20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terrible. Book elsewhere. More focused on making money than customer experience
Booked a safari tour with acz tours in Nairobi. Joshua and the office staff replied very promptly and payment went through smooth. All questions answered fully and quickly, great customer service.
The tour itself is described as a 4 day safari. On day one I was picked up 0700 and drove around the city until 0900 picking up guests. The entire day was spent driving to the park with a 1.5 hour visit to park. (Wasted day).
Day 2 was a full 12 hours in the park where we seen lots. Unfortunately the breakfast had ran out of most foods by 0600 and no more was made so felt very hungry. When lunch came around it wasn't much better, a terrible sandwich with hardly any meat and some rotten fruit.
Day 3 again spent driving, this time from 0700 until 1730. Wasted day again. We got to hotel just as was getting late. Was promised WiFi to which never worked.
Day 4 we spent 1.5 hours in the lake and the rest of the day driving to Nairobi. Again another long day in the van wasted.
Besides all of the following, I would like to point out a few issues.
1. the drivers where late to pick us up every single morning from their designated meeting time.
2. They were forever driving whilst on their phones and 2 guests had to leave the tour early as they didn't feel safe. We almost crashed in the park trying to get to a rhino and inturn the van not only lost a wing mirror and the back bumper, but got stuck and we all had to get out and push! In a park full of lions haha.
3. The van is restricted to 80km so for 4 hours I had to sit listening to a continous beep noise.
4. Due to being a ride share I was forced to sit in the front as there was no seats in the back of the van. Due to this, I couldn't see very much whilst in the parks.
5. The van seat was infested with insects. I told the driver to which he shrugged and said "they won't bite". As there was no other seat I was forced to sit for 6 hours with insects crawling all over me and my belongings.
6. The best one of all, the van broke down 3 times and we spent over 2 hours waiting around. On 2 occasions mechanics tried to help but the bus driver Richard was too pig headed he wouldn't allow and the mechanic left. In turn we lost out of hours in the park because of the poor van maintenance .
7. Out of 7 guests on the trip, 4 left really annoyed and the other 3 were not too happy. One quit his tour 2 days early because of the electrical fire in the van and didn't feel safe. One didn't feel safe driving at night with the driver. And the others had to change their plans to accommodate us so were not happy at all.
Over all the tour was not worth the money paid. Although the park was nice and the animals seen was fantastic, I feel this tour was extremely unorganized and if I had children I'd be furious the drivers put us into such unsafe conditions. If you have the money I would book else where.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very disorganized
We booked a short trip to Mombasa using the SGR. When we got to the Miritini station all the people who had booked with Bonfire we're herded to one corner. Most of us had no transportation to the hotels. Where a bus finally showed up, 2 hours late, it broke down at the parking lot! They eventually put us in 3 separate taxis after much complaining. We wasted about 4 hours that counted as part of the first day of the trip.
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beware of cheaters! 'Hello, Tanzania!' are cheaters! In particular Mwajabu. Safari was terrible
It's a pity to write it but for the next travellers I must do it, to prevent the situations that we were involved and to be ready what to expect from those swindlers like Ms Mwajabu and their company 'Hello, Tanzania'
1. We were the first day in Africa. Mwajabu came to grab the cash for the safari. We were warned that to TZ we need to take just 2006 year released banknotes or above. Of course, we all checked our cash before. It was 2006 or above. We gave money to Mwajabu. After a couple of hours she came to the hotel and told us that 12(!) 100$ banknotes that we gave her were old and 'she is in trouble". We were confused because we hadn't expected that they are going to cheat us, because some of our friends who worked in the other firm Altezza Tours reccomended the company as their partners. But Mwajabu didn't care about this. All of us were really alarmed and concerned, we didn't know what to expect but we knew for sure that we had given proper banknotes. After we told her about the police and cancellation of safari she said that it would be 'a lesson to her ' and her friend on Zanzibar will help her to change old money. Isn't it funny? All of us, especially girls were a bit suppressed, ' cause it was the first day in Africa for us all and we were dreaming about gorgeous safari. But instead of good thoughts about upcoming safari we had to prove that 'we are not camels' to that woman.
