20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was not a Jackpot that's for sure
I have to say the experience that my friend and I had with Jackpot Safaris was not great. Andrew (the owner of the company) is very warm and friendly until he's got your business. After that he becomes a lot more awkward and doesn't really want to listen to what you want to to as much.
I did a 3 day safari of Tarangerie, Lake Manyara and Ngorongora. We asked to leave nice and early at 7 as spending only 1 day in Tarangerie we wanted to maximise the amount of time spent there. Andrew refused point blank and said we'll get picked up at 9. On the day of the safari - the truck was over 45 minutes late. When the truck arrived it was noticeable one of the oldest Safari Trucks and the inside was not very comfortable. Despite being 45 minutes late one of the first thing the guide said to me was how because he was freelance he gets paid less than other guides so tips are quite important for them. This was not a particularly great start.
When we got to Tarangerie, when we went inside the park he said to me and my friend that he din't have binoculars in the car (which was a big disappointment). Furthermore he didn't seem that enthusiastic about looking out for animals and the impression I got was that he was going to mainly do driving and not strain his eyes too much looking for animals. I have done a safari in Tanzania before and our guide as well as being a lot more enthusiastic, said he'll keep his eyes peeled for us so I do have a bit of a precedent on what to expect and it did not deliver. Also going round the park there was clearly a problem with the radiator on the car as he kept having to stop and top it up (which no other cars were doing). Also I think we were only in the park for around 4 and a half hours.
The camp site that we stayed at was very nice and even had beds in the tent. So what I was abit confused about was after we paid for the safari Andrew asked us if we had tents to take with us to which he said we didn't. He then said ok. Naturally when we got to the campsite we couldn't help but wonder as to why we were asked to bring our own tents if there were tents provided that came with beds. Based on the impression of Andrew I had gotten, my thoughts were that he wanted us to bring our own tents so it would be cheaper for him (but that saving would not have been passed on). I can not say for definite whether that is the case or not but that is my theory. Also another suggestion - say you don't eat fish - it's not a great idea!! The soup was very nice but the main meals were not nearly as good as the ones I'd had previously on safari in Tanzania.
After our late start going to Tarangerie we asked to leave early the next day to go to Lake Manyara. Our guide said there's no point as you can drive round Manyara in 3 hours. Well maybe you can drive round in 3 hours. But my friend and I had not been to Manyara before so we didn't want to just quickly drive round and only spend a few hours there. We wanted to take the time to enjoy the scenery and the animals. Again I think we only spent around 4 and a half hours there.
That evening he said we'll be leaving early the next day to go the Ngorongora. I was quite excited as I thought that this meant we'd be spending longer in the crater. However in reality the only reason we were leaving early was because he wanted to get back earlier so we were not spending any more time there. This was one of several occasions on the safari where I felt the guide just wanted to get things done as quickly as he could. He was not very enthusiastic.
Despite leaving the crater early (not long after 1 which was a bit early for my liking) it took an extra hour and abit to get back as the engine was overheating we had to stop for a long time to let it cool down and for the guide to put more water in. Andrew you may need to invest in a new truck.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
EASTCO - Not to be relied on
We made our safari booking with EASTCO many months in advance but found that everything was still being put together at the last minute and in a slightly shambolic manner. The owner, Simon, advised us when we arrived in Arusha that our itinerary was being reversed due to road conditions making the original route too arduous. Whilst this may have been accurate and necessary, it wasn’t a sudden occurrence and Simon should have been aware in advance and had our new itinerary in place before our arrival. We met Simon a couple of days before the start of the safari but he didn’t even know then who our drivers would be for the trip, and on the first morning we had to chase to find out if anyone was going to turn up when we’d been ready and waiting to go immediately after breakfast as agreed. After a couple of hours or so, the two drivers did arrive but they seemed to have little idea as to what the itinerary was. The first day was wasted as we went to the wrong place and ended up driving all day, missing out on an afternoon’s walking safari at Boundary Lodge.
The next day was fine with an excellent day at Tarangire National Park, but the following morning we discovered that one driver was complaining about not being paid and was refusing to take us any further, so we ended up spending 3 hours at the roadside waiting for Simon to send out a new driver and vehicle – another half day wasted. As it happens, we were happy to see the back of that driver as he had a surly attitude and little regard for us as clients.
