Mufasa Tours and Travels

A review that could have been very different

Taking a safari with Mufasa Tours and Travels was, for the most part, a good experience. We are frequently safari goers and based on the ratings we'd seen, there were high expectations in our minds. The incredible wildlife, wonderful accommodations, and having a dedicated guide, Nelson, contributed to many memorable moments. However, our encounter with the company's refund policy left us with mixed feelings about our overall journey.

The Positives:
Our safari with Mufasa Tours and Travels initially promised an exclusive and flexible adventure, and in many aspects, it delivered. The personalized game drives facilitated by Nelson were informative and tailored to our preferences. The company's commitment to providing an exclusive vehicle and guide allowed us to immerse ourselves fully into bush therapy. Caroline, who coordinated our bookings, demonstrated prompt and professional communication when addressing our concerns, and made the entire booking a pleasant experience. Nelson was a good guide and ensured we had the best sightings based on what he heard over the radio.

The Disappointment:
We had opted for a 4x4 Land Cruiser instead of a Minivan for more comfort. However, the vehicle we received was probably one of the older ones if not the oldest. It was quite different from what is advertised on their YouTube video. The vehicle was rickety, glass windows used to vibrate vigorously during the drives and the pop-up roof had rust and loose metal shreds which can be a big risk. When we reached the Mara from Nairobi, the backdoor got jammed and it took hours to retrieve our bags and other luggage (which included baby food!!). For a company of good reputation, it is imperative that vehicles are kept spic and span and regularly maintained.
From the reviews we read online, we had requested for Nelson to be our good. While he was good in several aspects such as stopping when we ask or changing the angle when photographing, one thing we did not appreciate was that he used to be on the phone all the time. Instead of giving us some insights about the animals we see (simple things such as what pride of lions is this, how big it is, etc.), it felt more like a race from one sighting to the other. Even though we are bird lovers, most of them we had to ask him to stop otherwise he would just drive past without even looking.
Additionally ... our journey regrettably took an unexpected turn when our baby fell ill, forcing us to cut our safari short. Upon inquiring about a partial refund due to the unforeseen circumstances, we encountered a rigid adherence to the company's no-refund policy for last-minute changes. While we understand and respect the importance of policy adherence, we had hoped for more flexibility and understanding given the exceptional nature of our situation.

Conclusion:
Our overall experience with Mufasa Tours and Travels was a tale of two halves. The wildlife and photographic opportunities made the safari portion truly memorable. However, the disappointment stemming from the company's inflexible refund policy has left us contemplating our future travel choices. While the company provides an undoubtedly unique and exclusive safari experience, potential travelers should be mindful of the company's strict policies, especially in unforeseen circumstances. As we reflect on our safari with mixed emotions, we may consider alternative options for our future adventures, seeking a balance between policy adherence and customer understanding.