50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent on safari, not so good in the pre-trip organisation
We booked a three night Serengeti safari, through Golden Trips Tanzania. First thing to say, is that Dan, our guide and driver was fantastic. Freindly and knowledgable, he did everything he could to give us an amazing experience, and it was fantastic, and none of what I talk about below was his fault. He was brilliant.
However, the arrangements before we got to Tanzania is another story. At first the company was great. Very flexible when costing up different scenarios and happy to suggest lodges and areas to visit. Great. We ended up booking a three night trip, flying into the Serengeti on day one, and flying out of Arusha on day four. We paid a deposit early, then we had to pay 40% deposit three months before the trip, as they had to book the flights, so needed the cash - no problem.
The issues started about two weeks before the trip. I had to really press hard to get any update on the flight bookings, sending multiple messages asking for the fligth details and the tickets. But five days before we left for Africa, they 'suggested' a different flight on day four. At that point, it became clear that although they'd had my money for three months, no flight had been booked. I was able to look at the flight they originally told me we'd be on, on the airlines web-site, and it was fully booked. So I had to agree to a different flight. They told me it was because the airline had changed it's schedule, but the web-sie said otherwise. Nothing I could at that point, so we had to take the change.
The next issue came the day before we left for Africa, when they contacted me suggesting a change of accomodation on the second night, as it would be 'easier' for us and give us a better experiance. Again, I suspect the real reason behind the change was that they had failed to book the second night at all. I know that because that day I emailed the three accomodations we were due to stay at under the original plan, and received a confirmation from two of them, but not the third. There was no booking. As you might imagine, this caused a significant amount of stress, 24 hours before leaving for the trip.
During the correspondance on the flight and the accomodation, I kept getting apologies and promises that they would do everything to make the experience amazing when I arrived in Africa. Which brings me to the last issue. We arrived at the Serengeti airstrip at 8am on day one, along with lots of other people, who were all meeting their various guides from different tour operators. Over the course of an hour, every other group had been picked up, while myself and my family were still waiting. Even the airport staff started asking us why we were still there. I had to message the company numerous times during the wait and they kept promising the guide was 5, 10, 15 mins away. The guide eventually turned up 90 minutes late, and told us that there had been a mix up in the bookings and the company had originally sent him to a different airstrip to pick up a different group, before contacting him and turnign him around.
So in summary, fine on initial contact and organisation, total nightmare in the two weeks leading up to the trip, brilliant while on the ground in the Serengeti.
Phenomenal
I had the best time with our Safari Guide, Harrison of African Hagyko Safaris! Harrison was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of history and information with us. The vehicle was very clean and reliable. We had chilled water, reclining seats, and a great view while on the safari. I would highly recommend African Hagyko Safaris and request Harrison - he’s the BEST!!
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent operator, kind, efficient
We ask Ahmed to book Gorilla and chimp's permits...we got the permits in Kabale...on the road to....
Ahmed is kind and serious!
Great pleasure to make business with him.
Thank you Ahmed!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our safari guide, Harrison, was excellent. He exceeded expectations.
I highly recommend booking through African Hagyko Safaris. They are well organized, very timely, professional, and highly knowledgeable. The vehicle and accommodations were amazing; plush with electrical outlets, reclining seats, water and snacks. I describe my experience as "Superb!"
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Reliable, knowledgeable and joyful!
I have used hagyko for 15 years for over 50 groups of all sizes, including my family multiple times. So easy to work with and always with great suggestions and perfect execution. Thank you for the excellent service. Highly recommend!!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful game drive
The game drive was a great experience when i visited Victoria falls, getting to see the animals up close and some roaming about freely.
We saw the lions and buffalos.
The lions stood tall and glanced back at us The buffaloes were grazing they looked enormous up close.
We spotted a herd of elephants with their young onesand it was the first time for me to see how elephants travel in herds with their little ones holding on to the tails of their mothers. This kept everyone in our group happy and attentive as our tour guide shared knowledge with us. We went for lunch afterwards.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding Tour Company. Very accommodating, precise, answers questions almost immediately.
We went on a safari with Alligator Tours from Sept. 1 to 13. It was the most breathtaking and exhilarating experience I have ever had on a Kenyan journey. Meshack is outstanding with his planning our tour and making our travels more than we ever expected. Meshack's communication was excellent - answered all questions almost immediately. A more. reliable Safari Tour group could not possibly exist. We visited several parks, the facilities were outstanding and our guides were unbelievable. They were friendly, courteous, smart, and knew their country so well. They had a sense of humor and were so personable. They brought us to sights that we never imagined possible - a lion kill, giraffes fighting, part of the migration on its way (which we did not expect to see), a leopard in a tree, a leopard right next to our van. The list goes on. I would highly recommend Alligator Adventures Tours & Safaris to anyone that wants to enjoy a most adventurous and fulfilling experience in the beautiful country of Africa.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing!
Kerry Ririe from Pembury Tours is the quintessential travel agent! This is our 2nd trip to Africa with her and although you would expect nothing to match the 1st trip's magic, this one was actually even better. Traveling through Africa involves a great amount of planning , especially going from place to place. As previously, Kerry had every detail covered. Every accommodation was stunning and all with with absolute 1st class service. Transportation from destination to destination was always on time (early more often) with extremely polite and knowledgeable drivers. Airport transfers and all the required arrangements were completely in order. Her recommended resteraunts were always better than expected. This is because she actually "listens" to the traveler and uses what she learned from paying close attention, to plan the perfect trip. My wife & I are well traveled and I can , without hesitation , highly recommend Kerry for planning a dream vacation.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very friendly and knowledgeable
Our tour guide gave us great information on each animal we encountered and tried his best to make sure we saw the Big 5 (Rhino, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion).
Friendly and professionalism
They did not just drive me. They helped to understand the country even if I was on business trip. They are always on time and the drive is very professional.