NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Worst experience ever ! Total scam.
We met with mr. Rufus in Kenya to discuss our tour and our accommodations. We booked luxury tented camp accommodations during our safari and when we met with Rufus he told us the reservations for these camps were confirmed and we paid him. However on our first day of safari we got dropped off at a different very low budget tent camp which was not the camp he promised us we would stay at. 2 days later we went to a different national park and also there Rufus had arranged a totally different accommodation (less expensive and more basic) than was described in the booking. The last two days we would go to amboselli national park and we were supposed to stay at kibo Safari camp. However on our drive there we asked our driver where we would stay and suprisingly he was told to take us to a very low budget, crappy tented camp. We called Rufus to discuss this problem (again) and he told us we were on a waiting list for kibo camp. We didn't believe him and called Kibo camp ourselves and they told us they had plenty of tents available and they never had been in contact with "visit mount Kenya tours" or someone named Rufus. As Rufus was not answering his phone anymore we told our driver to go to kibo camp. Eventually the driver paid our first overnight there as Rufus was not responding to any calls. However the next day we called Rufus again and he was very aggressive and yelling that we costed him too much money and he wasn't going to pay our last night accommodation (even though we already payed him for a 6 day safari in advance. In the end we had to stay at the kimana amboselli tented camps, the camp Rufus wanted to accommodate us in the first place. This was the worst place I ever stayed. The toilets were disgusting with bugs in them, as was the shower (cold). Furthermore we both got sick from the food, as did others in the camp and our tent was full of holes and the sheets of the bed were full of stains. In short: don't travel with this tour operating company, it's a complete scam !!
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Terrible organitation. Nobody knows your itinerary. No information, poor atention and bad manners.
I have never write my opinion about a travel, but they have ruined my trip, and I want to advice other travelers about this company.Don´t choose this company, look for a better one.
First at all, highlight the horrible organitation that they have. At the begining, before start the trip, Mike answer all the mails very quickly and without problems, although he didn´t send us the final itinerary with the overnight places until 3 days before. When we arrive there, start the problems. In each part of the trip (2-3 days) you have different groups and diferent drivers. They divide people in several vans and we were from different companies in each one. They are only drivers and don´t know nothing about your trip and intinerary. Don´t give you information about nothing. They let us at a crossroad where the itineraries are separated, and nobody knows who have to pick up us and the hotel that we had for this night. It happens again two times more, and when we arrive by bus from Tanzania noboby was waiting for us, we have to call the agency because they forgot it, and wait near an hour, and Nairobi is not a safe place for the tourist.
They also change the most part of our acomodation, they weren´t the lodges and campings that they said. And you are paying an expensive trip and they change by more economical acomodation. One of the camping was a place of free camping, without a ranger or security, so you can understand all the money that they get of the trip.
But the worst was the attention and manners of all guides. They are nothing friendly and I had never experience such a violent situation, when they ask for tips. They think tourist are a cash machine, they ask for tips for all the staff, including people you have never seen, and saying it wasn´t enough, and I assure you that with income per capita that has the country, they have enough with that tip to live 5 months.
We discuss with them and didn´t assume they mistakes. We come back very ungry and disappointed with the trip and all the staff.
NE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kapolondo is a swindler, he took our money for a luxury safari, but we had budget and unsafe safari
We bought a luxury safari, especially because we travelled with a 9 month baby. We needed security and comfort.
But, instead, we had to stay in budget lodge (We paid 4720 USD per person). When we told him we were angry, he did nothing. During all the safari, he didn't respect his contract, he never informs us in advance of change. If he was correct, if an hotel is full, he could inform us and propose us another choice, with eventually another price. We saw Kapolondo himself at the beginning of the tour and he did'nt inform us of the change, even for the first night. He is coward. He made on our back about 100 to 500 USD by night for 4 nights he made a change.
Worst the car wasn't safe, a wire caught fire, we had to stop in emergency but there was not hand brake, we had to run to stop the car with a stone and to put out the fire. We travelled with a 9-month baby...
At the end of the trip, we asked him for an amical settlement. He accepted it and asked us to send an email. we did it, but he never answers.
He didn't organise our trip, the guide didn't know the program. We had to wait 2 hours before entering Segerenti park (while the other cars waiting 30 minutes) because he didn't book the hotel the day before. We did not visit some part of the program.
