NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Driver had no safari, wildlife experience
In general it was ok. Good safari car, efficient communication, the lodges including the right tents where booked however - for us the most important - the driver had no safari experience. So, he was NOT able to tell us anything about the wild life and he did not once showed wildlife based on his observation. As those organizations work with independent drivers, with a different driver experience can be completely different. Advice: ask for cv of driver.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Old decrepit vehicles and poor communication
I booked a 14-day safari with Yala – this was to cover safaris in both Uganda and Rwanda – the booking process went well and Yala was initially good in communicating promptly. When I arrived in Entebbe, they were a bit surprised as they had not seen the arrival announcement – the van that was to transport me to the hotel was an old decrepit van without an A/C (I should have seen this as a sign to come) – in any case I made it to the hotel and was told that the safari vehicle was to be another one in much better condition.
The next day, the driver showed up in another old decrepit vehicle and lo and behold, the A/C was not working in this one either (Note – most of the roads in Uganda are dirt roads so you need to keep the windows closed and wear dust masks). The driver did not speak much English, even though what was promised was an English-speaking tour guide. We decided to push on – about a couple of hours into the journey, the right rear tire developed a side bulge (this was a re-treaded tire that had developed a sidewall failure – re-treads are banned in the USA for just this reason). The jack that was in the vehicle did not work, so we had to limp back to town to get a shop to help us – this took about 3 hours in all. I contacted Yala and insisted they provide me with a better vehicle and they promised to do so. When we reached Murchison Falls, we were covered with red dust due to having to keep the windows open as the A/C did not work. All of my game drives were in this broken-down van which had a low clearance resulting in us scraping the bottom every time we went through a ditch.
Two days later, Yala had still not provided a replacement van, but they did change the driver to one who spoke better English – we made it back to the main town again on dirt roads with no A/C. I had asked for the replacement van to meet us there so we could continue on our journey – guess what – no van. We ended up leaving the decrepit van at the hotel and continued to our next stop (chimp trekking) in a small Toyota Corolla. Two days later, a replacement van showed up – guess what the windshield had a big crack in it along with pockmarked glass – it was an old van but the A/C worked. So, we continued onwards and got stuck on a mud-soaked road (the van did not have off-terrain tires and did not have a high clearance) – the villagers helped us and we resumed our sight-seeing when suddenly the engine stopped and would not start. After waiting for 2 hours for a local mechanic to show up, he discovered that is was a GPRS failure as the van was not permitted to go out of a certain area – the mechanic by-passed the GPRS device and we were able to start the engine and go on our way to the next stop. By this time, I had sent Yala about 6 emails none of which were replied to.
The next day, while climbing up a mountain road, the gear shuddered and then gave way with a loud bang – again we were stuck on a mountain dirt road for 2 hours before getting a ride to the gorilla lodge. Yala switched the gorilla lodge without my consent because it was closer to where the gear breakdown happened and did not return any of my emails on the subject.
Two days later, a different vehicle was provided – this time an SUV (which is what was agree to when I first accepted their contract), and an A/C that worked. I was told that we had to exchange this vehicle back for the one which had broken down in a couple of days when returning from Rwanda. Two days later on returning from Rwanda, we were to meet at a designated spot to exchange vehicles as the van had been repaired with a new transmission and drive shaft – at the last moment, we were told to continue onwards in the same SUV as before. Yala again changed the safari lodge I was to be staying at without informing me (this after confirming that all the lodges had been booked and that I could not change any dates given all of the issues I was having) – again no replies to any of my emails other than talking to the driver.
I finally made it back to Entebbe – no word from Yala, no apologies for all of the issues, no explanation for the 2 lodge changes (and both were terrible when compared to the original places) – nothing. Be careful when booking with this agency – they have terrible vehicles and very poor communication. I would not book with Yala again -the only reason for the 2 stars is because of the efforts of the drivers who were with me – they tried to do their best with little or no support from Yala
SE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Did not get what was promised
I dont feel that i got what was promised. I booked a 2-day safari but it was just one day. We were picked up at 6.00 in the morning. It was said the trip would be 4-5 hours but took more than 7. Due to the car breaking down we didnt get to eat breakfast until 10.00. Then 2 hours later they said we should have lunch. That was to soon so we ended up eating at a ”restaurant” in the park. The food here was not good.
The drive in the park in the afternoon was great and we saw all the animals we wanted. Our guide Tony was very good.
We were driven to the acommodations TanSwiss around 18.30. The stay here was ok but when we asked our guide about day-2-plans he said we were just going home. No more safari.
In the booking i was promised ”After breakfast from lodge with the packed lunches enjoy en route game drive in Mikumi National Park before depart to Dar es Salaam in which you will arrive in evening”. This booking promises a second day and writng about lunch like that gives you the impression that it will last a couple of hours.
In the morning the guide made it feel like were going for a drive around the outskirts of the park and would see many animals.
One hour after leaving the hotell were out of the park and on our way home. Super short en route game drive with no packed lunches, just one hour on the big road.
