BR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Was one of the tourists scammed...
My wife and I booked a 5 day safari in Tanzania and 7 day in Zanzibar, with Arend Safaris, for our honeymoon on the end of 2017.
We paid over 11k dollars in advance. When we arrived in Arusha, they picked us up at the airport, and took us to a different (worse) hotel that we booked. On the next day, after waiting for almost 2 hours for Arend Safaris to pick us up, they took us to their office in Arusha and told us that they had spent all our money in another reservation, and had nothing (no hotels, tours, plane tickets) booked.
They promised us they would have the money back in a few days, and in the mean time, we could book everything directly with a hotel in Zanzibar, and when they got the money back, they would repay us.
Now, over a year has passed and Arend has not payed us back. We had to spend a whole lot more of money to book our honeymoon on the same day.
Arend is very inconsistent with their communication. Sometimes, after a long period of no communication, they write to us telling they will refund us in a few weeks. And then disappear.
Apparently they are a legit agency, for some of the reviews out there are real. But there are cases, like ours, in which they just do not comply. So be extra careful when booking with them, ask for all kinds of receipts and booking numbers/references, and contact the hotels/lodges directly to make sure they have a reservation under your name.
IN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Could have been better if Not for the condition of the roads and the Cramped Safari Vehicle
We took a 5 day safari visiting a night each in Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru and 2 nights in Masai Mara. We booked through Karibu
Safaris and I must say we were very happy corresponding with Robert, and he was so prompt in Replying. We were over all happy with
the safari but for the following:
- Our plan was changed with the excuse that someone missed their flights. Am sure this was not true. It was Ok for us but then I had an ailing mom back in India and left the day to day hotel contacts and programmes back home incase of emmergency. Thank god nothing happpened.
-The Vehicle with just the two of us was pretty comfortable on the 1st day, but then the next day we were 6, and the 3rd day there were two more and the small vehicle was cramped to capacity. If you are above 6 foot tall you would find it very difficult to sit in the vehicle with more than 6 people.
- At Masai Mara, without prior notice, we were changed from the Mara Springs Camp to Lenchada Resort. It was very basic, but comfortable, thank heavens, food was also good. Here again we were told the hotel is full, but am sure it wasnt.
-We were not very happy with the Hotel in Naivasha - The Taphe Guest House, we changed two rooms, TV didnt work, no sockets to charge, the bathroom was shabby and nothing worked properly, no free water, food was average.
-Would have preferred a better hotel in Lake Nakura - The City Max hotel was OK, but the room was stuffy with no fan. We opened the windows but was invaded by mosquitos. We went early Feb but I honestly feel this hotel should have a fan in the room.
- Worst of all, for almost 100 kms into Masai Mara, the roads were non existent, the dust, the bumpy ride is something I would never forget. Looks like the chinese are poking their nose in Kenya and instead of doing the road up in bits and pieces, scraped up all the Tar once and for all. It was a hectic and terrible ride in and out of Masai Mara.
-The Masai Village is a rip off, and the people there are greedy. Dont go there unless you want to waste your dollars.
And finally an advice to Single women, beware of your over friendly driver. In our case, the driver dropped us at our Nairobi Hotel and went all the way back to Lake Naivasha to tempt a Single Dutch lady traveller into going with him to a bar for a drink and then soliciting some fun. He was disappointed his offer was turned down and kept asking her if she hasnt cheated with her husband. This was shocking to us as the fellow seemed such a quiet chap and never opened his mouth ! He told the dutch lady, all single ladys like fun, but then,he shouldnt presume !
On the whole I found the Karibu safari reliable, safe.... and would recommend. They offered me complimentary airport-Hotel in Nairobi- airport transfers and I paid a nominal deposit by paypal and the balance on arrival which worked out fine. I did a 5 hour walking tour of Nairobi City for USD 10 per person and enjoyed it. I stayed at the Best Wester Meridian in Nairobi for USD 70 a DBL incl of breakfast and taxes and would strongly recommend. Lovely rooms, superb and safe location, lovely breakfast and walking distance to Malls and supermarkets. Nice very cheap places to eat next to the hotel.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Service and value for money first class
Having approached 3 safari providers my concision is CKC are the best in terms of value, customer service and the wow of a Safari. I have done 3 safaris but these guys are the best
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceeded already our high expectations.
