50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Horrible, disappointing, empty promises
As a freelance conservationist and wildlife photographer, my first trip to Kenya was meant to highlight the wonderful work the Kenyan government is doing to save various wildlife from extinction. This trip was self funded and my way to developing a story/book I could use to show the world how well conservation works when we put the welfare of animals first. Each location I requested to visit had a very specific purpose. Ol Pejeta for their work with bringing back the black and white Rhinos, Masai Mara for the Wealth of wildlife thriving due to conservation and Amboseli National Park for the Super Tuckers like Craig. After reading positive reviews of this company, from travelors who mentioned DAVID numerous time as a great tracker who was great at finding animals, I felt confident that they would be able to give me the safari experience I wished for.. (and honestly, the reviews of David is the only reason I chose Tropical Wild Expedition because I wanted a guide who knew what he was doing and was recommended by so many people)
I expressed to Susan what I was looking for and she assured me her company could fulfill my goal. I ask if I could get this DAVID as a guide. Her response was that I would have to wait til closer to my safari date to see if he was available. I ask if I could request him, I never got a response. Susan was well aware of who I was and what my purpose was because once I booked.. she stated she would save me a window seat as well as a beanbag to use for my long lens.
What I was met with however was completely opposite. The disorganization was more and more profound each day. When told this would be a group joining safari, it was only explained to me I would be joining other people (up to 7 others in the same safari truck). I asked if those people would be from the same company.. I never got a response. I figured how bad could it be, joining others to experience the same beautiful animals of Kenya. Aren't we all there for the same reason? But the reality of group joining Safari was so much harsher then I could ever imagine.
The real reality is there could be 7 additional people from up to 7 other companies staying at 7 different accommodations on the same tours. By having so many different companies staying in so many different accommodations, it made actually having a real meaningful safari impossible. Drivers weren’t trackers as promised.. they were simply just drivers taking people from point A to point B completely ignoring the purpose of the safari. Had I known this up front I would have never gone with this company or group joining.
My experience prior to this safari took place in Kruger Nation Park, South Africa.. Drivers/guides had us in Kruger NP before the sun came up and we stayed during the most active part of the morning (and evening) to ensure we saw as many animals as possible. We took breaks during hottest part of the day.
The Kenyan itinerary sent to me by Susan stated AM/PM Safaries at each park (Masai Mara, Amboseli). But the only time I had a pm safari was the first day in Masai Mara. The other days we were lucky if we got into the park before 9:30am and drove around aimlessly during the hottest part of the day while all the animals hid in the shade. Each day we left the park just as other companies we're arriving for the pm safari and we were always back at our accommodation by or before 5pm.
I had 5 different drivers throughout the 8 day safari. It is my understanding (from previous safari) that safari vehicles are equipped with CB Radios so drivers can communicate with other drivers when a sighting occurs.. 2 of the safari vehicles didn’t even have a CB Radios. When I asked the one driver how he will know where there is a sighting, all he said is he’ll get a call on his phone. First full day in Masai Mara, We sat in a cue for nearly 2 hours at a leopard sighting, only to never actually see the leopard because we sat so long the leopard moved. I knew the leopard moved before our driver by watching other drivers interacting with the rangers ( he never got a call bout anything). When it was confirmed the leopard moved (by the rangers moving as well) our driver just sat there letting the other 50 vehicles behind us to go in front of us. I was in Masai Mara for three days, where I was told I would see every animal.. It ended up being the biggest waste of time never shooting a sunset/sunrise, a leopard, lions, lion cubs, cheetahs, ect. We did find a momma lion take a kill to her babies only be to told we couldn’t follow when other vehicles were.. this happened several times missing prime the photographic opportunity I has stated I was looking for prior to booking.
On our way to Amboseli the truck broke down and left us sitting on the side of the highway for nearly 2 hours. I found out through the companies of the other people in my group that we were getting a new truck. When I reach out to Susan, it took her nearly an hour to say, “the driver is handling it”.., no reassurance, nothing. That’s when I was thankful I was in a group with other companies..
The most devastating memory I’ll have forever, is while in Amboseli for 2 days, I begged the driver to try and find CRAIG (the famous Super Tusker). This was a very specific request I made in my first email to Susan nearly 8 months prior when I asked if I could get David as a driver. I even asked if David could track CRAIG. Well I never got David. Nor did I ever meet Craig because the driver I did get didn’t care. I found out within an hour of leaving Amboseli on way to Nairobi, that Craig was in the conservatory not far from the park. If I could find that out within an hour of leaving the park, why couldn’t the driver find that out before leaving the park when I had been asking him for two days. I woke up yesterday to the devastating news that CRAIG PASSED AWAY in the early morning, just 2 days after I returned home.. I was so close and this company ruined everything.
This company only cares bout making enough promises that you given them your money, and while you are there, they do what they want and you can’t do anything about it. They couldn’t care less fulfilling request and giving their clients the experience they requested.
If you value the money you work so hard to earn and use to go on a safari in Kenya.. DO NOT HIRE THIS COMPANY.. they will take your money, make you promises and give you in return nothing but headache and bad memories. Oh.. and I never got the beanbag either. At this point the bean bag is trivial , I only bring it up so show even the smallest requests get ignored. You would think at least the bigger request we get honored and they weren’t.
