US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Subcontracted safaris were great, transfers between them were not
We went on a 9-day safari that included Masai Mara, Lake Manyara, Seregeti, and Ngorogoro Crater. Each of the parks were very enjoyable and we saw a ton of animals, including all of the Big 5. However, all of our transfers between the parts of the safari were very stressful.
When we flew into Nairobi, there was apparently a driver waiting to take us to our hotel, but we were not told to expect a driver nor did we see anyone at the airport that seemed to be looking for us, so we took a cab to our hotel. When we got back from the Masai Mara leg of our trip we were staying at the same hotel for a night, but the hotel had to call Erick, the safari manager, to verify that we actually had a reservation because it didn't seem to be on the books. We then had no idea when we were going to be picked up in the morning to go on the next part of the safari. It turned out Erick was coming to the hotel to talk to us later that night, but we were not told to expect that. He told us he would be picking us up in the morning to take us to our bus to Arusha, but in the morning he did not show up, so we had to call him, and then eventually someone else showed up to take us where we needed to go. Once our bus got to Arusha, there was a crowd of safari bookers and cab drivers waiting to take the bus passengers where they needed to go. All the other passengers either knew where they were going, or a safari booker came on the bus and knew the passenger's name and where they were going. We were left on the bus with no idea where we were going and no idea if anyone was supposed to be picking us up, and then we were asked for our bus ticket, which we didn't have. We luckily had Erick's phone number from calling him that morning, but our phone's didn't work in Tanzania so we had to have someone else call him. Erick told them the safari company that was supposed to be picking us up, but they didn't answer their phone when called. We almost took a cab (that we would have had to pay for) to that safari company's office, but luckily the people who were supposed to pick us up arrived right as we were leaving and caught us. We had a similar experience when arriving back in Arusha at the end of our trip, and we had to have the hotel call the Tanzanian sub-contracted safari company (which we luckily remembered the name of) to verify that we had a pre-paid room, and then again in the morning to verify they were actually coming to pick us up. When we got back to the bus, we were again asked for a bus ticket we didn't have, and we again had to have them call someone to verify that we had a prepaid bus trip back to Nairobi.
A lot of this stress could have been avoided by giving us a detailed itinerary with all the information about the sub-contracted safaris, pick up times, and contact info for a person at each transfer.
To top it all off, before we even left our home country, Erick contacted us to inform us of some increased park entry fees, letting us know we should bring a little extra money to cover them. We did so, but when we settled our balance on arrival, the balance did not include these increased park fees. Then, on our second night in Nairobi (between the Masai Mara and Tanzania parts of the safari), Erick gave us a long explanation about how he sets the safari prices for the whole safari season even though Tanzania often increases their fees in the middle of the season. He told us that he does not force his clients to pay the increased fees since they agreed to a lower price, but that he tells his clients about the increased fees in the hope that, if they have a good time, they choose to pay the price increase. This made it sound as though he wanted us to think of a the increased fees as a tip that he should receive if he did a good job. Because of this long-winded explanation, I chose to see how the rest of the trip went before deciding whether to pay the fees, and since we had to convince people at every leg of the trip that we were pre-paid and have them call various people to make sure, the trip didn't seem like it deserved an extra tip. However, once we arrived back in our home country, we received numerous communications from Erick asking us for the money for the park fees. All of this felt pretty slimy to say the least. The ridiculous part is, if he had just included the park fees in the balance when we settled up at the beginning of our trip, I wouldn't have thought anything of it. Instead he had to make it seem like he was demanding a large tip for a very sub-par job.
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Erick Muli Ngala is a LIAR! Ewamanns Safaris is a SCAM!
I participated in a 12-day Tanzania and Kenya Safari with Ewamanns Safaris (US$1250) with the Tanzania part operated by its partner Sandland Tours & Safaris. The trip was extremely memorable not because it was greatly arranged but because we witnessed how the Director of Ewamanns Safaris, Erick Muli Ngala, could make so many lies, excuses, blackmail, threats and intimidation during the trip, which were even more exciting, hilarious and eye-opening than watching animal migration. If you scroll down, you would see that I previously gave Ewamanns Safaris a five-star review for the booking process because Erick seemed to try his very best to satisfy our budget and understand our preference. Everything, including his attitude changed after payment immediately. I am here to summarise how Erick has mistreated us during the 12 days. It is a very long list but I am trying my very best to provide as many details as possible.