He didn't inform us that we have 5% visa charge before we paid. But, it's a legal obligation, he must inform the customer before the payment! He didn’t inform us that we have to paid for the luggage for each internal flight, about 100 USD more for the 3 flights.
We will file a complaint against him in court.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Namibia overland tour was exhausting and an operational disaster
We were hoping for a great group tour to Namibia, after traveling independently through South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Unfortunately we were sadly disappointed. In addition to completely avoidable issues, which hopefully would never happen to you (your guide can't reenter the country because he didn't have a with permit for the full trip!), the Namibia tour itself was exhausting with very little opportunity to appreciate the country. Overall, Drifters operations, communication and guiding was well below any standard I would expect.
If all Drifters tours are like this, think carefully if you want to enjoy the countries you visit with them. You'd be better off putting in the effort yourself to self-drive.
If you want more details, we blogged about our experience here: https://www.wigglypath.com/no-more-overland-tours/
I can't imagine ever taking another tour with Drifters. I would advise anybody considering it to try and find positive reviews for then before booking.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The accommodation provided (charged by operator at 13 X lodge rate) was an absolute disgrace.
I recently participated in a tour by this operator. It was tented camps. The accommodation was appalling. The operator charged us 13 times the amount a "walk in" customer from the street would have paid for the same accommodation. We were paying top dollar for the most basic old tents, broken beds, thin matresses, mouse droppings, broken zips, dirty toilets, no hot water, pigeons in the roof, no towels, filthy showers, etc etc. Never again. For the same amount of money you can get much, much better. The operator is a classic rip-off of foreigners who have no idea of prices and what is available.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Horrible experience... Do not recommend!
Please avoid and avoid!!!! No customer service and they are running their " office" in a hut in their garden. Really scary!!! Suing them now so cannot too much!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Our guide, Dennis, was never on time, and never even showed up the final day, leaving us stranded!!!
Everything leading up to the safari dealt with Peter, who led me to believe everything would go seamlessly. The safari was an absolute disaster. We never even met Peter, and our guide was so late each day that we missed activities in the morning, afternoon and evening each and every day. Moreover, on the last day, he was slated to pick us up for a private tour at 3AM at our hotel, and never showed, never called/texted, and to this day, we have never heard from him or Peter. After 10 African countries, this was the worst experience we had by far! Stay far, far, far away!!!
HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Erick Muli Ngala is a LIAR! Ewamanns Safaris is a SCAM!
I participated in a 12-day Tanzania and Kenya Safari with Ewamanns Safaris (US$1250) with the Tanzania part operated by its partner Sandland Tours & Safaris. The trip was extremely memorable not because it was greatly arranged but because we witnessed how the Director of Ewamanns Safaris, Erick Muli Ngala, could make so many lies, excuses, blackmail, threats and intimidation during the trip, which were even more exciting, hilarious and eye-opening than watching animal migration. If you scroll down, you would see that I previously gave Ewamanns Safaris a five-star review for the booking process because Erick seemed to try his very best to satisfy our budget and understand our preference. Everything, including his attitude changed after payment immediately. I am here to summarise how Erick has mistreated us during the 12 days. It is a very long list but I am trying my very best to provide as many details as possible.
(1) A few days before we depart for Nairobi we confirmed with Erick on our arrival details, including flight number and terminal. Erick said that he did not know his schedule yet as he might be in Arusha instead of Nairobi on our arrival date but he would notify me the pickup details one day before our arrival. We did not receive any updates from him so we emailed him again. He assured us that he would arrange the pickup accordingly. When we arrived Nairobi airport, no one picked us up. I had to buy a phone card to call but Erick’s phone was off. Finally we were picked up 3 hours later, that means we stood in the arrival area of Nairobi Airpot for 3 hours! Some drivers of other companies were kind enough to help us make calls or find someone who might know Erick but no one knew him. Even more hilarious, we have missed the shuttle from Nairobi to Arusha and they sent a car to drive us to chase the original shuttle. We were very scared, worried and frightened during the wait and the whole ride. Erick told us he could not answer our call because his phone had no battery due to power shortage. Even if this was true, he could have used other’s phone to contact us. This was his responsibility! I have also confirmed with other drivers that no such power shortage problem has occurred. Erick then said that he has indeed messaged my friend who was already in Nairobi that I should wait in the airport for 3 hours, thinking that my friend would have notified me about the wait. How could my friend notify me when I was already on the plane?
