FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Definitely not to recommend
Following all the good reviews, i choosed dusty road safari and asked for Jeff as a guide.
He has been careless, had offhand remarks that made me feel really unconfortable for 3 days.
He was eager to finish the tour, rushed me to leave the park for the airport , where we have been 2 hours before expected time.
Horrible experience.
GH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The sentences on web site are not true
I never recomend this tour company. Almost things that they said is not true.
As for the accomodation, the staff told me that we could see sunset and sunrise there when we asked before booking but actually we cannot tehre. We have to move another place to see and it takes one hour one way if we want. The driver said he doesn't want to. As a result, we could not.
As for payment, they said we can pay credit card but actually they asked me to tell all information about our credit card.
Of course, we could not for our finance security. And they needed money in advance and they told me to return bank transaction fee later if we pay by bank transfer in advance. So I believed and payed in advance by bank transfer but he never return.
This is a very shocked trip....
CZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
abandoned with 6 Czech citizens, money stolen, police investigation, horrible safari
Booked a safari for 7 to Maasai Mara and Nakuru National park which was to start on 11th February to 14th February, Valentines day. We paid the full fee which was all inclusive, but the surprises began, we didn’t get lunch on the first day, 11th February, I contacted the owner Lilian who said clients buy their own lunch. Firstly, it had been paid for and secondly she went on to lie that we are suposed to have lunch in Maasai Mara. we were told to leave Nairobi at 9 a.m. and thanks to delays, we left at 10 a.m. and we were supposed to have lunch at 1 p.m. or even 2 p.m.?? I asked her if we were meant to have two lunches or what? She then said we would get packed lunch on our way to Nakuru?? So in fact we were getting lunch but on a different day? On the day we were going to Nakuru there was lunch at the hotel and have the packed lunch that we missed? The lies were so bad you just tell this woman was a bad liar. I asked that there be no problems from that point forward,no reply. One of the guests was ill but didn’t even have free lunch,how pathetic from Lians Travel! We got a very nice welcome at Mara Sidai and the guest went on to rest and was to miss the next day’s Safari.
12th February: we go on safari all day,packed lunch,everything was superb I must say. The sick guest was well rested and everything seemed fine with the world.
13th February: no game drive in the morning?? In the itinerary,depart from Mara for a 3 hour distance to Nakuru? That was problem number one, problem two,driver says he can’t leave because he has issues with the owner. He asks me to contact her and I do. I was furious at that point, we were standing by the roadside,having driven some distance from Maasai Mara, the driver says that he doesn’t have enough money to go to Nakuru. I called Lilian who claimed the driver was trying to sabotage her. I got confused because I and the others wondered if the driver was in fact the problem. Instead of enjoying our safari, we all became Sherlocks trying to find out who was lying to us, the driver,Lilian the owner of Lians Travel Africa? Who? After Lilian claims that the driver is trying to sabotage her, she tells me secretly to get off at Narok town. Now,are we ghosts to exit the vehicle at Narok without the driver noticing? What IQ does one need to realize that? I realized though where the problems were coming from. I tell the driver what I’ve been told,he is still visibly nervous and uncertain and I wasnt sure if we would continue with the safari, interrupt our safari and go to the police station or not. I tried to call this woman called Lilian and when she realized that the driver was listening in the call, she starts to accuse me of being in cahoots with the driver and trying to sabotage her. I am her client and I paid for the safari and she was accusing me of sabotaging her and my own safari?? What person of sound mind would come to such a conclusion? She texted me the same thing and said that since I started it,I should sort myself out. I called her,her words,” I don’t care, you started it, sort yourselves out” There were 6 foreigners in the car,some of whom cannot speak English and she was ready to ditch them in Narok, later on, that’s what she did.
