50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Important to be Aware
The people selling you the tour (agency) and driver running the actual tour (operator) are rarely the same company so:
- agencies do a great job presenting you a professional itinerary , however…
- communication is lacking between the agency and the operator
- different parties in the jeep may have different itineraries
- the driver is stuck having to reset customer expectations during the tour based on his schedule, which is frustrating
Best way to look out for yourself… have a detailed conversation with the driver, before leaving, on what you expect to happen and when. Where you are staying each night. List all activities and who is paying for each.
During my tour, logistics and schedules were a nightmare. However, all game drives and activities were run well. It was just frustrating having to figure things out during the tour.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Tsavo East National Park by Cindy Eyler
Pretty sparse with animals the evening and morning we went. It wouldn't have been worth it if it weren't for staying at the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience but not perfect
### Positive Points:
1. Our driver was extremely attentive and friendly, always listening carefully to our requests.
2. The dedicated chef provided excellent meals throughout the tour. The portions were generous and everything was delicious.
3. We were able to see all the animals we hoped to encounter, making the core safari experience fantastic.
### Areas for Improvement:
1. Communication with the tour office was sometimes challenging. We often needed multiple attempts to get our requests across, although they were eventually accommodated.
2. The safari vehicle was outdated with poor facilities. The promised power outlets for charging devices weren't functional.
3. Security concerns: A friend had money stolen from their belongings after being told it was safe to leave items in the tent during the tour.
4. The shower facilities were significantly below expectations:
- Only cold water was available despite being told we could shower morning and evening
- Showers were located inside toilets with poor hygiene conditions
- No prior information was provided about the shower situation
Overall, while the wildlife viewing and food were excellent, the facility standards and communication issues detracted from the experience.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by Rik
The park is covered by 70% with a lake. We came after heavy rain fall which ment the lake had 80%. And some roads we could take. They are trying to get back some Elephants and other wildlife by cutting some trees and bushes. Which would be great hopefully in the future but for now not so nice. It was nice to see Baboons up close and see them play and live together.
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It’s safe for me to travel with my guide.
I think my guide is average.
It’s my second time doing safari in Africa.
I paid quite a lot for a private tour this time as the designated dates and duration of group tour are quite hard to match my own schedule. But I feel a bit disappointed as I didn’t get better service than last time. I feel safe to be with my guide. But he definitely needs rooms of improvement for photo taking skills as the photos are often tilted for no reason.
Also my guide always asked me to help him take photos in my phone and then send him back. I think it’s an inappropriate action. It’s like a few times per day but not one or two times. I sometimes feel a bit annoyed about it as I’m not supposed to be his photographer. I’m the one who paid!
PL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Could be better...
The contact during the booking was OK - they were quick and detailed in their responses. We exchanged many emails, but none of them mentioned that the Boteti River has been completely dry for several years. However, about two weeks before our arrival (when everything was confirmed and fully paid) we received an email informing us about the change of plan due to drought. The Boteti River does not exist, the Okavango Delta in the part we visited is completely dry!!! If we had been informed about the lack of water in the Delta, we would not have come and spent such a huge amount of money! It was supposed to be an experience of a lifetime, but it was a huge disappointment :(
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Tarangire National Park by Arisa
There are definitely a lot of elephants here, but the landscape isn't as captivating as the Serengeti.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by Arisa
There wasn't as much life here as I expected. We also did a canoe safari the afternoon we were here. It was a nice break from being in the jeep.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The employees are wonderful, Lochinvar as a company ?
I suggest customers thoroughly research safarirs confirm where you are staying and the costs that are not included in the trip. There may be a lot of surprises. This was only the beginning of my 3 separate bad experiences.(the other 2 were Kenya julimas safaris (demanding cash for park entry fees). I googled and called the park and confirmed they accept credit cards)and Sabilom Kenya tours. (They canceled the balloon option after collecting $900, then offered, only after asking, $675.
I didn’t have to pay extra for Hwange Park because I chose not to agree with the “change.
” there was supposed to be a waiver. I never saw a waiver. Unfortunately, a lady on our budget trip was charged extra to go to hWange Park(according to her). I was told, She was advised to cancel that Hwange park game Drive and go to Zambizi Park instead. I was told they cited dangerous roads as the reason for the “change”She said she wasn’t granted any partial refund for the lesser Park, but says she felt intimidated in to canceling the hwange park. We went anyway( my partner and I refused to cancel Hwange) and she had to pay $420 extra cash or they would not take her, but we were going anyway . How can that cost $420 extra when it was included initially? . I feel bad for her and for all the other travelers that may have done the same thing and canceled that hWange Park. It was lovely. So many animals and the roads were the usual bumpy dirt roads but nothing serious. In the future, I would spend a little more money and get better hotels and be much more aware of the itinerary and reconfirm in writing.
Dealing with her problems($420) for the entire 8 days was troublesome. Mark( the owner I think) even asked my partner to write up a release for the customers to sign!!! I was there on vacation!
By the way Victoria Falls was dried up on the Zambia side.
I also want to say the The best company I’ve ever used for booking tours is: “Get Your Guide” they care, and have assisted in getting my refunds. The lady says tour radar has not helped yet to recover her $420 , that she feels was an over payment.
Make no mistake their employees are very good!! Fines, Cynthia, Lucky
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly recommend our guide Peta but not this agency Unscripted Safaris
We don't appreciate the dishonesty or carelessness that Lewis (our contact guy of Unscripted Safari) has shown during the whole thing.
1. We first reached different agencies under the same term that we (a group of 8 people) will use 2 Landcruisers. But when we arrived, there was only one. Lewis said it could fit us all, or we can pay $300 per day (it is a 8-day safari) extra for another vehicle. It is ridiculous.
2. We stayed in Massai Mara for 3 nights. When discussing the change of the accommodation, we double checked with Lewis that extra payment was $50 in total, not per night. Until a week before our arrival to Kenya, he said he had misspoken, it should be $150 added in total. The new camp is great but the communication should be less careless.
3.The biggest problem is with the Crescent Island. The boat took us to a fake island while charged us each $60. As we pointed out, the boat guy didn’t take us to the real Crescent Island right away, instead he waited for the call from our agency. We believe it is a common trick played in tourism here. Be alert.
In all, we had an unforgettable experience in Kenya, especially our guide Peta is great, very experienced and helpful. But the business here need more transparency and regulation.