20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Poorly organised, vehicle not as advertised, terrible communication
I did a three-day safari organised through MJ. It was a really disappointing experience in terms of the organisation, and not matching what I actually paid for. I contacted the company afterwards and was impressed by Jackson's swift explanation, apology and offer to partially refund the cost - but after successive emails and excuses from them went quiet, and never actually did refund me, which is a really poor way to run a business.
I am aware joining safaris are liable to be a little slow and chaotic, and I was patient about this - even when I nearly ended up being taken to a different country! But not being provided with the agreed kind of vehicle on the final day made me feel like I needed to officially complain.
On the first day, on arriving in Arusha, I was put on a bus that was going to Kenya - and only realized it wasn't the right vehicle when I was asked for a passport! No-one from the shuttle bus transport company knew anything about a safari. This was alarming, as a solo female traveler suddenly in a different city, not knowing where to go.
After being driven around for a while by a taxi driver who had no clue what was happening, I had to use my international data roaming to get online to find MJ Safaris number, which cost me a further $10. No phone number was provided when booking. I was then taken to the correct hotel to join a safari group, but it was not a great start!
On the second day, I was told to get up for breakfast at 6am. After waiting three and a half hours, we finally left at 9.30am. This was frustrating.
On the third day, again there was a delay at the campsite, as my driver struggled with a card payment. At the entrance to Lake Manyara, we again waited for a further hour - something to do with the card, or it being a Sunday? It wasn't clear. Again, this delay was frustrating.
Worse, however, was that the car I was in was not a Land Crusier 4x4. It was just a taxi. This meant the windows were blacked out, which was not good for viewing animals. There was a sunroof, but of course it was open to the sky. The sun was very fierce, and I had to avoid it to prevent getting sunburnt, which also made things difficult. They did not have any binoculars, which made viewing animals more difficult. You couldn't stand up when the vehicle was moving, as the sunroof was not padded. I also had safety concerns given there were animals such as baboons who might have jumped in! Finally, the vehicle was clearly unsuited for some of the roads/rivers it had to travel on; it was a very bumpy ride, and the driver was evidently nervous about driving through water.
The driver did a really good job, all things considered, but the booking specifically stated it would be a different vehicle.
I was very disappointed by the disorganization of the trip, but especially the fact that it deviated on the last day from the vehicle as advertised and paid for.
MJ Safaris explained when I complained afterwards that all this was because a group had cancelled at the last minute, and so I had been subcontracted out. I appreciate mistakes can happen, and appreciated their response, which offered to refund the cost of the final day. But it was doubly frustrating to be offered compensation and then just to have follow up emails completely ignored.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Memorable safari with the best agency -Bison Safaris
As 20 friends i our 30's we decided to take the 5 days safari to Kenya visiting Masai Mara ,Nakuru and Naivasha. Well well, Bison Safaris organized everything to perfection. Maggie is exemplary good in her work as she takes you through all steps really well and this did boost the confidence in us and even when we paid we knew this was a reliable company thus no fear at all.
Great drivers we had -James and Bernard. Thank you so much guys for ensuring we spotted as many animals as possible.
Lenchada camp, Lanet Matfam and Taphe Resort are budget units but worth every penny we paid for. Great service and great food and in all these accommodation places we met very friendly staff.
Bison safaris any time for Kenya travelers
Thank you so so much Bison team. Kudos:
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A surprising four days safari in nature
Frank makes sure you have an amazing safari. A guid with a lot of experience about the animals. He makes a safari plan based on personal wishes. I traveled with a group of 7 students. He took into account the budget of a student. Frank Tours Uganda is definitely recommended!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good service
We booked our train tickets for the SGR and a taxi to the train station with East Africa Shuttles and Safaris. Everything was arranged well and they arrived on time.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We have good journey with tomodach in mikumi we satsfy with its services and we was happy all
We get good services and we happy we go to mikumi and uduzungwa we was happy soo much
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good Communication, fast delivery to the Hotel. Everything good
It was just the service for buying Tickets for madaraka train. There everything Perfect.
ES
Unbelievable
During my visit to Chobe national park, i stayed at Chobe Game Lodge, which was truly amazing: the staff was so attentive, everything was milimetrically planned and the only thing you have to worry about is training your eyes to spot the animals among those amazing landscapes.
the chobe river makes this park quite unique, with spectacular sunsets from the cruises, and also gives space to a lot of birds. On the other hand, chobe is the greatest elephant reserve i have ever seen.
Guides at chobe game lodge were really well trained, and it was specially remarkable how the lodge has invested in electric safari cars, which generate no pollution and, whats even better, make almost no noise and do not scare animals away.
Last but not least, food was 10/10 during my stay.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This was an amazing safari experience!!
This safari was the cheapest we found and was definitely the best! We saw all the animals we were hoping to see, including lions (up close)!! I felt very safe the whole time and would recommend this to anyone looking for a affordable, few day safari!!!!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tour guide in Namibia was wonderful, airport transfer, overpriced, rude driver, dirty car
Beautiful country, Onguma was beautiful, chef was accomodating of dietary needs
Gondwana was also nice, a bit crowded
AR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
best safari according to our needs, good price and logistic. Federica the best! More than expected
best safari according to our needs, good price and logistic. Federica is the best! More than expected!
