65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Irresponsible; callous; unapologetic; indifferent to fact we paid for a service he could not deliver
Sold safari itinerary that proved to be undeliverable.
Driven in land cruiser with several major defects, many of which were significant safety risks.
The most harrowing part of the journey was during 14-hour drive from Makumi to Selous (which should have taken no more than 7 hours).
Just after 7pm on this drive, the headlights on the vehicle failed. It was dark and very remote where it happened.
The road was potholed and riven (a truck had been stuck in the mud earlier and we had waited an hour while villagers dug it out before we could pass).
The driver resorted to holding his mobile phone out of the window in his right hand,to shine the light from his screen on to road. His left hand held the wheel and he drove one-handed, with very little light from his phone, with hazard lights on.
The journey was completed agonisingly slowly in this dangerous one-handed fashion.
Because of the rain, it was also hard to distinguish the road from water on both sides.
We both thought we would die.
The following day we saw Steven, the company owner, at the river safari where he was with a group (from the hotel where we had been staying). He was in a more superior vehicle.
We were rightly angry. We tried to tell him about some of our experience of the tour, but he offered not one word of sympathy, still less any apology or acceptance of responsibility.
When we said our lives had been endangered, he said we should take it as an adventure! I am in my 70s and my wife is nearly 70. We do not need this kind of adventure at this stage in our lives. We are well-travelled and had ‘slummed it’ in our twenties.
When my wife mentioned that the hand rail came off when she held on to it as the vehicle tipped at 45degrees going through a rut, Steven said that it was probably because of her weight!!!
We pointed out to him that it was his responsibility to provide us with a vehicle that was fit-for-purpose. He responded that it was the rain that posed a problem to our journey having taken so long.
This is just an account of the worst part of the tour.
We bought a 4-day safari (84 hours) but spent spent a total of 31.5 hours travelling in the vehicle, with a mere 8 hours on actual safari in the two parks, Makumi and Selous.
We paid USD1800 and were provided with an unroadworthy, not fit-for-purpose vehicle.
The accommodation was changed at the last minute on the first day and we were put up in a place with no fan, air-conditioning or hot water.
The accommodation at Selous did have a fan, but no hot water for a shower after our gruelling journey or for an early morning shower. (They did provide hot water later in the day but no hot shower before our walking Safari before breakfast.)
It was a terrifying experience.
Clearly not value for money.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Experience
The safari itself was excellent. Johnny was a great guide and it was well structured and organised.
Communications with Axis were great throughout.
I would pay extra to avoid staying at any KSLH properties (Voi & Ngulia) next time though, these were both poor and in need of refurbishment, Ngulia was especially bad.
Oltukai Lodge on our first night stop was excellent.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our expectations were exceeded!
Our expectations were exceeded! We had the safari of a lifetime with the dream team of Simon as our guide and Action as our cook. The combination of the three parks Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro was perfect. The Camping was a once in a lifetime experience where I always felt safe thanks to our guide Simon and his knowledge. Absolutely recommendable! Every day was a mission with lots of good food, fun, action (
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
We had a fantastic time. 4 days of safari.
Charles did an amazing Job.
Always kindful, helpful and made everything possible for us,.
His knowlegde is very good and he knows to find the right Spot.
We learned a lot about the animals, the culture and the Massai.
I would love to go on a safari tour with Charles again at any time
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly attentive touroperator with clear communication
Great 5 day Safari tour! Our tour guide Pius was extremely knowledgable and friendly and a great driver. We saw so many animals and enjoyed all the lodges we stayed in, staff were always friendly and the food was of high quality. The communication prior to the trip was also very clear and Mike was there to welcome us, as well as wave us goodbye at the end.
Overall a trip of a lifetime.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Arina Wild Adventures gave me an all in one package that exactly matched my adventure desires.
The safari was fantastic! We had a great guide and intense experience!
It was definitely worth it.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Twice in a lifetime :) ... its nécessaire!
I went into this experience not really knowing what to expect .... To be honest, a safari was not on my to-do list 'before dying' type of thing. However, as I was traveling with a group of friends 'we' decided to do a safari with rustic.
Following the experience, a few words/short sentences come to mind:
- INCREDIBLE
- FANTASTIC
- MIND BLOWING
- HAS TO BE ON YOUR TO-DO LIST BEFORE YOU DIE
- POWERFUL 'LIVING IN THE PRESENT' MOMENTS
If you are reading my comment I bet you can add 2 and 2 and realize that I strongly recommend Rustic.
HUGE thanks to Sylvester and Joelle and their crew that made this trip unforgettable.
You'll see me again,
Caroline
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic experience. Unforgettable.
Great experience! Professional guides. Friendly people. We have visited wonderful places. Lodging was great. Good food! Lifetime experience. We have seen lots of wild animals in the differents parks.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very well organized trip organized by the tour operator. Very kind, helpful and nice guide
The service was for sure worth the price. In Tanzania is fundamental to have a tour operator and Safari Avventura was very well organized in all aspects. Hotels arranged were nice and with a great value for money spent. Our guide Mirambo was always kind, helpful and a very nice person. Fully recommended
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Charles is an absolute professional in his field!
We were politely welcomed at the airport in Tanzania and informed about the following days and how they would proceed. Our guide Charles was an absolutely great safari guide who knew the best corners and spots in the parks. It was absolutely fun, we saw a lot (big 5! included) and had a great few days. The safari tour is definitely recommended!
