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
ES
Email Eli | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Memorable five day safari tour
We did a five day safari tour with African Polecat and it was a great experience! We visited Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, Manyara lake and Tarangire. Our driver (Peter) and cook (Meshack) were very nice and professional people who took care of us all the time and with whom we had great fun! Peter is an excellent game driver. We also felt safe all the time. We had some issues with the group of people we shared the trip the first two days with, but we spoke with John and he managed to find solutions, which we appreciated a lot. Communication with African Polecat was easy and fluent, that was important for us and we are satisfied. When we were organizing the trip, James answered every single question I sent by email and John met with us the day before the trip to explain everything and answer further questions we might have. We highly recommend African Polecat and we thank Peter, Meshack, John and James for the memorable experiences that we lived during our trip!
IE
Email Dimitri Abadie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Experience
We did a 6 day safari across Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorogoro and Lake Manyara in August 2023. Everything was organised incredibly well.
Our guide Saidi was excellent at teaching us about these beautiful places and creatures. We were lucky to see both leopards and cheetahs up close additionally to scores of elephants and lions. The mix of lodge and camp was a great balance and good value for money. A key highlight was also the hard work of the chef Victor that cooked us superb meals throughout the trip.
IN
Email Sudheer | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
If you want me to describe about African polecat safaris, the guy James is just awesome.
This safari is one of our best experience, we have booked a 3 day safari with African polecat safaris and one day to matheruni waterfalls. From airport pickup to till the drop you won't get disappointed. We see all the animals written in the book in African safari. Special thanks to James who is our organizer.
FR
Email Ahmed and Sarah | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly professional and attentively to the listen of our wishes of the discovery of Tanzania
During our safari, we were accompanied by Elly who's well experienced, jovial, patient and who did every possible thing to make our 9 days trip so joyful.
Our adventures were in Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, central and north Serengeti. He drove us in most beautiful and interesting places with maximum of security provided and lot of confidence despite the difficulties of the absolutely uncomfortable roads. Our strong jeep broke up with a real serious problem in transmission and we never thought that the problem will be solve easily buy he managed to secure our transportation to our lodge with all our luggage and also managed to receive the spare part from Arusha to fix the problem and the next day in the morning, we were again ready to continue our safari in our same well repaired car !
He knew well about best timing to see different animals and also to watch the fantastic migration of wildebeests without waiting for so many hours, we had to wait for only 40 minutes and we were ready for the unique event without any struggle.
He gave us lot of useful and interesting information about fauna as well as flora in all of the above mentioned National Parks.
Wonderful journey that will remain forever in our minds. Thank you very much Elly! Also thank you James for orchestrating our itinerary from office.
Ahmed and Sarah
DE
Email Lara & eric | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptionally professional, well-organized and most pleasant tour operator.
We did a six day safari tour with African Polecat Safaris in February 2023 having the best time of our lives.
Starting with a smart and professional booking cycle, where James (tour operator) was exceptionally responsive and helpful, we started our Tanzania trip feeling very well prepared. After a quick and uncomplicated pickup, including a face-to-face briefing the day before, we drove from Arusha to the Serengeti. Elly, our driver and guide, did a fantastic job, showing us the best spots, explaining the wildlife and scenery during game drives, and making sure we felt welcome and comfortable at all times. Together with "DVD", the chef of the tour, they answered every single question and helped us to have a great trip and an extraordinary experience. We never felt like just their clients, but always part of a group of friends joking together and having a good time.
The guys managed to exceed all our expectations! From always taking care of us, being friendly and helpful, to showing us ALL of the Big Five, which was an absolute blast!!!! Elly promised us he would fight to make this happen, and he kept his word :)
Overall, we had an outstanding time during our trip, with most lovely people who even became friends of us!
If you are thinking about doing a Safari trip, always keep African Polecat Safaris in mind and ask for Elly and DVD - those guys made our vacation unforgettable!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing adventure with great crew!
In February 2023 I went on a 6 day safari adventure with my brother with Polecat Safaris and it was an experience of a lifetime! The highlight of our trip was seeing the big 5 and so many more amazing animals, which was made possible by our incredibly knowledgeable and skilled guide/driver Eli. He was an absolute pleasure to be around, and made the entire trip so much more enjoyable with his comfortable driving and hard work.
The amazing food that was prepared in the middle of nature by the cook, DVD, was constantly surprising and delicious! We couldn't believe the quality (and amounts) of the meals that were served up on a daily basis, and it really made the whole experience much more memorable.
The owner, James, was very friendly and helpful in arranging the entire experience for us, and meeting is in the hotel lobby the evening before our safari to explain our trip. He even helped us out in booking some last minute day trips afterwards, which we really appreciated.
Thank you, Polecat Safaris, for an unforgettable trip!
SE
Email Sara | under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very nice safari with an excellent guide and group!
We went for a 6 day camping safari and loved it. We had an amazing group and guide wich I think is vital for having a good experience. James was also very helpful and answered all of our questions before arriving and helped us with the booking. The only downside was that we didn’t get picked up at the airport as we agreed, but it was easy to find a cab at the airport and we got our money back for the cost of the taxi.
PL
Email SERG | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The adventure of a lifetime. Epic safari tour - colorful, exciting, interesting, funny and safe.
It was like visiting Wonderland with magicians as a guides. Thanks to them you can not only see, but also feel the beauty and richness of Tanzanian nature and culture. An unforgettable trip, really.
I strongly recommend African Polecat Safaris.
James is a gentelman who do knows how to provide exellent service and organization during one week family safari.
Great communication, reasonable prices, safety. And a lot of pure fun.
Once again, big thank you my friend for a dream trip.
Hakuna Matata
BE
Email Kristof | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great
As I travelled in Afrika for the first time, from Rwanda through Tanzania to Zanzibar The last leg of my journey was a safari in north Tanzania, from bustling Arusha to taranjire to ngorongoro. This was a great experience! The organisation was very professional and correct. Very much worth its price! What stood out was our guide/driver Malisa! His beautiful personality stood out! Combined with a high degree of professionalism/patience/people skills. He made everybody feel comfortable and enjoy. His unlimited knowledge of the local fauna and flora and photography skills are memorable! He made my safari exceed my expectations! I felt blessed!