If this experience sets the precedent for how tour companies work in Kenya, I will be very hard-pressed to ever return because how could I ever trust another company’s word if this is how they work in Kenya.
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good organisation, Casper is best guide!
Good ratio quantity and price. Good guys and I trust.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
My safari trip
Me and my friend recently completed our trip to Uganda and our safari trip with Buyaga.
Our trip was a 5 day excursion where did the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking along with a short safari drive in QE2 and a boat ride in the Kazinga channel.
For the most part our trip with Buyaga was great and we are so pleased we went with them. Peter was always very quick at replying to emails from the minute we enquired to when we went on the trip. We even changed a guest half way through but even that wasn't a problem. Our driver for the 5 days was Simpson who was brilliant with us. Not only did he ferry us around on the long days of driving with a smile at all times but me and my friend had a good time just chatting with him at dinner each night and getting to know him, and him us. We can't fault Simpson throughout and he is one of the main reasons we'd recommend Buyaga.
Our only faults we found was 2/3 of our hotels changing without being told. We were always put in nice accommodation but the first one we was looking forward to having a lake view.
The only other complaint we'd have is missing out on the tree climbing lions in Ishasha. This was due to unsafe roads we were told which we can appreciate is out of their control but would of been nice to have replaced it with another game drive in QE2 instead or something as then the 3rd day became just a travel day like the 1st and 2nd.
On the whole we were very pleased with Buyaga, Peter and of course Simpson. We were also blown away by how lovely a country Uganda was. Green everywhere and we always seemed to meet friendly people.
The chimp and gorilla trekking was of course the highlight and we can't recommend it enough. If this on your to do list and you're looking for a tour guide, we would recommend Buyaga for you to look at.
Thanks again,
Ashley and Johnny
Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Bargain safari with thrills
Great experience with Jungleroam. I was able to see the big 5 - and much more - thanks to the amazing and relentless driving skills of Albert. Whereas other drivers were hesitant to go through mud or floods, he was fearless, even helping out two stuck drivers. We were even able to prolong our Nakuru game drive. Unforgettable trip!!!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent customer care
The service was very good and the trip to trek gorillas was well organised. Excellent customer service.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service & easy communication
It was one of our best trips, and my wife and I were super excited from the very beginning. Tour with Pipi went above and beyond to make our experience truly memorable. They took care of even the smallest details to ensure we had an amazing time. Everything was perfect—from planning to execution—and there is absolutely nothing we could complain about.
We were made to feel really special when Tour with Pipi surprised us with a honeymoon package at no extra cost. The word Pipi means “sweet,” and they truly lived up to their name. I would highly recommend them— the owners personally take extra care to ensure everything runs smoothly. We didn’t have to worry about anything at all.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible experience in Tanzania
We recently finished an incredible six-day safari with Willie and his company, Serengeti Wilderness Calls, and it was truly one of the best experiences of our lives. Our group of seven, including five adults and two children (ages 10 and 7), traveled through Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti, and the entire trip was handled with the utmost professionalism. We approached Willie directly on the recommendation of my father-in-law, who had him as a guide 11 years ago, and we found the planning process to be seamless and very well-organized. The lodges and tented camps were all excellent, and the food was high-quality throughout the trip. Willie and his wife, Flora, were incredibly attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed and adapting perfectly to the needs of the children, including being very patient with frequent stops. What truly set this experience apart was Willie’s guiding style. His deep knowledge of the area and professional communication with other guides allowed us to see things we are certain others missed. Furthermore, he is exceptionally respectful of the environment; he always positioned the vehicle with great care to ensure we had a clear view without ever disrupting the animals' natural movements. One member of our group, who has been on three previous safaris in both Kenya and Tanzania, noted that Willie was by far the best guide they have ever had. If you’re thinking of booking with them, please do, you will not be disappointed and we can highly recommend them.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great lions
Our six-day journey with great lions safaris was truly unforgettable because everything was organized perfectly, starting with the powerful murchision falls where the water crashes through the rocks,moving to queen Elizabeth national park where we saw amazing lions and hippos during our drives, and ending with the incredible experience of hiking through the thick forest of Bwindi to spend time with mountain Gorillas. Our guide was very friendly and knew exactly where to find the animals, our vehicle was strong enough for the bumpy roads, and the lodges where we slept each might where comfortable and beautiful making us feel safe and happy throughout the entire trip across Uganda if you want to see the best wildlife and beautiful landscapes while being treated like family, highly recommend booking with this company because they made sure every moment of our safari was easy exciting and full of wonderful memories
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very peaceful day with Kaka.
Our Lake Manyara day trip was not only peaceful but also very memorable day. We really enjoyed the day with Agama Tours and Safaris. Kaka was wonderful and he helped us make our day special. The park has a unique atmosphere, with tall trees, lush vegetation, and open lake views. We saw large elephant herds, playful baboons, and graceful giraffes during our drive. Bird life was everywhere, adding color and sound to the experience. We recommend the day trip & the Agama team.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Delivered on all fronts!
Jackson the tour operator greeted us after we arrived in Arusha, a very warm greeting! The next day Joseph our tour guide picked us up, there were 7 of us, some of our friends from NY had never been to Africa before! We enjoyed our selves so much! Saw 14 lions, a cheetah, leopard, all the Big 5 and then some. It was truly amazing! You must book with Topy!