They paid back the $240
** UPDATE MARCH 2015
Peter paid us back today. He called me a few times in the past weeks to explain he was sorting out the financial trouble he got into, and promised he would pay back the money. So he did, the full amount. I am writing this update to do justice to him and his company. Despite the trouble, he's now trying to sort this, as he has done with me and my family.
** ORIGINAL REVIEW
Be aware if you consider to book with this company - I / my family still hasn't received the $240 refund. We paid up-front for a number of things including a safari (and park fees) to Amboseli. The deal was my family would visit Amboseli for 2 days, but they ended up going only 1 day. As the park fees for 2 adults and 2 children were already paid, Africa Flash Mc Tours need to pay us back the $240. Despite NUMEROUS emails, phone calls (Peter's number and the hotline number on their website), whatsapp messages to Peter etc I still haven't received anything. I got a few promises ("you'll get it tomorrow because I have reached my ATM limit", or "I will get it to you by Monday", etc etc) but still no refund... This refund is what obviously concerns me most. But, I'd like to add that generally their services are not great either. My family was supposed to be picked up for the Masai Mara at 8.30am (which I felt was a bit late, but Peter said this was fine), but the van showed up at 10.00am! I didn't get a justification why they were 1,5 hours late (yeah traffic....). I do want to do justice to two of their guides for the Masai Mara and Amboseli - my family did really like them.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Experience ..Thanks to KET
I just came back from a 4 days 3 nights safari trip to Kenya. The whole experience was amazing, Thanks to KET.
I knew about KET from trip advisor and dropped an email to Mr. Paul among other companies. He was the 1st to respond with all details. He was very responsive and helpful.
My friend and I, visited Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara including one of the Maasai villages . From day one, we were very impressed with everything, the nature and weather were fantastic., the trip organization was flawless , the hotels were stunning and service was impeccable.Everything was just PERFECT!
Our driver, Francis, was very polite, knowledgeable and friendly .Thanks to him, we saw the big five and lot of other animals. He taught us view Swahili words.. Nashukuru sana Francis
Asante sana KET safari for an unforgettable vacation!
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
8 days camping safari, transfers, hotels etc
It was wonderful time with Spot Kenya Safaris- I remeber when we were comming back from Nairobi with a train and it stopped in the middle of no-where in Tsavo , after one phone call Spot kenya Safaris came to pick up us 120 km far from Mombasa. Always helpful, always there for you.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Southern Tanzania parks with EASTCO
We went on safari with EASTCO for 14 days traveling mid-July-early August 2014. We traveled to Ruaha, Iringa, Udzungwa and Selous. This was the second safari for us, both times we have used EASTCO as our TO.
The safari was an absolute delight. It was all that we had hoped for and more! Our first safari was to the Northern circuit in February 2013. This trip we wanted to go somewhere different and Simon suggested right away that we go to the southern parks of Tanzania. That was a great decision. The southern parks have such a wild and untamed feel to them. Perfect for those who might want to do a varied safari that could include walks, boat safaris, cultural visits, and history in addition to the usual game drives by vehicle, all of this without being surrounded by lots of other tourists. The animal life was wonderful albeit in lesser numbers than the north but oh, so, special and the landscapes were just breath taking. The many different Elephant encounters we had on this trip were so special and memorable. Something we will never forget.
Our trip started in Dar es Salaam where we overnighted after flying from the U.S. The next morning we flew from DAR to Ruaha National Park where we met our fantastic guide, James. We spent 5 nights in Ruaha tent camping. Each day on safari was an adventure. The birding was great, so were the Lions and their cubs that we saw as well as the many Ellies that the park has. One night we even had an Ellie going through our camp. We also did a fantastic 3 hour walk with a Ranger and an armed guard. We learned a lot and it is such a different experience than a game drive in a vehicle. All of the little things that can be discovered on a walk add a different dimension to the safari.
Next we drove to Iringa where we spent 2 nights at the Neema Crafts Guesthouse. Our main focus in Iringa was the Isimila Stone Age site. It was a fantastic place and so interesting to actually walk out among the Stone Age tools that were left in the valley by river erosion. There are not many places left where one can actually see and hold Stone Age tools just lying around on the ground. The stone pillars at Ismiila were really cool looking too. They were left standing after the river eroded the area around them. Neema Crafts Guesthouse was a great place to stay. We also enjoyed the liveliness of the town of Iringa.
