Africa Remote Safaris (Kenya)
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 1999)
- Member Of:
- IATA, ETT, Eco Tourism Society Kenya & East African wildlife Club
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $450 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Pushpa | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
They Cancel our trip before 24 hrs our of departur to Kenya&Did not refund our Deposit of $11300.00
No star-No Star-No Star & if I have to give them a star then it is -10 or -100 star
We would like to rate Africa Remote Safaris very high, however we cannot do that because we never made it on the tour. Initially they were very helpful during our booking process, answering questions about the hotels and the particulars of the safari.
However this is where we must rate them Poor and we must advise no one else to book with them.
Several weeks prior to the trip, we had not heard back on our general email inquiries - this was not typical as they originally were very responsive. The day before our scheduled trip, we received an email from Africa Remote Safaris warning of increased Cholera cases in Kenya, and political unrest due to upcoming Kenyan elections. They advised us to cancel the tour, which We responded immediately acknowledging that we will cancel the tour based on their suggestion, and asked how we can proceed to get a refund of the $11,300 USD we had already spent on our deposits.
We heard no word from them for over 3 weeks. No responses to email. No one answered our calls.
Finally we received one email indicating they are sorry for the delay, and that employees are just now getting back to work and getting settled. However, we received no communication after that email.
Our tour was scheduled for July 31 - Aug 11. We cancelled the tour per their advice on July 29 (the day before we were to depart for Nairobi).
It is now September 1st, and we have still received no communication, other than that one email.
As much as we would like to give a high rating, we cannot.
Anything reading this "must not book with Africa Remote Safaris"
Not reply from them, sending 1 e-mail everyday
Great Safari Experience
Hello to all the team Africa Remote Safaris,
We did a safari from 13 to 27 July, my son and I would like to thank you that everything was perfect. Seeing all these animals from their natural habitat was magical and proves that there really is very beautiful things to see on this planet.
Kenya is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and Ken our guide was able to show different sides of the country. As for Brian, our cook,we say, it was perfect. And most importantly, no problem for us tourists compared to recent events in Kenya. Very nice holiday and hope to come back one day.
Thank you to all of you
Email Nancy Cox | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent
It was a great experience, all tour were we well organised. Hotels books in the mara, were excellent. I would use them again.
CA
Email Rob | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional , breathtaking experience!
I went for 3 days Masai Mara camp trip and had an amazing time!
Nobody can beat their prices and service and you get exactly what you paid for and was promised.
I had one full day(!) game drive and it's unforgettable experience!
The accommodation, the camp, food was really surprisingly good for budget safari.
Special thanks for Naphtally, the guy is really hard working professional with high work standards, help and respect for clients. He picked me up himself at 4am to drop me to the airport, making sure I will be on time!
There can be delay with email communication, but consider it is african reality and sometimes they are not able to reach you right away.
You can go ahead and book the trip with them, your money is secure and you will get professional service and amazing time in Africa!
Email Larry | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Africa Remote Safaris are the best companion in ones tour experience
We have just ended our Safari in Tanzania. 8 Days Tarangire/Eyasi/Serengeti , Ngorongoro and Amboseli. Our guide for the Safari Hamza – was outstanding. Very knowledgeable, very flexible and accommodating for our extra side trips. He was easy to understand , had a wonderful personality and was professional the entire trip. Such a wonderful ambassador for Tanzania. Also, our main contact "Steve #1", was very good at accommodating us and making sure we were safe and taken care of. Truly a great resource for Africa Remote Safaris . We also crossed into Kenya to Amboseli , Paul, the guide, driver, and "greeter were also good as in the very short time we were with him, he was very professional, efficient and knowledgeable. In fact, all of the drivers were great. This is our second Safari experience and it was great. Will likely take another in the future."
I would definately recommend our guide Hamza and Africa Remote Safaris.
QA
Email David D-Iver | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Safari Experience1
"Steve Biko did an outstanding job Overall an excellent trip, well carried out. Outstanding services the driver guides in Kenya and overland from Isbania to Serengeti and Ngorongoro made a great impression. Both (Simon and Waziri) were standouts. The transfer reps all did an excellent job particularly since, we arrived on the late night Turkish airlines flight at 2am.
. All accommodations except for Arusha were excellent. Memories of the Swahili culture ranks first but a close second in our minds will be the choice of camps and lodges. The Ol Joto house in Naivasha offers a peaceful and intimate refuge from the bustle of Nairobi city.
