US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beyond Disappointed – Not Worth the Cost or the Hype
I booked with this company specifically because they advertised lodge accommodations over camping. Unfortunately, the lodge experience was extremely underwhelming. There was no hot water, the power went out twice, and the pool was in such poor condition that getting in wasn’t even an option. While the staff were kind and welcoming, the overall experience failed to meet even the most basic expectations.
The game drives were cut short and felt rushed. On two of the three days, our guides were clearly on tight schedules—once to drop another guest off at the airport, and again the next day because the group had arrived at camp early and had to leave within 24 hours. This completely undermined the feeling of a relaxed, immersive safari. We were also moved from vehicle to vehicle, creating a sense of disorganization and inconsistency that disrupted the trip.
Although the food was decent and the guides themselves were friendly, the execution left much to be desired. Several advertised services were either missing or not up to par, and what I paid simply didn’t match what I received. The trip cost $700, and yet it felt like a cut-rate experience. I specifically asked questions before booking and was given clear, confident answers—which is the only reason I felt comfortable moving forward. Sadly, those promises were not kept.
I was intentionally trying to support a newer company, but in hindsight, I should have gone with a more experienced operator. I feel that, at a minimum, the company owes me $200 back for the misleading service. I’m now considering what steps I can take to recover part of my payment, as I am beyond disappointed with how things turned out.
If you're considering a safari and want value for your money, I would strongly advise booking with a more established, transparent company. This was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and instead, it left me frustrated and let down.
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Jamlan's trip arrangement is disappointing
Last Oct, we booked two trips from two trip operators in Kenya. One 8 - day trip from Nairobi to Amboseli, Tsavo and Diani, which turns out to be perfect; the other from Nairobi to Nakuru to Masai Mara operated by Jamlan Holiday, which is quite disappointing.
We soon found all the hotels Jamlan booked for us are outside the park upon the start of the trip (in most cases, the hotels and lodges outside the park are cheaper than those located inside the parks). That truly cost our much time on the way and largely reduce our time inside the park. For example, when reaching Nakuru, we had to go through traffic jams of a city besides Nakuru to eventually arrive at the hotel inside the city. I then asked Jamlan to make adjustments but was refused with nice excuses like their operation cost is too high.
It seems they don't understand tourists can calculate the average price per day and compare it with that of other trips. Also they don't understand we can talk with other tourists to make comparisons.
So, I strongly suggest all guests planning to book the trips operated by Jamlan Holiday to check the locations and prices of the hotels, as that is an important part to decide the quality of your trip.
HK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Don't believe all the positive comments in the agency's page. It won't show negative comments!
I participated in a 6-day safari tour in June, being the first group to join the tour. I reached an agreement with Emanuel, the owner of the company. However, upon my arrival, Emanuel informed me that all plans from Day 2 to Day 6 had been altered to accommodate the group tour. Since we were the first to join, the agency should have coordinated the second party to fit into our original schedule, not the other way around. Emanuel claimed that it made no difference, but how could that be true?
The first issue was that we had to depart at 6 a.m. on the second day, following over 13 hours of travel the previous day. According to Emanuel, our original departure time was scheduled for 9:30 a.m., based on the initial itinerary. The second issue was that we had to make a return trip to Ngorongoro and visit the area twice, which was unnecessary according to our original plans.
Emanuel's claim that we were not the first party to join the tour is untruthful. If we had not been the first, it would be even more dishonest to accept our original itinerary, knowing full well that it was not feasible.
Emanuel is solely a businessman with no regard for customer satisfaction; his focus is only on money. He shows no respect for the agreement we made. I have traveled to more than 20 countries, and regardless of whether it's a group tour or a private tour, my schedule has never been changed at the last minute without my consent. I do not recommend this agency for group tours unless you are prepared for your itinerary to be altered at any time without notice. And, of course, he will tell you that it makes no difference!