CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well organized. Knowledgeable local guide. Enjoyed it
Let's put it this way - if i have another opportunity, i will use Go Safari again.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tony Kapolondo is a fraud
We had a horrible time with this tour operator. A friend and I booked with him for our first safari, planning to see Tanzania’s wildlife in mid-luxury lodges. We also paid him upfront for a hot air balloon tour over the Serengeti.
When we arrived, we were a bit surprised at the status of the car, as we expected a more modern vehicle. The next morning, we were told that we will not be staying in the lodges we planned to stay in according to our itinerary; instead he booked us sub-par lodges for less money, including a two night stay in a tented camp outside Serengeti instead of Serena and Lobo as we originally paid him. He also informed us that the hot air balloon, which we paid USD 550 each for, is not likely to happen. His excuse was that since we changed flights by arriving a day earlier (we informed him of the change 2.5 weeks before our departure, and paid him in full a week prior to that) then it made the accommodations and balloon tour very difficult. Prior to our departure, however, he told me that all the bookings for hotels are done, implying it was based on the original itinerary.
We later discovered that there were no bookings. The first place we were to stay in instead of Flamingo Lodge was not paid for and so we ended up staying in a tiny room with problems with hot water and wifi. Tony did not answer me when I asked him that night on the reason why our ‘big room’ was booked already, even though he supposedly confirmed the bookings beforehand. After that, we moved to Serengeti where Tony told us the tented camp we’d be staying in would be “luxury”. We ended up staying in a tent with no hot water, and no wifi, either. We had serious issues that day, as he told us one thing and gave us something completely opposite. We paid Tony good money expecting a service and accommodation based on what we agreed, but that has not been provided.
All his excuses turned out to be false. On the night before we were supposed to go to Rhino Lodge for Ngorongoro, the driver informed us that Tony told him we’re staying in Karatu, instead. He also told him that we’ll do a short drive in Ngorongoro on our way out of Serengeti stating that there is no availability in Rhino Lodge. At this point we were sick of his lies, so we contacted Rhino Lodge ourselves and found there’s a room available. We informed him of this, and lo and behold, Kapolondo miraculously ‘found’ availability and booked a room for us.
Before we move on to the rest of the tale, before our departure, my friend found a balloon company in Serengeti and contacted them regarding Kapolondo booking. We were informed that there’s no booking in that name. Tony told us he booked with a different company. At the time, we trusted him, unfortunately. When we arrived in Serengeti, we contacted the other balloon operator (there are only two), and they informed by phone and email that there are no booking under Kapolondo name. Tony told us, bizarrely, that he booked under a different name.
His lies continued and he wanted to charge us for the last night in Mvuli lodge, even though it was already included in the itinerary, and he tried to get out of arranging us transfers to the airport. After talking to him, he finally relented and agreed to give us what we already paid him to do. There was no booking, and he had to transfer money after we talked to him.
Tony decided not to hold himself to any of the agreed upon itinerary we paid him to do, and instead he wanted to keep our money to himself without regards to our agreement or the fact that we honored our part and paid him in full well in advance. He claimed he will provide copies of vouchers on the original itinerary, including the supposed balloon tour when we arrived in Arusha, but that turned out to be another lie as we didn’t even see him on our last day. He is a fraud and you should avoid him at all costs.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Simply the Best
First off, I did a lot of searching finding a place that would help me plan something with budget in mind, yet still quality. Look no further. Gavin is absolutely the best. He took the time to carefully put together a 2 week stay in southern Africa which included Victoria Falls, Chobe, Kruger and Capetown. He planned all of the hotels, activities, plane trips, transportation and of course the safari which is also run by Wild Wings. Simon was the safari guide, and you couldn't find somebody funnier, more knowledgeable, helpful and a great cook!! The other tour operators used by Wild Wings were top notch also. I highly recommend contacting Gavin and seeing what he can put together for you if you are planning a southern or central trip to Africa.
MX
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!!!!
Everything its amazing!!! we spend a lot of time with Big time's services, actually all our time in Africa… was with them, an awesome experience, all the drives, the cookers and the office guys was very very friendly with us.
All the time they had a lot of attentions with us and try to get us the best time there… actually they help us with personal stuffs!! Was our Kenyan family
Thanks big time!!! been honor of you name, was a Big time in this trip (safari) ;) see you soon!!!
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
kenya and tanzania august 2016
wonderful experience......excellent and professional drive/guide.......a fantastic safari in two paradise...
lodge and tendet camp.......fantastic....
thanks for all
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Personal & Highly Responsive Service
We booked a self drive touring trip to Malawi. Native Escapes designed a well balanced itinerary that perfectly matched our requirements - and were responsive to changes that we wanted to make after. Simon's attention to detail and rapid response times were brilliant - and all done in a caring and effective way. Everything worked really well and we had an awesome holiday that fully matched our hopes. The lodges were just what we wanted - varying from good to absolutely superb. I will use them again without hesitation for future Africa trips.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The adventure with Yala was fanatic
The safari with Yala was a definite highlight of my time in Uganda. The joy and memorability of this adventure is due in large part to the exceptional effort, savvy, and attentiveness of Yala. Our guide for this trip was Godwin, the founder of the company--we could not have asked for a more enjoyable companion. At every stage of the trip he went above and beyond to make sure that our group was happy and that the trip went smoothly. Godwin has close personal connections with everyone from lodge managers, to game wardens, to chimp conservation experts, to local chefs and it is this network that sets Yala apart. He negotiated unbeatable prices for our group at places that would normally have been vastly outside the budget of a few students working working for an NGO. Godwin kept us well fed with fresh fruit from his favorite vendors and took us on an extra unplanned game drive that allowed us to see the very elusive leopards of Queen Elizabeth. We had only four days, but in that time we fit in an incredible range of adventures, thanks entirely to the expert planning of Godwin. Finally, Godwin and the other Yala staff we met could not have been more friendly and enjoyable to be around. It is with great ease that I give the Safari with Yala five stars.
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
amazing tour
First of all i want to thank Mr Samuel for arranging a fantastic safari to kenya.. we stopp several times to see the beautiful views and animals. Our guide was very proffesional and easy to talk to. we didnt need to ask questions because the guide told ous about the animals every time we stopped. that was so nice because some times its hard to find a good guide and we felt we were very lucky... and we were so lucky to see all the big 5.
The hotels and camps were very good and so was the food.. I can recommend deepforestsafaries to anyone who wants to have a great safari experience
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
a great holiday
We had a wonderful time with viva safaris. The activities were well organised, staff were lovely and the accommodation and food was great.
SE
20-35 years of age
Kilimanjaro
I did the Kilimanjaro 7 days-machame route with Enosa, and i could'nt be happier of how it went. Everything was perfect from the day they picked me from the AirPort and to the day i left. The owner Noel did everything to ensure i would have a good climb, and so did the guides and everyone involved in the actual climb. We were 5 climbers in the group and everyone of us made it to the top. So thanks for everything Enosa :)