Splendid Vacations

Reply from Splendid Vacations

Hello,

We would like to address the above review as follows;

1. The client booked a 4-Day Tsavo West, Amboseli, and Tsavo East National Park Safari starting from Diani Beach. The booking process was smooth with her daughters, responsible for the safari planning. On Day 1 of the safari, the journey started well, from Diani Beach to Taita Hills and Saltlick Lodge, and we didn't have any complaints from the client. On Day 2, the Southern Region Safari Circuit, which is Tsavo Parks and Amboseli National Park, was experiencing a lot of rain that forced the driver to use the longer route to Amboseli, which is a drive of about 5 hours. The driver decided to ensure the client's safety as our usual route was already flooded because of the long rains, and the driver couldn't afford to risk it as clients' safety comes first. After arriving in Amboseli National Park, the clients checked in at the Ol Tukai Lodge, had a sumptuous lunch, and proceeded for an afternoon game drive. After the game drives, the client contacted us after dinner and informed us that she was not willing to proceed with the safari to Tsavo East National Park the following day because she had back pains. The client insisted on staying in Amboseli National Park on Day 3 rather than going to Tsavo East National Park at no extra cost as they were unwilling to add any cost.

2. Given that the client requested a last-minute change during the night, we asked for the client to wait until the following morning so that we could call the reservations department for the hotel in Tsavo East for the cancellations and credit the amount already paid. On Day 3, the hotel in Tsavo East confirmed that they were not in a position to refund or credit the amount already paid as this was a last-minute cancellation. As a company that focuses on ensuring service quality and client satisfaction to all our guests, we opted to pay for the client's extra night in Ol Tukai Lodge and the park fees for the same day out of pocket, totaling USD 700. The client was not charged for this. We again paid for their train tickets afresh from Emali to Mombasa as we had previously booked them from Voi to Mombasa, and the time frame for cancellation had already expired. After all the changes, the client shared an appreciation message with the company for re-booking the hotels and the train tickets.

3. Alex is one of our best driver guides, as per other reviews. On Day 3, when the client wanted to stay longer in Amboseli, our driver was in communication with the client advising of possible alternatives if Ol Tukai Lodge wouldn't confirm the availability of an extra night at the lodge and just in case the train is full from Emali to Mombasa (given that it was during the Easter Holidays) the client seemed not to agree with the driver of the alternatives provided. She was mad at the hotel reception; even the lodge could confirm she was shouting at the driver. All our driver guides are well-trained and disciplined. They have excellent driving experience, game viewing skills, and vast knowledge about wildlife, birdlife, plants, and authentic cultures of different communities in Kenya. On the same note, we are having a sit down with the driver to understand what transpired up to this situation.

Our company remains committed to offering excellent customer service and continually enhancing the customer experience.