In Maasai mara our reaction to the Bateleur Camp upgraded from Kichwa Tembo was that it was the best Luxury tented accommodation ever. Little did we realize each subsequent camp in Serengeti(Mbalageti), Ngorongoro(Tloma lodge), Lake Manyara and Tarangire (Roika) would top that, except for the last in Arusha. We were there at an important moment in Tanzania’s development during election time and the various viewpoints in different towns reflects the promise and challenges facing the country. Some thought the shock of health care systems could be better absorbed later in the itinerary, however, the geography preempts that alternative. Always room for improvement so we would offer the following Biggest disappointment was the Ol Duvai gorge nothing really much to see here. Not all of the guides were understandable. They all seemed intelligent and knowledgeable but were lacking in delivery of a dialogue. Some speak in a droning monologue that is difficult to follow and includes blinding detail that is soon forgotten. Two glitches that were remedied: The Safari van in Kenya had an impossible seating arrangement but that was corrected overnight to our complete satisfaction.
The New Arusha hotel rooms were initially a problem. One room was lovely but the other two were substandard, although the hotel said they were in the same class. Basically, the better room had the bathroom and closet along the full wall while the substandard alternative used only half the wall resulting in a minute closet, no shower, a single sink and no window. They initially stated that there was nothing better but within an hour the duty manager had found two adjacent rooms on another floor that had the double sinks, separate claw bath and shower overlooking the city as well as better closet space. They graciously moved us while we were at dinner on the rooftop. Finally there is always the gouging at shops where the guides get a commission. At a couple of stops this seemed egregious but we are all seasoned travelers and work around that annoyance. Some of the others may wish to add to these comments but those are my thoughts. Good memories, thanks" I will certainly recommend this company.
AE
Email Raluca | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything wa perfect
We did 3 days safari in Tsavo East and West, everything was perfect. The Lodges in the middle of savanna are a dream, amazing experience.
I also highly recommend our driver Jackson, which is a wonderful person.
US
Email Rob | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unethical business practices
The director, Naphtally, accepted our payments in advance. Upon the very morning of the start of our safari, the local tour guide showed up with Naphtally on the phone. He claimed the government was slow in allowing bank transfers into the country, etc. He asked that we pay for the park fees in advance with our credit card and that he would in turn reimburse us for the different at the end of the tour. In fact, he has not paid the tour guide, the local operator, or us. It is unfortunate because he gives tourists a bad feeling about all local companies which is unfair and unethical. Do NOT give this company any of your money or business.
Reply from Africa Remote Safaris (Kenya)
Posted on Jan 12, 2017Dear Robert,
We thank you for your review and honest comments.
We would like to sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by you having to pay your park entry fees. Your Safari began on the 25th December 2016 and ended on the 01January 2017.
Although our communication had began on the 28th of October 2016, It wasn’t until the 30 th of November 2016 that we received the initial 20% deposit required to secure part of the booking.
For a Christmas and new year booking, this dates were very sensitive since most places tend to fill up and also because you were joining a group.
We went ahead made the bookings and hoped that the balance payment would be received in good time at least prior to your arrival.
On the 15th of December, you wrote to us informing us that you had made the balance payment through bank of America, see email below. In the email, you even went ahead to quote the payment date as 9th of December 2016.
Thu 12/15/2016 2:59 PM
Thank you Napthally, a Bank of America transfer was made last week to your account for the balance of xxxxx was paid on or after 10 December.
Regards,
Rob
On Thu, Dec 15, 2016 at 1:50 PM, africaremotesafaris <[email protected]> wrote:
However by 19th of December, no payment had been received – This was just 6 days to Christmas day when your safari was meant to begin.
You sent us as email requesting for the Bank details so that you could make the payment, despite having written us an email on the 15th of December informing us that you had made a payment on the 09th of December.
Paying by Bank transfer in USD on the 21 {Wednesday) of December for a safari that was departing on the 25th of December ( It takes at least 4 working days for Central bank to release the money of there are no delays) Counting from 22 and 23( Thur and Friday) Skipping 25th December which was Christmas day ( The day when your safari departs) The earliest your funds would have come through( If they came through) was 28th Dec on Day 4 of your 6nights Safari.
The lodges/camps also would not give us the same rates/waivers they had given the kids, it meant Africa Remote Safaris absorbing the cost for last minute payment.
On the 25th December we picked you up from your hotel and departed for the safari with only the deposit paid, we opted to gamble and pay for everything except for the park entry fees which we asked you to pay directly while we await your funds to come through.