Poor them, I had to explain what was going on. We were stuck between her and the unpaid driver. The driver didn’t want to leave Mara and he just couldn’t leave us stranded with our luggage. Lilian left us at the driver’s mercy, so we and the unpaid driver had to find a way to get out of this crazy mess. The person we paid the money to,Lilian, adamant and it was clear she wouldn’t help. I told her to call the driver and that I was not her go between,I was her client but she even ridiculed me and said that since I became the spokesman of the trip,i her own client,had become the object of ridicule, simply incredible how rude, how selfish and heartless a person can be! She even claimed that since I was a Kikuyu,one Kenyan tribe, I was stealing from the other foreigners too, she assumed that since I was the only black person on the safari, I was either too poor to be there or I was stealing from the other foreigners in the van,little did she know that I was with my wife and in laws and friends and not some clients I had lied too. On top of the problems, she goes on to ridicule me because of the colour of my skin and my name, JUST BECAUSE I'M BLACK, DOES IT MEAN I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY MYSELF A SAFARI??Anyway, we pleaded with the driver to go to Narok and figure it out because it was clear she wouldn’t pay him and expected us to pay more money to finish our own trip. The driver hesitantly agreed to go since he was now operating at a loss. At this point,we may have been stuck in Maasai Mara, Narok, the side of the road, a ditch but Lilian from Lians Travel Africa had abandoned all parties and even suggested we go to the police. I told her these were my family members so I would certainly go to report her. She texted that she had left the park fees at the hotel reception and was done with us. I have the text message to prove this. We told the driver if the park fees are there, we can just fuel the car ourselves and go to Nakuru. It was either that or go to Nairobi and ruin the whole holiday without even having been to Nakuru.
We fueled in Narok, with our own money by the way, all the other travelers, all foreigners were now fully drawn into this situation, poor them, and what if they were alone left at the mercy of this heartless woman called Lilian, what would have happened then?She would have left them in Narok or in Maasai Mara with no way out of it.
We went to Nakuru and as far as we were concerned, Lians Travel Africa had no idea where we were. We went to Chester Hotel and I must say that at Chester we had such a warm welcome but they noticed something was off. We had lunch and we were curious if the park fees had indeed been sent or not and when the receptionist was calling and calling Lilian awaiting for confirmation, we just told her, “We are dealing with a conwoman here, she will not send the money,kindly avoid speaking with her”. Since we are here, and despite not having the park fees paid, we decided to pay it ourselves. The driver wanted to leave and go to Nairobi so actually we almost didn’t go because he was still operating at a loss, we had only fueled him until Nakuru so if he wanted to leave he could have. I can say it’s really not the kind of mood you want on your holiday or safari. Some didn’t go to Lake Nakuru National Park, they were already pissed off by everything, a big thanks to Lians Travel for that by the way. We went to the park, paid our own park fees, and I have the receipts to prove it. We had like one hour only in the park, from what was supposed to be like 4 hours or more, but the driver was fantastic and he was still a proper guide in spite of what was going on. Lilian has the audacity to “enquire whether we had checked in and decided to pay our own park fees” and I told her to fuck off, because seriously, after ditching us in Narok, she was waiting by her phone and calling the reception to find out if we had made it to Nakuru, how horrible, how despicable! I can’t fathom of the kind of person who would do such a thing. She even ends her messages with "Have a blessed day". i mean who does that? How terrible and cruel must you be to make fun, insult someone at the comfort of one's office without a care in the world, all while screeching at us on the phone. We went back, had dinner and reflected on the past events of the day unaware of whether our driver would return or not.
14th February: Valentines day in the worst circumstances, we wake up to the question of whether our driver is still there and luckily he was. We all just wanted to go back to Nairobi, and since Lilian had urged us to go to the police, we went to The Tourist police and spent hours telling and retelling the story and by no means did I wanna spend my time at a police station on my holiday. After a long time the OCS came and it was already apparent who the cause of the problems was, he called her up and just like she did to us, she kept on yelling and yelling, with a police officer, no respect even for the law, so as I write this, I urge, I beseech and ask that you not do business with Lians Travel Africa. That wasn’t the end, the OCS asked her to come to the police station but of course she was busy, she asked him to go to the police station, the next day and so the story continues.
