TR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Shame for Tanzania
I have never ever complaint about a travel agency until now, but in this era, people should know whom to trust and whom to not. Please do never use” jjtoursandsafaris”, JJ Tours”, “nzuri sana safaris, Nzurisana Safari” while you are travelling to Africa, Tanzania or any tours they are taking part at.
My husband and I visited Tanzania for a week in October for our honeymoon. We have booked Hilton Nungwi by ourselves, and asked Hilton to refer us an agency who would drive us to safari for two days. All our payments made by cash the day they have picked us from the airport. Our 4 days at Nungwi was perfect. Two days of our so called “safari”- there are no words to describe the awfulness and how we agitated our life safety.
1. JJ Tours and Safaris did not make the 4 night’s payment on behalf of us to the Hilton Nungwi even though we have paid all tour payment the first day we have arrived to Tanzania. Our agreement and booking was for 4 nights, but they only paid 3 nights to the hotel. Thus Hilton had charged extra 210 Dollars for us, and we needed to pay that money to check out from the hotel.
2. JJ Tours and Safari drove us to Mikumi National Park by the oldest car, which had no seat belt at the back seat, and which had stopped during our travel. Driver (Francisco Swebe- nzurisanasafaris) had bribed the police two times for breaking the speed limit, and once for not having the seat belt.
3. First Lie: On our way to “TanSwiss” he said he has talked to a friend and his friend mentioned him that the TanSwiss is full and they have no rooms for us- so he will take us to another hotel of his friend. (I have confirmed our booking with TanSwiss before our travel, so I have insisted that we have the confirmation and he should drive us to there. There was nothing left for him to do- so he drove us to TanSwiss. I swear to God, the hotel had maximum 15 guests, and it was like empty.
4. Second Lie: When we arrived the hotel- TanSwiss- we learned that this hotel is “bed and breakfast”, and although we have paid for full package for two days; our guide (Francisco Swebe ) tried to make us pay our dinner and lunch.
5. Third Lie: If I get the chance to upload pictures, I will upload the car that they have taken us to Safari. (We could not bear and asked driver to bring us back at the end of 2 hours). The car did not have a key and any protection. It was working hotwire(Putting cables together etc.…).
6. From October to December- we have been in touch with Kuya Mbogoma, to make him pay our 210 dollars back. Like a joke, he has sent us only 65 dollars!
7. Tours Company is “JJ Tours”, “JJTours and Safaris”. We have been defrauded by Kuya Mbogoma and his partner company “nzurisanasafaris” Francisco Swebe. The cars you see at their web pages are not the ones that they used while driving us. Do not believe in these two companies offerings. If this happened to us, it may happen to you too.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Avoid at any cost!
While the web-site gives the impression of a real company with full stuff and an office, providing well-planned service to the tourists, this is very far from what we have experienced during our trip
Mr. George Nagol was very attentive during the initial stage when we interacted over E-mail, but once the money had been paid he essentially disappeared and did not answer any of the questions except saying that everything is ready for us.
In fact, when we have arrived to Arusha nothing was ready for us. Our first two days were completely ruined because the “Company” did not provide adequate transportations so one the first day we could not make a trip it to the Masai village (for which we paid $300) because ”the road was bad” and on the second day when we were supposed to do a short trek at 3000m ($600) the van provided by the company (which did not have a 4 wheel drive) got stuck in the mud and instead of trekking we had to push it uphill in the rain. We did not do our trek and got no apologies.
The things got only worse on Day 4 when we went for a hike about 200km from Arusha and were expected to be picked up be a vehicle assigned to us by Mr. Nagol at 1PM. The vehicle was supposed to drive us to the airport to take a flight to Lake Victoria (already paid) The vehicle did not show up on time – and we could not reach either Mr. Nagol nor the driver on the phone. Eventually we made it on foot to the camp where we waited until darkness descended (no light!) and still not being able to make contact with Mr. Nagol. We did contacted the driver and he gave us very elusive answers – first that the vehicle broke down then that he was driving someone else. As it turned out Mr. Nagol has sent the driver with other tourists to NgoroNgoro Park thus getting paid twice for the same service. The driver did show up at 7.30 PM with a vehicle full of passengers, drove like a madman and got us into the accident – only the side mirror was destroyed but a few inches to the right and it would have been a full head on collision at 900mph!
Despite fast driving, we missed the flight and thus the whole trip to Lake Victoria for which we have paid in full. Once again – no apologies!
When we have changed the plans and just decided to drive to Serengeti our misadventures did not end. The car kept breaking down on the hourly basis. A lot of time had been wasted. But far worse than that – at the Serengeti park we had to pay the park fees ($240) on our own since according to the driver the company credit card had no money on it. We were promised a refund and of course did not get it. When we got back to Arusha Mr. Nagol avoided meeting us in a hotel and made up many stories about why he can notget money. In fact we are sure that Kilimanjaro Champion is a one man operation with no office or employees engaged in defrauding the tourists.
While with all our negative experiences we had returned home in one piece, it is only a matter of time before something infinitely more serious happens when unsuspecting tourists like us entrust their fate to Kilimanjaro Champion, especially if they decide to do some serious climbing.
RO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A total dissapointment! Avoid them at all costs!
