CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best holiday memories
We searched the internet for best safari offers and we finally settled on kenya real tours and safaris,because of resonable offer and precise replies to our emails from Paul Nzuki,our safari in went well without a hitch and we managed to see all bid five,we highly recommend this company to anybody wishing to do a safari
US
35-50 years of age
best trip ever
From Airport pickup to return to airport was professional, superb, and was an indication of the thoroughness and planningDriver Mabu picked me up and was my friend for the next 6 days. I had a time of my life and the highlight was an early morning visit and an unexpected opportunity to see a cheetah without any other human/vehicle pres3nt. Probably the best trip of my life
US
20-35 years of age
amazing
Booked with clara who handled everything smoothly . Kept us in the picture all the time and answered every question we asked. Recommended for anyone
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
DO NOT USE - THIS COMPANY IS DANGEROUS
I used Budget Holiday Safaris and I have to say not only do I not recommend them, I would warn you from using them. I booked an 11 day safari with them in Kenya and Tanzania. They did not tell me that they don’t handle the Tanzania part but partner with a different agency, Sandlands Tours. I only found out while on the tour and when I googled Sandlands, I found there were a number of customer complaints about them. If they had told me upfront I never would have used them.
In Tanzania, Sandlands switched drivers while we were staying in the Serengeti. The original driver took all our paperwork and didn’t pay for our time in the park, and when we tried to leave, the park tried to get us to pay over $2500. Sandlands was refusing to pay. Rather than pay ourselves, we called our embassies, who had to put pressure on Sandlands . We had to stay an additional night without food or lodging, and had to sleep in the car with water buffalos and lions roaming around the car.
When I contacted Budget Holiday Safaris about this issue, their response was just that they would speak to the manager. I emailed them several times after that and they never bothered to respond. It was only when I emailed them that we had contacted the embassies and that I was going to report them as a scam to my credit card company did they bother to message me back, asking me to not do any damage to them. No concern over the situation at all.
The next day, because of the pressure that this was turning into an international incident, Sandlands relented and paid. However, Budget called me and wanted me to continue on the tour with this company. I told them I no longer felt safe and refused. Other people in my tour got calls from their agencies demanding they continue the safari or else they would be breaking their contract and would be held liable. One woman burst into tears from this.
Other problems:
• When we tried to check into our hotel in Arusha, they claimed we hadn’t been booked in and wanted us to pay for our rooms. They claimed we would be reimbursed. When we showed them our forms, they magically found our names in the registration book. This hotel also is the office for Sandlands.
• They would consistently put more people in the cars then the maximum promised for the tour.
• The vehicles lacked most seatbelts. We had several break down while on the road. The final car had broken windows and no seatbelts and felt extremely unsafe.
• We weren’t given meals several times during the trip.
• When concerns or issues were directed to Budget, they were dismissed or ignored. Once they just straight up lied to me.
While Sandlands was the primary agency in Tanzania, they were acting in full cooperation with Budget Holiday Safaris. Neither agency has made any move to apologize for the experience or to make any kind of compensation or restitution. I believe Budget to be fully aware of how Sandlands conducts business in their name, and therefor they must approve or condone their actions. I believe that the actions of these two companies are dangerous and if people continue to use them, someone is going to be seriously injured.
FR
Wild endless plain have ever seen before
Amazing Place to visit in Dry season, we managed to see wildebeest migration in Northern Serengeti it was wonderful time to see hundreds to wildebeest risking their life to cross the river while Crocodiles are on the base waiting any one will stack at the middle. We saw all big five animals except Rhino who will see in Ngorongoro Crater during our Safari
It was amazing for sure, you never regret to do a tour in Serengeti.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The most amazing experience of my life
Words cannot describe how amazing an experience this holiday was. Superb locations, the most hospitable people who are passionate at welcoming visitors and ensuring you have the best possible holiday. It was such a privilege to be able to see all that Tanzania had to offer. Can’t wait to come back in the future
MX
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
i am so grateful to have found this wonderful team who took amazing care of us.
Simon and his team was wonderful, we felt very special and taken care of.
He knows a lot about everything and the best places ! Great tour and friend. Thank you !!!
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great adventure, great crew! Go and explore Botswana with Walking Stick Travel & Tours!
We went on a seven-day private camping safari together with Philimon and his fantastic crew (Joe & Lucky). The communication with Philimon was excellent from the beginning to the end.
He is responsive, knowledgeable, and friendly. During the planning stage, he was not only giving us detailed information regarding the tour we booked from him, but also went beyond and gave us information and recommendations on which areas to include in our trip. Really appreciate his help and ideas.
The tour itself was a wonderful experience. Philimon arranged the transfer for us from Livingstone to Kasane and we spent the first two nights in the Northern part of Chobe National Park, close to the river. Being so close to nature and hearing the roaring of the lions and leopards at night is something special.
Everything felt safe and the equipment is good. Great tents, with a bathroom ensuite, and comfortable camp beds. We woke up early in the morning to start with the game drives and Philimon is doing everything to get you the best experience - he is going the extra mile. He knows a lot of people and all the guides communicate with each other in case there are some special sightings. We saw several leopards, many lions, and even wild dogs.
The meals were above our expectations. Every day it was a surprise what we would eat and the dishes were well-prepared. We also had some soup as starters and nice deserts. Joe is a very good chef!
We really enjoyed the great stories at the campfire after dinner. We learned a lot about Philimon´s life in Botswana and the small island in the middle of the Okavango Delta where he grew up together with Joe and Lucky. A lot of interesting and fun stories about the daily life and local traditions.
After the Northern part of Chobe, we drove to Savuti, Kwhai concession, and ended our trip in the Okavango Delta near Maun. The campsites were really good and the trip was itself was a good variation of landscapes and wildlife. The tour package was good value for the money.
It was special to spend the week with these three incredible people that grew up in the Okavango delta - surrounded by the wild animals their whole life. The crew has a lot of knowledge and Philimon spoke passionately about the animals and their behavior. The more you ask, the more you will learn.
Thank you again Philimon and crew for all your help and the memorable and amazing experience in Chobe National Park! We will never forget this!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
BEST OF TANZANIA’S SAFARI PLANNER
Great family trip and experience. It is so much more than just about the animals. The Tanzania safari tour operator fitted the trip to our needs. Top notch camps, plus really got to understand our family and what we wanted, didn't just fit us into what was available. Highly recommend this Tanzania safari tour operator.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional
Fabulous experience. Ben and team were excellent and attentive. Our guide Sudy was absolutely magnificent. Thank you all.