Lians Travel Africa
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $700 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
KW
Email Manoj Verma | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent value for money, extremely helpful people.
I booked the tour from Kuwait, with timely communications and help extended by the tour operator it became an excellent trip. The family members enjoyed their interaction with wildlife.
CZ
Email Czech Travel group | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Follow up on awful February safari, Contacted by Lilian, turned out to be more games
I will be brief this time. We were contacted by Lilian who wanted to apologize for what she did. She was asking for forgiveness, that she had learnt her lesson. It really didn't mean much to us because the damage had been done, ruined safari, stuck with driver, all that, not showing up to the police station. She said she would refund the money in full on the condition that we remove the reviews so the group something was up. We told her at least half of the amount because we are not cruel people to demand the whole amount, and based on the circumstances of our ruined safari, we were being unbelievably fair. She went on about how hard things were and of course we are human and were ready to put in a word for her attempt to right the wrong. She offered to give 300 dollars to take down the reviews and for our group of 7 is 42 dollars per person. a fraction of what we had to pay extra on those few horrible days. We weren't gonna start haggling over how much lower we could go but the haggling started again. It was simple, pay the refund she wanted to pay then we put in a good word over the attempt to right the wrong. She mentioned she had a few clients coming in August and that would help her get the money for refunds, (That is the excuse she will use to let you believe she will fix things). She sent the 300 dollars and asked that we remove the reviews??That wasn't even what we had agreed on but then she said that in her own way it was "giving us the money for park fees". She then said her conscience was clear since she had finally given us the park fees.How absurd!!! The other twist was that she had the rest of the money actually and that she would pay it in full only if we removed the reviews. We were done with the games and we told her she could run her business however she liked. I said i would write this here to which i received the reply "I have an alternative I will just pay $300 and have a new website"."Write as many reviews as you can my dear". She has quite the taste for mockery. It seems she has done it again to other tourists so avoid Lians Travel.
OM
Email VRISHALI | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fraud Travel Agent in Kenya duping international tourists.
This review is about LIANS Travel – actually LIA'R'S Travel,
Run by a woman named Lilian Maina – actually Lie-Liar.
BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE
This company and the woman are a big dirty fraud, playing with international tourist’s money and time and taking them for a ride completely sabotaging their holiday plans.
Unfortunately, me and my wife (Indians) availed their services for a 10 days tour in 2nd week of August-19, but had to return home within 2 days, courtesy Lie-Liar.
Lilian Maina (Lie-Liar) has absolutely no knowleage of her own country's geography, parks, attractions, logistics, flight network, hotel availability, etc., etc. and is incapable of organizing any tours for the discerning international tourists. They are here only to con international tourists and earn a fast buck. Lie-Liar is an epitome of disrespect, arrogance, rudeness, selfishness and impoliteness and does not care a hoot about international visitors.
Everything went wrong once we paid the initial 30% advance.
1. The responses from Lilian (Lie-Liar) became slow & required follow up for getting things done
2. There was no sense of urgency in booking the hotels and internal flights although our tour was to start in a week’s time. Finally, Lilian (Lie-Liar) sent fake unconfirmed hotel vouchers.
3. Lilian (Lie-Liar) abruptly moved our first hotel stay to a remote location of her choice at the last moment with total disregard to our itinerary. This resulted in compromising our 1st day's itenerary plan and settle for something that we did not want – but which Lie-Liar wanted !!
4. Lilian (Lie-Liar) advised somebody would pick us up at Nairobi airport on arrival. However, nobody turned up for an hour and until we called her up.
5. Lilian (Lie-Liar) demanded for the 70% balance payment on arrival in cash, without providing any confirmed hotel bookings for the entire itinerary. By this time, we had realized that we might not get the services that we are paying for, and deferred this payment for a day, telling Lie-Liar that we shall pay online when we reach the 1st night’s destination.
6. Incidentally, our fears/doubts turned out to be true -
- Lilian (Lie-Liar) had agreed for a 4x4 Land Cruiser initially, but on reaching Kilaguni Airstrip, gave us the oldest possible rickety van (and of course the cheapest possible) which was so uncomfortable & noisy that it frightened all animals from afar making any sightings impossible.
