20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Possible Scam!
Horrible company and the worst customer service I’ve ever experienced from Steven. I booked a safari for two with the wonderful Elsabe (who is no longer with the company) for March 2020. This was unfortunately cancelled due to COVID-19. It was confirmed in writing by the company I would receive a refund after a year’s time to let the economy recover a bit. I waited patiently - in that time Elsabe left the company and no one replied to me for months on end. I finally got written confirmation from Steven that I’d get a refund in September 2022 and that this would take place latest 1st March 2023. That day came and passed. After dozens of emails trying to get a single reply, I have been forced to give up. I have since been advised that I should log a complaint with the South African Consumer Protection Agency as this is a clear violation of the laws in place since I have the refund promise in writing with a tangible date attached. I noticed Steven of this as I did not want to pursue this matter further and would have just settled for a reduced payment, but they have refused and again gone silent. I’m only writing this because I can see another review where this has happened listed here on trip advisor. I agree with them - please be careful when booking this company!!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
N/A
I paid over $300 cash for my wife and me to go on this safari with a group. My wife had a medical emergency to where I had to stay back with her and were not able to go. We wanted a refund, but was told the money was already given to the park and could not get it back. I was disappointed that we were told to pay in advance and not able go. I am saddened to say that I will not be asking for their services again.
SE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
BLUFFERS AND CALMERS
3 days safari ,,, NIGHTMARE West I have been with, if you want to die then you can choose this safari
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
If you book with Axis Africa, make sure Jeff is NOT your guide
To be clear, it wasn't all bad. The booking went fine, the agent was informative and helpful, the price was right, and the tented camp we stayed in was pleasant. But what you need most on a tour is a tour guide, and Jeff was anything but. He was our driver, and nothing more.
At the beginning of day 1 Jeff told us to ask questions, and generally one would expect those questions to be answered in addition to the guided tour, but what we got was a few, simple words to answer questions, and further questions seemed unwelcome. In what probably amounted to 20+ hours in the vehicle over 3 days, he maybe said a total of 200 words to us. He would stop, point, and say "impala" (or something similar) and then continue once we were finished taking photos. We got no information about the reserve, the animals, or what to expect from the day. Over several meals at the camp we heard all the other groups talking about what great guides they had and that saddened/angered me.
So, my review is simple: If you book with Axis Africa make sure Jeff is NOT your guide.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Safari was terrible
The end of a terrible safari, car and driver was an accident
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Stay away! We were scammed by this company!
I recently booked a safari with brown noddy expeditions, based on the 5 good reviews on this platform. However, looking back, these reviews seem to be written by company staff themselves. Also the fact that there are only very view reviews, while the company claims to be an established tour operator, should have been a warning sign.
After booking my safari, I first received an invoice via email with a request to pay the 40% deposit. After the money was transferred, brown noddy expeditions said that they forgot to include the price for 2 accommodations in their first proposal and that I have to pay additional 500 USD. I refused, as it deviated from the agreement. Then, they said they could waive the 500 USD, but then I have to pay the full amount of the safari in advance, i.e. also the remaining 60%, which actually were agreed to be due upon start of the safari. I refused again and expressed my dissatisfaction with the whole process. They apologized and said that we can stick to the initial proposal, but that they haven’t received my 40% deposit payment yet. However, my bank confirmed, that the transfer went through. After confronting brown noddy expeditions with this confirmation, they claimed to have been hacked and that they have nothing to do with the bank account, which was sent from their company email address.
While admitting to have been hacked, they stated that they will not reimburse me, since they are a small company.
First of all, I doubt that they actually were hacked. Second, I believe any legit company would reimburse their customers in such a case.
SK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Not recommended at all.
I am not sure if the other reviews are real about Trots and Safari operator. I have completly different experience with this company of my 3 days trip to Bwindi:
1. They have been lying from the beggining. Edison was trying to convinced me (and in the end he did), that they are able to transfer us to lounge in Bwindi from Entebbe airport in 6-7 hours, even when google maps shows time 9-10 hours. Unfortunately I have believed them because of smooth communication and calls with Edison. We arrived at Entebbe airport at 3 pm. We get to the lounge after 12 hours of driving at 3 am next day. Even if we had a good car (look at point two in review), we can not make it in 6-7 hours. It is impossible. If I have knew that, I will never booked this trip. The night driving in the roads of Uganda are not safe at all, do not believed them, if they tell you it is safe! We drove 9 hours at night and have been scared to death.
