Reviews
DE
Email Sebastian | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Beware of this provider's rip off methods
Let's talk about the positive aspects first: The driver was nice and had practical knowledge of most animals and plants we were passing by. I sometimes wished he was a little more involved with us and our Safari rather than "doing business" on his mobile phone. So we did see all the animals we were expecting to see and also learned their names...
However I would not recommend booking any tour with this provider (Experience Kenya aka Bianka Investment aka Eric Nyankanga). Eric tried to rip us off several times and in the end he succeeded. Here's the story:
1.) Although the tours here on SafariBookings include "All Taxes/VAT", our first quote had the VAT listed on top of the initial price.
2.) After having booked and payed, one lodge (for two nights) was changed into a cheaper one (e.g. not having 24/7 electricity). The reason given was that the initially booked lodge could not cater vegetarian food, which is hard to believe since you get veggy meals everywhere in Kenya).
3.) "Park fees" listed as included on this site were silently removed in the quote, where these fees - according to Eric - are under "Any other item not mentioned". This did cost us additional 800 USD.
Conclusion: Pay a little bit more for your tour and avoid being screwed. We did so on our second Safari one week later and the experience was completely different.
Reply from Experience Kenya Tours and Travel
Posted on Apr 29, 2016We welcome criticism of our services because it helps us to grow and achieve excellence. Let's appreciate first the positive aspects by Sebastian about our guide/driver though we apologize on the occasions he was on phone while on tour we have had a session with him and has promised that we never happen again. Regarding the title 'rip off' we find it strange and does not fit into our agency values that we subscribe to. To answer the first query on the inclusions (1) a quotation was sent to Sebastian indicating clearly all the inclusions and exclusions which was discussed at length until we reached an agreement and deposit was made.
Below is an extract from the quote:
Inclusions
4 nights stay Meals on full board basis-breakfast, lunch & dinner Transport in a 9 seater van with a pop-up-roof -Exclusive 2 pax Daily game drives Professional driver guide
Exclusions
Tips & gratuities Any other item not mentioned
(2) Regarding the accommodation issues(24/7 electricity unavailability) The operator has clarified that indeed there was an electricity outage but this was sorted out. (3) but on the switch of accommodation facility was made on mutual consent based purely on diet requirements requested by Sebastian, and this was made early enough in concurrence with Sebastian. We take cognizance of our short falls and we will our best in the future to meet our clients needs.