PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good safari but with problems
We had 5 day and 4 night safari Tarangire/Serengeti/Ngorongoro with world-tours-safaris. At the beginning the contact with Mr Richard was very fast and clear. We got a lot of information that we need. But the first day of safari was terrible for us. We heard that the other couple who had joined to us did not come on the time. We had one hour late pick up from the hotel, then we started the safari at 11 with minivan (not land cruiser that was in offer). My seat was wet. The minivan had an open roof but without the top-up roof so we had a lot of sun when we open and spend all the time open and close the roof at the safari. No air and very hot in the car because the windows were not openly and were with a lot of scratches and we had not a clear view. Our car was the worst on the safari that day. We were disappointed of this day and Mr Richard told us that we agreed with this and it was private safari when we gave the call to him at the evening - although we did not have any other option. The second day we start our safari with land cruiser and with another one tourist - not that couple. From this day we had a good safari to the end with our guide Aron who was engaged. We saw a lot. But at the end when we were in the office Mr Richard start our conversation from worlds: What was the problem. We were so disappointed. We didn’t heard a word of sorry and any questions about our feedback. The other things from our point of view - be prepare for old tent with not so nice smell and the other equipment’s are old and very used.
We had also not nice case of visit Masaii village and making the picture of this community and not nice the case of tips from the other tourist who was with us. Serengeti was fantastic i would like to be there again but I would like to try with another company.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good Value But With A Few Problems
We just returned from a 5D/4N safari at Tremisana Lodge. The pre-trip communication was very good. It was easy to make the reservation 6 months ago and reconfirm it just before we left. We were on another safari in South Africa before meeting up with Viva Safaris and so had asked them to arrange a hotel for us, near JNB airpirt, on the night before starting this part of our trip. Even though we provided the with our domestic flight number, they were confused and went to the international terminal instead. The accommodations at Tremisana look as pictured. The Lodge is nore rustic than you might guess. All meals were served outside and there was only one meal time. The food was okay at best but we did not go there for the food anyway. The AC in our room shorted out and we were placed in a similar room. We felt it was odd that no other people on safari stayed at Tremisana more than one night but us. They all went on to other places, mostly Marcs Treehouse. This gave the Lodge the feeling of a halfway point instead of a social place to discuss what we had seen on safari that day. The game drives were always great. We did see the Big 5. We got close up to the animals and the experience was wonderful. All game drive leaders were not the same, however. One in particular (Alias - Smiley) was very good in explaining animal behavior. The game drives always occurred on schedule and lasted 2-4 hours. Transportation that was provided to/from the lodge from JNB airport was not at all what we expected. The drive from JNB to Tremisana Lodge is very long and takes about 5 hours! The minibus used to transport us from JNB to the Lodge broke down 45 min into the trip. The water pump gave out and we had to wait at a rest stop for 3 hours before a replacement minivan came to pick us up. Then, as came time for different guests to be dropped off at different lodges, a tactic of having other mini vans stationed along the route, where you and your luggage were transferred was used. This meant that we had to change mini busses several times, each time transferring our luggage as well. This was not expected, never communicated, resulted in one persons luggage being misplaced and left most people feeling the need to keep tipping drivers. On our trip back from Tremisana to JNB we were the last ones to be picked up and found ourselves crammed ito the last row of a small minibus that held 14 passengers. Again, we had to transfer to another mini bus three times before we got back to JNB airport.
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good, but could be better
First of all, I enjoyed the tour a lot and I had so much fun with the other people attending the tour. I got to see the different animals and got some good stories to tell when I go back home.
However, I have a feeling that the tour could be much better because:
- Pick-up the first day arrived more than 1 hour late and I didn't get any notice. I called their office, but they weren't helpful at all.
- The engagement of the staff seemed to vary a lot. Some were very engaging and were able to tell about the animals and plants, while others didn't really seem to care too much and just drove/walked us around to earn their money.
- Most of the staff at the Tresmina lodge didn't seem happy. There was a weird atmosphere at the lodge and there seemed to be some tension among the staff.
- The atmosphere at Marc's Tree House was more happy, but the staff didn't seem to care too much for their customers. I got electric shock in the shower the last morning (probably due to a short circuit). I told the staff and they didn't apologize or anything. I just got the answer "Ok, we will take a look at it".
