NZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Difficult driver changed the plan
The pre-tour booking was very efficient. The tour was simple to book, we were provided great options for accommodation and we were given clear level of detail. However, unfortunately our experience with the driver was far from positive. We had booked a full game drive, plus two game drives, but in reality, we were given a full day + 2 hours. The driver was then disagreeing with us on the second half day, and said that we had to get back to Nairobi. We are not usually confrontational people, but we felt that it was really unfair to not finish the agreed itinerary. This made us feel really uncomfortable as we didn't want to be disagreeing on the plan, however, we had flown such a long way for these three days and we really wanted to spend our agreed time in the park. The driver begrudgingly agreed to take us back into the park, but we only spent 2 hours there, rather than the half day. What really polished it off was on our way home, we stopped to fill up the tyres and one of our passengers got out to use the rest room. Before the passenger even got back into the car, the driver started driving out of the petrol station! He was very rude, didn't make an effort to learn our names and made it apparent that he didn't want to be hosting the trip. He was also making multiple personal phone calls throughout the trip. It was really very disappointing.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Got me to Gombe but didn't deliver all of what was promised
Gombe Stream NP is an amazing, magical place. The chimpanzee treks themselves are conducted by TANAPA (Tanzania's national park service) regardless of how you get to Gombe. The TANAPA guide assigned to me was superb.
Gombe Track provided a driver in Kigoma and a cook who accompanied me to Gombe. Both were great and individually deserve 5 stars. The driver stopped by on my night in Kigoma to point out the MV Liemba coming into port, and the cook took time in the evenings in Gombe to help me learn Swahili.
Unfortunately, my overall experience with Gombe Track as a tour operator was marred by two issues.
First, the itinerary I agreed to stated all meals and non-alcoholic refreshments were included. This turned out not to be the case. I was forced to pay for a number of waters and sodas, and on my last day in Kigoma, was told by the "hotel" (see below) that my meals were not included. As a result, I opted to skip two meals (dinner and breakfast) rather than pay for food that should have been covered.
Second, the itinerary I agreed to called for one night in Kigoma at a specific hotel (Coast View). I researched this property beforehand to ensure it was acceptable to me. Instead, without any notice or discussion, I was taken to another accommodation which seemed to be of much lower quality (Aqua Lodge).
Unlike Coast View, Aqua Lodge had no internet/WiFi, no restaurant/bar, etc. While the staff seemed friendly enough and there was a great lake view, my room had only a squeaky ceiling fan that didn't cool the room very well and the poor ventilation allowed outside cigarette smoke in. The bed had a thin bed sheet over over a mattress that wasn't even tucked in. There was a leak in the bathroom that left the base of the toilet in a puddle of water. Finally, I could hear just about everything in the one nearby room that was occupied by a couple who decided to get frisky at 3 am. Needless to say, I didn't sleep much and was counting down the hours until I left.
I should note that my trip to Gombe was initially arranged through another tour operator, who I had a great experience with on another safari. After I had agreed to terms and was in Tanzania, I was handed off to Gombe Track directly. The full payment for my trip was given to Gombe Track. As far as I am concerned, it was Gombe Track's responsibility to be aware of the itinerary/terms and ensure they were followed since it was the company actually conducting the tour.
I paid Gombe Track $900 for 4 days and the last ~22 hours were in Kigoma where I was basically on my own waiting to fly back to Dar es Salaam. This amount did not include the TANAPA fees (park entrance, guide, accommodations at the park, etc.) and airfare, which added more than $600 to the total cost.
$900 should have been way more than enough to profitably cover my (limited) ground transportation in Kigoma, the boat to and from Gombe, 4 days of meals and non-alcoholic beverages, admission to the Livingstone monument in Ujiji, and one night of accommodation in the Kigoma hotel specified in the itinerary I agreed to.
While Gombe Track got me to Gombe and back, and I appreciate that, I now know I paid a lot more than necessary and despite this, I still got less than what was agreed to.
I had been in contact with the owner of Gombe Track via WhatsApp prior to my trip and never heard from him after the trip to see how it went, which was disappointing, especially given the cost. I did two other safaris while on Tanzania, both of which were much less expensive on a per day basis, and both operators were eager to collect feedback afterwards.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terrible. Worse vacation ever. John Williams scammer.
I had the worse experience with John Williams. We landed in Serengeti to find out the parks fee was not paid nor the hotels. I can't even write down my thoughts because I'm so upset with the whole situation. I trusted John. Pls guts be careful about this agent.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Worst than worst!!!Police do something!!
