Julius Tact Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2006)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $550 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Watson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Still waiting a refund for money paid out due to park fees not being paid and a cancelled flight
I've held off from writing this review as I'd hoped that the owner would do the right thing and refund us the money that he owes us but unforuantley after 3 weeks despite promises we have not recieved anything. It's a long list of issues below but basically, we paid out for the park fees that should already have been paid as part of the holiday. We also have not recieved a refund for a flight that did not happen. I have found other reviews around Septemebr/October time saying the same thing. Around $2,000 owed.
We booked our holiday and safari using JT Safaris as we had used him 20 years ago and since then our parents had also booked tours through him. All those times, everything was fine. This holiday was a special treat for us and not something that we can afford normally so we really wanted it to go smoothly and hoped by using the same company it would.
Looking back, the communication was poor and I had to chase for the confirmations of bookings etc but I convinced myself that was OK. I wish I hadn't.
The holiday started OK with a lovely hotel but the next morning we found out that the flight to the Mara had been cancelled. No reason given and we had to drive. OK these things can happen and we were assured that we would recieve a refund the flight.
We then got to the lodge but it wasn't the one we'd booked. The driver assured us this was an upgrade so that was good right? Yes, it was lovely but it wasn't what we'd booked. I'd purposely booked tented accommodation as we wanted our daugther to experience 'glamping' in the wild.
Then on the second day of safari, the driver told us we had a problem. The money for the park entrance fee hadn't been given to him and because it was a holiday the money couldn't be transferred. He had managed to get us through the gate so far as he knew people but he couldn't guarentee that for the next day. We were really upset and didn't know what to do, we couldn't come all this way and miss out because of a mistake with money transfer. Again looking back we should have pushed back harder but stupidly we agreed to pay the fee. The guide was adamant that JT Safaris would honour the payment, do not worry, we were told. Again it was stressful and not something that we wanted on our minds. £1500 on top of the holiday isn't something that we can easily pay out.
After the safari, we flew to the coast. Again paperwork was missing and we only got it just before our flight, again stressful.
We then arrived at our beach hotel. It looked lovely but then we were taken to the basic rooms at the back of the complex. During the booking of the holiday, I'd been told that I needed to pay early to guarentee a beach view which I'd done as we wanted the better room.
We managed to get the room changed but the hotel was adament that the original room was the one booked and that we couldn't have a sea view as they were booked early. I got no clear answer as to whether a booking error, whether the seaview room had never been booked or if the hotel made a mistake.
We went to the offices at Diani and being far too nice for our own good, we believed the apologies and confirmations that the money would be transfered for the flights and the park fees. We contacted JT Safaris several times for updates and each time there was an excuse or they had to go to the bank in person etc etc. We have since tried multiple times to ask for a refund but again keep being told, it is on its way or the bank has said it will be with us. Still nothing.
Don't get caught out the same way.
DE
Email Carola | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unpaid and changed Lodges
I would not book JT Safaris again. Almost the whole safari was paid in advance and I had a confimation for all Camps and Lodges we were planning to stay. But when we arrived in Mombasa the first information we got was that we will not stay at Salt Lick Lodge but had to switch to another camp.
"Ok, that might happen in Kenia" we thought. But then, after four days of safari we came to Kibo camp in Amboseli and the booked rooms had not been paid for.
I phoned JT Safaris but nothing happened. It was really, really frustrating, especially if you are all dusty and a bit exhausted from the trip...
It took hours and in the end our guide paid the rooms, that we already paid for in advance.
Finally we made sure, that he got the money back - but without him - I am sure - we would have paid twice without any chance of getting our money back.
NL
Email Sabrine | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Nightmare safari
Stay away from JT Safaris!! Despite glowing reviews, we believe were scammed by Julius, which ruined our family’s safari trip to Kenya and Tanzania for my parents’ 65th birthdays.
We booked the trip nine months in advance and paid 50% upfront, with the remainder due six weeks before departure. Everything seemed well-organized, and our driver, George, welcomed us at the airport. The first few days went smoothly, but things quickly went downhill on my mom’s birthday, only the fourth day of our trip.
The prepaid hot air balloon ride—my mom’s birthday gift—had not been paid. Julius claimed there was an issue with the bank transfer not reaching the accommodation in time. Because it was Sunday, he asked us to pay the $1,800 USD by credit card so that we wouldn’t lose our reservation, promising an immediate refund when the banks opened on Monday. Since there was no reason so far to doubt him, we followed Julius's suggestion.
The next day, we found out the Maasai Mara park fees (another $800 USD) were also unpaid. Julius related this to the same bank transfer issue and again promised to resolve it.
Right before crossing the border to Tanzania, our driver showed us a signed copy of the bank transfer on his phone that Julius had asked him to show us. The exchange to our new Tanzanian driver went smoothly, so we felt relieved and hoped we could continue our trip without further issues.