- The quality of the food could be improved a lot without much effort.
Just to summarize: I had a lot of fun and got to see all the animals even though they we had to drive for quite a while to find them. It was a great experience, but I believe that it could be so much better if the staff where better trained and more engaging.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Not again in this way !
1.Vehicle:
"The vehicle was more suitable for a short-term off-road tour. Definitely not for a longer tour! Seats as in a 3rd class rail wagon – plastic cover (very suitable for sweating at outdoor temperatures at 40 °C and without air conditioning (defective from the beginning/–no armrests/-no adjustable backrests! With up to 10 hours in the vehicle you can already get problems with the intervertebral discs. We have seen the same design equipped in a different way! Furthermore, the vehicle was very under-motorized, which was very noticeable on mountainous routes! Temporarily defective freezer box! Cleanliness left a lot to be desired. I personally took the brooms in my hand! Discs were not cleaned throughout. "So there can be no question of comfortable travel here.
2.Supply
"We are proud to offer our travelers high quality, tasty and healthy meals three times a day." –Statement from Sunway Safaris in the travel text!
One of the most disappointing experiences of the trip was the supply. Unfortunately, only finished products packaged in the supermarket were purchased on a low-cost basis. (e.g. canned vegetables and canned fruit) Lots of pork products! I tried to shop with myself. It worked out sometimes. If there were fresh bread rolls instead of pre-packaged toast bread, the baker bought them and then what was not eaten was also given away. But then in the same breath bought in the supermarket cardboard packaged toast bread. Fresh fish was supposedly bought from the boat in front of our nose for us, but we haven't seen it! Repackaged marinated fish from the supermarket was served! Fresh fruit from the village farmer was basically not bought! Why always? Better supermarket products again! We did so ourselves in part. We then tried to buy some decent beef steaks/kudu or impala in private shops of the reserves. Then we realized what we wanted. It didn't help much. It is important to think more healthily and, above all, to buy higher-quality products as described above all. We have experienced and seen directly that it is possible and there is everything. It may not have been due to the costs either, since the prices were quite reasonable. Maybe everything has to go fast. "Furthermore, the great loss of time due to constant shopping in the supermarkets was not comprehensible to us! 1-1.5 hours, sometimes almost daily. If I know that long distances have to be driven, then I get my things in time and leave accordingly earlier! Conclusion: The care was like a camping holiday corresponding to a youth trip. But it shouldn't be like that. They were all adult people!
The country has so much good and, above all, tasty things to offer. We could not understand and accept this approach on the part of Sunways.
3.Itin' itinerary - Sunway Safari hasn't been able to get the organization of the Soweto tour for us! Started in Johannesburg, where the start was to take place at 6:30 a.m. We were especially rather there to accept the desired briefing in time. After more than 1, 5 hours later, the departure took place. We should feel the loss of time. • Very long journey to the 1st accommodation Zululand. Unfortunately we couldn't do anything there anymore, because we arrived very late! (The loss of time from the morning) Actually very bad, because this accommodation and surroundings was very nice. Why we had to drive around the next day again in order to get to a supermarket remains a mystery. About 1.5 hours stay at a gas station to shop in the supermarket. Again a loss of time and unusable time of our holiday. This went on almost every day! Very late breakfast and late departure to the next station. • Arriving in the direction of Kosi Bay, there was no way to do anything, as the darkness had already arrived. What a pity! E.g. kayaking was not possible. Also in the direction of Swaziland we left very late in Kosi Bay and arrived late in the accommodation despite fast border clearance. Again, no time to do anything else. Beautiful accommodation, but no use! Very nice environment. Highly recommended for follow-up tours. Again a very late departure (8:30 a.m.) the next day. •
In Maputo again late arrival! There was not much time left to see something of the city. Quick sightseeing tour with the tour bus! Then to the Hotel Cardoso which should be kept in any case! Very good level and above all a very good breakfast. We organized a taxi and drove to a restaurant on the beach! Highly recommended! We also had no concerns about any problems with locals or criminals! Even during the night tour in the area, we did not have a negative experience. (certainly it always depends on the area) We felt everything very safe and got to know very friendly people. "Take back, relax and enjoy the warm sea water and the wide white beaches. Boat tour in the Dhau, a traditional wooden sailboat of Arabic design, fishing, snorkeling, surfing or diving between paradisiacal coral reefs are also possible (own cost)". This is such a real advertising slogan! There can be no talk of relaxation and enjoyment! Boat tour with Dhau? Not a chance! Good accommodation- Yes. But nothing more. Going far too far - benefit - effort-ratio was just not right. • Again the whole route back towards Bilene. Attention! Bilene with lagoons description was not approached -First in the tour bus we were told that we would stay somewhere else! Sand dune landscape very nice! Accommodation good! Restaurant very good! But there was nothing to do with swimming! Not a calm lagoon, but very high waves in the sea! Again nothing as it was actually described! That's it with the beach tour-without swimming! Because this stretch of coast is something for surfers and anglers! You could have used the mini pool for a short time! But take on these hardships? So the disappointment took its course. In addition, my wife
because of your injury had been looking forward to the lagoon to go into the water. Joy there!