Udzungwa National Park was our next stop for 2 nights. It was a mountainous area with great hiking. The area is known for its primates and it didn’t disappoint. We saw: Angola Pied Colobus, Iringa Red Colobus, Yellow Baboons and Blue Monkeys. The Butterflies at Udzungwa were numerous and beautiful too.
After our stay at Udzungwa we left for 4 nights in the Selous. We stayed 1 night at Sable Mountain Lodge-absolutely beautiful! We then moved on to Hippo Camp where we tent camped for 2 nights right along the Rufiji River and spent our final night in one of Hippo Camp’s tented huts. The Rufiji River is the lifeblood of the area. We did a river boat cruise that was just fabulous. The bird-life was plentiful and diverse and the sunsets were to die for. Our wonderful safari guide, James, also arranged a village tour and a walk with a bushman that were both unique and educational. We even saw 2 Elephant Shrews on our walk with the bushman.
Simon, at EASTCO, does a wonderful job of planning off-the-beaten-track trips if wanted and has a vast knowledge of Tanzania and its people, culture and animals. EASTCO has great guides too! We had Ezekiel on our first safari to the Northern Circuit and James for our second safari to the Southern Circuit and couldn’t have asked for any better! The guide can make or break your safari.
EASTCO safaris can be as diverse and unique as one wants. Simon is patient and knowledgeable in helping with the planning of a trip. Going on our second safari we knew right off the bat that we would use EASTCO. Simon did a great job with both trips and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend EASTCO for those who want something a little different than the typical safari that many companies punch out with regularity.
This is a link to our photos:
https://plus.google.com/photos/106816041713365180641/albums/6055379437698967089?authkey=CP6doaLU-9rVuQE
AT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great tour to awesome places, with a cool and funny guide!
Uganda is a beautiful country, safe, with great people - and getting around with Kenneth was a really good way to get it to know. He showed plenty of beautiful places, not only in the big National Parks, and told a lot of interesting stories about the country, its landscape, nature and of course its people. He is also very flexible and makes every effort to fulfil the wishes of his clients. And he is good fun to be with! :-)
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
great times
The communication was very good and Kanuth and the other drivers were very nice and just a good time talking to them
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fast and efficient organisation
Fast and efficient service and proposals
Pleasant and wellcoming agent
Disappointed by Sun City : in winter too cold for water activities + no dinner facilities at Cabanas Hotel
Good advice for the safari lodge Black Rhino : pond in front of the lodge, animals come to drink + very warm wellcoming staff + a very interesting guide - a very special experience.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Mobile Safari experience in Botswana (with a correct price/value)
Trip to Botswana with Kalahari Skies July 2014
In 2011, we went for the first time to Botswana. Via internet, we’ve discovered Kalahari Skies, a company owned by Belgium Eddy Everaerdt and his French wife Mano. They are mainly specialized in mobile safaris , although other options are also possible.
This was a great experience for us. You can read our first review on the website of Kalahari Skies.
In 2014, we decided to go for a second time to Botswana. It was a happy reunion with Eddy and Mano. It was also clear Eddy worked hard to expand his business during the last 3 years.
We went on a tailor made safari of 12 days in Botswana. Organisation was as good as first time but with additional luxury aspects. The tents are new and much larger, having 2 compartments. This has the advantage to have a separate area in the tent for storage of clothing and luggage. We also had a chemical toilet in the tent, easy because no need to go outside the tent at night.
Experience was great again. Lots of game spotted, up to 50 lions and elephants were walking through the camp. At night, it happened that animals were sniffing at our tent. (Remember this can not be guaranteed, animals can only be viewed if they feel like showing up!)
Food was good and healthy. The day ended at the camp fire, drinking a gin-tonic and/or a glass of wine and telling typcial camp fire stories. The whole trip was with a personal touch.
Africa is captured in our heart. We will be back.
Thanks Eddy en Mano.
Yvette & Karel Kenens, Herentals, Belgium
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very professional and dedicated
Very professional and dedicated. They help you all the time before the safari if you need something or in case of doubts. Also during the safari for anything you need.
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent
After several safaris to different countries, we did our first in Tanzania. Matoke tours was a very good choice for planning and operating the tour. From Carolien and her fast and service minded answers and perfect planning, to our wonderfull guide, Emmanuel. This was my best safari guide ever! (Did my 10th safari). We can´t do anything but truely recommend Matoke tours, and, again, Emmanuel is a great guide and driver. Full of knowledge and humor.