemfinders required full payment upfront. This put extra pressure on travelers, especially when the services didn't match what was promised.
What frustrated me the most, though, was Gemfinders' response when I raised these issues. Even though it was crystal clear that they had misrepresented the itinerary I paid for, Brian refused to offer sufficient compensation. He simply said I had already completed the safari, as if that somehow justified the misleading information.
I tried going back and forth with Brian, hoping for some sort of resolution, but it felt like hitting a brick wall. And when I asked for more information about Gemfinders' business (i.e. the business license number), Brian was quite uncooperative and didn't provide the details I requested.
Overall, my experience with Gemfinders and Brian left me unsatisfied and disappointed. Their misrepresentation, inflexible payment policy, and lack of accountability for their mistakes make me hesitant to recommend them to other travelers. The lack of transparency and professionalism in dealing with these issues, along with the outsourcing to another company without proper oversight, raises concerns about Gemfinders' commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical business practices. If you're thinking of booking a trip with them, be cautious and consider these shortcomings carefully.
Reply from Gemfinders Tours and Travel
Posted on Sep 26, 2023Hello Scott,
We acknowledge your review and sincerely apologize for not meeting your expectations. We have discussed the events surrounding your safari with Brian and clearly this was a case of misunderstanding of the itinerary. Your initial request was for a private safari which turned out to be way beyond your budget. You were offered a cheaper version of it, with accommodation in budget lodges, which was also outside your budget. Finally, you requested that we find a group for you to join. We found one operated by our partners in Tanzania, Kilibeyond, which you accepted. We did not say we operate this shared safari and we clearly stated that accommodation was to be in tented camps, and yes, that is camping.
We are committed to ensuring our clients enjoy their safaris and we draw very important lessons from your disappointing experience which we deeply regret. Most importantly, in light of this, we have issued new strict guidelines to Brian and our other staff, especially regarding how they present various tour options to travelers, to ensure they set realistic expectations around the tours.
Once again we are very sorry for the bad experience and we will take all steps necessary to ensure no other traveler goes through such disappointment.
Great experience
Great Service, everyone should just start booking with gamefinders from now on, I mean.............wow!
Reply from Gemfinders Tours and Travel
Posted on Jul 3, 2023Thank you Mr Bonface for your genuine & honest review. We really appreciate your comment on our services, this means alot to us. We are looking forward to serving you in future.
Kind regards
Brian
Travel & Tourism Consultant
MD
Email Ullrich Kinne | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very individualized and caring Service
They are new in the business and ready to go the extra mile. Beyond the three attractions we booked (Giraffe and elephant nursery and Kazumi Beads Factory) they also took us to the Karen Blix Museum nearby at no extra cost. Their van seems to be pretty new and well-equipped. Pick-up and drop off at our friends place on the other side of town went smoothly despite heavy rush-hour traffic.
Reply from Gemfinders Tours and Travel
Posted on Jul 4, 2023Hello Ulrich,
That's was definitely heavy traffic, that's the fun of every safari, actually that's was due to the heavy rains experienced.
However we thank you for booking with us on a short notice, we are glad you acknowledged us taking you on the safari, we hope you guys learnt alot on your safari,from start to end, including the coffee farm, the machinery and the artefacts left behind by Karen & her husband, that is always preserved to honor them.
We are looking forward to seeing you in future. Much love
Kind regards,
Gemdfinders Safaris Team
Email David | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Authentic and reliable.
Gemfinders Safaris provided an unforgettable travel experience! From start to finish, their team was incredibly professional and accommodating. The itinerary was well-planned, offering what we wanted. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and ensured everyone felt safe throughout the safari. The meals exceeded our expectations. They go above and beyond to create memorable journeys for their clients. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a fantastic travel experience!"
CO
Email Luis Montoya | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
We had an amazing experience, we were able to see the wildebeest migration, we saw lyons, elephants, and ton of more animals, also, Musa was an amazing guide 10/10.
Reply from Gemfinders Tours and Travel
Posted on Oct 18, 2023Hello Luis and thank you for your review on your recent safari with us.
We really appreciate your comment on our services and the fact that you enjoyed your safari to Masai Mara, this means a lot to us. We are looking forward to serving you in future.
Warm Regards.
CN
Email Ying | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
positive communication, reasonable itinerary planning, good experience
We made a customized safari trip, and the safari itinerary was very reasonable. We experienced the places we wanted to visit and the hotels we wanted to stay in. We only didn't see the leopard in the big five, leaving a little regret. Although there were some problems during the trip, the staff had active communication to help solve them, which would not affect the experience of the whole trip. This safari was a great experience. It was unforgettable.
Reply from Gemfinders Tours and Travel
Posted on Sep 23, 2023Hello Ying and thanks for your honest review,. We really appreciate your comment on our services and the fact that you enjoyed your 9 Day safari in Kenya, we are sincerely sorry you didn't have a chance to see the leopard, they are now one of the endangered species. We are looking forward to serving you in future.
Kind regards
CR
Email Katia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The service client is great!
The safari was awesome! My Spanish speaking guide (Arturo) was very kind, respectful and patient. The guide explains very well about the animals, about the park, Nairobi, tribu Masai and traditions.
It was a very nice safari!
Reply from Gemfinders Tours and Travel
Posted on Aug 11, 2023Thank you Katia for your review. We really appreciate your comment on our services and the fact that you enjoyed your safari to Amboseli National reserve, this means a lot to us. We are looking forward to serving you in future.
Kind regards
CZ
Email Brona Jaros | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent experience
I had a great experience with Gemfinders and I want to thank especially to Habil who was our driver and guide during a recent safari ride. He is an exceptional driver and guide, passionate and knowledgeable about wildlife and environmental conservation. His skill behind the wheel ensured our safety and comfort as we explored Kenya's diverse landscapes. Habil's friendly demeanor and willingness to go above and beyond for customer satisfaction make him one of the most reliable individuals I've encountered on my African travels. I can recommend his service to everyone. :)
Email Jackson Kirubi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent & Timely
I book safari with Gemfiders and Safaris, the communicating was perfect, they planned everything perfectly and quick to reply. My 3 days to Masai Mara was amazing, the hotel was a budget one within our means, they exceeded our expectations. I'll always recommend them.
Email Pat and family. | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
We found our tour operator very knowledgeable, obliging and helpful.
We found all our queries and questions were answered efficiently and promptly by Bridget. The tour
was good value for money. Everything was done on time. Habil, our tour guide was great company and handled everything that arose efficiently and in a very relaxed manner. He is the best driver we've ever been with...... I'd love to visit the Massai Mara again..... Just loved it...
Reply from Gemfinders Tours and Travel
Posted on May 9, 2024Dear Pat,
Thank you for your honest and positive review on the safari we arranged for you and we are look forward to serving you again in future.