Then continue towards the South Africa border to Kruger NP. Unfortunately, without looking to the right or left, it was really snapped to reach the next destination (border) as quickly as possible. There was something to photograph on the left and right (LandscapeNative bush hut dwellers and so on. But both (driver and guide) lacked the sensitivity that could be interesting or you just didn't want to stop in some places. (Safety concerns ?– we can't imagine) " In the Kruger itself we arrived again very late in the Letaba camp (by the way the worst and smallest accommodation). It was again just a quick quick – process until the night safari! Making food (I helped yourself otherwise it would have become very tight) in the dark! Showers and go! Rest and relaxation - out of place! The next morning on to the nearest accommodation Makuwa Lodge. Driving and driving! Surely we have also seen animals! Luckily! • Arrival also late! No more activities possible! Makuwa Lodge is highly recommended and also has a decent level and very friendly operators. Last day – without the planned activities - just didn't happen-Just go back to Johannesburg!
4. Driver and Guide
Driver -JoJo: - very good attentive, safe and friendly driver-very helpful
Guide – Ferell:-- a lot of knowledge is available - not always easy to understand - should work on its exterior - partly very dirty clothing - should deal with time management. When shopping, take a more thoughtful approach and shop more health-consciously! Especially not at the time of the travelers, who then only sit around at parking spaces and petrol stations! Maybe camping is closer to him. He had already made this known in person.
Overall conclusion:
The journey wasn't the hit. For the fact that you are sitting almost only in an uncomfortable vehicle and actually have very little of the destinations reached, we would not want to do this tour again in this form. The price-performance ratio just wasn't right. Neither from the course of the tour nor from the supply. In hindsight and the current findings, a self-driving tour (even with a driver) would have been possible without hesitation. (Have hit some on the way) You would also have coped very well in terms of price! The road conditions definitely gave that away. For us, it was like a Paris-Dakar rally. Reach intermediate destinations as quickly as possible and then continue. Just to say I was there once? That was not our idea and it was not really intended and, above all, not described.
In addition, my daily help, with breakfast, packing and tidying up, didn't really help anything. The Routine has been retained! Very annoying!
IR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
is responsible
I enjoyed this tour, and will choose them if I come to Kenya again
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful experience; stressful circumstances
First, I must thank Kenya Walking for helping my husband and I have the experience of a lifetime. We visited Tanzania and Uganda and were sincerely amazed by the African wildlife, scenery, and people.
We chose Kenya Walking because of Otieno's quick communication, the ability to customize our itinerary, and the price. We are still grateful to have experienced so much for the price, but feel that it's important for other prospective travelers to be aware of some aspects of unprofessionalism we encountered. They are mostly small things that added up to create an atmosphere of distrust for us.
Examples of unprofessionalism:
-Multiple last-minute hotel changes, including skipping Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda to stay at a poorly rated, loud city motel with water problems (original hotel was around $100, changed to $10 room)
-Incorrect itinerary dates. Even after reviewing our itinerary upon arrival in Uganda, both Otieno and our driver forgot that we were staying two days in the gorilla park to do extra hiking. We had to fight pretty hard to convince them to correct this.
