Reviews
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A Superb Adventure with Africa traditional safaris
I’m a little late in posting, however, I just have to share…..Going on an African safari was on my lifelong list of adventures. I shopped extensively before committing to a tour company. Our private tour was wonderful and all our expectations (and then some) were met. We loved the fact that we were able to personalize / customize all aspects of our visit. Rajab, our tour guide was so knowledgeable, kind and warm spirited. My son (an ecological biologist), too was incredibly impressed with Rajab’s breadth of knowledge. Rajab made sure we were well taken care of at all time. We were typically the first to leave the camp, and although it was a little tiring at times, it was well worth the experiences encountered (i.e. brother cheetahs taking down a young gazelle or witnessing the wildebeest migration in Northern Serengeti). Rajab provided profound insight to the cultural of various tribes and people of North Tanzania. Thanks to Africa Traditional Safaris and Rajab. Our experience was beyond exceptional, thanks to an outstanding tour company. I would highly recommend using them.
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Email Roshani | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mixed Experience, Look for Another Option
** UPDATE JUNE 2016
Since my review cannot be deleted, I would like to add the following update. I have been refunded the amount I was owed.
Here are some reasons for considering this company:
1. Affordable - The cost of the safari was far lower than any other company.
2. Flexibility - Joseph was flexible in terms of changing the itinerary. I was scheduled to go to visit the Hadzabe community, but decided I would prefer to go to Lake Manyara and Arusha National Park instead. Joseph was kind enough to accommodate my request.
3. Great Guide - Henry was a great guide and driver.
4. Tented Lodges at an Affordable Price - Since it was rainy season, I did not want to camp. I stayed in tented lodges, and Joseph made it possible for me to do so. All other companies were so overpriced! I especially appreciated staying at Rhino Lodge near Ngorongoro Crater--really nice rooms and food.
5. Airport Pickup and Drop off - Joseph sent drivers to pick me up at the airport and drop me off.
6. Payment Options - All the companies wanted me to pay ahead of time to reserve a spot. Joseph allowed me to pay on arrival, and half in cash and half by credit card.
7. Prompt Response - Joseph was available by email and by Whatsapp. He emailed introductions to former clients in order for me to check the references for the company.
For the price and overall service, I would recommend African Traditional Safaris.
** ORIGINAL REVIEW
I contacted African Traditional Safaris through this website. I was contacted by Joseph who sent me some options for a 7 day safari. He said that I can pay half in cash and half by credit card.
I was picked up at Kilimanjaro airport and taken to an office in Arusha. There was no sign at the office, only a computer on the desk. I knew the company is not registered with the Tourist Board. I was not sure if this was a scam.
I was taken to a local hotel and picked up by a jeep the next morning. There was one other tourist in the jeep. I was told that the amount I owed by credit card would need to be paid for park entrance fees. We went to Tarangire and I paid for the entrance for the jeep, the other tourist and me on my credit card.
That evening we were joined by three other women who were camping along with the other tourist. They were charged a much lower amount because they were camping and were going for fewer days. I was asked to pay their entrance when we got to Serengeti, little over $400. I was essentially subsudizing their trip.
Later when I went to Arusha National Park I was asked to pay the tourist company directly and I would be reimbursed. Joseph kept making excuses and kept saying he would send me the amount by Paypal. That still has not happened a few weeks later!
Overall, I would not recommend this company.
Email Ann Graham | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We lost all of the money we had transferred to the director Joseph Mafuru , over US$3000.
We are 3 well travelled women and knew of others who had told of good experiences with Africa Traditional Safaris , so we are unsure if the company just experienced financial difficulties around the time of our tour BUT whatever the reasons were of their impending failure , we were kept in the dark for the first few days believing that we were off on the safari to the Serengeti that we had paid US $ 995 each for. On day 3 ,the director Joseph Mafuru met with us and admitted the company had no money and were unable to proceed with the tour unless we agreed to loan them money. The requested amount was US $ 18,000 which was reduced to US $1800 which we guessed was the cost to actually take the 3 of us on the tour we had originally paid him for. We declined and as we had travelled from Australia , decided to go it alone rather than fly away totally devastated. This company needs to be inspected by the Tanzanian Tourist Board ASAP.
Email Annie Graham | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do not use this company even though it sounds a good price
Unable to provide a tour due to no cash flow ..avoid this company for now , not sure if they will recover from their debts but they owe us almost $3000. They also owe hotels and vehicle rental companies a lot of outstanding debt.
Email SAM | 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.