The titel of this trip should not be ”best 2-day Mikumi safari” instead ”4 hour safari with lodge stay”
I am sure that there are other companies that offer safari with better service and that can deliver what they promised. So I would not recommend LuiTours.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Buyer Beware - Gatatu lied about purchasing our Gorilla and Chimp permits in advance
After researching a few safari companies, we (group of 4) chose to work with Gatatu as they had great reviews and were a small operation located right in Uganda. Clearly something has changed with their business since these last reviews were posted, as our trip was anything but easy. We came to find out Richard and Steven never purchased our gorilla and chimp permits in advance (we found out about the gorilla permits the morning of our trek when we couldn't get in) in spite of telling us they were purchased back in August 2018, when my sister and I made a $2000 deposit (my friends made a similar deposit but I don't know the date). Richard went as far as providing FAKE copies of the gorilla permits. Please keep in mind gorilla permits and chimp habituation permits HAVE to be booked well in advance as only a limited number of ppl can get in per day. After repeated lies from both Richard (and threats via text) and Steven, we decided to part ways and hired ourselves a new driver 4 nights in. If you choose to use them, make sure to get copies of all of your permits in advance and confirm their validity with the national parks.
On a positive note, all of our accommodations were what was promised and we did have a nice $30 add on of a boat ride up the Kazinga Channel with one of Steven's friends. Also, with our evidence of being duped by Gatatu, we were able to get ourselves in for a gorilla trek at Bwindi by the game warden who took pity on us and with the assistance of two locals in Kibale, in for the chimp trek (we couldnt get in for habituation as that was full). All I can say is thank goodness we did not pay them in full and were able to walk away with a few saved dollars. If you have any questions, I have saved all of my communication and texts with Richard. Feel free to reach out.
p.s. Steven picked us up in a green safari vehicle full of roaches on the first day. We should have known what was to come...
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g673829-d10791582-r644516635-Gatatu_Safaris-Kabale_Western_Region.html#
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
not a very good experience
we went for a 11days trip to kenya and tanzania with family of husband wife and minor kid.we went with masai safari which provided a wonderful trip in kenya.they had sublet the tanzania part to gofan.when we arrived in arusha things were ok but not nice as mr meena from gofan met us and intially refused to provide water in the car which after some pressure and telling that i will call up masai safari to sort out issue mr meena did at last provide it.our driver guide joseph was good and we di enjoy our next 2 days in lake mynara and nogorongoro.the trouble started on the 3rd day when we reached the gates of serengati national park.we were made to wait 5 hours with food and little water as the great mr meena had not paid the park fees.we called hime after 1 and half hours and he continously lied that it will take only 10 mins more.ultimately nearly after 5 hrs without lunch and a small kid we managed to enter.we missed the game drive we were to do and went to reach our camp at about 4.30 to 5pm.NOT A SINGLE APOLOGY OR SORRY FROM GOFAN for this weird behaviour..there are lots of good reliable operators.my suggestion go look somewhere else.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kruger safari good but expensive but the Go Self Drive Tour arranged by the same owner disappointing
Hennie was a superb safari guide. He was a fine host and it was a great 3 day safari. His company Go Self Drive Tours provided us with an itinerary driving from Joberg to CT. It was poorly planned with many navigation mistakes; drives were too long and we felt unsafe often. The car provided was inadequate for the terrain as roads in SA are very poor. Throughout our 4 weeks of driving we were warned repeatedly of corruption, theft and being in unsafe areas. We were heavily charged for mediocre accommodation. We have travelled expensively and this trip was stressful and we would not recommend for anyone from a First World country to do a Self Drive tour in South Africa. It is not a safe country. Don’t do it!!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
did not deliver
We decided to go with Basecamp Tanzania after reading the excellent reviews, in particular, the comments about the guides .... "incredible", "extremely knowledgeable", "beyond exceptional", "made experience most memorable", "walking safaripedia", "extremely competent", "taught a lot about animal behaviour and ecosystem", etc. etc. Pretty impressive. Unfortunately our experience was nothing at all like the reviews, extremely disappointing. We got a driver, not a guide, who could barely speak English. Attempts at communicating were frustrating and led to misunderstandings. We drove in silence. He stopped when we asked but often drove off while we were still taking pictures. He provided no information about the animals, the environment, etc. On his advice we changed when we visited the crater because he said morning would be better. It was completely clouded in, no views, to which he said mornings always cloudy?? This company was much more expensive than other tours we looked at but given the reviews thought it would be worth it. Not getting a proper guide, feel we paid too much for an experience that did not deliver what was promised. They had to have known this person spoke little English and was not a proper guide. All we received from the company was an apology. Missed out on a once in a lifetime opportunity.
US
Not like our last trip
We previously went on a great East Africans Safari with Born Free. We asked them to help with another trip a year later. This did not go at all well and Born Free did not take appropriate responsibility for the clear errors that occurred, which significantly and negatively affected our trip.
They did not stand behind their travel product and I can no longer recommend Born Free.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We didn't get what we paid for or what was outlined in the itinerary
Day 1 - Collection from hotel was fine, on time. No problems with long drive or communication. Itinerary outlined a game drive from 2pm - 6pm, but we only did a game drive for approx 90mins. Lodge was excellent, however that has nothing to do with the tour company.
