US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good Time Safaris Ltd is a RIP-OFF!!
Must sadly agree with others we were conned by Victor Godwin. Consider yourself warned if you book with him. Had the EXACT same experience as others:
We (a party of three) agreed to a safari itinerary via email communication and paid in advance, all inclusive. When we went on the safari, Victor called and asked if I could please pay for park entry fees. He promised to reimburse me once we got back to Arusha. Now the problem is that the drivers do not have funds for the park entry fees so you have no other option than to pay or not enter the park. Of course, he does not refund your additional expenses.
On our trip we had two vehicles on the tour, one for the three of us (a couple and an individual) and the other for a family. Long story short, he played the parties against each other, for park admission, hotel accommodation upgrades, etc. Each of us got taken for $600, for a total of $1800. The other family actually ended up missing their flight for a trip to Zanzibar!! When confronted, Victor claimed he would reimburse us all. We suspected, however, that being thousands of miles away in the US, we would never see that money.
It’s been 10 months since our safari. He stopped responding to my emails and we’ve never been reimbursed. I couldn’t make a claim against my credit card, as I didn’t pay Victor as part of the tour, but paid for entry directly to a park.
Victor is not a member of Tanzania Tour Operators Association. Make sure your tour operator is part of this organization. This essentially means that they are not able to help any customers who might have problems with Victor. Another reason for staying completely clear of this guy.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This company stole $2,900 USD of my money! DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!!!
I am one of many people who trusted ISIA last year. I wired $2,900 USD to the company a year in advance. Four months before I was to leave, I received an email that my safari was being cancelled because the company was going bankrupt. The money was never returned. A group of us set up a page on Facebook. Some of the clients lost much more than I did to these dishonest operators. You can search for our stories on Facebook under 'It Started In Africa Client Group.'
Please contact me if you have any questions about what happened to me and others. I am happy to share my story with you. Please do not book with this company.
US
Fraudulent!
I was close to giving this company a Four Star rating but have to give it One Star. Cost me an additional $4,800! I have to determine is Felix is dishonest but can tell you that I have not received $4,800.00 in over paid funds. Upon arriving to Nairobi I was told that my wired funds had not yet been received. I had a confirmation but was told that Equity Banks LTD was holding funds due to the election issues that were happening in Kenya at that time. In order to continue I had to pay cash for the trip. Once the funds were received and released Felix would refund the amount to me. Once the elections had been resolved my funds would be released and Sardius Tours would refund me. Well the elections were resolved about 30 days later in October. It is now the end of January and I have to be refunded. The owner (Felix) continues to telling me to wait a couple of more weeks for good news. I have attempted to contact the Bank and the Department of Tourism and have yet to hear back. I will continue this fight but please be warned. Stay as far away from Sardius Tours as possible! Don't give them your money! Fund a more reputable Tour agency!
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Safari without animals
Serengeti park was absolutely empty, during our two days.
When I asked to change area the guide told us to be patient and that animals would have come. But when and where?!
He also told us that moving trough other areas was too far, but we had to spend 6 hours per day into the park, so too far for what.
I am sorry but I spent 600USD for nothing.
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
WARNING: do not book a safari with this company!!
They are at best utterly incompetent and at worst a criminal organization! I agreed a safari tour with them for January and paid a $200 deposit into their account. After 2 weeks they informed me this money had not gone through and I should send it through a different link. I found this a little strange and asked for a reason why the original payment didn't work. I heard nothing back from them and since the money was back in my account I ended up booking with another company. Then having heard nothing for a month this dodgy 'representative' turned up the day before my safari asking when we would like to be picked up!!!Face to face he was apologetic and said not to worry and he understood. However once back home I found that somehow this money had been withdraws from my account without my permission.The representative has lied and been elusive since I found this out. I have all the email documentation that proves this and My bank confirmed it was an illegal transaction.However I suggest anyone steers clear of this company. There are many fantastic safari groups in Kenya but this is not the one! Keep away if you don't want to be cheated!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
....Refund done on 25th January 2018
..I had written a complain on a tour we booked with Day safari, we paid deposit and were never booked. The refund was sent back after a long wait and followup.
I would not book anything else with Day Safari, But the decision to book Safari with them depends ON YOU.Good Luck.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Based in Nairobi - so operates well within Kenya. SOL If you are planning to use them outside.
Where do I start? Here you go!
1. A/C did not work on any of the vehicles outside Kenya. Driver had windows lowered and with the muddy roads, there was dust everywhere.
2. One of the drivers (Charles) stole one of our smartphones and lied to us when we asked about it. Later we found that there was a social media account attempted to be opened under his name with this number.
3. We made the mistake of adding an unplanned point (Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side) to the trip. They not only charged us exorbitantly, but also charged us for services not rendered, and refuse refund the excess charge.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dishonest,Disorganized,Ripoff,Old Worn Out Tour Van .
Avoid SILVESTER at all costs . He is supposedly the SENIOR TOUR CONSULTANT at one of their Nairobi branches .He does not reply emails ,texts and when i confronted him he said he didn't receive any emails . Luckily we got a different Consultant Terry who booked us our safari to MasaiMara and Mombasa .Bonfire didn't honor the price quotes they had stated earlier and their reason was the prices have changed .The price quotes on their website are wrong . Hotel transfers from train station in Mombasa was a disaster .Anyway Terry did her best and she was warm and welcoming . Martin was our driver and tour guide . He was excellent in everyway . Its sad he works for such a disorganized company.Avoid this tour company if you want to enjoy your vacation .May be pay a little more elsewhere for your own comfort and peace of mind. SHAME ON YOU BONFIRE!
IL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice but expensive to what we get
We paid a lot of money to this trip (around 4000$ for 2 people) and we got simple meals (especially breakfast) and sleeping in tents compared to other organized tours that you can sleep in lodges with better meals for almost the same cost.
we also had an issue with one operator in Serengeti that took us on a safari. the communication there was bad and even rude with the guides/drivers. they also asked to pay high tip at the end which was our choice whether we wanted to pay or no
In overall we enjoyed the trip with the company but we believe it can be much cheaper for getting such outdoor conditions
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Still owe us over £1200 over a year in and you don't think this is robbery?
Dreadful. See previous entries. Shocking admin, shocking ability to follow up complaints and still owe us over £1200. Admitted at start of December that they HAD had the money we sent in December 2016. Over a month later from their admission they have still to repay it. So they have now had our money for over a year... Am now looking at contacting police as cannot see any other way to get the money back. Let alone any thought of an apology, compensation for lost interest etc. Such a beautiful country and with many great people Unfortunately this is not a company to trust at all.