We had even suggested to reverse your Bank order, but seeing that we had already committed 80% of funds towards paying for suppliers( without full payment), we saw no problem agreeing to knock off whatever costs from the tickets purchase.
On the 29th of December after many trips back and forth to the Bank, we finally got a confirmation of payment. We have requested you to kindly send us your tickets and receipts for us to process the refund.
Ours was to make sure that you had a good safari experience and to this you attested to having had a great time in the Serengeti,
Please refer to your message to our staff at the end of your safari on the 01January.
We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused by the one and a half weeks delay in settling your refund. ( Our Terms and conditions provides for between One week to 3weeks) This was only because we had to source for funds to finance your safari but also understand that maybe your Bank delayed in forwarding the payments.
All in all we do appreciate your feedback and have learnt a from this experience.
Below is our correspondence.
Please refer to your email below
From: Robert xxxxx
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2016 7:15 PM
To: africaremotesafaris
Cc: hollyxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Howe safari payment?
Hi Napthally:
Please resend the payment information for your bank, account info, swift code, and bank contact information. Holly Colvin is cc'd on this email and will issue the payment again.
Regards,
Rob Howe
Rphowexxxxxx
On Monday, December 19, 2016, africaremotesafaris <[email protected]> wrote:
> Dear Robert,
>
> Thank you very much for your email. As of Saturday 17th Dec ,the funds were yet to show but we are checking again today.
>
> I will revert back tonight.
-----Original Message-----
From: Roxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2016 10:03 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Money Transfer
Hi,
xxxxxxUSD is being transferred electronically to your account at Barclays Bank of Keny....
Contact me directly if you have any questions. I've chosen to have this message sent from my bank to confirm that the transfer is scheduled.
Regards,
Rxxxx
Kenya Photo Safari
I am back after my 5th safari for what was the 3rd photo workshop organized with this wonderful team
A stay of two unforgettable weeks ... a week in the Maasai Mara, two days in Nakuru and Baringo 4 days photographing everything we had hoped to see: Cheetahs, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros and fish eagles .
Our guides have been incredibly knowledgeable! They shared their skills, availability, generosity and flexibility not to mention a constant good humor!
Our chef James did wonders with his little dishes to perfection!
The was organization flawless as always.
In short, a dream holiday for this trip 150% photograph which we keep again wonderful memories!
We would like to thank their team for organizing the visit to the Orphanage that allowed us to offload 100kgs of school materials, We will never forget our encounters with these children who in the end gave us their smiles and much more than “thank you” Thank you to all the Team at Africa Remote Safaris. Kenya is Safe, not for one minute did we feel discomfort(except for the bumpy ride) . We hope to come back. This time with bigger group.
SA
Email Kevin Mugamba | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari with Africa Remote Safaris
WoW !!! Great trip! A big thank you to Steve for organizing our itinerary. We had a great time with our guide / driver and Dominic our cook.
Our journey began on July 18 with the home of Steve at the airport and meet Kenneth Gawo the next day. Here we left for the safari. The Masai Mara is obviously unbeatable to see the multitude of animals. In four game drives with a full day in the park, we saw four of the Big Five with Ken. We made a short stop at Lake Nakuru to find the rhino, the last of the Big Five. Have coffee on the porch of WCK guesthouse is very relaxing and magical. However, we have a little less relaxed at Roberts Camp Lake Baringo since hippos roamed the site overnight. Beautiful experience! from Baringo, we went to a few hours at Lake Bogoria to see the flamingos and geysers. We loved this landscape and diversity. Before heading to Amboseli, Naivasha we stopped for a walk to Crescent Island. This place is worth the trip as we look at the zebras, wildebeest, gazelle and bucks of a different perspective. Dominic(our cook) unfortunately left us before because at Amboseli Kibo logde we had a buffet. We would have preferred to keep our cook! The most incredible view from this lodge with Kilimanjaro. I miss having breakfast at there. The droughts of the past years are felt on the park since there are not many animals. In nine days of safari, we traveled over 1600km without counting the game drives. The road is very difficult to several places and tiring.
We tip our hats to Ken for his work and for its friendliness. We had great conversations together. Dominic was able to fill our tummies with each meal with very good creamed vegetables, stew, pasta, local dishes and tasty fruits. I would take good note of the stew recipe vegetables!
We took four days later to go relax and sunbathe in Mombasa. Everything went very well during our trip and we again thank the whole team.