My first safari. I was saving many months and now I feel robbed! The owner still writes to me today asking not to write wrong review but doesnt care that everything went wrong , is a liar and like the rest of the comments said, is true he does not care. I did ask before booking if he had partners in Tanzania and said no, well that is a lie, Mr.Seth Vincent is partner with SANDLAND ( Abraham Shaidi who also ruin us). I see on another review that he lies again, he still has same partner. Same story first you pay (for us was 1750euros each for 8days safari) then he changes the itinerary. we did less than half of the games we paid for, one day car broke, (waited 5h) another day no entrance to park paid waited 4h, even we were stucked half a day on one accommodation Panorama camp"because it was not been paid for, the police had to come to rescue us, sounds incredible but this are only a few examples, I am sure I will get a reply full of lies but this company needs to be stopped , people save money to come to this beautiful countries to have the dream holidays and they are ruined like this is not right!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Couldn't have asked for much more!
We were very pleased with Seven By Far Travel. When you pay online overseas their is a slight doubt that someone will not be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive. We were not only greeted by our guide when we arrived, but also the owner of the company to reassure us that we had made the right decision. From the beginning to the end of our 6-day travels throughout Kenya our guide Nicolas gave us the best possible experience. What I mean by this is that he cannot guarantee to show us the big five or the wildebeest migration but he did his absolute best to make this a memorable experience. We did in fact get to see the big five and Nicolas' intuitive personality and experience led us right to them. He took care of us every step of the way and honestly answered all of our questions about Kenya and Africa and knew a lot about the animals. We are very grateful for having Nicolas as our guide and would not hesitate to choose him and Seven By Far Travel for any of our future Africa travel.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very friendly and professional!
I went on a one-day safari in august with Hekima, and everything was great! I was only interested in going to Tarangire (as I had other safaris planned later in Kenya), but they managed to find me a group to join and a private car to get me back to Arusha! The price was very reasonable comparedto the competition. Our driver was very knowlegable and taught us more about the Masai culture, the history of the region, and of course the animals in the park. Lunch was also very tasty!
Eli and Jackson are both incredibly friendly guys, and I would for sure trust them again if I come back to Tanzania! Don't hesitate to stay at their hostel when you're in Arusha.
Thanks again for the breathtaking experience!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful experience. We felt well looked after and had a fantastic time.
We are a family of four with two children aged 15 and 11. We had a fabulous and memorable safari arranged by Joseph with Tony as our excellent guide to Tarangirie National Park, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorogoro Crater.
The standard of accommodation was very high. We particularly liked the tented camps in the Serengeti, and we saw an amazing range of wildlife including the 'Big 5' and many other animals and birds. Tony was the best guide we could have wished for; extremely knowledgeable, a fantastic driver, very patient with all of our questions and a lovely person.
We had excellent service from Joseph from our initial e-mails to all the way through our safari. Joseph was always quick to respond to e-mails and provide different itineraries until we decided on what we wanted. I have no hesitation in recommending Happy World Safaris for anyone considering an independent safari in Tanzania.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Absolutely Amazing
Not easy to prepare your safari in Tanzania and choose from the countless agencies that share the market ... We chose Tanzania Exclusive Journeys and from our first mail we were conquered! Quick answers, professional, contact with Jane who took care of us was perfect from the beginning. She has answered all our questions and adapted to all our wishes in order to organize the safari made for us. Our guide, Rashid, spoke excellent English, a + for our 5 year old chip, knowledge and sympathy, made this trip a unique experience. He was able to adapt to our needs and desires, sometimes modify the program if we were tired and made us discover ALL possible animals to observe: from the lioness who takes her lunch at the rhino du Ngoron through the Lycaons and Cheetahs of the Serengeti ... The lodges and tented camp reservations were perfect for our family and the balanced routes, we loved the night spent in the middle of the Serengeti at the Kati Kati camp, a little less than the Tarangire Safari Lodge ... Finally, the Director of the agency came to accompany us to the airport of Arusha before our departure for Zanzibar to take stock with us on the progress of our safari, a friendly attention which really shows that this agency is serious and attentive. Highly recommended Tanzania Exclusive Journeys.
IN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing experience
We did a 4 day Safari with Hekima and it was a really wonderful experience. The team is well organized and treat you more like friends rather than customers. Amaani was our guide and he always made sure we were the first team out of the camps. He was very experienced despite his young age and would often spot Cheetahs and lions despite them being really far away and well camouflaged. The food was great and everything was well taken care of. If you're looking to do a Safari, I'd suggest you stop looking and book with them as they're also the most reasonable in terms of cost that we could find on this website. Highly recommended!
PL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lifetime adventure with very professional & passionate team!
Tour was perfectly organised, well scheduled, safe and fulfilling all expectations. Guides and staff are not only highly professional but also friendly and passionate. Everything starting from cars & accomodation going through food & experiences and getting to people & atmosphere - everything totally fulfilled my expectations.