-Over-worked, tired driver speeding considerably and close to nodding off during long drives (I would highly recommend flying into Kisoro to do gorilla trek, or at least requesting a Ugandan guide. Our Kenyan guide had to drive overnight from Nairobi before picking us up and continuing the drive. We also suspect he took a wrong turn which we followed for 90minutes before correcting.)
-Borrowing gas money from us. This favor was asked as a loan until our driver found an ATM, though we never found one. We ended up letting him keep the money as part of his tip, but the company never followed up to thank us or ask whether we got our money back.
-Other small inconveniences included late departures (2hours on our first morning in Tanzania with no communication on their end), spotty attitudes from guides (our Kenyan guide did not like Ugandans... and we were in Uganda), considerable time waiting for guides to deal with problems in banks, broken jeep roof in Tanzania (fortunately this didn't happen until our last day there).
I hate to make this list, because until Otieno asked me to write this review, I had managed to forget all the negative aspects of our trip and only think of the magic moments we had with elephants, lions, gorillas, mountains, and new friends. Even with all the drama of our trip, I don't regret choosing Kenya Walking as I'm not sure we could have packed everything into our time and budget with a different tour operator. I also suspect travelling with Kenya Walking Survivors may be an entirely different experience in Kenya, rather than Tanzania and Uganda where we visited. I have only the best wishes for our guides Mike and Jonas and for Otieno.
If you decide Kenya Walking Survivors is the best fit for your trip, please be prepared to respectfully advocate for yourself and your itinerary.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Content
My experience with Absolute Holiday Safaris was satisfactory. The safari itself, and the safari guide were amazing. The campsite however, was not anything described to us. When you first arrive in Nairobi you are taken to Absolute Holiday Safaris main office were a consultant explains the details of the trip and the camp to you. Unfortunately, main things he explained about the camp were completely wrong. I almost felt as if they had never been to the camp themselves, or lacked contact with the camp. Their was no free wifi as specified. When taken to see the Massa Mari tribe we were told a small donation of about $10 American was needed. This was not the case, as you have to paid 1000 shilling before the Massa Mari will let you into their tribe. Then they continue to push you to purchase jewelry and other goods from them. While it was a great experience, it was also a little uncomfortable. The food at the camp is mediocre. We had to demand our 'free water', and the water in our attached bathrooms did not work, and if it did for a moment was time was no were near warm.
I did overall enjoy my holiday, but would tell people not have the highest of expectations.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Guide, Poor Administrative Services & Communication
I booked a five-day safari tour of Northern Tanzania through Zara Tours in early August. The tour itself was an incredible experience. Our guide, Regan, was knowledgeable, and we learned a lot of about the animals living in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Unfortunately, there was some poor communication with the administrative staff of Zara Tours. We booked our trip before June 30, 2017 and at the time there was a promotional deal going on which stated that if were booked before 6/30/2017, our airport transfers would be included our package. The salesperson we were communicating with, Kitondo, also confirmed this via email. I also doubled checked when we arrived to the Springlands Hotel with a female staffer that our airport transfers were included. She said yes. After we completed our safari tour, we came back to the Springlands Hotel and I once again confirmed the night before our departure with another female staffer that our airport transfer the next day was included in the package we purchased. She said yes. The morning of our departure, there was a male staffer at the front desk who helped us check out of the hotel. He told us that we owed $60 USD for the previous airport transfer (from airport to hotel) and we would have to pay an additional $60 USD if we wanted to be driven to the airport. We tried to explain to him that the package with bought included airport transfers. He said Kitondo had told him it wasn't included. He allegedly called Kitondo and spoke in Swahili with her on the phone while we watched. At the end of the phone call he said that she said our package did not include transfers. Instead of arguing with this man, we decided to pay the money for the prior transfer were had taken and take a taxi to the airport (which was much cheaper).
I later looked up our package online and looked up emails with Kitondo and I called this male staffer. I was very upset and told him that I had proof that airport transfers were included. I told him I could come back to the hotel (our flight didn't leave until late at night) so he could return our money. He said that he had to "check with someone first" and that he would call me back. I gave him my phone number. He never called me back. I am convinced this was a scam on this man's part because he was upset that we had not bought anything at the hotel. My sister had been living in Moshi for 3 months prior to this safari trip so she knew taxi drivers and was familiar with the area. So instead of purchasing dinner or drinks at the hotel, we venture outside. Therefore, we had no hotel bill to settle.