2. Next day. The driver came on 5 a m. The car was small for us 6. and really old. But they actually offered to go 8 persons.. how? The capacity with driver is maximum 8! So we arrived to the lodge in Selous GR at around 10 am, guys from the lodges showed us our tents. Girls were in shock! Tents were tiny for 1 person not even for his big bag! On the pictures they'd sent us the tents were normal big for 2 persons that you can even stand there. We will see such normal tents in Ngorongoro in few weeks later, they were just really comfortable. So certainly we refused to live in such conditions. On the program Mwajabu sent us in advance were absolutely different normal 2 persons tents. What could we do in the middle of Africa? We asked them to give us another accommodation. They charged us more 360$ for us 6 for the wooden hut for 2 and another wooden non condicioned even non fenned hut for 4! 360$ more! Once we lived in Portugal for 350$ for a month in a big flat in the city centre! That's their cheat #2.
3. We've spent about an hour of our game drive time to arrange all the things with accommodation. And now cheat #3: they stated that we can choose that today we go for a half day game drive and tomorrow for the half day. But better not to go today and just go to boat safari on 16.30 pm and tomro for the full day game drive. But stop! In the program it was claimed that on day1 we arrive at 10, having our fast lunch and departing for the WHOLE DAY safari, not even for a half. And there was some logic in it: so why would we have to depart from the hotel at 5am and arrive to the lodge (in Selous) at 10am and just start the boat safari at 4.30pm&?! It's ridiculous! We said that 'no, we going to go now for the whole day and tomro for the whole day' as it was written in the program that Ms Mwajabu sent me via email in advance. But can you imagine our guide Msafiri showed us printed program with the new schedule! Cheaters were ready for any turn! :) But of course i found in my smart phone the real program and showed it for the guide. For the long time he was talking on the phone and finally agreed on what we had insisted. Like Mwajabu did when she failed with her trick with banknotes. So we've spent a lot of time and nerves again. Why they did like that? We found out later that the entrance fee costs for a 24 hours visit to the park 70$/person. So they tried to convince us to go just for a one day game drive to save 420$ and put them into their pockets. Of course everything including park fees we've paid in advance.
4. The safari was ok. But not impressed. You know, 50% of success depends on the guide. The guide - Msafiri was not very communicative. His English was ok, but we haven't been catching not any word because of the strong accent. He was not very friendly, and he was wearing not a neat clothes as other safari guides did, not like a hint for uniform, just like a local guy from the village. Probably not a big deal but It's also very important for the whole impression about the company.
5. The icing on the cake was that on the last day they sold us lunch boxes for 10$ each! But it really costs less than a dollar: dry old chicken leg, bred with carrot, juice..
So the whole impression was very bad, they were trying to deceive us every time they got a chance. So thank you, Mwajubu for the spoilt safari and first impression about Tanzania. You're not even think for the future, I told you that if we'd love the safari we'd definitely go with your company fot the northern curcuit. And thanks God we found another great company with honest and pleasant people working there who changed our opinion to the country and people. We went back home absolutely satisfied and pleased. Tanzania is amazing!
We have all scans, documents, photos, programs, witnesses to prove my words. So, guys, be aware of that company and Ms Mwajabu. Actually we can even bring an action for the court, because they rendered their service not loke it was claimed in the contract and forced us to pay more money cheating us with accommodation.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
These people are completely dishonest. Both Maggie and driver Patrick are not honest or truthful.
The first 3 days of the safari was excellent. I thought our driver was excellent.
Then, the driver, Patrick, cancelled the last game drive on the last morning, cheating us out of the last game drive on the last day of the safari. The schedule called for a total of five game drives, we got four. I thought we had another game drive, but I never had a printed hard copy. I had the schedule on my computer, but internet access was bad at the lodge and the schedule was inaccessable.
I calculated the value of each of the drives at $220 each.
Patrick was in a bad mood on the last day. I could not get my seat belt fastened, and he impatiently got out and finally got it fastened. I then unfastened it to make sure it would reopen properly, and then I could not refasten it. He angrily asked why I had unfastened it. I said I wanted to make certain that it would open. I do not want to be stuck in a wrecked van and unable to get out. FIRE?? He could not get it working and I moved to another seat.
Also on that last day, he refused to stop and allow me to take a photo I wanted. He said no, that the locals did not want their picture taken, and wanted to be paid for it. I said ok, I will pay. He still would not stop.The photo I wanted was of a donkey pulling a very heavy loaded wagon.
It turned out to be an deadly silent return trip to Nairobi. Patrick had previously told us he was tired of the job. This day was totally unlike the first days.
I talked to Maggie about the trip and asked for a refund for the missed last game drive. She offered $20.00. I declined that offer.
Then, Maggie said she finally talked to Patrick. She said that he told her that I called him "shit" the entire trip. That was ridiculous. She also said something very strange, that I was "drinking" something. I hardly ever drink, and when I do, I am country western dancing and my natural limit is two, and there was no alcohol in the van. That was a very far out claim.
