US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Alarming this fraudulent company has been around for so long.
I booked a safari vacation through Image Travel Limited, and unfortunately, the experience has been terrible.
Please note this review is a reflection of my experience with the travel agency Image Travel Ltd, it does not have any regard for my interactions with the amazing guides and staff at both Mara Serena and Amboseli Serena lodges. I have nothing but praise and gratitude for them, but they are NOT employees of Image Travel.
After receiving my deposit, communication with the owner, Mwanje Athuman, significantly slowed, and after full payment, some of my important inquiries went completely unaddressed.
Be aware that the itinerary you sign off on can change without notice. Unless you specifically ask for confirmation (which may take time to receive a response in any form), you won’t be informed in advance. The day before my return to Nairobi, I reached out to confirm my flight, only to find out I had been moved to a later one.
Your contract states that extra fees may apply, so I wasn’t surprised when I, as a solo traveler, was asked to pay an additional $200 for a plane seat. However, instead of charging my credit card for the additional seat, Mwanje took it upon himself to just not purchase the two-day park pass for the Maasai Mara game reserve that was included in my package.
I was unexpectedly informed about all this upon landing at Maasai Mara and told I had no park tickets and could not enter without purchasing the two-day park fees right there and then ($200 per day, a total of $400).
After spending much of my first afternoon going back and forth emailing Mwanje about the situation he assured me I would be refunded the additional $200 charge.
Over a month later, despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue, I have not seen a cent of that refund. I’ve received insincere assurances from Mwanje, Madline, and Martha, repeatedly claiming the refund has been processed, even going so far as to provide reference and case numbers that my credit card company says are invalid and do not make any sense to them. Despite my card company’s efforts to reach anyone at Image Travel on the phone no one answers and they cannot leave a voicemail, also any WhatsApp messages I have sent have gone unread and my emails ignored. Unfortunately, it’s gotten to the point the CC Co. has resorted to opening an inquiry within their fraud dept.
If anyone is questioning whether I may be exaggerating, I can provide email exchanges detailing these repeated assurances and fake concerns (they’re quite funny in hindsight).
If you read ITL’s reviews on other sites you’ll notice I’m not the only person this has happened to.
I initially dismissed the negative reviews as disgruntled customers, but after experiencing the same scenario regarding refunds promised and never issued, it seems to be a pattern.
While using a travel agent to book your Kenyan safari is smart and IMO the best way to go, I would never recommend Image Travel Ltd. Their dishonesty and fraudulent behavior is deeply concerning.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Genuine
Had a great time with Porcupine for my very first Safari in Africa. Before I booked I looked at many different places and prices varied from reasonable to very expensive. I wanted to get the most out of the three days, so needed some tailoring done to find the best things to visit and see while near Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Anna and her daughter were very responsive through whatsapp and worked hard to give advice and plan the best things for me to see. The price was also extremely reasonable, and because it is a family business, I felt like supporting them as locals was the right way to go.
I arrived coming from Zanzibar to JRO airport which is pretty far from Arusha, where my tour was starting from. I was picked up late at night by Anna's daughter and son, who were wonderful to talk to while we drove the hour back to the city. I had accommodation before we departed on the safari the next morning along with dinner. I was treated absolutely amazing, making sure I had everything I needed. The safari itself was fantastic - the guide that we had knew exactly where to go and did not hesitate to get close to all the animals so that we could get the best possible pictures. Upon my return, I was also given a room where I could rest, and in the morning was driven back to the airport so I could continue my journey. All of this was included in the initial quote and no extra costs came up, which was very professional. I was very grateful that Anna was able to accommodate for my flight times there and back; I know it was not ideal and was really early/late, but you and your family made it work. Thank you so much.
If you are looking for a tour operator to go with while in Tanzania, you cannot go wrong choosing Porcupine.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent services
I recently concluded my trip to the Maasai Mara and I was amazed. From the planning to the execution of the trip,Rovic Executive Tours did an amazing job. The trip was an unforgettable experience. Everything was amazing Indeed , I was satisfied
IL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Superb service and care
Everything was well planned despite the frequent changes we did due to changes in our flights.
The lodges and hotels were very good.
Kelvin the guide is a real Legend. Knowledgeable on wildlife, the life of different tribes, geology and landscape as well as up to date with news and country information. First day we arrived late and he managed to drive to the Ngorongoro conservation area even at night.
The safari was spectacular seeing the big five and allways taking the best spot near the animals.
Kelvin was very attentive to any need also providing Maasai natural medicine when feeling not well.
The original Maasai Lodge is a must.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous experience, very highly recommended
My wife & adult daughter and I took a 4 day safari with one night at Tremisana and 2 nights at Marc's Treehouse Lodge. It exceeded all expectations and was a truly wonderful experience. All aspects of the logistics of the trip ran remarkably smoothly--from making the reservations & down payment, through the pick-up & return to Johannesburg, to our move between lodges and to the scheduling of the daily game drives. Perhaps a key factor was that the entire staff treated us like family, making our stay very friendly & comfortable. I still dream about the chicken curry pie we had at Tremisana, while my wife and daughter (vegetarians) rave about the vegan-version they had, while the wildebeast stew I had one night at Marc's was fabulous. The game drives of course were the highlight and our drivers--Smiley and Rocky--added greatly to the experience, both due to their knowledge and their friendly banter. My only regret is that we weren't able to schedule a longer trip; next time it will be the 7 day safari. I very highly recommend Viva Safaris; I'm confident you won't be disappointed.
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Albert is very helpful and friendly
The whole trip is fantastic. If I go to Kenya again, I would like to explore more
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsive, reliable, right choice
I joined a 6-day tour to Masai Mara, Nakuru, and Amboseli. Albert is a great guide who is an expert in animals. He was always thre first one to spot animals and took us to see the big five! We watched lions' breakfast, elephant family parade, flamingo migration, and much more! You will have a great experience here!
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well organised, great adventure
We really liked our tour with different spots in Tremisana and at Marc‘s tree house. Everything was perfectly planned and worked according to the plan. Food was really good and we had an unforgettable time with our guides watching wild animals.
US
50-65 years of age
This is the outfitter you want!
I recently returned from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Winrica, as well some local tours and activities, follwed up by three days in Zanzibar ... Every aspect of my time spent with them was absolutely perfect in every way. Their well trained professional guides have multiple years of experience on the mountain, and it shows...and those three days recovering on the island of Zanzibar, with the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, was nothing short of pure magic.
And, there's revenue going to a great cause, as Winrica Adventures operates a nonprofit called Dealers of Hope Foundation, that assists locals with disabilities, helping them meet basic needs from education to even safe and sustainable home construction... Giving back to the local community in ways other outfitters could, but choose not to do.
I cannot recommend this outfit enough, and they can custom tailor anything you desire when it comes to activities or tours in the region.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari
We spent 4 days of safari with Kimgoni incredible!
We did the 3 parks and were accompanied by a lovely French-speaking guide
We were amazed by the beauty of nature and all the animals we were able to see in the different parks! We also spent 2 nights in the heart of the savannah in Serengeti at the Glimpse of Africa tented camps in comfortable tents
Unforgettable experience!
The food is excellent, the staff very attentive, it is a real immersion among the animals
We 100% recommend Kingoni for a memorable stay
