US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
This company used to be great but has now gone bust
Discover Namibia used to be a great and trustworthy operator for years. We happened to be one of its last customers before the company went bust and feel like we should give an honest opinion and alert others that this company is no longer in operation. Our trip was not without hiccups because clearly the company was struggling at the time we went, but we were lucky enough to complete our trip. It appeared like we were one of the last ones who did, as numerous customers have had their deposits and payment lost after this.
Gemma was not a scammer but unfortunately Discover Namibia is lost now.
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great people, great country, terrible government
Generally, the people in Tanzania are very helpful, friendly but poor. Corruption level is very high (especially with police and government positions). I got the impression that Tanzanian government want to keep its population poor for their own benefit. This did not feel very comfortable. Country is very rich in natural resources and has beautiful scenery, parcs and beaches. The high corruption level is a disturbing factor however
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Average company lacking transparency
Please note that Okora safaris is part of Big Time Safaris and is simply one of around 12 separate agencies all operating under Big Time Safaris.
We booked a 7 day budget sharing safari in Kenya. What we didn’t realise, and weren’t told, until we turned up at the office on the first day, was that this meant different members of the group are doing different itinerary’s. So for us we had a group of 7, 3 doing 3 days, 2 doing 5 days and the two of us doing 7.
We had assumed “sharing safari” meant we were joining a group of others all on the same trip rather than a private trip for the two of us.
The different schedules therefore resulted in swapping drivers at various points and wasted time dropping people off at inconvenient times and places. For example of day 3, on the way back from Massi Mara, rather than arranging a pick up point for three of the group In Narok, we ended up spending an extra 3 hours in the car as we drove most of the way back to Nairobi rather than going straight from the Masi Mara to Lake Nakuru via the road in Narok.
In Amboseli we were a group of 8 people in the mini van making it very tight for the game drive and with all of the bags. Please note all of the group had been told different things about maximum group size, some were told a max of 4 people some 6 people so 8 wasn’t acceptable to anyone.
The organisation and communication on the whole was poor and whilst everyone in the group appreciated we are in Africa and not Europe, the trip simply did not run as scheduled with all the car journeys taking hours longer than had been indicated.
Our guide was very knowledgeable but wouldn’t volunteer information unless asked and seemed content with doing the minimum required. For example On Day 3 in the Masai Mara, the guides view was that we had a good day on day 2 and saw lots of animals therefore the sunrise game drive that was scheduled for Day 3 was not required. After some awkward conversations he eventually agreed that the sunrise game drive could go ahead on Day 3…not the attitude you are looking for in a guide…He was also late on 2 occasions by over 45 minute late each time meaning we lost valuable sunrise game time in both the Masai Mara and Amboseli.
What was also disappointing was that we confirmed that we could pay by card, accepting a 2.5% charge for doing so. Our quote for the trip was priced in USD. However when arriving at the office the agency said this needed to be converted into Kenyan shillings at the rate that they would then need to convert Kenyan shillings back into dollars. In effect paying two conversation rates on the same payment. We challenged this and the “quoted exchange rate” was reduced albeit this seems completely unreasonable and unnecessary and still cost us almost $100 when compared to the market rate USD to Kenyan shillings rate on the date of transaction. It is my opinion that this is simply a scam so the agency can pocket some extra cash. Having booked other tours with other Kenyan companies priced in USD these “double exchange rate” payment did not exist.
All that being said the beauty of the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli is amazing it’s just a shame that the tour company were not transparent about what to expect on the trip and that our guide was context with doing the minimum required rather than trying to maximise the time available in these locations to give the best experience possible.
RO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Promising young operator with good potential and alot to learn about international tourism
To speak the language of $ easy but to prepare expected results for tourists is harder than last years: draught turned vegetation in black, killed and dispersed wild animals in Tsavo, petrol cost high as in Europe, $54 entry visa + $62 park fee per day = less tourists and more pressure on safari tour operators. After 4 days in Tsavo West -Amboseli-Tsavo East with 2 hours game drive in the morning + 2 in the evening, I wished I had a better customized tour/tourism info and spent 2 days in Amboseli instead of Tsavo East. The bad trick allowed on safaribookings with safari vehicle I paid for JEEP but got a Van - so disapointed. Learning the language of results is the key to steady long-term tourism. I could see now why Tanzania is on top.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good for programing the trip, disorganized during the stay
We did the 9 days from SAMBURU to AMBOSELI via Masai Mara etc. Good value for money.
During the planning, the manager was very available, very responsive, very attentive. The pre-COVID deposit could be reused two years later...remarkable.
Then, it's more complicated... When we arrived around 11:00 p.m., we already had to pay the balance (normally expected at the office the next day). We paid cash in $, but the series were not homogeneous and they applied a discount... ($20, not huge, but for the principle...)
The accommodations are very heterogeneous. Some hotels were clearly not up to standard. NOT RELIABLE. Especially for the 2 nights on NAIVASHA where we even asked to change hotels (rejected...) We had paid fortunately for an upgrade to the MASAI MARA...
The game drives were fabulous, the guide remarkable! always looking for the best places for photos, etc. Always trying to fix the situations (error in booking hotels, excursions, etc.) He is for a lot in this trip. He constantly had to juggle between the program that BLUERANGE gave him and the one that BLUERANGE gave us... not easy... Until the last day, which ruined our feeling... lunch had to be included (written in our program) and in the end, we were left at Nairobi airport with 5$/p for lunch... very limited as we never discussed the prices.
