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
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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.
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Email Casey | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic trip!
I booked a trip with Pictus Safaris and was extremely satisfied with their service and dedication. From the pre-trip planning stage to the trip itself, everything was done very professionally and smoothly. I received timely updates about the status of my trip, important travel info, and received prompt replies to any and all questions that I had. The trip was awesome, and I was accompanied by the owner, who made certain that everything went smoothly and that all my needs were being met. As a somewhat season safari goer, I can unreservedly say that this was the best service I have ever had from a tour operator and would recommend them highly to anyone.
MX
Email Ana Merino | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience! Excellent service
The entire experience with Pictus Safaris was excellent from start to finish. From the beginning, communication was most effective and transparent. Prior to the trip, Tom gave us all the necessary information to prepare for our trip (packing list, list of animals that we could see, among other documents necessary to travel to Chad, all very well prepared and specified). Even, days before our trip, there were some riots in Chad and Tom was very attentive, informing us about the situation and putting the safety of all of us first.
The coordination of all services with the camp (Tinga Camp) was very good.
We had incredible days during our stay at Zakouma National Park, in which we were able to see a huge number of animals and species, some of my favorites being: the large herds of elephants that can only be seen in Zakouma, servals (we saw almost 30!), leopard (2), lions, cheetah ( 2), porcupines (3), honey badgers (more than 7), genets(I lost count of how many), pale fox, hyenas, and of course the impressive spectacle of the “murmuration” of queleas, in which it was awsome to see millions of queleas fly at the same time, in the same direction.
Although the weather conditions were rough (temperatures between 43 and 46 Celsius degrees) it was totally worth it! We ended this adventure extremely happy and satisfied and with the intention of repeating the experience with Pictus Safaris in any of the other incredible destinations it offers.
Tom's attention at all times was the best, and he worked very well with the local guide (Ramadan), both excellent guides and spotters, and with a lot of knowledge of wildlife.
Thank you Pictus Safaris for showing us the greatness of Zakouma National Park in Chad!
Email Jack | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A superbly organised, hassle-free tour taking in stunning locations.
From start to finish every stage of my trip with Pictus Safaris was faultless. A standout itinerary was followed by quality customer service and support, with clear communication throughout the booking process. All aspects of the tour were taken care of, and all requirements were met, including catering for a vegetarian diet, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the experience.
The safari itself was a two-week tour of southern Tanzania, with visits to two national parks - Ruaha and Mikumi - and one game reserve - Selous. All three were incredible locations and provided outstanding viewing, with sights including wild dog, cheetah, leopard, serval and civet.
The vast knowledge of the tour organiser, of both the location and the wildlife, added massively to the quality of the trip. I would highly recommend Pictus Safaris and would be delighted to use their services again.
Email Michael | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
My trip to Tuli was really special, all thanks to the work of Tom and the Pictus Safaris team. Being able to track down wild leopard and cheetah was a dream come true. Everything went smoothly from my first email to Tom and I can’t recommend Pictus Safaris highly enough.
Email Joe Hitchen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good wildlife, good company!
I had an excellent trip to Uganda a two years ago with Tom. He had planned our itinerary meticulously and was an excellent photography guide - Always willing to offer advice without being pushy. Different primates and colourful lizards were everywhere, but the highlights included a trio of lion club at Murchison Falls that had been left hiding alone in the long grass, a large troop of chimpanzee eating from a fig tree in Kibale, and just how close you could get to the rhinos at Ziwa.
It is definitely only a question of when I head back to Africa, rather than if, and I am already browsing Pictus' 2022 catalogue for inspiration.
Email Fred | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A once in a lifetime trip to South Luangwa, Zambia
It was my lifetimes ambition to travel on safari to South Luangwa, Zambia and experience the wildlife in their natural habitat. Whilst there, I saw leopard, wild dog and lion at the same time taking in the breathtaking natural beauty of Zambia.
Travelling with Pictus Safaris, was easy and I had a great time as it was so well organised. I never had any worry about any of the arrangements, they took care of every last detail which made the trip that much more extraordinary.
I would throughly recommend them and hope to be travelling with them again in the future.