IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Cheats and liars! Do no trust! Do not book with them!
My family and I recently travelled to Kenya and Tanzania to catch the Great Migration. Overall, the trip was fantastic; the wildlife and beauty of both countries was far superior to what one sees on TV!
However, we made a mistake by trusting local (Kenyan) travel agent – Meshack Mutinda Kiilu from Tour Kenya Safari Heights, Nairobi. His agency booked the Kenya part of the tour for us while their partners, 7 Wonders Safari (Tanzania) booked the Tanzanian part.
The stark difference in both parts was surprising, especially given that positive word of mouth is important, and we expected much better service. Not only that, we never thought we would be blatantly lied to and misled.
Firstly, the car and guide we had in Kenya versus what we had in Tanzania were vastly different. The Kenyan car was in poor condition, the radio system didn’t work (which is vital if you want your game drives to be successful), the windows didn’t open, the car wasn’t well maintained, the driver didn’t speak good English and the car frequently broke down – it basically didn’t reverse without stalling.
Secondly, we were promised and had paid for a full day game drive followed by a morning game drive in Amboseli before departing to Nairobi. When we reached Amboseli, our guide informed us that he hadn’t received the money for the morning drive. When we tried reaching Meshack he started dodging our calls and eventually became incommunicado – forcing us to miss the morning drive. Not only that, we reached Nairobi and our driver told us that there was no dinner for us that day or meals the next day (although we had paid for all meals for all days as part of the package) and also that after dropping us off at the hotel in Nairobi (around late afternoon) we would need to pay him for taking us anywhere else since Meshack had not paid him for that.
While planning the itinerary, we had been promised a city tour and visit to a restaurant in Nairobi where guests can feed Giraffes. Our driver informed us that this wasn’t part of the package as per instructions given to him; not only that, Meshack had not even paid him for our last day in Nairobi. The worst part was, we had earlier planned to depart Nairobi the same day we arrived from Amboseli but we spent extra for the hotel for an additional night in Nairobi because Meshack had said that there were planned activities in Nairobi as part of the package.
Not only did we end up having to pay an additional $80 for the vehicle for two days, we had to spend additionally on meals for two days and also pay for airport drop off, which was supposed to be part of our package.
This was in stark contrast to our experience in Tanzania, where the driver, car and tour agency were excellent and gracious and even called us
multiple times to ensure we were having a good time and that everything was going well.
Even the Kenyan driver told us that Meshack had lied to him and not paid him properly, and this was actually the first time he had worked with Meshack and it was going to be the last time.
Our excellent trip and opinion of Kenyan hospitality was marred by what were basically, outright lies and misrepresentations. When we got back and checked, we realized that there are few other reviews also where people have faced the exact same issue with Meshack and Tour Kenya Safari Heights. Anyone reading this review and planning to book through Meshack or Tour Kenya Safari Heights, do so at your own peril!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great honeymoon experience
We booked Wild Planet as the primary experience for our honeymoon. We searched around quite a bit for the right option, and found a place that gave a great experience without the need for overpriced lodges.
The team was very responsive and flexible. They had a great itinerary for places to see in Kruger, and slightly adjusted it for preferences/circumstances (sometimes certain camps book up, but they knew where else to stay). They made sure we could go straight to Kruger for the safari as soon as we arrived.
We experienced a week in an open air vehicle with a guide, served meals, and great stays in camps all over Kruger National Park. It was the trip of a lifetime! The guide, and Wild Planet's whole crew were super-friendly throughout the experience.
I can't express how glad we were to have found Wild Planet and to have chosen to go with them for this trip. I already recommended them to family members and hope that others are as lucky as we were to go with this team.
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I dream of Africa was the best touroperator in Tanzania. We went to the most beautiful places? Super
Our guide en driver Christopher from I dream of Africa was fantastic. He was always looking for the animals. He tooks the time to spot the animals. He drove to places where most of the other big companies don't go because it 's too far to drive. For Christhopher it was very important that we were satisfied. He was so kindly. We saw so many animals. Nice, nice and more nice!!!!
You can trust this small local company. We stayed in beautiful tentlodges. What an experience!!!Food was good.
Please go to Tanzania with this local company 'I dream of Africa'. You will be satisfied.