Things picked up after that, with a much better driver, Julius, who, together with the other original driver, Rogers, worked hard to make the trip enjoyable. Julius’ engineering skills also came in handy in dealing with a number of problems with the slightly dated safari trucks. The high quality of the game viewing in the Serengeti also started to make up for the earlier problems. After travelling some distance to the northern Serengeti we found ourselves in an excellent camp for 2 nights (supposedly) in order to witness the wildebeest migration. On the first morning however, we received a call to say that we had to commence our return trip early because Simon had been unable to alter our onward flights to Zanzibar which had been booked as part of the original itinerary. We had to immediately leave our morning’s safari, pack our bags and set off on the road again.
We’d lost confidence in Simon’s arrangements and began to get concerned about the Zanzibar flight booking. On the morning of our final day we made direct contact with the airline at Arusha who told us that they had our booking but the flights hadn’t been paid for, despite our already having paid Simon in advance. Simon assured us that a man was being sent to make payment and thankfully (but when we were just 30 minutes from the airport) we found that the airline had been paid – but why did it have to be last minute and stressful?
Simon met us at the airport with a slightly begrudging apology, preferring to blame the first driver for all the issues but failing to acknowledge that the drivers are his responsibility. He admitted that he had recently sold off his vehicles to his drivers on the basis that they would contract back to provide a guiding service. It turns out however, that some of them just sub-contract out the vehicle to other drivers over whom Simon has no control – hence our first driver problem. Simon offered to refund us for the loss of the first day, but that appears to have been a false promise with no sign of any payment (or indeed correspondence) after 6 weeks. We are not entirely surprised.
The Serengeti was spectacular, we loved the camps and lodges, we saw pretty much everything we wanted to see and our two eventual drivers had a fantastic attitude. I would urge anyone to visit Tanzania, but DO NOT use EASTCO if you want a well organised and stress free safari.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had to get the bus back
First I would like to point out that out driver was Brilliant the whole way through. He could not do more to help us (his 7 month pregnant wife picked us up from DAS bus station to take us back to our hotel.
Booking was very easy and effective, the booking agent came to our hotel on the morning of pick up to collect the money from us (I think it is expensive, especially with the quality of car we were provided with).
The car was ancient (it never made it back from the trip) we got a flat tyre 2 hours into the journey (fine, it happens) then another few hours in, the car breaks down and take 2+ hours to fix (meaning the journey ended up taking 10 hours to reach the safari).
Lunch on the way to the Safari (not the modern looking stop) was lovely. It was a traditional buffet lunch.
The hotel at the safari was basic but clean and quite close to the Mikumi National park.
The safari was a great experience, our guide was knowledgeable and made the safari a lot of fun. The guys could not explain things enough and went out of their way to make sure we saw as much as possible.
Unfortunately, our trip back was a disaster!!
Our car broke down again in pretty much the same spot it had been fixed the day before. Except this time we were taken to the local mechanics place (off the main road) and were left in the car for 3 hours only to be told it would be $90 USD to have someone else drive us back or we could get the bus or wait another 4 hours for another car to pass on its way back to DAS.
We were not offered any refund from the company and I suspect that much of the cost of getting us back fell onto our driver (not the company we had paid $400USD EACH to). Both these point I find unprofessional and unacceptable. Only when we demanded did the company offer us a 'free' taxi back to the airport the next day'.
So all in all our experience was tainted (but not completely ruined) by poor quality transport provided by an expensive safari provider!
I hope the driver was not punished for the mishap (I suspect he was).
DE
Service and behaviour of Bruno Safari was disgusting and not professional.
We would like to inform you about some very irritating experiences we made while on safari with Bruno Safaris (http://www.brunosafaris.com/) in July 2014:
Our journey (July 14-20, 2014) including the chosen lodges in all the parks was planned and confirmed by Lawrence Kakai (representative of Bruno Safaris) in March 2014 (see details of this communication below). We paid the deposit as agreed and the rest in cash on arrival in Nairobi (USD 4600).
In the meantime however, our driver Joseph Nyaa had rebooked all the chosen and confirmed accommodation, replacing them with lodges that were of less, partly very poor, quality and presumably a lot cheaper. Of course, we were irritated and complained about the changes, but were given dubious reasons. We later learned, that the manager of all the new lodges was a friend of the driver.
In addition, one day of the Safari (we were meant to be driven to Lake Nakuru) was completely cancelled for reasons we did not understand either, so Bruno Safaris also saved the entrance fees for that park. All this was very disappointing and the numerous discussions with our very headstrong, sometimes even aggressive, driver lead to a lot of tedious situations.