We still have all the good memories given by Kenya: we were able to see all the animals; each park is different; we did the magic balloon ride in masai mara etc.
Therefore an advice: check the accommodation carefully, and give your program to the guide from the start, making him check each step.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by Jan Robertson
Didn't see as much in Lake Manyara as the other parks.
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great wildlife, but disappointing tour operator
We did a small safari tour over 3 days, where we slept in tents. Our experience was very two sided.
Pros:
1-The animals and nature we got to see was incredible. We saw almost all the animals we were hoping for.
2-The cook was amazing, considering his working conditions in public camping sites. Every single meal was really tasty, and had a good variety. He was always polite and explained in detail which food he served.
3-The tents were as expected for two adults in terms of size and weather resistance, but the campsite toilets and showers were dirty and lacking toilet paper. There were also too many tourists per toilet.
4-We have beverages in the jeep (water and soda) every day.
5-Two person per row in the jeep allowed everyone to have their own window.
6-The cars used for transport to and from the airport were in good condition
Cons:
1-The lodge where we stayed before and after the safari was very low-budget. The shower had only cold or burning hot water, and the water pressure was way too low. No hand towels were provided, and we had to ask for a second shower towel both stays. The breakfast was decent and the staff was polite. The room had poor sound isolation, so we were kept awake by other guests.
2-Our guide/driver (James or Jimmy) was often driving very erratically, so that it was often difficult for us to take good videos or photos of the animals. Sometimes he wouldn't stop when all of us saw animals we wanted to photograph.He was often giving information while we took pictures, but he kept demanding our response whenever we were busy with experiencing the wildlife. The way he approached different tourist in the jeep seemed unprofessional to us. When the tour was over, he didn't even bother helping with our bags, or even say goodbye. This was after we had paid the tip that was suggested by Hillary.
3-The driver should have a microphone, because it is almost impossible to hear his voice while the engine is running, especially if you are sitting in the back of the jeep.
4-Our contact at the lodge (Mr. Ally or Ali) gave us a very unenthusiastic introduction to our tour, where he said that we "must" pay a tip of 15 USD per day per person, even though Hillary's email said it was a recommendation. Only after we said this, he changed his choice of words. After the safari was over we met him again. Then he asked "give us a 5-star review on Tripadvisor, both of you today". We told him we would review the experience from home, but he kept asking to do it immediately. The only purpose was to keep Surikata Safari on top of the list at Tripadvisor, rather than honest feedback. Future tourists should keep this in mind when you read all the 5-star reviews. We had some extra time on our last day in Arusha where we said we wanted to relax. Instead he kept pushing for us to pay for more tours. The transport to the airport was 45 - 60 minutes delayed.
Overall what we suggest especially to couples is that to choose a mid-range (more luxurious) option compared to the one with tents. Then you might not be annoyed by some of the things we have listed.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Tarangire National Park by Shesny Denys
After Serengeti & ngorongoro everything is a disappointment
QA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari Subcontracted to Other Company
Quite surprised how expensive a 6 Day Safari in Tanzania could get. Price with Kili Slope Tour was quite good and the value for money (compared to other options) was decent.
Kili Slope subcontracted my safari to another company, so the schedule and details changed until the last minute. Was travelling solo was placed in a Land Cruiser with 6 people who all knew each other the first day and then a group of a different 5 people the next day.
The guide and cook were all good, the tents were OK/average compared to others and all safaris are in the same land cruiser, so no issues there.
EC
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great safari...incredible guide...terrible accomodations.
Our family, parents and four children, chose to go with this safari due to their good communication and their package looked very similar to other budget safaris. The agency does a good job communicating and I felt they were very honest about prices and surcharges they would need to pass on to the client (for instance 5% if you use a credit card). They sent us with a great guide, Mike was his name, and the vehicle for travel was ideal as it was a Land Cruiser with even some modern conveniences like USB charging (sorry, no air conditioning). Somethings cannot be helped, but we spent the first half day of our tour in the heat of a gas station trying to fix the land cruiser.
Thankfully the breakdown had not been too far out of Nairobi and we were still able to get parts and still make it to Masai Mara where we arrived at the tent camp greeted by the host in the dark. They apologized for the black out in electricity and said the generator would operate from 7 PM to 5 AM. Again, this is to be expected for Africa. What is not to be expected is that they had no towels for us and no hot water. After a long day sitting at a gas station and eating dust during the travel, you want a shower. Unfortunately on our second day returning the hostess said again they did not have any towels that were dry, however, unbeknownst to her one of the other workers had kept us back some but we didn't receive those until the few of us had already showered and used sheets to dry off with. In general I could never recommend this tent camp. It was run by young people who kept disco music blaring at full volume. When people go on Safari, they want to be in tune with nature and even have some places outside to sit, read, or observe the incredible scenery that can be found only in this unique part of the world. You will not find such peace at camp Miti Mindi.
The redeeming part of this trip was our day of Safari. We were able to observe four of the big five at close range. Our guide was great with the family and children; I certainly wouldn't blame him for the accommodation problems. We saw both a recent lion and leopard kill, as well as lions mating! One thing to be prepared for is that the package says that you can visit in Mosai Village but they charge 10 pounds per person. We opted NOT to do this part of the journey due to this unforeseen extra cost.
So I gave the trip an average rating but our full day safari would have gotten "exceptional." If magical safaris can choose their tent camps better, this budget safari will be exceptional as well.
