20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They are one of the best I have experienced so far and their services are world class.
At first, i did not have much faith with them but there is always a first time to everything, I must admit I was wrong about them and can comfortably write that they are the best. Their communication skills are good and we never had any problem during our adventure. Their services are one of the best and can recommend to anyone all over the world. For me, all my expectations were met and am happy with them so far and would recommend to anyone willing to involve with them.
Worst tour I have ever had the displeasure of being on!
I booked and paid through Commonwealth Bank Australia via International money transfer for a 4 day Selous Safari with the company with a contract signed and itinerary set out. (6 months in advance)
I paid extra money (above what was quoted for the tour) when I did the IMT for airport transfer and overnight accommodation before the safari.
I was picked up, accommodated overnight and the next morning I was asked how I was paying for the accommodation. I explained that I had already paid for this as part of my tour package and this was sorted out once the tour owner/operator turned up.
I asked if I could go on a night game drive added to the tour (after initial payment in July) and was quoted $150USD. When I was collected from the accommodation I was asked to pay $200USD for the organised night game drive and an additional $35USD. The $35USD was because when I was quoted the full tour amount and advised what I had to pay they did not include the bank fees charged by the tour company’s bank. I paid the quoted amount as advised by them and MY banks fees for the international money transfer. Rather than argue I paid the $235USD to the owner/operator, and I was driven to Selous, to Kinga Lodge.
After 1 night accommodation and a river safari I was told that the booking was only made by the tour company the day before I had arrived in Selous. I paid the full tour amount on 28/07/2014 and undertook the tour on 18/01/2015, so my payment was made well in advance.
The manager of the Kinga Lodge in Selous, Robert, tried to contact the owner/operator of 'time 4 Afrika' to sort out details as no money had been paid to them by the tour company and only 2 of the 3 nights I needed were available for me due to the Lodge being booked out.
Both Robert, the Lodge manager, and I, tried to contact the owner/operator of 'time 4 Afrika', and were unable to. Robert then called, Howard who was the to tour company’s driver and who was staying in the village waiting to transport me back to Dares Salaam at the end of my safari.
Howard made contact with the owner/operator of 'time 4 Afrika' who said he would forward money when the bank opened the next day (19th Jan 2015). Money was received the next day but not all of the fees that were due were sent.
I had no confirmation from anyone as to where my last night in Selous accommodation would be, no details about the night drive and the full game drive, all of which had been paid for by me.
Robert, the manager of Kinga Lodge advised that I should return to Dares Salaam as I had received no confirmation of my accommodation for that last night in Selous or confirmation of my booked activities going ahead.
Howard drove me back to Dares Salaam. On the way back we ran out of fuel and we had to wait in a small town while money was sent to him from the tour company so he could put enough fuel in the car to complete the journey.
I was delivered to the airport and told ‘things’ would be looked in to when Howard returned to the office. I have heard nothing and do not expect to, least of all do I expect be refunded for the accommodation and activities that I did not receive as I am sure this company has no morals or code of ethics.
This tour was stressful and traumatic and I would like to make other people aware of this fraudulent company!
I am 60 years old and I have travelled extensively all around the world. In all my travels this is by far the most disgraceful and dishonest tour company I have ever had the displeasure of being associated with.
They happily took my money and did not even attempt to deliver the good/services they promised!
Incredible Experience!
We chose the five day safari and had a wonderful experience! We saw all seven of the "big seven" And had great views of many others. Our guide Clive was very informative and entertaining, a real pleasure! We really appreciated his special attention and accommodation for an older member of our group. Everything was well planned and the accommodations and food were very good. Exceptional service throughout!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very helpful in creating the perfect holiday and wedding proposal
In 2013 I contacted Carlijn to organize a holiday to Kenya. I was planning to propose to my girlfriend in Kenya so everything needed to be perfect! Not only does Malika Travel offer a very good price (compared to other agencies) also the contact with Malika Travel is very personal. Carlijn came up with several suggestions for the holiday and also the proposal. I could ask Carlijn all sorts of things for the proposal and Carlijn could just organise it, just perfect! She offered such a good trip. The driver was a really nice and calm guy. The camps were beautiful and clean and located perfect. The parks we visited were just amazing. Our holiday was just perfect! Thank you Carlijn and James!!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our family of four was given excellent service, knowledgeable staff and always willing to help.