After our return to Germany we contacted Bruno Safaris and at first Lawrence Kakai was very understanding, agreeing to a refund of part of the USD 4600 to our account. So far, nearly 2 months later, this money has not reached us and our numerous messages and questions to Bruno Safaris have remained without reply.
With a lot of tourists refraining from traveling to Kenya already - due to the political situation - unprofessional attitude like this, if not deceit, is very bad publicity for Kenya!
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rather poor
Quick answer to the mails, friendly and helpful office staff. After booking and paying the contact ends, besides a voucher sent to you about 2-3 weeks before travel. At least a follow-up mail confirming flight details etc. one week before departure would be a nice move.
Pick up and transfer to ole sereni hotel worked well. However they charged me over 300 USD for that one night. On the website I found afterwards prices between 180-220 Dollars for a night. That's what I call a rip off, especially after paying a couple of thousands for a 8-day safari.
The 8-day cheetah safari: Generally confortable lodges and camps. Unfortunately the downside was our driver, he spent a lot of time on the phone taking personal calls - even during game drives!!!- very unmotivated just doing his job. Did not stop at different amazing sights like baby giraffes right next to our car. Everyone in our group was quite frustrated about this. Sometimes we had to intervene and demanded a stop. Otherwise he would have just drove by amazing photo opportunieties etc.
Take a shot while driving? Nearly impossible as our driver seamed to try escape someone - His driving was wreckless especially during the gamedrives. By far to much speed. I was lucky not to hurt myself as there where quite dangerous situations standing up in the vehicle and someone driving it like that. I almost fell a couple of times or bumped in really hard.
It certainly felt more like a formula one race rather than a game drive, and I think with this kind of driving a lot of animals heard us miles ahead.
The jeep was in quite bad conditions. One of the windows was broken, you could not open it anymore.
The windows quite dirty, never cleaned during the trip and old seats. Flat tire and breakdown aswell but not surprising.
Further our driver seemed to be really, really bored. Not many infos and a appalling attitude. Well I understand that the driver makes this safari most likely many times a year however for most of the customers it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's so sad if goes this way.
The somak lounge which you will be taken before and after the safari is just okay. Pre safari there was nothing on offer, just some drinks in the fridge which had to be payed for.
Upon arrival they gave us some fish and chips which was quite tasty with different sauces. Drinks at a surcharge as well. Wifi was not working, which would have been appreciated after 8 days offline.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Needs better organization/communication
I successfully climbed up Mt. Kilimanjaro last year, but there were many things I felt the company should improve on.
#1: The day they picked me up from the airport, the driver asked if I had paid for the transport. Yes I had. I don't understand why the driver would not know this. I paid for this trip as a complete package. The tour operators should communicate this. I received no pamphlet, brochure, or information packet upon arriving at my hotel. I was told to go to bed and rest and the next morning I would be given an orientation.
#2: The morning of my trek, I woke up to have breakfast and was told I would have an orientation. I was expecting a detailed orientation, but didn't get this. Instead, a man in a business suit sat down next to me at breakfast, asked if I had comfortable shoes and everything I needed. He looked at me and said, "You look fit, you'll be fine. Your guide will be here soon." I was very shocked at how little information and preparation I was getting given how big this trip was to me!
#3: My guide was very nice and very patient. However, he spoke very broken English and could not offer me much guidance other than to walk beside me. My porters, cooks, and servers also did their job fine, but I could see that other trekkers had more guidance, advice, and preparation from their guides. They all had described a proper orientation. Their guides had devices to track their heartbeat and even oxygen supply. I had nothing.
#4: After the trek, I was transported to the hotel for my final night. I confirmed that next morning I would have a transfer to the airport. Again, I was asked if I had already paid for this. Why is there such a breakdown in communication among the staff? Anyway, I confirmed I had paid, and I wanted the pick up for 8am.
#5: The next morning at 7:55am, I report to the reception desk and ask for my driver. It turns out he already left with another customer to the airport! They left without me, and the boss had to call the driver to turn back! Both the other customer and I were frustrated by this lack of communication. Again, the driver asked if I had already paid for the service.
