CA
Review from a 3 week tour of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in Jan 2016
Review from a 3 week tour of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in Jan 2016.
Before I begin the review of atc, I wanted to make note that many of overland tours are similar in terms of itinerary, food, vehicle, etc. What really makes or breaks the trip are the people. If you have a bad group (whether crew or passengers), that's really what's going affect you the most.
I did not have a good group - a lot of negative people, complainers who really should have not booked a budget camping tour in Africa but they were too cheap to do an upgraded so instead chose to complain about everything.The point of this is, you can't really base your decision to go with a company based on reviews.
Anyways, overall everything advertised in the itinerary was delivered but I don't think itinerary was transparent about the amount of time spent on the truck. It would have good to include approximate distance and time travelled each day would be good so passengers are informed beforehand (not during) of how much time they'll actually be spending on the truck. I would estimate 3/4 of the time was the truck.
The food mediocre Less processed ingredients should be provided and definitely more variety. There should have been opportunity to try local food but there was none, that was hugely disappointing. Instead of buying crappy food from the supermarket, why not take us a local restaurant once in a while? The crew did not eat what we ate for lunch. They would get local food. In one instance we stopped right in front of a restaurant (where the crew ate, yet we were given the same old thing) and ridiculously overpriced souvenir shop (e.g. quote given for a small wooden statue - $400), absolutely ridiculous.
The overland truck was sufficient though had there been more passengers, I definitely would not be happy being cramped on that truck for the amount of time were on there. The truck itself looked/felt dirty but because it's dated and old but the driver did clean it.
Campsites were in good condition and most (if not all) had an option to upgrade, hot water and wifi (though often didn't work) and bar/restaurant. Tents and sleeping mats were durable, good quality, though stinky because you often have to pack them up when they're still wet from condensation or rain.
Aside from the driver, I didn't find the crew to be friendly or approachable. They did not interact with the group and were aloof and to be quite honest had a chip on their shoulder. I felt that we were a nuisance to them and they couldn't be bothered with us, and it often felt they were talking about us in Swahili. I certainly didn't feel at ease with them. I also didn't feel any effort was put into the trip, just the bare minimum just to say they did it. It didn't come across that the leader and cook enjoyed their jobs.Having said that, the cook did provide us with a hot breakfast everyday even if that meant waking up at 4am.
The payment method was ridiculously complicated and unnecessary. It should be the crew's responsibility to ensure they have the required local payment, not for passengers to be carrying US$ for local payment.
However, my biggest complaint is about being overcharged (and feeling ripped off). For one, the prices for the optional excursion were much higher than should have been. We paid $500 (plus tips for the guides, cooks, etc) for 2 days for the Serengetti excursion, yet others I met during my travels paid the same amount for a 4 day tour! In Zanzibar, the spice tour was $40 with ATC yet I got it for $15 on my own (lunch and transportation included) only 3 other pax. All the Zanzibar excursions were double if not triple the prices. The whole point of going with a group was cheaper prices but ATC charges the same or more.
I also don't understand what the local payment went towards. I paid equivalent of $80USD/day. Campsites cost $5 (according to tour leader), the food purchased cannot possibly be more than $15/person/day - even that is a high estimate. Fuel, I'm not sure how much that would be but certainly not $60/person/day. Most days were spent on the bus (no entrance fees or other costs). So what was that money used for?
Hope this helps others in deciding.
SG
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent and efficient service.
Communication is very easy and very efficient completely living up with expectation. We are very satisfied with the way our Kruger Park visit was organized. On top of it, Rhino Post lodge is probably one of the best in Kruger Park itself for it atmosphere, friendly people and the high quality of the safaris. The best for viewing animals
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Experience
My wife and I had a great experience with Seka and Taste of Afrika Tours. The staff was very knowledgeable and provided excellent service. Highly recommended.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Lifetime safari memories that will last forever
With my husband, I did a week's safari in February 2016 and ended up being one of the best trips I have done. I can without any hesitation recommend African Sermon Safaris. Daniel was very quick at replying my enquiries. He put together a safari package I was very pleased with. We had Steve who was a brilliant driver and, but a great companion for the week. We visited the famed Maasai Mara Game Park, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha and finished with Amboseli which is at the foot of the giant Mt. Kilimanjaro and truly we had a fabulous time. Steve is a great game spotter, safe and responsible driver and more importantly resourceful. He was very knowledgeable of the scenes, wildlife, culture, and looked after us every step of the way. Time and funds allowing, I hope to return for another trip in the near future. Kenya is an incredible country and African Sermon Safaris made the experience memorable. Many thanks!
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very well organized, friendly staff, professionals.
I booked several times with advenafrica, from just a car till a whole safari for 3 weeks.
I also climbed mounth kilimanjaro with them.
The communication is very good, fast reactions on mail. Fair prices. I travelled both Kenya and Tanzania with them. what was important for me, was the fair treatment and respect for all his employees.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip to Sabi Sand reserve
Roho Ya Chui was fantastic in planning our trip - everything went extremely smoothly, including airline and hotel bookings. The &Beyond Exeter River Lodge and Kirkman's Kamp booked by RYC provided amazing opportunities to experience the incredible wildlife and birds of the region. I would definitely use RYC again!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
the most amazing holiday to date, specific to our needs
I would like to congratulate and thank regional tours for a perfect holiday. it was seamless and fitted or every needs. the guide we had was specifically chosen for his birding expertise and did not fail to impress. the safari was spectacular, (one night we had 2 lions chuffing outside our tent, another a water buffalo grazing outside. the sights and the sounds were truly amazing and our meeting with tribes too.
Zanzibar was the treat after the safari to wind down.
the whole safari and Zanzibar was seamless. Thanks so much I wish you did holidays in other parts of Africa.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Best trip in my life
We have been 2 times safaris with Maasai legend and everything has been perfect leonard is very professional kind and friendly always think of the customer and you can see nature at its best has been the best experience of my life.
under20 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Safari
Communication was excellent and all our exoectations catered for. Would recommend Spot Safaris for your memorable trip.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience
We enjoyed a lot this experience. Everything was planned as in the schedule. We joined people from other agencies, (they work like that), so finally all of us did the same, but we should say that our plan was the one done (as others booked with other agencies they had different plan and some of the were dissapointed).
It is a really good value quality/ price, taking into account that this is a budget safari. Do not expect great lodges or food but we felt it like magic, being in contact with nature.