IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
terrible experience
These are the serious problems, defaults, and contractual misrepresentations I had to endure that ruined my vacation.
1) I had booked the trip in 2020 before the covid. I paid an advance of $1000 in February 2020. As you know, due to covid the borders were closed, making it impossible to make the trip. Mr. Mack of Killiholidays told me that I could reschedule it later.d He never Mentioned any costs to reschedule the trip, even in his mail of 2022 in which he has has given me the possibility to schedule it for 2023.
When I rescheduled the trip for this year, when there were finally no more problems tied to COVID, Mr. Mack told me that he was only recognizing $500 of the $1000 ALREADY PAID. Never before had Mr. Mack told me that I would lose that money if I rescheduled the trip.
I repeatedly asked for explanations but the information I received was very vague. Just not to lose another $500, I still decided to book the trip with him, but subject to recourse.
By reason of the fact that Mr. Mack has never documented to me any expenses incurred by him for changes in travel dates and has since proved himself to be non-compliant in various other respects, which I will explain below, and which suggest how he decided to withhold $500 for no reason whatsoever) I consider it incumbent upon him to return this $500 to me. On closer inspection, in fact, $500 (i.e., 50 percent of the advance) is a penalty for cancelling a trip and certainly cannot be withheld where the trip is actually made instead.
It should also be considered that the cost of the trip compared to the original cost has increased a great deal from what was agreed upon in 2020. In 2020 we had agreed on a total of 3800 euros, while the request for 2023 was a whopping 4600 euros!
2) Mr. Mack sold me the lodge in Nierere Park as a lodge with a swimming pool. It is the Mloki Lodge, as shown in the brochure. In fact, the lodge does not have a swimming pool and never has. To prove my point I attach the brochure of the trip where there are photos of the nonexistent pool and the link of the mloka lodge https://www.mlokasafarilodge.com/ where it can be verified that there was never any pool.
Moreover, I immediately wrote to Mr. Mack astonished at the incident, but he did not reply, shutting himself in an embarrassed silence. This too is a serious breach of duty by Mr. Mack and shows his bad faith and his attempt to deceive me. I should add that almost all the photos in the brochure sent by Mr. Mack do not correspond to the Mloki lodge booked, which is much less luxurious.
3) The program Mr. Mack sent me states that the transfer from Nierere to Mikumi was 4-5 hours. This is a route that took as many as 8, and this is the time normally needed, as can be seen from Google Map. Knowing this, I would never have agreed to do such a demanding program, or to do it under the conditions indicated to me by Mr. Mack.
4) Mr. Mack charged me, due to his mistake, for an extra night at the Ruaha River Lodge. Realizing the mistake, acknowledged by Mr. Mack himself. I then repeatedly asked for a refund (this was the not insignificant amount of $650) but the cash money never arrived, despite Mr. Mack's continuous reassurances that I would receive a refund as early as August 15. Upon not receiving the refund, I immediately assumed that I would never see that money again. This was also due to the fact that I had asked Mr. Mack to transfer it to me via Paypal, while he said he did not have Paypal, while in the emails Mr. Mack claims to have a Paypal accounT.
5) also in the brochure sent to me, it mentions a transfer from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam on August 28 with a leisurely departure at 10 a.m. (note that the next day we had a plane at 5 a.m. to return to Turkey, where we then continued to Italy), for 6 hours maximum travel time. I later found out from the driver (a very serious person) that the trip from Ruaha to Dar is an 11-12 hour drive, which is also confirmed by Google Maps, which estimates the trip at 10.47 hours (without the stops needed to get gas, go to the toilet, etc.). 12 hours of travel time by car was never on my radar, and I also find it risky to subject the driver to such grueling hours. If I had known, of course, I would never have agreed to such a schedule, which, as can be seen, is clearly false in some places and neglects crucial information;
6) The 12 hours of never-announced travel could easily have been avoided, since Mr. Mack could have had me leave for the safari a day earlier, and break the return from Ruaha into two days: in fact, I had expressed all willingness to anticipate our arrival. Not only that. He himself had said that he would study this possibility.
Finding myself in this situation, I asked Mr. Mack to book me a plane from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam, asking him at least to use the $500 advance unduly withheld. He refused, of course, and demanded instead to use the $650 he owed me. To that $650 I then had to add another $135 because the plane ticket cost much more.
I agreed to pay this amount for the following reasons:
1) because I was sure that the $650, otherwise, I would never see it again for the reasons already explained,
2) because without the plane flight, the last day of the vacation would have been a massacre (imagine a 12-hour drive and then having to catch the plane at 5 a.m. the next day)
3) I would also have run the risk of missing the return flight from Dar to Istanbul, should there be any problems.
However, this is a cost that I could easily have avoided if Mr. Mack, without overlooking the very relevant circumstance that the trip from Ruaha to Dar took 11-12 hours (and not 6), had anticipated the safari by one day, as I had repeatedly requested.