On a good note, prior to me booking, Dickson answered all of my questions thoroughly. He asked for all of my flight details and assured me I would be taken care of. However, his high level of professionalism led me to think that I was signing up with an organized company who managed all the details. But when I arrived in Arusha, it appears they had turned over my business to locals who lacked organization, communication, and professionalism. It's a good thing I'm an overall experienced and independent traveler and trekker who managed with such little guidance and ZERO orientation. But for someone who needs more guidance, this would be a disaster. Also, you are paying over $1000 for this once in a lifetime trek. You definitely need more than something so minimal. I honestly wouldn't recommend this company unless it's to someone I know is an experienced trekker who wants the lowest budget trek and doesn't mind little guidance and organization. I tipped my guides and porters well because they work SO HARD and deserve it. They are not educated, just extremely hard workers. You read stories about the harsh life these guys have without being paid a proper wage. I did not have the heart to complain about the service for fear they would suffer from my criticism. Truly, it is the responsibility of the tour operators.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good Safari but improvable services
We were picked up at the hotel as agreed. However after cash payment we never received a receipt. Further they don´t accept dollar notes issued before 2006. This must be informed before.
The Safari itself went fine and we had luck and could see lots of animals in a short period of time. Actually the full day safari has been finished at 16:00, as there was nothing else to see. So we were left at the lodges until next day for the trip back.
The back journey was a bit stressed, as our schedule was very tight. They picked us 40 minutes too late in the morning. However the guide took time to do some shopping on the route (3 times, for fruits and even an alive chicken, for the chicken we had to wait in the car ca. 20 minutes). Then the car´s clutch was broken and we took lunch, while the other car was coming to pick us up. We were brought to a restaurant with the meals on a box. We were asked by the waiter to pay for a single juice 10.000 Shillings (10 USD) the guides instead of stop the cheating situation, just made fun of us and we had to complain by ourselves, so we got back 6 USD.
We changed the car and kept driving to Dar es Salaam. We were informed that the remained trip to Dar es Salaam was 1,5 hours, but it was 3 and really rushing (we almost crashed with another car in Dar). Finally and running we got the Ferry at the very last minute. I consider too much time has been wasted during the morning so we had this unneeded stress.
The lunch was both days the same, cold fried chips and chicken with a sausage and an boiled egg, all to the eaten with the hands.
Still out of pocket
We had a good, and bad experience with Tembea. Despite paying 50% of our fee more than 3 months prior to travel, we found we had no bookings for our intended itinerary when we arrived in Tanzania in July this year. They appear to have cash flow problems, and only booked when we arrived with the balance of our fee. Luckily it was not peak travel time, and we were able to get into all but one of our intended lodges. However, in Ruaha, we had to pay again for 2 nights as the money transfer had not arrived from Kenya to Tazania, and we are still USD1000 out of pocket, 4 months later.
The safari, and driver were excellent, but not knowing if accommodation was going to be available as promised was a big disappointment, as was the extra cost. I would be very wary using them again, particularly in peak season.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Park fees nightmare.
Day 1: My husband and I fully paid for a 4 night 5 day safari to Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Mara.
The park fees was included in the package, but when we arrived at Amboseli our first stop, we were notified that our park fees had not been paid. We therefore had to wait for 30 plus minutes in the heat, while our driver tried to sort out the problem. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact out booking agent Peter Ndambuki, we were notified that we had to pay an additional park fees so as to be let into the park!!
Day 2: We were instructed to go by the office enroute to lake Nakuru, to pick up a refund for the park fees we paid on day 1, and additional park fees for Lake Nakuru and Mara trips, this added another one hour plus to our 5 hour plus drive. When we arrived at the office, the money was not ready for pick up and we had to wait for another 30 minutes for the money, despite the fact that the booking agent is the one who scheduled the pick up!! Needless to say, we arrived in Nakuru hungry and tired and only managed to have a very short game drive.
We are waiting to see whether we have a better experience for the next two days, but we don't intend to ever, ever use or recommend this company.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A bit disappointing
2 of 3 activities were great but Falcon was terrible to book with
Activity 1 was operated by Falcon and was a guided tour on the Zimbabwe side. This was the biggest waste of money EVER. We paid $100 a head to have some one read us the signs at the front and hurry us along the whole way. What a waste of money!
Activity 2 was a Dinner cruise on the Zimbabwe side which was really nice but Falcon never gave us a booking receipt and so the operators tried to charge us an extra fee which we shouldn't have been charged
Activity 3 was the Livingstone Isalnd/Devil's Pool lunch tour. Amazing experience which we almost missed out on becuase again Falcon never gave us a booking receipt.
Recommend booking with literally anyone else!