DO NOT PAY THESE PEOPLE CASH- THERE IS SOMETHING VERY BAD ABOUT THESE PEOPLE.
ALL THE SAFARI PEOPLE WANT CASH UP FRONT, WHERE IS THE PROTECTION FOR THE CUSTOMERS??
By all means, go on a safari! The animals are great! Just don't risk it on these people!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Somak Driver Offroad and Endangering Lion
I've just come from the Mara where I saw a Somak branded vehicle go off road so that they could get a meter away from a sleeping lion. The driver then got angry when he saw me with my telephoto lens taking his photo. Do not support companies that employ irresponsible drivers.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good Time Safaris Ltd is a RIP-OFF!!
Must sadly agree with others we were conned by Victor Godwin. Consider yourself warned if you book with him. Had the EXACT same experience as others:
We (a party of three) agreed to a safari itinerary via email communication and paid in advance, all inclusive. When we went on the safari, Victor called and asked if I could please pay for park entry fees. He promised to reimburse me once we got back to Arusha. Now the problem is that the drivers do not have funds for the park entry fees so you have no other option than to pay or not enter the park. Of course, he does not refund your additional expenses.
On our trip we had two vehicles on the tour, one for the three of us (a couple and an individual) and the other for a family. Long story short, he played the parties against each other, for park admission, hotel accommodation upgrades, etc. Each of us got taken for $600, for a total of $1800. The other family actually ended up missing their flight for a trip to Zanzibar!! When confronted, Victor claimed he would reimburse us all. We suspected, however, that being thousands of miles away in the US, we would never see that money.
It’s been 10 months since our safari. He stopped responding to my emails and we’ve never been reimbursed. I couldn’t make a claim against my credit card, as I didn’t pay Victor as part of the tour, but paid for entry directly to a park.
Victor is not a member of Tanzania Tour Operators Association. Make sure your tour operator is part of this organization. This essentially means that they are not able to help any customers who might have problems with Victor. Another reason for staying completely clear of this guy.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This company stole $2,900 USD of my money! DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!!!
I am one of many people who trusted ISIA last year. I wired $2,900 USD to the company a year in advance. Four months before I was to leave, I received an email that my safari was being cancelled because the company was going bankrupt. The money was never returned. A group of us set up a page on Facebook. Some of the clients lost much more than I did to these dishonest operators. You can search for our stories on Facebook under 'It Started In Africa Client Group.'
Please contact me if you have any questions about what happened to me and others. I am happy to share my story with you. Please do not book with this company.
US
Fraudulent!
I was close to giving this company a Four Star rating but have to give it One Star. Cost me an additional $4,800! I have to determine is Felix is dishonest but can tell you that I have not received $4,800.00 in over paid funds. Upon arriving to Nairobi I was told that my wired funds had not yet been received. I had a confirmation but was told that Equity Banks LTD was holding funds due to the election issues that were happening in Kenya at that time. In order to continue I had to pay cash for the trip. Once the funds were received and released Felix would refund the amount to me. Once the elections had been resolved my funds would be released and Sardius Tours would refund me. Well the elections were resolved about 30 days later in October. It is now the end of January and I have to be refunded. The owner (Felix) continues to telling me to wait a couple of more weeks for good news. I have attempted to contact the Bank and the Department of Tourism and have yet to hear back. I will continue this fight but please be warned. Stay as far away from Sardius Tours as possible! Don't give them your money! Fund a more reputable Tour agency!
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Safari without animals
Serengeti park was absolutely empty, during our two days.
When I asked to change area the guide told us to be patient and that animals would have come. But when and where?!
He also told us that moving trough other areas was too far, but we had to spend 6 hours per day into the park, so too far for what.
I am sorry but I spent 600USD for nothing.
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
WARNING: do not book a safari with this company!!
They are at best utterly incompetent and at worst a criminal organization! I agreed a safari tour with them for January and paid a $200 deposit into their account. After 2 weeks they informed me this money had not gone through and I should send it through a different link. I found this a little strange and asked for a reason why the original payment didn't work. I heard nothing back from them and since the money was back in my account I ended up booking with another company. Then having heard nothing for a month this dodgy 'representative' turned up the day before my safari asking when we would like to be picked up!!!Face to face he was apologetic and said not to worry and he understood. However once back home I found that somehow this money had been withdraws from my account without my permission.The representative has lied and been elusive since I found this out. I have all the email documentation that proves this and My bank confirmed it was an illegal transaction.However I suggest anyone steers clear of this company. There are many fantastic safari groups in Kenya but this is not the one! Keep away if you don't want to be cheated!