50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The worst holiday experience of my life
Before reading this please place 'Sunrise Eco Tours - Uganda tripadvisor' in search and read the review posted by Lauren V dated 19/1/16 on the Tripadvisor site....
I have waited until now before posting a review in the vain hope the owner of Sunrise EcoTours, Clement Kanamugire, may turn out to be an honourable and decent man and pay back what he owes. How wrong can you be!
To describe how this man acts - when emailing about compensation, he wanted me to forget the cost of the Gorilla permits, as, in his words the loan made to the tour leader had nothing to do with Sunrise Eco Tours and they had no knowledge of such a transaction. When i said this would mean he would have to pay the $750 back that had already been paid for the permits by each of the 5 people on the tour, (and that we would then send the money to the poor guy that loaned the money for us to attend the trek), he simply refused to reply.
To my knowledge he owes money to the 5 people on the tour described by Lauren above, the Australian couple who have had their tour cancelled, Kavos, the man that lent our guide the money for the Gorilla permits and also a travel agency which he should have paid commission to
Please please please do not book with this company.
under20 years of age
dont waste your time
i hated it just imagine a four hour drive only seeing antelope
under20 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
the worst trip
i really didnt like it. i saw a very small amount of animals and no lions
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hunting atrocities at Balule
Please be aware that Balule not only offers hunting, but has been involved in a number of controversies, including the killing of a young elephant by two (apparently drunk) tourists - 13 shots, 15 minutes of crying torture for the animal:
https://conservationaction.co.za/media-articles/young-balule-elephant-shot-13-times-before-horrified-visitors/
https://africageographic.com/stories/illegal-collared-elephant-hunt-greater-kruger-warden-convicted/
https://twnews.us/us-news/this-l-a-hunter-killed-an-elephant-now-he-s-a-peta-target-in-bid-to-end-trophy-hunting
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Namibia closed international flights & Skeleton Coast Safaris will not return our money.
Would like to see it. By small airplane is a good idea. Maybe in 2 years we can make it.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Amboseli National Park by badblue
I reccomend The lake nakuru !
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Horrible Horrible Service from Hennie - Avoid at all cost!!
We booked a trip with Fleet Foot Safaris for 6D5N Vic Falls and Chobe National Park with Hennie last year in December. Once everything was finalised and payment was done promptly, there were delays in our vouchers and when the vouchers were given to us, we were told that the initial quote cannot be matched and there were reduction of activities given to us and no airport transfers for us!! It was explained to us that it was due to the changes we made earlier as there were supposed to be 3 person instead of 2. The initial plan was 3 of us and we were quoted with single sharing premium which doesn't make sense at all, we didnt want any trouble and wanted to make sure that was all the changes from the itinerary, Hennie confirmed that only reduction of 2 activities and no airport transfer. However, when we reached Chobe National Park, we were told from the resort that our lunches are not included as opposed to what's stated in the itinerary. We called Hennie and he told us he will only be back in office in a few days' time and by that time we will be finished with the trip and back home!!
Horrible horrible service from Hennie and please do not trust him on his final itinerary until you get all the vouchers. There are multiple shortchange and it was unfair to holidaygoers.
UA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terrible organisation, many animals.
The good:
We have seen a lot of animals.
Chief has perfect cooking skills. All food were delicious. But not a lunch boxes. They need to do something with lunch boxes.
Parks are amazing.
No matter what you will see bellow, that was a great experience and we are happy.
The Bad:
To be honest, we confirmed our booking a day before safari had to start. And it could cause some issues along the way...
1. We spent half a day in the hotel because guys, as they said, had to go to bank and put money into account. So we lost half the first day. But ok, I understand if so. That is our bad. Also they changed plan without notice. Instead of Tarangire we drove to Lake Manyara.
2. When we came to lake ticketing, I had to pay with my card cuz as it appeared guys didn't put any money into account, so who knows where did they spend half a day. And I had to pay from my card all other park fees also. We tried to solve this small issue with the manager, but they refused to participate.
3. On the line to Ngorongoro entrance we spend 2 and a half hours, while all other drivers did it much faster. Even those who arrived after us. Not sure, driver may had some issues with ticketing. Not a big deal!
4. On the camping side. Tents were very old, no other camping equipment were provided. By saying no I mean we had only tent and dirty-old mattress to sleep on. No slipping bags, covers or anything that could worm us up in the nigh. While all other tents were fully equipped. For info I'm hiking like 15 years, and never ever had such a bad experience. The very next morning I got sick. Likely girls were fine.
5. Because we didn't have camping equipment we had to change our plan and spent less time in Serengeti and Ngorongoro. And get back to our first camping place near lake which were quite nice.
6. On the last day driver said that he doesn't have fuel and no money for park fees, refused to go anywhere no matter that we had paid for day #4. So I had to come up with idea what to do in the last day. I bought gas, paid for park fee in Tarangire for me, friends and driver with chief.
7. Some issues from the list above I have tried to discuss with manager of Tembia Safaris to find solution. No results, after I have been asked to stop complaining I gave up trying repeating my attempts and we did what we could.
After all that is amazing experience. But maybe with another company.
Yeah, that was sort of complicated 4 days :)
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A disorganized, dishonest and dishonorable company. Run away as fast as you can!
I usually don’t write negative reviews as most of my traveling experiences have been positive up until now. I used this company as a recommendation from a friend who previously booked and had a marvelous climb with Kunda (mountain guide). Despite reading just mediocre reviews we booked with Elkan Safari. We booked both a 4 day safari/ Kilimanjaro climb w Kunda Kilimanjaro guide). The cost was all inclusive w gate prices but the end of tour the owner ripped us off an additional $460 usd. The original price was all inclusive, including entrance fees but as we went along with itinerary there were several “Surprise costs” along the way. Stranded at the gate w crew and other tour guest we were basically forced to pay beyond agreed amount. We confronted him several days prior to departure about error, he confirmed to meet us to refund money. He did not show up, was unreachable and did not fulfill the rest of the itinerary leaving us stranded for a place to stay. The kicker and deal breaker for me is not only did he not pay us our outstanding $460, but he not to pay the climb team or bus driver upon returning from climb leaving exhausted men stranded with no money after 7 grueling days of hard work. It is one thing to cheat and hustle tourists, but it is a whole another thing to cheat your own people and employees. These men practically killed themselves climbing up and down difficult Mt. Kilimanjaro w 23+ kg of supplies each on their heads. They left their families and home for 7 day and received no pay. That is the ultimate low. Victor Goodman, owner of Elkan Safari, Ltd, lied and stole from his clients and employees. Stay away from this company and his other listings Kilimanjaro Champion. As of today, he still hasn’t paid his employees or the money he owed to us. Truthfully there are literally hundreds of companies out there for safari and mountain climbs so why take a chance with one that clearly has a reputation for ripping people off!!!
On a positive note, porters and mountain guides contracted, Kunda & Omary were simply magnificent. They took care of us and helped us reach the top!!! They salvaged our ruined holiday by making our climbing experience once in a lifetime. Kunda and Omary (mountain guides), went upon and beyond and assisted us when Victor left us stranded and them salary-less. They even met us the following day to make sure we made it out of Arusha safely to our next destination. We are forever thankful to them.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
worst arrange and rude driver
We visited Serengeti and Ngorongoro, but our driver (Eric) of JJ Tour and Safari always lied and hide bad information for him to rest. JJ Tour and Safari also never let us know information after making a payment.
When we asked some question, he always replied in a derisive tone, and some time tap for chip.
I strongly recommend you to avoid him and this company in order to enjoy your trip.