Time 4 Afrika
- Located In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2003)
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
Reviews
AE
Email Karim Mokhtar | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fraud!
Please do not book any thing with this company, I am a tourist who was stolen by the guy who run this company named Ernest Magesa, he said he will give us a Safari and when we transferred the money to his bank he disappeared and he did not give us anything, I call him to give the money back 2400 $ and he never did since last July, we informed the Tanzanian Police and Tourism Authorities and they promised they will take action, DONT USE THIS COMPANY YOU WILL BE STOLEN ! Safari Bookings already put a warning about it
Worst tour I have ever had the displeasure of being on!
I booked and paid through Commonwealth Bank Australia via International money transfer for a 4 day Selous Safari with the company with a contract signed and itinerary set out. (6 months in advance)
I paid extra money (above what was quoted for the tour) when I did the IMT for airport transfer and overnight accommodation before the safari.
I was picked up, accommodated overnight and the next morning I was asked how I was paying for the accommodation. I explained that I had already paid for this as part of my tour package and this was sorted out once the tour owner/operator turned up.
I asked if I could go on a night game drive added to the tour (after initial payment in July) and was quoted $150USD. When I was collected from the accommodation I was asked to pay $200USD for the organised night game drive and an additional $35USD. The $35USD was because when I was quoted the full tour amount and advised what I had to pay they did not include the bank fees charged by the tour company’s bank. I paid the quoted amount as advised by them and MY banks fees for the international money transfer. Rather than argue I paid the $235USD to the owner/operator, and I was driven to Selous, to Kinga Lodge.
After 1 night accommodation and a river safari I was told that the booking was only made by the tour company the day before I had arrived in Selous. I paid the full tour amount on 28/07/2014 and undertook the tour on 18/01/2015, so my payment was made well in advance.
The manager of the Kinga Lodge in Selous, Robert, tried to contact the owner/operator of 'time 4 Afrika' to sort out details as no money had been paid to them by the tour company and only 2 of the 3 nights I needed were available for me due to the Lodge being booked out.
Both Robert, the Lodge manager, and I, tried to contact the owner/operator of 'time 4 Afrika', and were unable to. Robert then called, Howard who was the to tour company’s driver and who was staying in the village waiting to transport me back to Dares Salaam at the end of my safari.
Howard made contact with the owner/operator of 'time 4 Afrika' who said he would forward money when the bank opened the next day (19th Jan 2015). Money was received the next day but not all of the fees that were due were sent.
I had no confirmation from anyone as to where my last night in Selous accommodation would be, no details about the night drive and the full game drive, all of which had been paid for by me.
Robert, the manager of Kinga Lodge advised that I should return to Dares Salaam as I had received no confirmation of my accommodation for that last night in Selous or confirmation of my booked activities going ahead.
Howard drove me back to Dares Salaam. On the way back we ran out of fuel and we had to wait in a small town while money was sent to him from the tour company so he could put enough fuel in the car to complete the journey.
I was delivered to the airport and told ‘things’ would be looked in to when Howard returned to the office. I have heard nothing and do not expect to, least of all do I expect be refunded for the accommodation and activities that I did not receive as I am sure this company has no morals or code of ethics.
This tour was stressful and traumatic and I would like to make other people aware of this fraudulent company!
I am 60 years old and I have travelled extensively all around the world. In all my travels this is by far the most disgraceful and dishonest tour company I have ever had the displeasure of being associated with.
They happily took my money and did not even attempt to deliver the good/services they promised!