I travelled around the world and I haven't found a travel agency worse than East Cape Tours. I booked with them a 4 night stay at Jackalberry Lodge, I paid 30% and I asked them to pay the difference after I would receive my visa for South Africa at the beginning of December. They spoke with The Reservation Department from Thornybush Game Reserve where Jackalberry is located and it was agreed that I will pay the difference after I have my visa issued. On November one month before leaving to SA, East Cape Tours have charged my credit card for the difference even if the agreement was to pay at the beginning of December. The bank was asking me if they should block the payment but in the end I have received the visa and I said no.
But the worst things were still to come.
3 weeks before leaving to South Africa Thornybush Reservation Department informed me that they have no availability for 4 nights at Jackalberry even if I paid in full our 4 night stay and I have received the confirmation of booking. East Cape Tours and Thornybush Reservation Department were so incompetent in dealing with me and my reservation and offered me a lower value lodge N'Kaya. I was very very dissapointed and frustrated to see that these 2 companies were trying to turn my holiday into a disaster. The accomodation that they were offering was 500 USD cheaper than Jackalberry. In the end I had to settle with N'Kaya because we had already paid the transfer to Thornybush and there was no lodge available left for the period before Christmas. I had to phone my bank 4-5 times to see if the difference was reimbursed of not, in the end the money entered my account.
I lost a lot of time speaking with East Cape Tours, with their stubborn manager Colin Diland which didn't apologize for the mess and harm done to us. i have all the emails and documents provin the harm done by these 2 companies. Anyone interested can contact me anytime. Try to stay away from East Cape Tours and Thornybush Reservation Department, otherwise your holiday can turn into a disaster!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Scam bookings - denied plane boarding, unpaid park fees, missed pick-up & briefing etc.
Do not take the chance to have the same terrible and costly experience we had with Mr. Steve Biko, Africa Remote Safaris! As of today, 1/6/2016, we have not been reimbursed for our additional expenses, US $ 4,461, which we occurred due to Steve Biko's continued failings, and have not heard back from Mr. Biko.
Our safari was scheduled, Aug. 16 - Aug. 22, 2015. Day 1, we were not picked up as scheduled in Nairobi to continue to Masai Mara. The hotel arranged for transfer to Wilson Airport and from there we flew to Masai Mara. Upon arrival and being greeted by our driver, we were told our park fees, driver and car fees had not been paid. After waiting around and phoning with Mr. Biko, we were off to go about 1 hour after arriving. Day 3 our scheduled balloon ride did not happen. Day 4 we were supposed to continue to Serengeti, and were denied boarding the SafariLink plane due to Mr. Biko had failed to pay for the tickets. On day 5 after not being able to leave our hotel due to Mr. Biko not paying for our lodging, our family of four had no other option than to change our itinerary for the remaining day's. This cost us an additional $4,461 for accommodation and flights, not to mention the time we missed actually being out seeing animals, and instead dealt with the many failings of Steve Biko and a police report encouraged my the Manager of our hotel, who wants this type of scoundrels out of the Kenyan travel industry. Throughout our safari when running into unpaid services, Steve Biko continuously asked us to pay in order to be reimbursed later - we did not as our safari was paid in full well in advance.
With the experience and knowledge I have today, my advice to you would be to organize your own safari. It might seem overwhelming, but you can book your flights and hotels directly, and arrange for a car with knowledgeable drivers with the hotel you are staying at. Enjoy your travels, and stay away from Steve Biko and Africa Remote Safaris.
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The tour guide was only interested to get his job done asap. Low knowledge about animals and nature.
Booking was easy and professional. We were picked up by the wrong tour operator which had almost the same name but this was sorted out quickly. The car which we booked had technical issues so we ended up with an alternative for the first day. Our driver and guide was the worst ever. Very bad experience.
IT
20-35 years of age
The worst experience of our life
Re.: Report of fraud in Tanzania
Hereby I signed Ludovico Canovai want to report a fraud suffered against me during my stay for the Christmas holidays.
The day on December 13 of 2015 to prepare for my trip to Tanzania I booked and paid a rent of 2 bikes for 4 days (24-27 December) in Zanzibar through Kiango Adventure Safaris from the Lord David in Dar Es Salaam.
When I landed at the Port of Zanzibar where I had the 'date for delivery of the bikes, unfortunately the' Agency did not show up.
After several attempts to contact them, we could speak with the head of the Society of hire who admitted he had not paid the 'intermediary and that in 3 days. Would reimburse payment 289 USD
Afther three days from the day of repayment we were still waiting for the refund.
Concerned about what happened, I went directly to 'address of the agency, which unfortunately did not exist. Even though David has answered the phone but did not want to meet us personally.
At January 17 I have not yet received payment
IT
The worst experience of our life
Hereby I signed Ludovico Canovai want to report a fraud suffered against me during my stay for the Christmas holidays.
The day on December 13 of 2015 to prepare for my trip to Tanzania I booked and paid a rent of 2 bikes for 4 days (24-27 December) in Zanzibar through Kiango Adventure Safaris from the Lord David in Dar Es Salaam.
When I landed at the Port of Zanzibar where I had the 'date for delivery of the bikes, unfortunately the' Agency did not show up.
After several attempts to contact them, we could speak with the head of the Society of hire who admitted he had not paid the 'intermediary and that in 3 days. Would reimburse payment 289 USD
Afther three days from the day of repayment we were still waiting for the refund.
Concerned about what happened, I went directly to 'address of the agency, which unfortunately did not exist. Even though David has answered the phone but did not want to meet us personally.
At January 17 I have not yet received payment
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.
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.
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 :)