Thanks Christopher!!!! We hope to come again.
Thanks Wilmke for the communication! Everthing was good organised!
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best Safari Experience
From the Start Lion King Adventures showed their high standard by answering fast and accurate on all email communication. We choose a 6 days Mid-range safari covering Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Manyara. All accommodations from lodges to tented camps were very good, sometimes better than we expected. As we were 5 persons we had a jeep to ourselves. Our driver/guide Gilbert did his utmost to give us the safari experience of our life, being extremely good on spotting animals and knowing where to go in the parks. He took us safely between the parks, and did not take any unnecessary risks in the traffic, as we saw other drivers do. He was always very correct and easy to be around. Thank you Gilbert! The best park was Serengeti! We found ourselves in the middle of the migration which was a big bonus and we saw the big five and many, many Lions, one big experience was a cheetah jumping up on our car, talk about close encounter. We had high expectations when choosing this Safari, Lion King delivered all the way, I can really recommend Lion King Adventures!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience! Great staff, very professional and very attentive at all times.
It was an amazing experience. Great staff, very professional and very attentive at all times. Abdu was very fun and accomodating. Would definitely come back and it will for sure be with Encounter Africa Safaris.
KZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience on Safari
The one day tour to Tarangire national park. Gerald organized my tour and it was excellent! The service was perfect! I saw animals that I planned! The lunchbox was enough for adult. I highly recommend this company to Kazakhstani people and my friends!
US
A Birthday Celebration I'll Never Forget!
This was a trip to celebrate myself and my friends birthdays. We went for 10 days and had the most amazing time. This country is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been in my life! We visited both Johannesburg and Capetown. Johannesburg is full of history and we revelled in it. Visited Lesedi cultural village, Mandela House and the apartheid museum and were greeted warmly by everyone we came in contact with. The dancing and singing and all over welcoming vibe made it a wonderful place to be. In Capetown, the views are breathe taking. On several occasions my friends and I just cried from the beautiful sites before us. We did experience a touch of racism at an establishment in Hermanus called Walker Bay Grill but we did not allow that to effect the rest of out trip. We had an amazing experience at Gold's restaurant, went whale watching, saw the penguins at Boulder beach and saw amazing street performances. I would love to come back to South Africa. This was a trip like none other.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An unforgettable experience! 6 stars!
Absolutely the best travel and tours company!!! I'm definitely recommending to anyone I know traveling! Thank you for the most amazing and memorable experience!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best safari ever!!
I decided at the last moment to go on a safari in Tanzania( 1 month in advance). Tanzania Roadside Expeditions had all great reviews and had the best prices. One of the best decisions I have ever made. From my initial contact with Paul Justine the owner I knew I would be in good hands. He answered all my questions immediately. I picked a 6 person/5 day joining safari because of the cost. I knew I couldn’t afford it by myself. Paul was there to meet me at the hotel as soon as I arrived with one of his drivers. He sat me down and explained that the rest of my group had to cancel at the last minute due to a death in their family. He told me he would still take me as a solo client. I know Paul lost a lot of money in hotel costs, hiring a driver, gas, wear and tear on the Jeep, park fees.. etc. but he honored our agreement ( I hadn’t even paid him yet). It turned out to be the greatest trip of my life! My driver Elly was exceptional! He also became my personal photographer, breakfast and dinner companion and good friend. One day he knew I wasn’t feeling well and he changed our itinerary of visiting a Maasai Village to the next day. He made certain we saw the Big 5 and waited patiently for me to take thousands of pics of zebras and giraffes! He was amazing!! I also want to give a shout out to Ezekiel, the man who picked me up at the airport on arrival and also brought me back to the airport at 2:30 am for my flight home. What a kind man. These 3 men made a solo female traveler from New York feel very special and made my life long dream of an African Safari a reality! I highly recommend them!!
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful African Safari
It was our first trip to Africa and first safari and Chris R. at Safari Partners in Vancouver made our experience the best it could be. He was easy to reach and answered all my questions promptly. The Safari itself was beyond what we expected and everything went smoothly from beginning to end. We stayed at three Desert and Delta camps. Accommodation was fantastic! Staff and guides were amazing! We want to go again and will definitely contact Chris R when we do.