The last leg of our vacation was in Uganda and I and my husband choose mukisa safaris Uganda to help us with planning ,customising and organizing our trip. The team was excellent in their communication skills and promptness in returning replies. We checked with several companies and found Mukisa safaris to be the most prompt and informative. On arrival at Entebbe airport, we were gladly received by the company team. Having arrived late in the evening, we were taken to the hotel which was very excellent in their services. The next morning, our safaris of 10 days commenced with driving to ziwa sanctuary where we interfaced with the giant rhinos.we traveled through Uganda's country side and while connecting to the various destinations, we had a lot to see and learn about Africa. We did the Gorilla trekking and the Batwa village visit. Both of this were so awesome and unbelievable experiences. This leg of our journey was a definite description of a true Africa culture and set up and we enjoyed it. Uganda is so beautiful. We just couldn't get over all the views we got to take in. I love this country. Veronica our guide was very informative and knowledgeable about many things and in particular the vast bird species the.so interesting! She had a definite knack of spotting birds from far away. The roads were incredibly rough and rugged and on the edge of the mountain sides but we felt very safe with John driving. I would highly recommend Mukisa safaris Uganda to anyone and already shared this info. Thank you Mukisa safaris Uganda for making our holiday memorable.
FI
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome
we landed in Nairobi first time and without travel arrangements in Jan 2019. In the morning we just walk in the Karibu Safaris in Kenya Office and bough a four-days safari to Masai Mara and Lake Nakuro. The safari was as advertised by Robert; a vehicle, game drives, two nights at a tented camp etc. and a two-star hotel in Nakuro, which even exceeded our expectations. We saw the Big Five and even a black rhino. A lot of thanks belong to good drivers Collins and James. Overall, our trip was excellent and good value for money.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Cared for our Every Need
This was the second tour we had booked with Tanzania Choice Safaris (the first one was two years ago). I had several very specific needs for where we wanted to go and how we wanted this tour to be shaped, including making arrangements to visit some non-profits and people that are not on a usual itinerary. Brenda and Kakasii worked out every detail and arranged for everything I requested. Our tour group (and I) couldn't have been happier with their customer service, with the information that was shared pre-trip, and the way in which we were cared for during our tour. The food, the accommodations, the drivers, the information - all were top notch! We would gladly work with TCS at any time in the future and have advised all of our friends who have interest to check out TCS.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing experience with one of the best driver/ guide that you can imagine.
We did the Safari in low season and even though our guide Joseph was amazing. He did everything for us to see all the animals. A great experience if you like nature! Totally recommended!
EE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Safari with our driver-guide Urio
The Safari tour was excellent, service in every stop very good and most probably the places to stay overnight as well
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Flexible, responsive team created a magical experience for us
Journeys discovering Africa created a magical custom itinerary for 3 women traveling together in Zambia and Botswana. Patrick and Peace were very accommodating of our needs and were responsive and flexible. Patrick quickly resolved a potential issue with our wire transfer. We loved the lodging at the Royal Livingston Hotel In Zambia and the Chobe Game Lodge in Botswana. All transfers went smoothly and we really had no problems whatsoever. I recommend JDA to anyone!
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A safari that exceeded all, already high expectations, more than I could ever dream of.
Our 12 days safari became an extraordinary experience thanks to James and his colleagues Sammy and Gerard.
James is a fantastic guide who reads the group and goes that "extra mile" in order to fulfill the dreams and expectations in the group. He shares his knowledge in a way that makes you become one with Kenya and the wild life, you sense a feeling of belonging to the nature. It is his great experience and passion for what he does that makes it possible for all of us to see and feel so much of the wildlife and the magnificent nature.
James is also a fantastic photographer and he does his utmost to give you the possibility to get that perfect shot!
James, his colleagues and Wild Portrait safaris have my highest and warmest recommendations.