2. Trots and Safari company has only one car- this company car was broken after first 2 hours of the trip- actually first borken thing was our left front wheel. Took 2 hour to repair it. In total, car has been broken 3 times during our 3 days trip. Every time something different- wheel, engine, cables. It did not make it to the end. We get another 2 cars from insurance company, what was called to transfer us to the hotel. That car should have never been used for that kind of trip. Totally unprepaired and unsafe for trip. We had only luck, that it did not broke in night at Bwindi forest. During our trip we really felt unsafe and that ruined our trip.
3. We did not have any lunch box or dinner on our first day, Trots and Safari are selling this trip as a full board trip.
4. First night we slept 2 hours because we arrived at 3 am, instead of 8-9 pm like was planned by Edison (unreal even for google maps planning, I am ashamed, that that I have believed to this guy). We did trek to gorillas, permits cost 1400 dollars, and we have been too tired to even enjoyed it after 2 hours of sleeping.
4. Our guide was Jimmy- he did everyting what he could. But he did not know even in what accommodation we sleep. And Edisons phone at night was turn off, when Jimmy was trying to reach him to ask, where we should sleep.
5. In the end of trip I have asked for partial refund, they have stopped communicate with me.
I would like to recommend to anybody, who wants to book trip with Trots, first think twice before booking, do not believed everything, what they are saying and be prepared, when you will arrived to the airport and you will give them rest of the money for the trip, they have stopped to being interested in service.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Terrible Experience with Seven By Far Tour Agency - Beware of Scams and Unprofessionalism
We recently returned from a safari trip to Kenya with Seven By Far Tour Agency, and my experience was nothing short of a nightmare. Having had a fantastic trip with them last year(and gave a glowing review), we blindly chose them again, only to be deeply disappointed this time.
From the moment Sylvester, the owner, received the payment, his behavior turned suspicious and scammy. The originally planned stay at Kempinski Resort in Masai Mara, which I had specifically chosen, was not booked as promised. Despite multiple follow-ups, Sylvester only managed to arrange the flights but messed up the visa process until the very last moment.
To make matters worse, the Kempinski Resort, which Sylvester repeatedly confirmed as booked, turned out to be sold out. He then suggested another hotel, which, upon verification, was never confirmed either. Subsequently, he tried passing off a random lodge as a 5-star property and expected us to pay three times the standard rates. Thankfully, I verified this directly with the hotel and found his claim false.
As a last resort, we contacted the Kenya police, who instructed Sylvester to fulfill the original agreement. We reluctantly settled for Keekorok Lodge, which was far from our initial choice. Sylvester had agreed, in both conversations and with the police, to refund $1080, but upon landing in Kenya, he continually postponed the payment date. In the end, he only paid half, citing a dubious withholding tax for the remainder, which I suspect is a form of financial fraud.
Our tour guide, Hassan, was the only bright spot throughout this ordeal. His professionalism and commitment ensured we had an excellent safari experience despite the agency's shortcomings. He is knowledgeable, can spot animals from miles away, and is always mindful to give them space. I wholeheartedly recommend Hassan to anyone planning a trip to Mara.
In light of these issues, we are filing a formal complaint with the Kenya Police against Seven By Far Tour Agency and its owner, Sylvester. Based on our harrowing experience, I strongly advise fellow travelers to steer clear of this agency to avoid potential scams and unprofessional conduct.
Note: This review is based on factual experiences and is intended as a cautionary tale for other travelers.
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35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very rude owners and staff and subpar facilities
Very rude and unprofessional. Booked, paid, sent proof of payemtn, arrived, and was told payment was not showing. We told I can go elsewhere. Never experienced such bad service.
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Scam? They take the money but not reimburse despite their promises.
Avoid this business at all price ! They took 1500$ as a guarantee when we booked a trip. It was canceled due to COVID-19 and now due to the security situation. We are waiting our refund since 2 years. No answer from the company. We are opening a case. I feel Inside Ethiopia is a scam, definitely avoid it !
Last update: Finally, Inside Ethiopia Tour answered and tried to buy our silence. They said they will reimburse if I promise to delete my comments ! What a great mentality. Trying to hide their scam to their customers by buying the victim's silence.