Director Tom Clode on the trail of wild dogs
Pictus Safaris
- Located In:
-
United Kingdom
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2020)
- Tour Types:
- Budget & mid-range tours with set start dates and a fixed itinerary
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $252 to $755 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
US
Email Bonnie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Lack of Integrity
I made a deposit for a trip to Chad for 2023 (cannot remember exact date but late March to early April). The deposit was $2000 a lot of money. However, when the time approached for the final payment, I had severe misgivings as I was worried about the security situation in Chad. I ultimately chose not to go. Even though I canceled after the deadline, the operator assured me that he would work things out in some way, either by replacing me with someone else wherein I would get my deposit back or offering me a discount on a future trip. Neither of these actions occurred and to this day, I have never again heard from the operator. However, I did confirm that he found someone else to take my place while obviously keeping my deposit and never informing me about this. I think this bespeaks of a total lack of integrity and shady business practices, as well. I have told many people about this situation and every single one agreed that this was bad business protocol, renege on a promise to work with me, and all stated they would never use this company, as I will also not use. I will also not book any trip with any tour operator who partners with this company, of which I am well acquainted with one. Beware and be forewarned of shady businesses like Pictus Safaris.
Reply from Pictus Safaris
Posted on Feb 29, 2024We thank this client for the opportunity to respond to this review. Pictus Safaris, of course, prioritise the safety and comfort of our clients at all times, and work extremely hard to ensure that all clients are able to enjoy not only their holiday, but also the booking process. To this end, whenever a client chooses to cancel at late notice, we always endeavour to offer as much flexibility to them as possible. In this instance, as soon as the client cancelled, significant efforts were made to fill their place on this group tour. Ultimately, these were unsuccessful at cost, and their place was taken by a traveller who joined the tour at a significant discount on cost, resulting in a large financial loss on this tour. Regardless, we would of course have been happy to offer to transfer the paid balance to another departure, or to offer flexibility with regards to a refund above and beyond our terms and conditions. However, subsequent to the client cancellation, the only contact we have had with the client has been several negative reviews. We regret that we could not resolve this more amicably, and wish the client happy travels in future. Our record in operating safe and enjoyable safaris to destinations across Africa, including Chad, speaks for itself.