(2) When we arrived Arusha we finally saw Erick. We were forced to change from 2 days in Serengeti to 1 day in Lake Manyara and 1 day in Serengeti. Clearly this was for saving costs. We wanted to insist on doing 2 days in Serengeti but Erick said there were no other options. Why could Eruck suddenly change something that we have mutually agreed?
(3) Be careful that every itinerary Erick sends to you can be misrepresentation. Our itinerary clearly stated that there would be one evening plus one morning game drive in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and visit to Olduvai Gorge Museum. We did not do any of these and was already back to the campsite at 3pm, with nothing to do till 8pm for dinner. We complained to Sandland Tours and they said it was Erick’s problem in not updating the itinerary. We complained to Erick and Erick said it was Sandland’s fault as Tanzania’s people always lie. He said that he has changed operators in Tanzania for 3 times already and none was good. He said he would not cooperate with Sandland Tours anymore.
(4) On the day when we should depart from Arusha back to Kenya side, Erick told us that we would be picked up at 7:00-7:30am. We were finally picked up at 10:30am by a taxi to Sandland’s office, then were transferred by a taxi to a local bus station, then were sent onto an overloading cramped van heading for the border. Sandland said it was Erick’ fault and Erick said that Sandland has forgotten to pick us up. During the wait, we were very worried as we could not contact Erick. Fortunately, the staff at Zawadi House Lodge in Arusha were kind enough to make calls for us. After we passed through immigration on our own, we again did not see Erick and the driver. A driver from another safari company was kind enough to call Erick for us and Erick said he should arrive in 30 minutes. He again blamed the shuttle for not contacting him about our arrival time. We finally waited for another 2 hours. He stretched his arms, laughed and pretended he was innocent when we met. Later on, we heard from Paul the driver that he has indeed arrived at the office in the early morning ready to drive to the border to pick us up but it was Erick who delayed everything in the office. Moreover, Paul told us that when we called Erick it was impossible to arrive in 30 minutes and Erick lied.
(5) Erick told us that it would take at least 13 hours to drive from Namanga border to Amboseli National Park when it should indeed take only 2 hours at most. He lied to us that the roads there were bad. We asked the driver of another company and he told us that the road has always been good for that part and Erick was just trying to save a day of park entrance and game drive fee.
(6) This is the highlight: on the last day a dinner at Carnivore Restaurant should be included. Erick said, “We need to make new agreement. We cannot include Carnivore Restaurant and your airport transfer tomorrow because I have no money left. All my money is finished. So what do you want to do? You want to sell me? You can write me bad reviews but I have no money. It is time for you to help me as I have helped you guys enough.” Finally we bargained and got the Carnivore dinner as originally agreed, but we reluctantly had to pay our transportation to the airport.
(7) There are many other problems that I cannot even list them all here - we paid for 5 day park entrance fee but we only went into the parks for 4 days so he saved 1 day park fee (US$80) for himself; for the full-day game drive in Masai Mara, we finished at 3:30pm with nothing to do afterwards; Erick did not pay drivers for sufficient water and we had no water on the last day; etc.
Yes, it is clear that Ewamanns Safaris offers the cheapest price. For US$1250 only, I got exposed to not only animals, but the dark side of human nature. If you still want an adventure with Ewamanns Safaris, be prepared: (i) Nothing will be on time; (ii) Don’t care about contractual agreements; (iii) You would not understand Erick’s English in email; (iv) You don’t need a watch. Your concept of time and Erick’s concept of time should be very different.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Horrible Tour Company, Horrific Experience, Very Negative.. The Two LadiesScam Artists.. Stay AWAY!