- Lilian (Lie-Liar) had advised the name of particular Guide cum Driver initially but instead sent a shady character at the last moment with whom we felt very unsafe and unsecure. His main agenda was to take us to the lodge as soon as possible so that we can make payment to Lilian (Lie-Liar) who was eagerly expecting her 70% payment.
- Lilian (Lie-Liar) had agreed that all Park Fees are included in the package price, but when we landed at Kilaguni airstrip and entered Tsavo-West National Park, she asked us to pay them instead.
- Lie-Liar had mentioned that bottled water is included in the price, but did not provide any.
7. Lilian (Lie-Liar) had thanked us initially for the business and said she will not disappoint us. However, as soon as she got the 30% advance, she gave us only disappointment after disappointment. What a shame for a woman.
8. Once Lie-Liar realized that we are not falling prey to her tactics and accepting whatever she is doling out to us, she became angry and abusive saying that she does not trust Indians. For a tourist service provider, these comments are in poor taste and clearly reflect that she hardly cares for her international clients and is here just want to make a fast buck.
9. Completely exhausted with her tantrums and upset with the proceedings, we were in no mood to go ahead with the tour and therefore decided to abort the trip and returned home within 2 days.
We are sure this must have happened with many international tourists who may not have posted their reviews for various reasons or would have ignored whatever sub-standard stuff was thrown at them. All the good reviews 4/5 and 5/5 that we read about LIANS (LIARS) Travel on various travel sites are fake and just cannot be true. These are definitely posted by Lilian (Lie-Liar) herself. One personal meeting with her is enough to understand what a criminal woman she is, but by then it is too late for the hapless traveler.
To cut the long story short, once the international tourists have paid the 25% - 30% advance, they are caught in the web of LIANS (LIARS) Travels and are compelled to accept whatever is doled out to them. Thus, their tour is completely deranged and they may even have to return empty-handed as we had to in 2 days.
We would therefore strongly urge all international tourists to refrain from taking LIANS (Lilian Lie-Liar) Travel's services for organizing any safaris in Kenya. There are similar bad reviews and experiences from many international tourists about LIANS (LIARS) Travel that are very clear warnings to all. We therefore urge all travelers not to trust LIANS Lilian (Lie-Liar) in any case and BOYCOTT LIANS (Lilian Lie-Liar) FOREVER.
AE
Email Antony Kurian | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A worst travel experience ever !!!
We were a group of 14 people (5 families) from Dubai who planned to visit Kenya from August 12 to 17 ,2019 ,through' Lians travel Africa ' . This tour operator was selected because she showed the lowest quote and best itinerary. We started communicating with Ms.Lilian, operation manager concerning parks, places, accommodations,vehicle.....about 6 months before the safari started and made an agreed contract for touring in Kenyya for 5 nights and 6 days for 14 people. We were made to pay 25% the initial booking amount as advance. As soon as we landed Kenya we paid the rest of the amount leaving a small balance to be paid at the end of the trip.We could sense some trouble in the beginning itself. We got the message fromMs.Lilian,4 days before our date of travel,saying our hotel bookings are cancelled. But later on she confirmed that every thing is done as per the agreed contract. During the first 3 days of our trip, our valuable safari time was wasted due to the issues between the drivers and agency, on 3rd day they changed the vehicles and drivers. But it took a very bad shape when we reached Masaai mara on 4th day. We were made to pay accommodation charges. What was more shocking was on 5th day we were left stranded without food and accommodation. Finally we had to find out a camp on our own, had to pay the park fees.etc.... we would not recommend to use Lian Travel agency services as they focus more on trying to cheat and get the most money from clients than increasing customer satisfaction/experience.
AE
Email Biju Oommen | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terrible Company !!! Cheaters !!! Left our group of 14 Tourists stranded in between the tour.
Complaint against Lians Travel Africa and the Operations Manager Lilian Maina.