(1) A few days before we depart for Nairobi we confirmed with Erick on our arrival details, including flight number and terminal. Erick said that he did not know his schedule yet as he might be in Arusha instead of Nairobi on our arrival date but he would notify me the pickup details one day before our arrival. We did not receive any updates from him so we emailed him again. He assured us that he would arrange the pickup accordingly. When we arrived Nairobi airport, no one picked us up. I had to buy a phone card to call but Erick’s phone was off. Finally we were picked up 3 hours later, that means we stood in the arrival area of Nairobi Airpot for 3 hours! Some drivers of other companies were kind enough to help us make calls or find someone who might know Erick but no one knew him. Even more hilarious, we have missed the shuttle from Nairobi to Arusha and they sent a car to drive us to chase the original shuttle. We were very scared, worried and frightened during the wait and the whole ride. Erick told us he could not answer our call because his phone had no battery due to power shortage. Even if this was true, he could have used other’s phone to contact us. This was his responsibility! I have also confirmed with other drivers that no such power shortage problem has occurred. Erick then said that he has indeed messaged my friend who was already in Nairobi that I should wait in the airport for 3 hours, thinking that my friend would have notified me about the wait. How could my friend notify me when I was already on the plane?
(2) When we arrived Arusha we finally saw Erick. We were forced to change from 2 days in Serengeti to 1 day in Lake Manyara and 1 day in Serengeti. Clearly this was for saving costs. We wanted to insist on doing 2 days in Serengeti but Erick said there were no other options. Why could Eruck suddenly change something that we have mutually agreed?
(3) Be careful that every itinerary Erick sends to you can be misrepresentation. Our itinerary clearly stated that there would be one evening plus one morning game drive in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and visit to Olduvai Gorge Museum. We did not do any of these and was already back to the campsite at 3pm, with nothing to do till 8pm for dinner. We complained to Sandland Tours and they said it was Erick’s problem in not updating the itinerary. We complained to Erick and Erick said it was Sandland’s fault as Tanzania’s people always lie. He said that he has changed operators in Tanzania for 3 times already and none was good. He said he would not cooperate with Sandland Tours anymore.
(4) On the day when we should depart from Arusha back to Kenya side, Erick told us that we would be picked up at 7:00-7:30am. We were finally picked up at 10:30am by a taxi to Sandland’s office, then were transferred by a taxi to a local bus station, then were sent onto an overloading cramped van heading for the border. Sandland said it was Erick’ fault and Erick said that Sandland has forgotten to pick us up. During the wait, we were very worried as we could not contact Erick. Fortunately, the staff at Zawadi House Lodge in Arusha were kind enough to make calls for us. After we passed through immigration on our own, we again did not see Erick and the driver. A driver from another safari company was kind enough to call Erick for us and Erick said he should arrive in 30 minutes. He again blamed the shuttle for not contacting him about our arrival time. We finally waited for another 2 hours. He stretched his arms, laughed and pretended he was innocent when we met. Later on, we heard from Paul the driver that he has indeed arrived at the office in the early morning ready to drive to the border to pick us up but it was Erick who delayed everything in the office. Moreover, Paul told us that when we called Erick it was impossible to arrive in 30 minutes and Erick lied.
(5) Erick told us that it would take at least 13 hours to drive from Namanga border to Amboseli National Park when it should indeed take only 2 hours at most. He lied to us that the roads there were bad. We asked the driver of another company and he told us that the road has always been good for that part and Erick was just trying to save a day of park entrance and game drive fee.
(6) This is the highlight: on the last day a dinner at Carnivore Restaurant should be included. Erick said, “We need to make new agreement. We cannot include Carnivore Restaurant and your airport transfer tomorrow because I have no money left. All my money is finished. So what do you want to do? You want to sell me? You can write me bad reviews but I have no money. It is time for you to help me as I have helped you guys enough.” Finally we bargained and got the Carnivore dinner as originally agreed, but we reluctantly had to pay our transportation to the airport.
(7) There are many other problems that I cannot even list them all here - we paid for 5 day park entrance fee but we only went into the parks for 4 days so he saved 1 day park fee (US$80) for himself; for the full-day game drive in Masai Mara, we finished at 3:30pm with nothing to do afterwards; Erick did not pay drivers for sufficient water and we had no water on the last day; etc.
Yes, it is clear that Ewamanns Safaris offers the cheapest price. For US$1250 only, I got exposed to not only animals, but the dark side of human nature. If you still want an adventure with Ewamanns Safaris, be prepared: (i) Nothing will be on time; (ii) Don’t care about contractual agreements; (iii) You would not understand Erick’s English in email; (iv) You don’t need a watch. Your concept of time and Erick’s concept of time should be very different.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic safari
Erick was an amazing operator. His drivers were very professional and got us the best looks at the animals as possible. Erick picked me up from the airport himself. The camps had everything we needed and the value I got for the money was second to none. It was so good I plan on using Ewamanns again next year. Rest assured you'll get great value from Ewamanns.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect, it couldn't have been better!
We were met in Nairobi by TJ with champagne, hats and a gift pack, and a surprise invitation for dinner at the Manji family's home the next evening, with other Safari guests. We had a lovely evening with Manaz, Rahim and families, thank you. Our 12 night Safari was amazing. Our guides/drivers were extremely knowledgeable about the country and the animals, they were skilled drivers and very pleasant companions. Seif, Abdul and Ibrahim were always helpful and managed to show us many animals from the best advantage site.