During lunch, we discussed our Tanzanian itinerary with our new driver and immediately noticed his concerned expression. He was upfront with us, revealing that his version of the itinerary listed different accommodations than what we had booked. While the accommodations were good, they were not the ones we had booked and were significantly cheaper than those we had paid Julius for.
Throughout the trip, we had to constantly chase Julius for answers, which put a lot of negative energy, stress, and pressure on our family trip. Julius never communicated proactively, always offering promises and excuses, but never actual solutions. Given the positive reviews, we were shocked and deeply disappointed by the entire experience.
Unsurprisingly, we are still waiting for the $2.800 USD refund from Julius.
In short, Julius scammed us. JT Safaris is not to be trusted anymore. We truly cannot believe all the 5 star reviews after the experience we just had! Stay away!
Email Caroline | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Delivers what is requested!
Booked basecamp package via Julius, his rates were very reasonable compared to booking direct. I paid by credit card. Communication was good although a couple of prompts were needed at times. Julius is very genuine and WILL deliver whatever you request. He must be incredibly busy so give him time to respond and just follow up if you are unclear about anything. Julius also sorted out transfers to and from the airports, John our driver was on time, well mannered and was very helpful. I would definitely use Julius again if I’m lucky enough to go back to Kenya.
CZ
Email Jiri | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Family trip – Masai Mara, Lake Navasha, Amboseli, Tsavo East - Simply GREAT
This year (2024) in the spring, we bought tickets to Nairibi and only then did we start thinking about how we would fill the total of 10 days at the end of October. Kenya = safari and swimming in the Indian Ocean. So we started looking for ways to visit these treasures. Individual hiking without a guide for a family with 2 children is not popular in Kenya. So we were looking for a contact and we got a tip from a friend about an agency that supposedly "works" and so we contacted Julius Tact Safaris.
And right from the start, we have to say that they really work and we will recommend Julius further.
On the one hand, he put together a very nice plan of the trip for us and, most importantly, he arranged amazing places and accommodation. In Nairobi, the driver Georg picked us up at the hotel and he took care of us throughout the trip and showed us fantastic things. We were looking forward to seeing an animal, but what Georg showed us was really much more than we would have imagined, it was dreamy.
In addition, we were amazed that Georg knew it very well in all places, he told amazing information about each animal, he predicted what the animals would do and he responded sensitively to our wishes. In addition, he was a really good driver, friend with everyone in all the places he took us to – and that we visited a lot in those 6 days. Georg, thank you, it was great.
Julius, the whole trip exceeded our expectations and thank you very much. Next time (no worries) we will vote for JT Safaris again.
NL
Email Harry | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent in organisation
Despite the difficult times of COVID, Julius has of course also faced setbacks, but he does everything he can to make things as good and enjoyable as possible for the customer and to ensure an excellent holiday. Arranges everything well to your complete satisfaction. I have now been with him for the fourth time and it is excellent, TOP! Small organization where service and customer interests come first. Also this trip, 14 day safari, 100% satisfaction. Super beautiful and seen and enjoyed a lot of nature. We will certainly recommend JT to everyone.
NL
Email Jur | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari with Joseph
We went on a three-day safari with JT Safari to Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks, and it was truly amazing! Julius tailors the safari entirely to your wishes and takes the time to help you as much as possible. You can always message him with any questions or special requests.
Our driver and guide was Joseph, a really friendly guy who had incredible knowledge about the animals, the land, and the parks.
All in all, a fantastic experience! I highly recommend booking with JT Safari if you’re planning a safari in Kenya.
Email Cally | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
6 night Masai Mara from Nairobi
Julius and our driver Dominic provided another amazing safari. This is the fourth time I have booked with Julius and it never disappoints. We stayed at Ashnil Mara and Zebra River camp, both were fantastic. The process from booking right through to departure is very straightforward when booking with JT Safaris, I highly recommend. Very much looking yo planning the next visit!
CH
Email JV | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Adventure in Kenya
Contact with Julius was easy via email/Whatsapp. You have a lot of choice (route, length, accommodation etc) and the prices are more than fair. Everything was very well organised, we each had great accommodation and 'rooms' (thanks Julius!).
We were picked up on time by Alex at the airport hotel.
And off we went on an adventure in search of the 'Big Five' and other animals.
Our guide did his utmost to familiarise us with the flora and fauna of Kenya (thanks Alex!!). With his patience, knowledge and respect for the wildlife we had some wonderful moments. A perfect trip from start to finish and an unforgettable experience. We felt safe at all times and would book with JT again.
NL
Email Rolf | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great!
we had a fantastic safari in October 2024. Our guide Josef was also great and made sure we saw lots of animals. JT safari is recommended for everyone.
