35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Still waiting a refund for money paid out due to park fees not being paid and a cancelled flight
I've held off from writing this review as I'd hoped that the owner would do the right thing and refund us the money that he owes us but unforuantley after 3 weeks despite promises we have not recieved anything. It's a long list of issues below but basically, we paid out for the park fees that should already have been paid as part of the holiday. We also have not recieved a refund for a flight that did not happen. I have found other reviews around Septemebr/October time saying the same thing. Around $2,000 owed.
We booked our holiday and safari using JT Safaris as we had used him 20 years ago and since then our parents had also booked tours through him. All those times, everything was fine. This holiday was a special treat for us and not something that we can afford normally so we really wanted it to go smoothly and hoped by using the same company it would.
Looking back, the communication was poor and I had to chase for the confirmations of bookings etc but I convinced myself that was OK. I wish I hadn't.
The holiday started OK with a lovely hotel but the next morning we found out that the flight to the Mara had been cancelled. No reason given and we had to drive. OK these things can happen and we were assured that we would recieve a refund the flight.
We then got to the lodge but it wasn't the one we'd booked. The driver assured us this was an upgrade so that was good right? Yes, it was lovely but it wasn't what we'd booked. I'd purposely booked tented accommodation as we wanted our daugther to experience 'glamping' in the wild.
Then on the second day of safari, the driver told us we had a problem. The money for the park entrance fee hadn't been given to him and because it was a holiday the money couldn't be transferred. He had managed to get us through the gate so far as he knew people but he couldn't guarentee that for the next day. We were really upset and didn't know what to do, we couldn't come all this way and miss out because of a mistake with money transfer. Again looking back we should have pushed back harder but stupidly we agreed to pay the fee. The guide was adamant that JT Safaris would honour the payment, do not worry, we were told. Again it was stressful and not something that we wanted on our minds. £1500 on top of the holiday isn't something that we can easily pay out.
After the safari, we flew to the coast. Again paperwork was missing and we only got it just before our flight, again stressful.
We then arrived at our beach hotel. It looked lovely but then we were taken to the basic rooms at the back of the complex. During the booking of the holiday, I'd been told that I needed to pay early to guarentee a beach view which I'd done as we wanted the better room.
We managed to get the room changed but the hotel was adament that the original room was the one booked and that we couldn't have a sea view as they were booked early. I got no clear answer as to whether a booking error, whether the seaview room had never been booked or if the hotel made a mistake.
We went to the offices at Diani and being far too nice for our own good, we believed the apologies and confirmations that the money would be transfered for the flights and the park fees. We contacted JT Safaris several times for updates and each time there was an excuse or they had to go to the bank in person etc etc. We have since tried multiple times to ask for a refund but again keep being told, it is on its way or the bank has said it will be with us. Still nothing.
Don't get caught out the same way.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It is the best Company you can Book.
it was the best two days! we were in Tangire National Park and in Ngorongoro carter. one night was included and we felt very comfortable there. The guides were super nice and did everything with a lot of love! we had great communication beforehand and felt very well looked after! They adapted to our flight times and picked us up from the airport and took us to our accommodation! we paid 5% of the amount in advance and paid the rest in dollars on site! everything went super easy and relaxed. We will come again!
AT
They made us feel at home and very especial
The communication was quick and effective. They answer any question and give us excelent advice.
The service was beyond expectations, the took care every minute we were with them.
Transfers, accommodation and food, excellent.
The safari itself was the best I ever had. Serengeti, tarangire are not to be missed.
Thank you Anna and Juliana for such a great experience.
We saw all kind of animals in great abundance and all the time.
NO
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic days in the Krüger Park with Junglers
From the very first contact I made with Junglers the communication has been very good. Quick reply to all my questions. Junglers tailor-made our stay according to our wishes. Everything went smoothly. We were picked up in Johannesburg early morning and had some fantastic days with our super guide, Eric. He was caring a lot for us, making excellent food, explaining everything very well, driving all time very safely. Not to forget all animals we spotted in the park.
Thank you , Junglers! I am so happy for choosing Junglers Adventure Tours for this stay. You have our best recommendations!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great tour company and amazing value for money
Booked a 6 day tour from Windhoek to Etosha National park (2n), Swakopmund (1n) and Sossusvlei (2n), all accommodation camping included, food, transport, guide.
It was simply amazing and great value for money. Our guide/driver Martin was like family to us. Took good care of us at all time. The tour company was great too and very accommodating, friendly and good communication throughout the process. Definately recommend the tour company and tour itself.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good price, great service!
With a friend of mine we booked 4 days sadari in Massai Mara, Nakuru and Naivasha lake. Lucy was so helpful from beginning. Our tour guide Evans was so patience and knowledgeable, his car was so comfortable and clean. What I also really liked is that he was approaching animals in a animal friendly way that I appreciate a lot. I recommend them to three other friends they all were also so happy and satisfied with the tours with lots of fun memories.
They can provide all sort of tours with whatever budget you have as well. Using local community guides which is also so valuable for me.
I had also one day tour to Wasini island and dolphine watching with Ali a member of the Wasini village. They made our day amazing and memorable. The dive master was so experienced, I got scared in the beginning and if it wasn't for him helping me calm down I would've skipped the dive. I had amazing trip in Kenya with this great team and I would highly recommend them. :)
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Gorille uganda
a great operator that I recommend to everyone, they were very professional, I recommend musanatourtravel
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
Great guide; a lot of information during the tour, good organized and tasty food. A great adventure!
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari experience
I booked a safari with Donwel Tours & Travel. I loved the hospitality of the driver, Victor, who knows the national parks and their wealth in terms of biodiversity perfectly. I learned a lot and was amazed. Christine, the manager of the agency is very warm and greatly contributes to this beautiful experience. The exchanges are simple and responsive. I recommend with my eyes closed.
(automatic translation from French)
RO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most amazing safari experience with Suricata Safaris
An experience I will never forget! Me and my husband booked a 5 day safari trip and it was simply amazing. Our driver Elias was sooo goood! He was so patient and he always made sure we took plenty of bathroom breaks, so we were comfortable the hole time. He had answers for all of our questions. He also knew all the best places to spot the animals. We were lucky enough to see all the big 5 in our trip. We also saw, what I would call a once in a lifetime experience, 5 lions hunting a buffalo. Elias was so passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with us. We were so lucky to have him as our driver and guide. He was so kind, and funny! The accommodation was also very good. We stayed 2 nights at Suricata Boma Lodge and 2 nights in tented lodges, one in Serengeti and one in Ngorongoro. There is a bathroom with a shower in every tent, with hot water. Everything was perfect. Very clean! The people were so welcoming and friendly and the food was great. They also take care of airport transfers from Arusha or Kilimanjaro, and they offer accommodation for the night before and after the trip. We didn’t have to worry about anything. If you are looking for a sign to book this trip, this is it! I really recommend Suricata Safari! We had the time of your lives!