Our accommodation was first class everywhere, however we particularly loved the smaller lodges Mbweha Safari Camp and Tipilikwani Mara Camp as they were more intimate and laid back.
We would highly recommend Twiga Tours to anyone considering a safari trip.
BG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Thompson family safari with Gideon to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti - Dec 2015-Jan 2016
We travelled with Gideon for six days throughout Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti as a family of five - us two parents and three grown-up children. By unanimous vote it has been our best family vacation ever!!! I lived in Tanzania for nine years in total and had visited the northern parks many times but hadn't been back for more than 25 years. Gideon made the journey special even for an old hand like me and even more so for the rest of the family. We knew what we wanted - we didn't want to go to Tarangire in December when the grass would be tall and the animals difficult to see. We did want to experience the migration and also spend a night at Serena Hotel on the edge of the crater. Gideon gave us all we could have asked for and even more. We went into parts the Serengeti I had never been to before. He adjusted our travel plans day by day to ensure that we would experience the best game viewing possible. When we were staying on the border area between Ngorongoro and Serengeti he bought passes for both parks simultaneously so that we could move freely from one park to the other. He has an incredible gift for spotting and identifying animals at great distances. Just about every day, after seeing lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and tens of thousands of plains animals we came across cars from the more established companies with disconsolate guides asking if we had seen anything interesting that day. Gideon would always graciously swap updates on locations and sightings. Two things that made our holiday though were (1) Gideon's passion for what he does and (2) his desire to make our safari the best it could possibly be. Gideon loves his work. He has such a strong attachment to this part of the world which is close to where he grew up. It means so much to him and he simply loves to share it with his guests. It made the whole safari experience a deeply personal one for all of us, one that none of us will ever forget!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Self-drive trip thru Namibia
Unable to find a tour that fitted our desired itinerary and the time frame, I contacted several tourist agencies and among them the Cardboard Box Travel Shop. My initial inquiry was responded by Erika of Cardboard Box Travel Shop within hours, with a wide array of options not received from other companies. Erika was on top of each question I had and she provided invaluable advice pertaining to the driving distances and lodges. Simply, she provided answers and tips just about everything I asked and beyond. Our Vouchers for the lodges were delivered promptly to our hotel along with a road map of Namibia. The roads on the map were highlighted and each lodge and attraction was clearly indicated. In addition, the package contained a pre-paid telephone SIM card in case we experienced a mechanical break-down or other emergency. All lodges (as well as the Strand Hotel in Swakopmund) were outstanding. Also, I have to mention that we arrived at Kulala Desert Lodge later than anticipated and just before the Lodge attendant was preparing to send a vehicle with a crew to search nearby roads for possibly stranded tourists. If we are to travel again in Namibia, the Cardboard Box Travel Shop will be the only Travel agency we will contact.
MY
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience with Best Camping
We had a fabulous trip with Best Camping having Joseph as our guide. He is very experienced and skillful person. We were very lucky to have him with us for the whole trip. We visited Amboseli national park and Masaimara game reserve in the last week of Aug. Thanks to Mr. Shiraz for taking care of all our needs. We saw two rarest things in Masaimara, one is the Rhino family and the other is the solar eclipse. It was a thrilling experience to observe lion hunting wildebeest. The landspace of all the parks were just mesmorising. The campsite in masaimara was in a perfect location near the Talek river in a walking distance from the park entrance. Steve is the best cook I have seen. He made delicious dishes for us and unlimited supply of African tea and coffee. We even had an evening walk with a Masai, John around the Talek river and the experience was wonderful.
In Amboseli we stayed in the Sentrim Camp and that was also very nice. They had a Kilimanjaro view point and we were lucky to get a clear view of it..There were many beautiful birds in the campsite and delicious buffet lunch and dinner..
Looking forward to visit again and meet every member of BCTS. Miss them all..
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I did a 3 days safari to Masai mara with this Agency and it will be forever be memorable.
Blue mountain trekking and safaris made my visit to Masai mara to be the most enjoyable safari i have ever taken. The staff are friendly and always ready to offer support where needed. The program provided fitted very well with our expectations. Patrick who was our guide is knowledgeable and gave us a wonderful experience.
I would recommend this tour company to any one for their reliability and high level of honesty from Mr. Sam
KW
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic, well organised safari
We booked a 3 night safari with Dennis in the Maasai Mara at the end of the August. It was the most incredible trip. It was so well organised - Dennis was always very helpful and easy to get hold of. He organised our accommodation at Mara Sarova Lodge and all flights and transfers were booked for us. It was a very smooth process. We had the best guide/driver who was lovely, kind and very knowledgeable and knew where to find all the animals - ask for Samson - he is a legend! Although we just missed the migration, we saw all of the big 5 including two rhinos and leopards - so it's definitely a great time to go. I'd definitely recommend booking with Dennis, it was a fantastic trip - I can't wait to go back!