African Polecat Safaris team
African Polecat Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2019)
- Member Of:
- TTB, TALA, TANAPA, BRELA & NCAA
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $650 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
DE
Email David | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
7 day safari tour with chaotic organization and downgrades
We did a seven day safari tour organized by African Polecat including Tarangire NP, 3 days Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Biking to Lake Manyara and a cultural tour and finally a walking tour at Arusha NP.
First of all, doing such a safari tour is an amazing experience and we can really recommend it - just not by this operator.
We specifically chose this tour because accomodation-wise it offered a nice combination of 3 nights of sleeping in tents in the nature (with animal encounters right in front of the tents!) and then really nice locations at the start and end, namely 2* the jungle pearl resort and 1* karibu heritage.
Starting the first day, we were told, that there would be a change in plan, with Arusha NP at the first day, rather than the last day- which was fine to us at the moment, but then after a very nice safari day we were dropped off at a cheap Hotel in Arusha that was not even on the travel list, costs less than half as much and is badly rated on google maps and booking (3/10!!). A place we never would have chosen or booked ourself. The next day we were mixed with another group and picked up by another driver and guide. We thought we would continue with the initial guide - which was no problem per se - but sad because this way we didnt had the chance to tip the initial tour guide which did a spectacular job explaining all the animal encounters. With the new - suddenly scrambled together - group, the journey continued but we ended up at different accomodations than booked.
After Tarangire we were driven to kizumba camp site instead of jungle pearl (also not as nicely rated, rather basic in comparison). We texted James (the organizer) why this was the case and he said he forgot to remind the driver.
On day 6, we had only a short day at Ngorongoro crater, because the rest of the group and the driver would go on to Arusha for the afternoon, which was not on our plan anymore. So we were dropped off along the way at jungle resort (even then the driver didnt get the right instructions for us; we basically had to make sure to arrive at the right place; even the location didn’t know of our supposed arrival). Any way we lost half a tour day because apparently we were mixed with another group which had a different tour plan.
The last day at manyara lake we were a little bit worried to not reach the planned arrival at the airport in the evening with all the organizational problems. When texting James he ensured us that a driver will pick us up and everything is arranged. When sitting in the final taxi, we thought that now nothing could surprise us anymore, when suddenly the taxi would drive to a place in Arusha and drop us off there, instead of at the airport. After waiting there for 20 minutes a second taxi drove us to the airport. Again without previous communication.
It is indeed a very weird feeling, when you are in a foreign country and half the time you enter a vehicle, you get dropped-off at a random place that was not communicated or agreed on.
Minor inconveniences: no binoculars as advertised, no beverages or alcoholic drinks as advertised, no 3l water a day as advertised, no hot shower water as advertised, no toilet paper (we thought to really expect those things would be a stretch, given the nature of the safari, but still…).
Erika the cook and Amos the guide were lovely and I don‘t feel like they are at fault for any of these problems. It very much felt like a lack of communication and providing organization and information.
A safari tour is very much recommended and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I cannot recommend Polecat as operator.
Reply from African Polecat Safaris
Posted on Oct 24, 2023We appreciate your candor on all that was revealed about our seven-day tour. That being said, we made amends and left in a courteous manner, including offering you a private tour of Arusha National Park. We pledge to improve and provide our clients with the finest service possible, accepting full responsibility for any inadvertent errors that may have happened, this has been the greatest test of our development, and we vow to improve and provide the finest service to our clients. Furthermore, we are offering a complimentary two-day excursion to our chosen places in the event that you, a friend, or a relative ever visit Tanzania.
Regards
Team Polecat Safaris
AR
Email Maria | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good
At the beginning of our trip, we realized we had made a significant mistake with the start date when booking our safari. Fortunately, Ibra from the agency responded to our messages late at 10 p.m. and went above and beyond to reorganize the entire trip. This ensured we didn't lose any money and could proceed as planned the very next day. The accommodations were excellent and exceeded our expectations. Our driver Steven made a great effort to help us spot the Big Five and was very friendly, which made our days enjoyable.
One minor point to consider was a few issues we experienced with the car's engine. However, this did not impact our overall experience, which turned out to be one of the best of our lives!
DE
Email Sophie&Chris | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Lokal Operator
We booked a 13-day safari with polecat. We spent 4 days in Zanzibar and 9 days on safari in Tanzania. Our guide was Manfred. Manfred did an incredibly good job. He knew an incredible amount about all the animals, the individual peoples and the country. There was no question he could not answer. He was always in a good mood and made our days wonderful. I would advise everyone who books with polecat and wants to support a local provider to ask for Manfred as a guide, then your safaris will be a complete success
IT
Email Francesca | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very attentive and fast in responding
The Safari was an amazing experience. Our guide Frederick was very knowledgeable, kind and also fun, he made sure we saw all the animals we wanted. The jungle pearl lodge was one of the best hotels we ever slept in, wonderful luxurious bungalows and amazing personnel. We definitely recommend!