Day 2 - Full day game drive. Lodge told us to leave as early as possible 7am at latest, driver arranged to start at 8am. We saw everything we wanted to on this day. Lions, Cheetah, Leopard, Giraffe, Elephant, Hippo. However this was more due to the abundance on wildlife and luck than the drivers skill or anything like that. I can't really complain too much about this day, as we saw everything we wanted to.
Day 3 - We were supposed to have a game drive in the morning (leaving the lodge at 8am) before heading straight from the game drive back to Nairobi. However our driver slept in and missed his alarm and we were waiting for him to wake up and were late leaving. Upon arriving at the park entrance our driver welcomed a "park ranger" on board who he said we were "giving him a lift" we then proceeded into the park, where we just drove on the main road until we happened to chance upon a cheetah, who was starting a hunt. The driver stopped the van and we asked him to put up the roof of the van so we could get a better look, he refused saying it would interfere with the hunt, however he was talking and laughing with other guides in other vans and his phone was ringing loudly, so I didn't buy that excuse! We asked him again and he still refused, so we had to take pictures through the window. After a few minutes he drove off, and we left the hunt/stalk while it was still in progress/just about to start. We were so annoyed, especially as countless other vans and 4x4s were heading towards the cheetah, while we were driving away from it. We felt like we couldn't complain too much to the driver as we still needed him to take us back to Nairobi and didn't want him to get angry and leave us in the middle of nowhere! He continued driving on the main road through the park and didn't once go on a different road, he then exited the park. Meaning we did not have our morning game drive, he just drove straight through the park from once entrance to another, without lifting the roof - we just happened to stumble across a cheetah. If we hadn't seen that he would not have stopped once! This is not a game drive. We were basically being a taxi service for his friend/ranger. When we got to Narok, the "park ranger" exited the van and he continued to take us back to Nairobi, which was fine.
Overall absolutely disgusted with the final day and lack of game drive! The fact that he drove away from a Cheetah hunt that was in progress is absolutely indefensible - and also twice refusing to open the roof so we could look at the Cheetah while we were there.
I don't know if this was just our driver or it is the company (as our driver said he was fairly new to Wildebeest) But I wouldn't use them again!!
I will formally complain to Wildebeest about this....
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Appalling service
4 Day budget camping safari. Ok I must say our desire to visit Ngorongoro has been fulfilled, We have seen the big 5. But not thanks to Bobby tours, Its a magical place and getting there is all you need.
We are hardcore backpackers and not fuzzy at all. We have traveled around Africa quite extensively using some really bad and uncomfortable buses.
Our safari trip was actually kind of treat as we were not relying on Public transport.
The car came to pick us up from our lodge in Arusha, First impression is that the car was quite old which again it was ok with us as It was a treat compare to what we had before. But so we thought!
First game drive and everything was fine, lots of Elephants at Lake Manyara NP.
We were told that we will visit a Masai Village inside Ngorongoro Area and will cost us 20USD when we booked the tour. Our driver claiming that we were short on time suggested we should visit a Masai Village near lake Manyara NP which was also near our first camp site. We agreed to do that but we were asked to pay 50USD instead which seemed that it was including a commission to whoever was taking us there and we were not impressed by the village at all as it seemed like a tourist trap. By that time we gave all of our cash we had on us as who needs cash in the bush anyway.
The camping site was in a nice forest area. However the tent we were given had a broken zip and lots of holes. It could not close properly but again as naive were we did not mind much. The camping site was fenced and other than few harmless monkeys they were no big animals around.
The second day we proceeded to Serengeti National park. A long dirt track driving! Here I realise how bad idea was to ride an old worn car. Dust was unbearable. There was no escape from it as it was simply coming inside the car because the roof could not seal properly. I discovered that the plastic that seals the roof was worn and almost totally gone. There was simply no way to keep the dust out. We had to endure hours of driving with hazardous dust which basically went everywhere on our clothes, cameras, phones you name it.
When we arrived at our Serengeti Camp we found out from other people on similar tours with us from other companies that they simply closed the windows and had no dust at all.
The night was really scary. Our faulty tent could easily let a Hyena to get inside our tent as the Camp was not fenced and wild animals where actually freely roaming around our tent.
After we finished with Serengeti and on our final night after a filthy dusty day again the tent was useless against cold weather as our last camp was high up on the Crater Rim of Ngorongoro.
ThereThereThe last day just before were dropped back to our lodge we had to drop our Chef first who was making our meals through the tour. We were asked to give some tips and we kindly gave him around 3-4USD as much as we had on us as were in the bush for few days. Our driver went furious saying that the guy was crying because he went home with out making any money as he was relying on tips and we should give him a minimum of 10USD which was what you must give to the Chef. The same story followed when were dropped back tour our lodge, the same story for the stupid tourists and that we must give 20USD of tips to the driver. We had paid our tour in full well in Advance and a Price tag on tips made us to feel really stupid.
We found out later from some other local guides there that they are actually getting a decent salary for African Standards and they should never asked us that question.
After we came back home I send an email explaining the situation to their office but they never got back to us