We a group of 14 Indian Tourists including women and children from Dubai, United Arab Emirates had booked a tour package with Lilian's travel company and have been communicating with her from March, 2019 for this trip. We agreed for an all inclusive full board package for 5 Nights (12th Aug till 17th Aug 2019) excluding Flight tickets to visit Amboseli, Nakuru and Masai Mara. We paid a 25% advance before coming to Nairobi. As soon as we landed on 12th we could sense trouble as we were put up at a different hotel than agreed. Hence we only paid the rest of the amount leaving a small balance to be paid at the end of the trip.
However as the days passed, more trouble started and after the Amboseli and Nakuru hotel stay was over and when we reached Masai Mara, the company and Lilian could not be contacted anymore.
The Masai Mara hotel was just booked for one Night instead of two, this even after we agreeing on a contract with Lilian that was for the full travel stay of 5 Nights. After the first night stay at the hotel in Masai Mara is when we realised that we and our families and kids were left stranded without any money and accommodation. We had to arrange additional money with great difficulty and had to pay all our expenses for the last two days including the Masai Mara Hotel stay for two nights, Park entry and Masai Village fees ourselves.
The whole group feel cheated and we would like to officially log a complaint against Lilian Maina and her Travel company Lians Travel Africa.
Antony Kurian and Group (14 Tourists)
US
Email Anthony Almojera | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful experience. No guess work and wonderful driver Ronnie Dickson!
The company was very helpful and the facilities at the Maasai Mara were spartan but lovely. The animal sighting could not be beat. The driver Ronnie Dickson was phenomenal. We did not miss one animal. He knew where to go and was very informative about all the species. Would recommend this company to anyone who asks.
Email Patel Hitesh | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service and one of the best experience in Masai Mara trip
Very excellent communication, excellent service we received and on top of it time to time information we received
CZ
Email Mark | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terrible woman, very rude, non professional, stole our money, left us stranded
Dear reader, as you read this, please scroll to the review under this one. March 4th, a 5 star review of a ten-day safari with one picture of like 2 buffaloes, March 2nd, two days earlier, a one star review, might not seem odd. February 24th, one star review, followed two days by well what do you know, a five star review. From August 2018 to February 24th, zero reviews.And after two one star reviews, 2 days later a 5 star review shows up? The reason I’m pointing this is out is what I have to say about Lians Travel Africa. We met Lilian, the owner of Lians Travel in our estate, who had just arrived with the driver. They were slightly later than expected but nevertheless we were happy that they had come, we left and had to go to the bank to pay the driver presumably. This was on 11th February, long drive, thought we were stopping for lunch in a town called Narok but apparently after clients pay for all inclusive, they also pay for their own lunch. (I have the text message provided to me from Lilian’s confirmed number, check even on Lians Travel Africa at the bottom and see the Mobile phone number ending in 710 111. One passenger was sick but poor her, she didn’t even get lunch, priority was to get her to camp to relax. We saw the Maasai performance which was nice, safari on 12th was very nice too, it was a pleasant day and I can’t complain.
13th February was went it all went bad. We had no safari in the morning and I saw the itinerary and noticed a few issues that the driver had pointed out. I will mention these later. The driver was looking nervous and was talking to my daughter and her husband. We were just standing on the side of the road, not knowing what’s going on. A few phone calls in the car, messages exchanged, my daughter and her husband were getting concerned and from what they told me, the driver didn’t wanna go on the journey, it seems that driver was not paid his full money. We didn’t really know that but I just wanted to continue with the journey.