The two ladies are rude and unqualified to complete tours. Tours are not properly planned and horribly exectued. You will pay everything accommodations that are 20 USD a night, will be charged 200 USD!!! Your 4x4 will break down, and be replaced by an older 4x4. When stranded on the side of the road, both ladies will not be contactable, and when you reach them, they will say "Let Me Tell You Something..." and make excuses on why the vehicle is poor condition and say hang up the phone on you. You will wait for hours in the heat on the side of the road, or late at night on rainy wet dangerous roads. Your life will be in danger and your safety and security will be compromised. They will change the itinerary with out informing you and or contacting the driver. And when asked questions, they will not be reachable again or they will yell at you on the phone and then shut the phone and turn off the device, leaving you stuck. There answer will always be "Let the driver figure it out, I am driving" or shut the phone when you are serious distress. They will rob you of such an incredible country with so much to offer. They will not know the location of specific activities, they will overcharge you and say "No" after yes earlier was already confirmed. I cannot imagine a tour service company can talk to a customer in such an extremely rude way. They are not able to adapt to changes in the scheduling based on weather, and roads and conditions and will say "If you miss the activity you will not be refunded and it is your fault." There idea of tour operator is simply booking the accommodations, overcharging, and leaving you fend for yourself. Overall, I wasted the best experience of Uganda, which is an amazing country. While I understand that no tour is perfect and mistakes happen, I do expect any company to try to make things right in the end, and not yell and scream at the customer and especially hang phone up on you while stranded because of a hazardous vehicle. I found their lack of integrity on the follow up shocking. And I'm sad because we were psychologically treated like second class citizens and missed what Uganda has to offer.
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An absolutely horrible experience.
Hi, I had booked a tour with them in 2014 for a 26 day tour to Botswana. I had paid a sum of $30,700 to them. Unfortunately, I had visa issues and due to that the agent said he will adjust it next year and also the fact that he will apply the visa from his end. Next year, we waited and waited as we had sent all documents to him, but the visa never came in 2015 also. When I went to the embassy again in 2016 as so much of my life savings was stuck, I was shocked to know that he had never applied for my visa to begin with. I was informed by the immigration officer that he has clearly cheated me. I wrote a safari review and due to their intervention, he decided to adjust my holiday again next year. Finally my visa came in July 2016 and Calvin Machekano of Love Africa Safaris said that due to non availability of lodges, he will have to book new lodges and took an additional $8615 from us. We really didnt have a choice as $30700 was already given to him earlier which now brought the total amount to approx $40,000.
I am a photographer and had requested a landcruiser for myself. Anyway after arriving there, much to our shock, a 30 year old broken vehicle with no floor and holes and a ten inch platform to sit on and totally open from all sides was provided to us by his representative and guide, Steven Bond Mubi, which we were expected to do our surface transport to various parks (some of them 6-7 hours away) as well as safaris for the next 25 days. Upon concern, we were threatened by this guide that he will not go with us. But as a woman, to travel on highways in such a vehicle when we had paid for something else was unacceptable. Upon contacting Calvin of Love Africa Safaris he failed to do anything about it and insisted that we go in that vehicle with the same guide who was very temperamental and kept threatening us. We absolutely refused to go in such a vehicle with a guide, who according to local sources suffered from some mental problem and was thrown from South Africa four years back. He came with an accomplice called Prince the morning we were to leave for the KHWAI concession in this beaten down vehicle and both of them threatened us. We were clearly now scared for our lives as with two of these characters going on a highway was impossible. We contacted the agent who refused to take our calls anymore. The guide, Steven Bond Mubi thereby left us and our luggage on the roadside and left.
We were left with no reservation, no hotel and no transportation on the roadside in a strange country. After 6 and a half hours of waiting in the sun we finally got accommodation in Airport hotel, Maun, where we spent the next three days trying to book our return journey, shocked and disappointed. After having given this agent $40,000 we just didnt have any money to hire another agent to finish our holiday. While we waited for our tickets to be rescheduled, we met with the police, consumer affairs and Botswana embassy people, who on initial investigation found that not only had he cheated us but also pocketed our $30700 and the new amount of $8615 was all for fresh bookings. We had to let go of all ur money and the entire holiday. We had to spend an additional $1000 to change our tickets back home. We have lodged an official complaint and have a letter from the embassy of Botswana as evidence. All terms and condition, including safari vehicles pictures and what vehicle was given to us - I have all the evidence. A 400 page complaint has been sent to all concerned authorities. I just want to warn everyone that never to go with this agent or his guide. I have lost all my life savings and came back empty handed. Besides this $40,000 international tickets cost us an additional $5000 . We not only lost a lot of money but also the experience of a beautiful country. As pointed out by the police commissioner of Maun, Calvin Machekano of Love Africa Safaris along with his associates, Steven Bond Mubi & Prince did this deliberately and robbed us. We have filed an official complaint of fraud and cheating against them. Please note that we have all evidence and acceptance letter by the police and consumer affairs Botswana.