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Without a doubt the WORST tour operator ever
Ernest (the contact person) for Time 4 Afrika rarely, if ever answered his phone or responded to emails. Before arriving in Tanzania we were told that all hotel bookings and the itinerary were confirmed, yet upon arrival at our first hotel, no booking had been made. The next morning, we met with a sub-contracted tour operator of Time 4 Afrika who then explained to us that nothing in terms of hotel or itinerary had been booked. Consequently, we were not able to stay at any of the hotels are stated in the contract. Further, Ernest refused to forward payments to the safari tour operator in a timely manner. As such, we were LITERALLY kicked out of our Serengenti hotel one night, and had to spend the night in the park rangers office!! Ernest never came to meet us in either Arusha or Zanzibar, and still has yet to pay the hotel in Zanzibar!! On top of all of this, he has the audacity to ask for more money even though he has not honored a single term of the contract! I have been in contact with the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators, as well as other government departments to try to make sure that Ernest Mangela and Time 4 Afrika never operate another tour again! I advise you to PLEASE not use this tour operator under any circumstances.
Reply from Time 4 Afrika
Posted on Aug 26, 2014Hi Brandon,
Thank you for your negative review , but i spoke to you when in Arusha and we agreed that you are doing own arrangement with the other tour operator and they took over your safari so Time 4 Afrika didnt take you on safari,as you did everything last minute and we informed you about the hotels availability, you even instructed me to send the money to the tour operator in Arusha and i did ,and i told you the deposit you paid was for your accomodation in Zanzibar yet you insisted that i send the money and so the deposit left with us was not enough to pay for your Zanzibar hotel, i even saved you after i spoke to the hotel in Zanzibar i told them to allow you to check out without payment then you will come to our office to settle the difference and you decided not to come , everyday i send you emails to remind you to send the pending payment but you don't reply ,to be honest we have never had such a client as you before , please send us what you are supposed to pay as we are not responsible to pay for your holiday.
Ernest
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience with Time 4 Africa!
We found this Safari Agency through the suggestion of the Manager of our hotel in Dar Es Salaam, as we were interested in organizing a last-minute three-days safari in the Mikumi Park. In less than one hour, our private safari was settled! What a great experience! Our guide was really nice and helpful, the accommodation was comfortable and really close to the park and the safari was perfect! Even though we had a flat tire the guide immediately solved the problem with no time loss for our trip. Beautiful safari with a great company!
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing friendly people who made oir stay truly memorable.
We went to Tanzania in a Group. I remember at the Airport we didnt have to wait too long before we were picked up and taken to our lodgings. We arrived quite late and we were hungry, I remember Ernest taking us around trying to help us get food in teh middle of the night. The transfers from Dar to Mazimbu were well organized. We had a really good time on teh road with friendly staff giving us the history and background of all the villages we would pass. It was a wonderful experience. I cannot recall the hotels we stayed at but I remember it was really beautiful, the food was amazing. We also took a flight to Zanzibar which was so well organized. We had amazing beach accomodation,Ernest helped us organize our swimming activites i.e snorkelling and trips on the boats, spice tours and various parties. I had such a wonderful time and must say that Time 4 Afrika's organised knowlegeable staff put my mind at ease. I felt like I was at home an taken care of. I have a splendid time. Thank you for making my trip AMAZING and UNFORGETABLE.
Thank you
MY
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience
My dreams were fulfilled by the time I completed my trip to Tanzania.. Time 4 Afrika made sure I received everything I expected and there was never a moment that I did not feel comfortable working with them. They are extremely professional in how they deal with their clients and with the products they deliver. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has any plans of traveling to Tanzania. Great job guys..!!!!!!
I can't thank enough the Time 4 Afrika team, for sure they exceeded our expectations
Brilliant safari experience ! Safari in sellous game reserve and beach holiday in Zanzibar was perfect
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience
I recently booked a safari with Time 4 Africa with my friends from Dar Es Salaam to Arusha and finally to Zanzibar. The experience was better than I had expected. The entire team are extremely professional, kind hearted, reliable and efficient and I cannot thank them enough for making this a very memorable experience for me and my friends. Good job guys...!!
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience
A very reliable tour operator. Everything was fine with the lodge and the activities. Hope to come back soon!
SA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Breath taking
This is one of the best experiences I have ever had. Very friendly and trustworthy organization.
They are the best!