35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
We did not get what we paid for
On the 5, 6, 7 May, my two colleagues and I went on a “classic” three-day, two-night Maasai Mara safari with Oakland Tours Kenya.
It was critical that we booked a private safari as the three of us rarely, if ever, have the chance to meet in person.
Felistus from Oakland confirmed that this would be the case.
We were also told that we would be staying at Fisi Camp, as per the information on the website. However, on Friday we were driven to Manyatta Camp. (Felistus told me after I telephoned her that this was an “upgrade”, but I had made the booking purely on the fact that we were to stay at Fisi.)
On the Friday evening, as we were heading back to the camp after a game drive, our driver, Patrick (who is the saving grace in this whole debacle, because of his exemplary attitude) ran into some troubles with our vehicle, and we had to abandon the vehicle and catch a lift with another group back to camp. We were told that the vehicle would be fixed and ready for our game drive the next morning.
However, the next morning, the van was not fixed. Patrick told us that a part was being delivered from Nairobi which would be used to fix the car. He arranged that we joined another group (of 4 other people – not a private safari). We did not even have the chance to sit together.
At the end of the day (4pm), the part had not yet arrived from Nairobi, though by 7pm it had, and we were absolutely assured that we would have our private game drive the following morning,
Again, we were disappointed: the car was not fixed and we joined another group (5 people) for the morning game drive. We were also told that we would be driven back to Nairobi that morning in a rather beaten-up saloon car.
When we arrived back in Nairobi, Felistus and her business partner were there to greet us and offer their apologies. We had told them that we sought financial compensation because we had paid for a service (in full) that was not delivered. The best they could offer us was local currency for a trip back to the airport. (Which we did not need, but took.)
We found Felistus' attitude to be not at all what we had read about online: she brazenly told us that she would not take responsibility for what had happened, and she proceeded to blame poor Patrick for any wrongdoings/bad decisions made on her part. She didn’t seem in the least bit interested in the fact that we had paid for a private safari, but had not received one, telling us that they “got us to the Masaai Mara and back” and that was the only responsibility that they had.
What’s more, on our itinerary, it was listed that we would enjoy a trip to a local Masaai village on Sunday. This did not happen, and when we questioned Felistus on this point, she said it was “optional” (but, clearly, not our option, as we were never given the choice)!
I had spent some time investigating the wealth of companies that run safaris in the Mara and budget camps. It’s frustrating that nothing that I thought I had chosen was eventually delivered.
I understand that a safari is a complex product, and that things go wrong. But it's how you deal with it, Felistus and Oakland, that is of the utmost importance for continued business.
under20 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Amazing Week
While booking and organising our safari 'Kanuth Adventure Safaris' were very helpful and ensured that we had all the required information before we arrived. The 4 days and 3 night camping safari was amazing. We saw so much and we had an excellent guide who knew all the best spots to view some of the animals (cheetah was the only animal we didn't see). Also, the chef cooked us fresh, good food daily and we were well fed during our stay. We would highly recommend this company.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Experience for a lifetime
All expectations met, our group was taken great care of from beginning to end. The tour did what was advertised and delivered us an exceptional African safari tour my friends and I will be able to share forever.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Game Drives Spanning 3 Private Reserves
As usual (3rd safari with Taga), Mark was spot on with his suggestions of where we would have the best game sightings. After my many questions regards various lodges and having settled on 4 covering the Timbavati, MalaMala and SabiSands properties, Mark secured the reservations and handled all the ground transfers including stops at the Camp Jubalani elephant safari and Hoedspruit Endangered Species Center. On the last day when our air return to Johannesburg was delayed, Mark kept us informed ( the airport staff were uninformed as to the situation) and also kept my wife informed in the USA. The lodges were excellent especially Nottens Bush Camp as usual and the game drives provided more animal sightings (including the white lions of Timbavati) then all previous safaris. The only drawback was the unexpected heat wave with temps in the high 90's instead of the expected low 80's. Because of that I would recommend late April or May as a better month for a safari. All my previous safaris were in the cooler early may.
Each reserve had pluses and minuses regards animal sightings which is why I always stay 3-4 places on safari. Taga Safaris has in depth knowledge of all the facilities and properties in the surrounding Kruger territories.
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Kilimanjaro
Dusty Road Safari was by far the cheapest alternative to reach the top of Africa. Despite this fact they were very friendly and professional. They arrange a private tour , so we were only two in the group and 10 from Dusty Road.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing Safari and Kilimanjaro Experience!
We just returned from an amazing trip with African Jackal, including a safari through Serengeti national park and Ngorongoro crater and also an epic climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The service and personal care provided to us was unmatched. I have been on about 6 safaris in the past in South Africa and Tanzania (including Serengeti previously) and I can safely say that Martin and Margreth are simply the best. They personalized both trips to our specifications (camping, climbing routes, etc). They even delayed the start of our climb by a day (due to illness) even though the entire climbing team was already assembled and made sure we had accommodation and food during the delay.
They also picked some of the best guides I have encountered and this must not be understated. They found an extremely experienced guide (>200 summits) to take us on a less-traveled and more difficult route (Western Breach route) as we had requested. The team's focus was always on safety, optimizing our chances of success but minimizing risk.
I give my full endorsement for African Jackal. I have also recommended them to any of the other students/residents/faculty from University of Cincinnati that may be traveling in Tanzania.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very remarkable
Service was superb,the driver was informative and very kind as well. Thumbs up to their customer relation.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Investment and great travel value at Helinas Safaris
My family and I recently came back from a trip to Malindi, Kenya. From the moment we spoke to our preferred safaris provider (Helinas Safaris Ltd), we knew we were in the hands of professionals. They have a hands-on approach... the planning , arrangements, documents etc was all perfect. It was a great travel value and worth the investment...we surely experienced the difference!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
it is good company in trekking of east africa mountain
we climbed mount Kilimanjaro with bison and it was the best climb ever thanks bison for awesome trekking
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Safari with Gosheni April 2016 was a unforgettable experience as the guys know what they are doing
With Gosheni the communication in writing were up to date and prompt. The service was outstanding and friendly and very professional. We got more from Gosheni and the Director Peter that we have requested and were utterly surprise by the setting of Acacia Camp. I have not come across better food in the bush over many years of travel. We saw the big 5 and many prides of lions and cats. I will open-heartedly recommend Gosheni all the way.