15th February: 10 a.m. Did the lady show up? She didn’t. As I write this, we still have no word from her, she didn’t intend to show up at the police station, and she is playing a waiting game until we leave. Our experience with Lians Travel Africa has been nothing but disappointing, I guess no refunds are coming but the word had to come out, I write this on your behalf, the traveler that may lay eyes on Lians Travel Africa and think of doing a trip with them, I again urge, beseech and ask you to avoid this company called Lians Travel Africa headed by one Lilian Maina, she put me and my guests, all foreigners through hell after paying full fees. No refunds as of now, no word from the woman and she has refused to show to the authorities, what would she do to you and your fellow travelers, you have seen my experience, do avoid this company. You will be left on the roadside, abandoned in a foreign country if you are a foreign traveler, money stolen, trip ruined, use Lians Travel Africa at your own risk. The police investigation is still going on, as to whether it's a real company or not, she has not presented herself to the authorities and has stolen our money with no intention of returning it, she shall do the same to you, the future traveller who reads this, I am writing this review on your behalf, to save you from the agony of a ruined holiday, STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY!
**** BEWARE MBUGANI ARE SCAMMERS****
If I could give zero stars I would!! Dont be fooled with their website. In December 2018 I booked a safari from the UK with Mbugani Safaris and our contact Peter was very helpful and prompt in his replies via email. Even providing detailed itineraries and seemingly providing advice. We then paid in full prior to our 5 day safari (Mt Kenya, Nakuru and Mara) due in January 2019. However, on the day we were supposed to be picked for the safari the driver did not show up. When we tried to make contact with Peter via email or mobile there was no response. We then tried the company landlines and these were for a private residence. I contacted the lodges and they advised that no bookings had been made. Fortunately as I had paid via paypal I was able to make a claim for services not received. I then received an email 10 days after the no show from Peter claiming he had been involved in an accident and would also refund the balance which was paid via a credit card - to date we have still not received this refund. We are now pursuing this matter through the Kenyan police and courts. If you are looking for a genuine tour company then book with another company. On the day Mbugani safaris did not turn up and we realised we had been scammed I contacted Anthony at bonfire in Nairobi and he was able to replicate the safari that Mbugani had quoted within a couple of hours and did it cheaper!! In essence we realised we had been scammed by Mbugani by 8am and by midday we were travelling to our safari destination all thanks to Anthony at bonfire adventures.
DE
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
This trip cannot be recommended at all.
This trip was completely unpleasant.The problem was the guide Abdul, the name GUIDE he does not deserve: unpolite, rude, egoistic, ill-tempered.He even did not know about my program that I have booked and payed. I had to tell him and fight for my program to be executed. Since I travelled with him alone I finally decided to accept everything he wanted to do, to avoid to make completely my trip a desastrious trip, not having any communication with him any more. This was not only my assessment. Two other groups offered me to join their groups and to leave Abdul.The high price of 2580 $ was completely overpaid because of this. I am thinking of asking for recompensation. I should have chosen Red Chilly Hideaway in Kampala as my alternative.
I cannot recommend tis trip at all.
Dealing with Michelle at AAT has been a Horrible experience. Would not recommend it at all.
We were excited for our trip to Phuket but AAT still owes us money and has delivered no flights. Communication has been poor. Our emails have been unanswered and no one picks up the phone.
Service has been unprofessional and unethical.
My advice would be to stay away as I am currently still money out of pocket due to African Adventure Travels.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The owner of this agency - Michael is a crook and should not be trusted
I booked a 13 day package with the Mushra Agency in November and paid for the tour in full. Communication was perfect until the money was paid. Once that was done, there was nothing to be heard from Mushra. Two weeks before the tour was to start, I attempted to contact Mushra and did not hear from them - I asked Safari Bookings for help and after they jumped in, Michael wrote me an email stating he was an attorney and that the safari business was a side business for him. I cancelled the trip and Michael assured me that the entire amount that was paid would be refunded to me - that was the last I heard from him.
After 5 emails and asking Safari Bookings for help in this matter - nothing, no word from him about the refund. I have currently disputed the entire charge with my credit card company and they are in the process of issuing a refund from this merchant. Safari Bookings informed me that this agency has had their account suspended.
Please do not book with this travel agency as they will take your money and run. Micheal (the owner) is not to be trusted.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do not do it!
