20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dishonest and Disorganised
We booked with Bonfire Adventures for a 3 day trip to Mara Maasai and after our experience would not recommend Bonfire Adventures for the following reasons.
1. Disorganised.
Bonfire were highly disorganised. I felt as if I was doing most of the organisation and I was trying to organise their agent to book things for us. I had to repeatedly follow up with them about if they had made the booking and what time we would be collected to start the Safari. They only confirmed who was collecting us at 7pm the night before we were due to leave at 7am the next morning. They asked us to let the driver know where to collect us from even though we had already provided them with that information more than a week in advance.
2. Dishonesty
We asked them for a quote as to the cost, which they provided to us. It wasn't until after we paid that they informed us that they had quoted us the residents rate rather then non-residents rate and would have to pay more money. I have a very English first and surname so I have no idea why they would assume that I was a resident. They then said that I should have known that it was the residents rate as they had charged us in the local currency rather then US dollars. I asked them to return my money to me as I did not want to pay extra as this would make the safari significantly more expensive. It was only at this point they said that they could actually offer it to us at the residents rate.
Perhaps more disappointing was that they were dishonest with money. I sent them the money for the Safari and paid the bank fees. According to my calculations I unintentionally underpaid them 700 KES (Approx. 7 USD) due to the different the conversion rates. However Bonfire said that I had underpaid them by 5,600 KES (Approx. 53 USD). When I questioned this they said the difference must be due to bank fees. I went back and checked that and in fact I had already paid these fees. I asked for further proof of exactly how much they received in the transfer but they only provided an internal spreadsheet, but nothing from their bank. I have asked them to provide me with a way to pay the remaining 700 KES and am waiting to hear back from them.
3. Driver
The driver was also disappointing as at the end of our Safari we were dropped off at Lake Naivasha. He put pressure on us to pay him to drive us back to Nairobi after we were finished at the lake in a few days time. He asked us to pay him $120,000 KES and told us that we wouldn't get anyone to drive us back to Nairobi for less then $100,000 KES. We phoned a great driver we had previously used in Nairobi who immediately suggested a much more reasonable price of 70,000 KES and didn't pressure us at all to go with him.
They also ask to do a client feedback form which you then return to the staff who you are assessing so its difficult to give honest and open feedback in these circumstances.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Trustworthy, Professional and frindly nice guy , wondful trip
Travel there with Cheno's BMW, Helped us a a lot. Really enjoy the view and experience, and somethings can never forget . hope to go there one more time, and also to meet my friend Cheno there.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
nice one
We have just returned from an amazing holiday in Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda and we have Safarihub to thank for organising such a fantastic and stress-free experience. From the minute we began planning this trip a year ago the staff at Easy Travel have been very professional, prompt in replying to all emails and helpful in every way.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
First class experience
As we were searching for the right operator, we had few conversations with different companies. Out of all, Safarihub was the best. Vummy has been arranging and communicating with us and accommodate all our needs. We couldn't thank her enough for her patience. The trip from the start to the end was amazing, jaw dropping experience. We were lucky to be accompanied by the kindest and most patient guide, Antony. Our accommodation was superb except for chalet in Mbalageti when the lights were suddenly off at 4.30am when we were getting ready to check out for balloon safari. But other than that, everything was perfect. It's a shame that we couldn't stay longer. The trip was so meaningful to us. We managed to see all the big 5 and so much more. Antony tried so hard and go extra mile to make sure all our dreams come true. We hope to come back again and meet everyone. I miss Serengeti already and I miss the calmness and peaceful of the place. God bless all of you at Safarihub!
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A very poor operator with terrible organisation and incompetent subcontractors.
Bonfire was contracted to organise a safari tour to Tsavo West and Ambosselli. Day one and we have no tour bus and no communication. The day was shambolic with an alternative transport company organised by independents and eventually a 5 hour delayed arrival at our lodge. More alternative transport substituted on Day 2 in two run down vehicles. Third rate guides. Poor itineraries. And finally a broken down vehicle on the last day. Use this company at your peril.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well organised
Safari Hub put together a wonderful itinerary for my safari in Tanzania. All of the reservations for hotels and activities came together seamlessly, and communication with my travel consultant Remmy was excellent. I would recommend them to anyone looking to plan an incredible trip.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
disgust
I once personally visited the next gen mall office to enquire for a booking and the customer service guy was awful, didnt care, vague, over priced i think, behaved as if they dont need guests we need them, companies are based on customer service, ithink the owner is rich now thats why when you read from the reviews you see alot of negative comments, even the roman empire was big but it fell down, treat people right, improve your guest relations, give the right information, be on time, and have work ethics,.the company is now trying to buy other tour companies, i would rather pay millions for a comfortable stay in a diani that pay a measley $300 with bonfire.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great service from Bonfire Adventures
Happy to highly recommend Bonfire Adventures, having just returned from amazing four-day trip to Tsavo. The arrangements were smooth, our driver was both professional and fun, and there were no issues whatsoever with our accommodation or meals. A trip of a lifetime that I have Bonfire to thank for.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Masai Mara - Olmoran camp
Everything was perfect. We especially enjoyed our guide/driver,James Mwangi and the food at Olmoran camp.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great experience
Monica my travel agent was fantastic and planned every little detail. She was accommodating and answered my many questions patiently. Every little detail was as requested by me. James our tour guide was right on time, patient, courteous and ensured that we were all safe and got to see the big 5, considering we had small kids.
Sarova Mara was a great choice.
Overall a fantastic relaxing trip for my family. My expectations were met on all fronts!