If I were to do this over again, I would get everything in detailed writing and print out copies of the terms of the agreement. I would also write down names of the staffers. Ultimately, it was not the money that was an issue but rather the unprofessional nature of this exchange.
Other issues
We had travelers with dietary restrictions on our trip. For the most part, these were accommodated well but there were a few times when we could only eat rice and pasta. I recommend bringing your own snacks just in case. Breakfast and dinner options are decent but the "lunch boxes" are not great. You may want to pack your own snacks for lunch.
The five day safari felt a little long. I would recommend something a little shorter, maybe 4 days. It's gets very tiring to be in a bumpy car for 8-10 hours each day.
I highly recommend staying in one of the wild camps. It was an amazing experience to be in a tent in the middle of the Serengeti and wake up to gazelles outside.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
When it went well it went well but when it didn't....
I know people rave about this company. And, I guess, if you didn't have any problems with them then they were good. But if you do experience a problem with them, they don't really want to hear from you with the what the issue was. I had a 6 day safari booked with them and it was good until I got to the Masai Mara and then things went off the rails. They gave me an incorrect park permit which the rangers would not honor. I contacted the person in the US who did my booking and she wanted to know why I was calling her about this. I mean, she did take my money for the trip so I thought she could quickly contact the Nairobi office for me and get this straightened out but no. After spending over an hour on a desolate air strip in the Masai Mara arguing with park officials and in order not to be sent back to Nairobi on the next plane, I had to pay the entrance fees again even though it was included in my safari payment. When I did speak with the head of customer service for Gamewatchers, she wouldn't confirm to me that I would be refunded for something I had paid for twice (ultimately about a week later I did get a refund). But then, because of this debacle at the park entrance, I missed a game drive which the hotel blames on me for not showing up for (because I couldn't get in to the park due the Gamewatchers giving me an incorrect permit) and neither the hotel, Mara Serena, or Gamewatchers will refund that. As a matter of fact on this issue, Gamewatchers has gone completely silent. So no, this is not a tour operator I would recommend.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Race to the Bottom
73 days from Nairobi, Kenya to Cape Town, South Africa, Jan through Mar
Do you enjoy people not following rules that affect you directly?
Disregard of 10pm curfew, smoking and noise restrictions, or environmental welfare?
Recurring theft of your well-marked belongings (food, drinks, power cords, etc.)?
Repeat damages to your stuff due to negligence (sleeping bag, backpacks, etc.)?
Incessant juvenile jokes about farts, vomit, drunkenness, burps, sex, or making fun of others?
Constant loud music rather than enjoyment of nature?
Purposeful ignoring of guide’s requests to the extent that it may endanger you…
Person buying drugs in broad daylight and near cop – you could be made guilty by association
Person drinking while driving, guilty by association if open container found by authorities
Lack of food because some people abuse how much they take or stash away
Waiting for the people who are not prepared, not following the schedule or could care less that they are enjoying themselves while you WAIT – hey you paid the same price, but they enjoy while you WAIT
People not sharing the workload saying they have more important things to do like washing hair, downloading pictures, making phone calls. Once again you paid the same price, but they enjoy while you WORK
People who make you miss optional events you sign up for because they came back too late or crossed your name out of events you have signed up for replacing it with their own?
People claiming that they don’t have money to give tips (the way many survive in Africa) while they carry thousands of dollars of equipment, have money for drinks every night, buy drugs, give each other’s birthday gifts, etc. Embarrassing to be associated with these uncaring people. What bad reputation!
People pushing elder of a village out of the way to take picture? Others entering locals’ homes without asking? Clearly invading their privacy, acting as if these people don’t matter.
People refusing to share tents, storage areas, workload, space to take pictures, etc. The me, me, me syndrome leading to people being hurt due to pushing to be there first, etc.
Most of this could have been address by the guide but he chose not to be involved so it festered for 73 days, making the bullies get all they wanted and the non-bullies, second citizens – incredibly sad.
THANKFULLY, Africa, its people and nature are AMAZING, and you push that aside long enough to enjoy it until you return to the bus and face the sad reality of your tour cohorts.
Overall, this felt like a race to the bottom or the lowest common denominator instead of an uplifting experience.