We used Ancient Wild for a 10 day safari to visit National parks in Kenya including Masai, Nakuru, Hells Gate, and Amboselli. With two small children, they always accommodated our needs, let us change our plans according to children schedules, and we saw everything on our list. Our guide Joseph was very knowledgeable, good with kids, and always ready to help with whatever we needed and at any time. Michael made all the arrangements and was very instrumental in planning the trip to meet our needs and budget. We would recommend them and use them again.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everything perfectly well organized!
We had a safari in Masai Mara Park including to/from Diani Beach.
Everything was perfectly well organized, the drivers did a very safe driving and knew where to find the best spot for watching the animals.
The excursion to the Masai village is very tourist like and they try to sell you lot's of souvenirs, better skip that.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Caribbean Shark and Whalesafari
Just back from a fantastic trip with Indigo safaris. Everything was really well organised, trip was in one off the best periods and saw everything we wanted to see. Would definitely book again at indigosafaris. Thank you.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Experience of a lifetime
We are from Canada and contacted Sun Safaris via email. We were a little worried at first being so far away and with dealing only through internet, but we were very satisfied with the quick response every time we emailed a question or with a change in our itinerary. For multiple reasons, we dealt with 4 different agents, the last one, Michelle, was superbe. Always delivering the information as promised. During our stay in Cape Town, we even stopped by the office to meet her.
As far as the tour arrangements were concerned, we spent 25 days in Africa, in South Africa, in Zambia and Tanzania. All accommodations, all flights all tours were exactly as booked, no surprises, all went according to itinerary. We were thrilled.
We loved our accommodations, the food was wonderful, the staff at all locations were exceptionnally friendly and very helpful.
We loved our African adventure and would highly recommend Sun Safaris to anyone.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dream trip
It's been over three months since we have been on safari in Tanzania, we still think back almost every day with pleasure.
We started our trip with a visit to a coffee plantation. With much enthusiasm was explained to us the process from plant to coffee by a traditional coffee farmer. (We can start our own coffee plantation now!) Wonderful green area.
We visited Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Serengeti National Park has made the biggest impression on us. The beautiful nature, many animals, the night at Kati Kati tented camp. Just imagine, waking up at night 3 o clock of the frolicking of gazelles around your tent. The moon was full so good view, unforgettable.
Our guide Tom has on a quiet way and with love for nature and animals, many of his knowledge shared with us. He has ensured that we have seen the "Big Five". We have experienced a lot of fun. Tom knows a number of Dutch words and he has done his best to learn us some Swahili words. Also his way of driving on bumpy roads was good, we have us no time felt unsafe.
Tip: do not forget your binoculars.
Selma from Makasa has mapped out for us a trip that perfectly fits our wishes. She responded quickly to the mail that we have sent and no question was too much for her. She also gives a good indication what to expect at the accommodation. In short, she knows where she's talking about and is genuinely interested in your wishes. During our trip we also have to contact her sought, even then she helped us very well.
Tip: Do not doubt the balloontrip, it is worth every penny.
We have also on Zanzibar very enjoyed and had a good time. Sandies Mapenzi Beachresort is beautiful, good food, good bed, friendly staff.
Makasa had arranged for our transfer from airport to resort. With the guide who took us to the resort, we made later two trips. Stone Town and the "Blue Safari". The "Blue Safari" was also a very nice excursion, for a reasonable price (similar to the beach boys there). This was all well organized.
Want to book a safari in Tanzania, Makasa is highly recommended.
Selma, Tom and all the others who made our trip memorable, thanks
Huib, Christina, Rinus en Addy
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
This particular trip could be regarded as a once in a lifetime experience.
The communications with regard to the trip were excellent and the service was also of a very high standard and lived up to all expectations.The level of accommodation was also as expected but the food could be improved upon. The actual tour itself was absolutely fantastic with regard to the itinerary, diverse habitats and the time spent looking for birds.The bird knowledge of the two guides was outstanding.