Again, then, Mr. Mack attempted to con me into more money. Think about the fact that after the same man forced me to pay the $135 for the airfare, he called me and told me that the flight from Ruaha to Dar was no longer available, and that I would have to leave from Iringa. This is a much cheaper and much less comfortable flight. Clearly, Mr. Mack wanted me to take that flight so he could keep the $135 already paid, and also profit from the difference between the lower cost of the flight to Iringa and the $650 used to buy the flight from Ruaha. I objected strongly, and after I threatened him, suddenly the flight from Ruaha came up.
I have submitted all these facts to the Arusha Police.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best trip we ever did, with the best possible support from Tanja and her team
We already had our ideas where in Botswana we wanted to go on our self-drive safari. Tanja supported us in order to optimize our route and planed and organised everything to perfection. In this way, we had no worries and could enjoy the wonderful nature and people of Botswana.
Our trip started in Kasane, had a daytrip to Victoria Falls, with various stops at Chobe, Linyanti, Savuti, Moremi, Kalahari and Pilandsberg.
Even for our last minute changes in Johannesburg she could arrange a perfect short tour through Soweto. Thank you again and we hope to come back soon.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent service
I appreciated the quick responses and good value for money snd good communication. My guide Godfrey (911) was also really good
IN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
From India we were connected to Vincent Seth from Trip Advisor Africa Safaries.
From India we were in touch with Ms Vincent Seth from Trip Advisor South Africa. As per our requirement our itinerary was arranged by her with short notice. We were lucky to see all 5 BIG & many more . Seth was in touch with us everyday to take feedback from us about the driver & our trip experience. She made us feel at home. Because of Seth, our trip was enjoyable, comfortable. We will definitely recommend trip through Seth to all my friends & family. Once again big thank you to Seth. Akuna Matata.
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We had a great trip with Bamboo Ecoutours! Our driver, Fred, was super! Definitely recommend
Communications with Edison were really great since the beginning; he is very responsive and helpful. They were also flexible with our requests and even organised separate activities for different group members. Fred our driver was brilliant, always early, very organised and well prepared. It also goes without saying that the visit to see the gorillas was incredible! Without faults.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari, great crew!
I had the most incredible 6-day safari tour with Kanje Grand Tours! The level of professionalism was outstanding, and the experience was truly amazing. I was fortunate to witness a wide variety of animals, nearly all of them. The planning was flawless, and every detail for our comfort was meticulously taken care of. The comfortable car, stocked with water, cola, juices, coffee, and even WiFi and charging stations, made the tour even more enjoyable.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our exceptional guide, Adam. He went above and beyond to ensure our well-being, sharing fascinating information about animals and the surroundings. His warmth and care made the journey truly special.
I can't forget to express my gratitude to our talented chef, Stephan, who delighted us with mouthwatering dishes throughout the trip. The food was simply divine.
Without a doubt, I would embark on this trip again at any opportunity, and I'll be enthusiastically recommending it to all my friends. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is etched in my memory, and I'm so grateful for the wonderful memories created during this safari adventure!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and polite.
We did the 5 day trip and had a great time. I dont think I would want to do anything longer. We got to see all the animals except for the rhino. Someone from the company picked us up at the airport and took us to the provided hotel. They make sure all your transportation is provided and the pick you up on time.
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and polite. There are so many tour companies it was initially hard for us to choose. I am glad we chose Suricata.
I would highly suggest upgrading to a room at the Twiga campsite, instead of a tent. These two nights are in town and not out in the wild.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Safari with a knowledgable and excited tourguide
This safari was exceptional!
The organization with Green Tag was flawless, and I felt genuinely cared for throughout. Our guide (Agrey) was knowledgeable and passionate about the animals and shared his observations while answering all our questions. We saw an abundance of animals, including the Big 5.
I'll book again with them an can only recommend them to my friends.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect!
After contacting this tour operator through Safari Bookings, I was contacted by Joseph who organized a 3-day private safari to the Masai Mara, customizing it according to my requests: everything was perfect, beyond my expectations! We wrote to each other several times via email both before and during and after the safari. Thanks again Joseph for all the assistance you have provided me!
The experience was super exciting and I really recommend it to everyone at least once in their life.
A special thanks to James, our driver / guide during all 3 days: nice, helpful and above all tireless in sighting and searching for animals in the park! Thank you James: you made this experience even more unique!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Honestly the best agents I’ve ever used !
I traveled with my mom and my sister to celebrate my birthday in Maasai Mara and to say this trip was the most magical experience of my life would truly be an understatement. We booked through Ongeri Expeditions and got the best deals! The customer service was incredibly efficient and on time. I got a quote a few hours after I expressed interest and everyone was very patient and very keen to our needs!