AR
Email Juan Manuel | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good service. They fulfilled everything agreed and always willing to solve any problem
Fue un viaje increíble, la agencia fue muy seria y cuidadosa con todos los pasajeros. Super amables. El campamento estuvo super bien, estaba todo previsto, no falto nada. En lo personal, me hubiese gustado permanecer más días. La empresa la recomiendo, y en mi caso particular, el guia hablaba tres idiomas, lo que lo hace super recomendable. La comida siempre exquisita y el ambiente muy amigable. Una muy buena empresa para volver a contratar y para recomendar a otros viajeros.
It was an incredible trip, the agency was very serious and careful with all the passengers. super friendly The camp was super good, everything was planned, nothing was missing. Personally, I would have liked to stay more days. I recommend the company, and in my particular case, the guide speaks three languages, which makes it highly recommended. The food is always delicious and the atmosphere is very friendly. A very good company to hire again and recommend to other travelers
SK
Email Peter | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
World Class Safari in Serengeti
We saw a lot of animals in our Serengeti and Ngorongoro 3-day long trip, however I think there were many things that were supposed to be better and different! I very much understand that there is always something that is not going according to the original plan, so I was not expecting a perfect trip. Eventually, what I was pleased with was James’s follow-up after the trip which I believe made it different from other companies that I was considering when booking.
HU
Email Andras | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Completely satisfied with the guide, Simba. He is a well-prepared, funny guy. Highly recommend
We are beyond a great safari experience, we have been on a 2 day tour of the Ngorongoro and Tarangire National Parks. We were completely satisfied with our guide, Simba. He is a well-prepared, funny guy, he described in detail the behavior of all animals! Luckily we could see the "Big 5" of Africa. The food received during the tour was delicious, the accommodation was satisfactory in this price category.
Regardless, I can't give 5 stars because the airport pick-up time wasn't kept by the company despite what was agreed. After arrival to Arusha Airport on Day 0, we waited for about 30 mins for the driver, but he didn’t come, the company was unreachable both by phone and Whatsapp! We were forced to catch a taxi, the price of which was later at least compensted by the company...
CH
Email Rahel | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari trip with excellent tour guide
We booked a 7-day trip with African Polecat Safaris with 5 days on safari in various national parks (Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara) and it was an impressive experience to observe the wildlife and be so close to nature. A memory that will last a lifetime. The duration was just right for us. If you have less time, you can skip Lake Manyara Park, as it is the hardest place to spot animals. The accommodation (Haradali's Home, Jungle Pearl Resort, Moyo Tented Camp, Ang'ata Camp, Forest Hill Hotel) was very well maintained and the food was good. Our guide Benedict has a lot of knowledge and experience about the animals and was able to answer all our questions. He also took a lot of time to answer questions about the culture. We had a great time with him and he always took good care of us. He is a very funny and kind-hearted person. We were able to see all the Big 5 and Ugly 5 - our expectations were completely exceeded. A big thank you to Ben! We can highly recommend a booking with African Polecat Safari.
CH
Email Vit | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari Journey
We booked a 7-day trip with Polecat Safaris, with 5 of those days being actual safari days. The first and last days were dedicated to arrival, departure, and related logistics.
Ibrahim from Polecat Safaris provided us with an offer in no time and was always quick to respond to any questions we had. Together, we were able to tailor the trip exactly to our preferences. On the day we arrived in Arusha, Ibrahim and Alex were punctual, met us at the airport, gave us a brief tour of Arusha, and brought us to our hotel. The real journey began the following day.
Our safari guide, Benedict, accompanied us throughout the trip. He was always attentive to our needs and made every effort to fulfil our wishes. Benedict is incredibly friendly and has a great sense of humour. We got along wonderfully with him from day one. His extensive knowledge of wildlife and plants made the experience engaging and enriching—there was never a dull moment.
We visited the following national parks: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara.
Thanks to Benedict, we were able to see everything we had hoped for, including rare sightings of leopards, cheetahs, and rhinos.
The accommodations and meals were also of good quality. At Moyo Camp in the Serengeti, we experienced the thrill of lions and hyenas roaming in or near the camp at night (it’s strictly prohibited to go out alone after dark). Other animals were also around, and we could spot many of them during the day.
Overall, it was an incredible experience with Polecat Safaris, especially thanks to Benedict. A big thank you for making this trip unforgettable!
Email Diana | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
very well informed, responded to every question asked
it was a seven days safari tour with friends our safari was adventurous, full of wildlife thrills and experience, our guide Ben, ensured to fill us with every required information about animals , the national parks as well as nature in general, we were provided with amazing services and our safety was ensured for, we travelled and arrived back safely filled with magnificent safari wildlife experience.