Joseph did not deliver on our tour, and stole our money. Our family was devastated. Please do not select this tour, we never got our refund.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The pilot left us at the Selous Game Reserve
We booked the safari through our hotel Fruit and Spice Wellness Resort. We arrived on time at the departure airport in Zanzibar for the one day safari to Selous. The airplane was to make several stops to drop off and pick up passengers before we got to Selous, but our expected arrival time was 8:55am. We took off and got to the first stop. Upon arrival we saw that the transportation for the first group being dropped off was not there. We were in the middle of nowhere and there was no cell reception. The pilot tried to contact someone but didn't have any luck. We waited 90 minutes in the heat for the transportation to arrive. Once they picked up the passengers we got back on the plane to make the rest of the stops. Due to this significant delay, we did not arrive at Selous until 11:45. This full day tour was now a half day tour since we had to be back by 4:15pm.
Our guide was great and we got to see lots of animals. He did his best to make sure the trip was entertaining and that we weren't disappointed. In doing all of this, he did not get us back to the airstrip in enough time. We arrived just in time to see our airplane preparing for take off. The people at the reserve began to jump up and down to get the pilot's attention but he did not stop. At 4:45pm the pilot left and we were stranded at the game reserve.
After lots of calling around we were finally able to agree to have them take us to Dar Es Salaam. It is the closest city with an airport but it is also an 8 hour ride, with the first four hours spent on unpaved dark roads. We rode for four hours in a safari Jeep through primarily wooded areas. After four hours we arrived at a village and met up with another driver who took us to Dar Es Salaam, which was another 4 hours.
The tour company was very apologetic and arranged for this transportation. They also arranged for us to stay in a hotel across the street from the airport since we had an early flight back to Zanzibar. We needed to get back early because we were flying to Dubai and didn't want to miss our departure flight. Consequently, our Zanzibar hotel had to pack all of our things and check us in for our flight home.
The hotel in Dar Es Salaam was maybe 2 stars and served its purpose for the night. We were covered in dirt and bug bites from the first portion of our trip but the bathroom was not one you wanted to take a shower in and they only gave us one towel. We sat in the hotel room for 5 hours before it was time to leave for the airport. Luckily we made all of our flights, the hotel in Zanzibar did a wonderful job packing us up, and we showered and slept once we got to Dubai.
I was really looking forward to the safari. Being left there with no contingency plan by the tour company was completely unacceptable. I would not recommend this tour company under any circumstances. We were fortunate to make it out but there were so many things that could have gone wrong. Our driver for the day was super nice and the villagers that provided us with food and water and blankets for our 8 hour ride were lovely.
US
THERE ARE NO KHOI SAN PAINTINGS IN THE PARK
THERE NO KHOI SAN PAINTINGS IN THE PARK! REPEAT: THERE ARE NO KHOI SAN PAINTINGS IN THE PARK
On the morning of 22 January I stopped at the reception office at the Golden Gate Nat'l Park to inquire about hiking to see Khoi San paintings in the limited time that I had before having to return to Johannesburg that day. I specifically mentioned to the young woman working the front desk that I was there to see Khoi San paintings and not in spending time on other activities in the park since my time had run out. She advised me to go to Echo Ravine to find them and gave me a map to help me get there. Another couple hearing our conversation also took note, and all of us hiked up to Echo Ravine in search of the Bushmen art. Unfortunately, we were quite disappointed when we made it there to find that there were none, and I hiked back to the reception office to make sure that I hadn't misunderstood our instructions. I was then told that there were none, to which I kindly asked for my money back (210 rands) to be returned. I was refused by her manager, Norman Mudau, who took my name and number down in an attempt to quell any further complaints.
The exorbitant entrance fee of 210 rands ($17 USD) assessed on foreigners (4x that for South Africans) would be well worth it if the paintings were there or If one had a full day to spend at the park. But in my case I was misled into believing that I could find them and wasted my last remaining time in South Africa on a fruitless endeavor, when I could have traveled instead to Kiara Lodge to successfully find them.
Norman Mudau and his associate should learn to practice better customer service in the future. Their treatment of me that morning made my trip to South Africa end on unnecessarily sour note, which is regrettable since the remainder of the trip was about as perfect as one could imagine.