My daughter called this woman, her husband did too, the driver and at some point it was just shouting and shouting even when they told her to calm down. The woman called Lilian. From what I have been told, she accused my daughter’s husband of being on the same side as the driver who were apparently running the safari. I have the message to prove it. It’s funny because my son in law also paid for this safari so I didn’t understand why she accused him. Later he explained that Lilian sent a text message saying that “You are from Kikuyu tribe so I know you also stole something from the safari.” Kikuyu tribe is one of the biggest tribes in Kenya and apparently the stereotype is that Kikuyus love money and Lilian was by a long shot, trying to say that my daughter’s husband was stealing from us too. I think she thought that he was some travel agent who booked the holiday for us, in Europe we are not saying this to people, I just don’t understand why she said it. What kind of person is this or what kind of country is it where someone judges another by tribal basis? I really didn’t understand this. I will attach this message here and you will see with your own eyes. It’s unbelievable that after ditching us in Narok, she was trying to secretly find out if we paid the park fees for ourselves, hello? She had just ditched us a few hours earlier! Anyway,I’ve got a video of her telling us to “sort ourselves out”, it’s a shame I cannot post it here, but IF YOU ARE READING THIS,JUST GOOGLE LIANS TRAVEL and you will see even on YouTube.There is just something terrible about seeing your loved ones and family members looking despondent, it really gets you. it was very bad day, everyone frustrated, poor safari and we had to pay for transport and entrance for Nakuru. A police report was made but I understand that Lilian just hid from the authorities, no justice in Africa. It was a terrible experience for my family and my first time in Africa. You have seen the suspicious reviews here, and on no other platform will you find Lians Travel Africa, just on safari bookings, that should be your first red flag. Check the top of my post and see the reviews from August 2018 to now, see if they make any sense, 2 days after this, another 5 star review might show up. Since 4th March, no review yet, strange indeed. I shall attach the text messages here as proof.
I will give some advice too, there are many good travel companies, with good reviews all over the internet, much more trustworthy, do you wanna risk it with this company? I’m sure you don’t. I don’t recommend this company at all!
Email Martin and Nelius | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenya safari: An amazing holiday
I have just returned from a 10 night safari in Kenya and what a time I had! The holiday was meticulously organised by Lilian , Lians Travel; I knew I was in good hands from the first moment I corresponded with her. After a couple of emails I rang Lilian so she could get a really good idea of what I really wanted (within reason!) on my holiday in Africa, and also what I wasn't so keen on (single supplements, six Land Cruisers around one lion...). As I made my enquiry quite late in the year I was probably not in a good position to get a perfect fit, however the resulting 9 nights in the Kenya ,Amboseli,Samburu,Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara more than met my expectations.
Everything went like clockwork with transfers and for the majority of my trip I felt like the queen, having a safari to our group to the kenya Parks , I never had to worry about any aspect of our trip.
The Kenya Safari itself was incredible, and the Camp are special places. I enjoyed the most beautiful views, fantastic food, great hosting and exceptional guiding. I had so many memorable wildlife experiences. Here are my top 6: Lion Pride Seeing wild dogs for the very first time; seeing a leopard on a walking safari; elephants making a huge hullabaloo eating their breakfast right next to my tent; seeing a leopard slink right up to the car and give it a good sniff on a night drive; a couple of elephants sauntering by the dinner table as we guests were sitting by the fire enjoying aperitifs... magic!
I recommend Liant Travel unreservedly and I plan to book more safaris from them in the future.
CZ
Email Eve | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bad safari, not lunch, shouting rude owner,left on Maasai Mara roadside,
I was with my family in Kenya, East Africa, my husband and daughter going to Maasai Mara on 11th February until 14th February. For me and my family members, all the fees were paid. We had problems from first day, I was sick and I could not get free lunch, I’m not sure why not, I was sick and I didn’t even get some free lunch. I missed the safari anyway but it was my decision to miss it. On 14th February, our driver didn’t want going on the journey, our friends we travelling with told that driver not paid his money but we had paid in full. We asked if they can calling this owner of company, we had seen her in the first day, her name is Lilian. Our friends and the driver tried calling her but she was always shouting, and we not speak English good. We stopped many times because driver didn’t want continue with journey but we still must going to Nakuru park. Our friends told us that lady we met on first day, Lilian, from Lians Travel said we must “sort ourselves out” meaning that it was our problem and she said on phone, “I don’t care”. I have video of it and I will make it on all social media because it was very bad day, everyone frustrated, poor safari and we must pay for transport and entrance for Nakuru. Our friends after safari which we paid alone went to police station but no justice and no refund for our money. It was a terrible experience for my family and my first time in Africa. I not speak English and if I alone, I would in big big problems. Is many travel companies, please do not using Lians Travel because they make my family safari very horrible. I not recommend this company!