50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A Terrible Experience ... Sunrise Eco-Tours
We booked and paid for a bespoke Ugandan Safari with Sunrise Eco-Tours scheduled to depart in February 2016. Initially communication with the company was good but as the departure date approached it became very difficult to contact company representatives.
In January 2016 we were advised by a third party that Sunrise Eco-Tours was experiencing "operational difficulties" and social media reports started to appear stating how clients already on tours organised by the company were being asked to pay again for activities, such as gorilla trekking, as well as hotel bills that they had already paid for.
At this point, just weeks before our tour was to commence, communication with Sunrise Eco-Tours became extremely difficult and the company owner, Clement Kanamuguire, when telephoned just terminated the call or stated that he was busy and could not respond to any questions.
We then took it upon ourselves to call the respective hotels, lodges and guest houses in Uganda that we were supposed to be staying at only to discover that there were no reservations for us. We had been emailed previously by Sunrise Eco-Tours to confirm that all our accommodation had been booked. At this point we asked the company for documentation to show that our gorilla trekking permits and our chimpanzee trekking permits had been booked and confirmed. We also asked for an explanation as to why we had been lied to regarding our accommodation bookings. Unfortunately Sunrise Eco-Tours refused to communicate with us and did not provide documentation or explanations.
It was at this point we asked Sunrise Eco-Tours for a full refund of all monies, many thousands of pounds, paid to them as their "operational difficulties" had lead to a breach of contract. They were unable to provide the safari we had paid for.
When it became clear that Sunrise Eco-Tours had no intention of honouring the contract and providing the safari our travel agent, Responsible Travel, identified another company who agreed to create a similar safari for us with only two weeks to go before we were scheduled to depart for Uganda. Sandfield Travel "pulled out all the stops" and managed to arrange transport and guides, book hotels as well as obtain the necessary trekking permits prior to our departure. Communication with them was excellent and the subsequent safari exceeded our expectations
We cannot speak to highly of Rosy at Responsible Travel and Wycliffe at Sandfield Travel ... and would recommend you speak to them rather than engage with Sunrise Eco-Tours.
To date there has been no further communication from Sunrise Eco-Tours in spite of numerous emails and telephone calls. There has been no refund of the any monies paid to them. Caveat emptor!! We certainly learnt a very expensive lesson.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Gatatu - excellent service - wonderful experience
It was the best choice we could make when we decided to choose for Gatatu as our tour operator. We first visited the holiday trade fair in the Netherlands where we could collect all the information we needed, and then searched the internet for the best tour operator. Our interest in Gatatu was formed when we read the reviews on safari bookings.
The contact I had with Richard during the preparational phase was outstanding. I have never met a person like Richard who delivered this excellence service. His devotion to deliver the best possible service was admirable. We were constantly emailing each other (and still are) and all of my questions were nicely answered in no time. I knew that I was doing business with someone who is very trustworthy.
Our time in Uganda was indescribable! The country itself is gorgeous and people amazingly friendly. Our guide during the week was called Stephan. He took us to the most beautiful locations in the country and gave us so much time to have the holiday we wanted to have. He was dedicated to serve us the best possible experiences. We shall never forget the nice conversations we had with him about his country and his upcoming plans. Thanks to Stephan we know much more about starting a business in Uganda as a foreigner, and we might even start something on our own in the future.
Richard and Stephan helped us to explore one of the nicest countries in the world. We will certainly return to Uganda in the near future because the country and Gatatu Safaris has so much more to offer.
Uganda is in our heart and will stay there for the rest of our lives thanks to Gatatu Safaris. The best advice that I can share is that small companies like Gatatu Safaris deliver the the biggest en best experience possible.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Most Memorable Wild Life Experience
It was a sudden plan to take my family for a short holiday i got to Ruaha National park. A friend of my suggested Ravi's name and we just talked over the phone. He was very spontaneous and ready to answer all our questions as It was our first time to go for a safari like that road trip from Dar to Ruaha.
He made all the arrangements car, peak fees, hotel and that to at a very affordable rate.
He took car of my family like his own and made us feel comfortable and safe all the way back. We were luckiest of all that day...we spotted an elephant kill with by a pride of 14 lions. And I got proof. Check on my fb page - mohitzin - Ruaha folder in album. Ravi asante sana brother for that memorable trip.
MX
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very fun trip, very fun guide!
Molell is great, fun and knowlodgable, 20/20 sight by the way, not easy to spot a leopard on a tree 600 meters far while driving. If you are going to Tanzania this is your guy.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great staff. Well organized
Our driver, Livingston, did a great job over the 8 days of our safari getting us where we needed to be without rushing us and put in a lot of effort to make sure we got the best animal sightings possible. I would go with Kikwetu again.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Recommended
The Cardboard Box is the best travel agency we have used. Allison, who booked our trip, provided useful tips & improvements – and their website is very useful website since it also includes general info about Namibia
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best guide ever!
We had the most incredible day with Ian - after a short walk we had the chance to sit down about 10 meters away from 4 beautiful rhinos taking a little nap in the sun! What an experience! Ian is a gifted story teller and so passionate about what he does, he will answer every question you can possibly think of. Best day of my whole trip and I will definitely come back to learn more from Ian!!
NO
The safari was magic, and our guide (Kenneth) has a lot of knowlegde, always smiling and helpful.
It was a wonderful holiday.
A lot of driving, but when we arrived at the park every mile was forgotten.
And all the magnificent animals.
Our guide (Kenneth) is a very nice, polite and smiling man.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional and affordable tour operator
We can actually only recommend Tanke tours & safaris! Great programs, very flexible and affordable and also with special requests competent and reliable. We have travelled many times with Tanke tours & safaris - Give it a try!!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Coordination
I worked exclusively with Clevers during my booking and he is one the most detail oriented people I have worked with when booking trips in Kenya. He answered all my questions in a timely manner and made sure everything was arranged. I have known Clevers for 6 years and would recommend him to anyone and everyone regardless if the clients were new to Kenya or have traveled the country before. Despite considering him a friend now he is very professional during any services I book with him. Enchoro camp is very close to the Oloolaimutia gate which allows for early morning starts. Ask him to take you to the near villages and you can purchase some beautiful beaded jewelry from the women.